Here you can find answers to many frequently asked questions
Here you can find answers to many frequently asked questions
For information about counterirritants, please see our How it Works page.
For information about topical analgesics, please see our How it Works page.
Most RUB·A535TM products are counterirritants. Those that are not include:
RUB·A535TM Arnica Gel-Cream and Arnica Spray can be used on children two years of age and older. All other products are also safe for those two years of age and older; however, for children under the age of 12, it is recommended that you consult a physician or health care professional prior to use. Please always read and follow the label instructions. All RUB·A535TM products should only be applied to children with parental supervision.
Please visit our product pages to find specific directions on how to use the RUB·A535TM treatment that’s right for you.
Speak with your pharmacist or physician about taking or using any prescription or non-prescription medications together, including RUB·A535TM.
Each product contains a different combination and amount of ingredients. Please refer to the specific Product page for a full list of product ingredients.
Menthol, methyl salicylate, and camphor are all considered counterirritants because they create a heating or cooling sensation that provides relief of acute or chronic pain. The counterirritant class of topical analgesics produces pain relief by activating and then desensitizing epidermal nociceptors, thereby decreasing the perception of pain1.
Ingredients such as menthol, methyl salicylate and camphor are called counter-irritants because they produce irritation in one part of the body to help relieve irritation in another. Upon contact, they create a warming or cooling sensation to dilate blood vessels, re-oxygenate the tissues and relax muscles to ultimately stop the pain messages that are being sent to the brain via nerves in the body2.
Menthol, methyl salicylate and camphor occur in numerous over-the-counter products. For all three, low dose dermal application for an extended time does not result in high concentrations in the blood3.
Menthol is an alcohol that is found in mint oils, and similar to peppermint, has a refreshing odour and cooling properties. Medicinally, it is often used to topically to treat sore muscles as well as relieve pain, itching, and nasal congestion4.
Menthol is found in many topical pain relief medications due to its counter-irritant and local anaesthetic properties2. The mechanism by which menthol is able to impart a cooling sensation when applied topically to the skin is well understood2. Menthol in over-the-counter concentrations has an excellent safety profile2.
Methyl salicylate is produced by many species of plants, particularly wintergreens. When used medicinally, it creates a mild local reaction that provides relief at the area of pain. It may cause analgesic (pain relief) and anti-inflammatory effects by inducing vasodilation thereby increasing blood flow and temperature to the localized area of tissue5. This often is experienced as a feeling of warmth.
Camphor is a compound obtained from the wood and bark of the camphor tree found in Taiwan and Southeast Asia6. It is used to treat pain because of its soothing properties. Camphor has a long history of medicinal use7. It has been found to increase the perceived intensity of sensations on the skin produced during heating and cooling, thereby heightening the sensation of temperature7.
1 Barkin, R. L. (2013). The pharmacology of topical analgesics. Postgraduate Medicine, 125 (4 supp 1), p. 7-18.
2 Patel, T., Ishiuji, Y., &Yosipovitch, G. (2007). Menthol: A refreshing look at this ancient compound. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 57, p. 873-878.
3 Martin, D., Valdez, J., Boren, J., &Mayersohn, M. (2004). Dermal absorption of camphor, menthol and methyl salicylate in humans. Journal of Clinical Pharmacology, 44, p. 1151-1157. DOI: 10.1177/0091270004268409.
4 http://www.medilexicon.com/medicaldictionary.php?t=54219
5 Yoshinobu, H., Kiuchi, T., &Furata, K. (2010). Efficacy and safety profile of a topical methyl salicylate and menthol patch in adult patients with mild to moderate muscle strain: A randomized, double-blind, parallel-group, placebo-controlled, multicenter study. Journal of Clinical Therapeutics, 32(1), p. 34-43.
6 http://www.medilexicon.com/medicaldictionary.php?t=13542
7 Green, B. G. (1990). Sensory characteristics of camphor. The Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 94(5), p. 662-666.
Arnica montana is a perennial herb grown in Southern and Eastern Europe and Siberia. Arnica montana has been known since the 16th century as a topical treatment for acute conditions such as sprains, bruises and painful swelling1. Health Canada recognizes the therapeutic properties of Arnica montana2. RUB·A535TM uses Arnica montana that is grown sustainably in Spain and Romania.
The RUB·A535TM Natural Source Arnica Cream has a 25% concentration of Arnica montana flower, which is a herbal preparation. This is not a homeopathic remedy.
1 Knuesel, O. & Weber, M. (2002). Arnica montana gel in osteoarthritis of the knee: An open, multicenter clinical trial. Advances in Therapy, 19(5): 209-218.
2 Health Canada (n.d.). Product Monograph: Arnica. Retrieved May 1, 2014 from http://webprod.hc-sc.gc.ca/nhpid-bdipsn/atReq.do?atid=arnica&lang=eng
Sesquiterpene lactones (SQLs) are the active components of A. Montana flowers and are found in the base of the plant. When applied topically (to the skin) at the concentration of 15%, the SQLs will penetrate the skin barrier effectively1. SQLs target the inflammatory cascade thereby causing an anti-inflammatory effect2, 3, 4. It should be noted that though RUB·A535TM is most commonly known for its effective counterirritant products, RUB·A535TM Arnica is not a counterirritant. Arnica montana is considered a traditional herbal medicine.
1 Wagner, S., Suter, A., &Merfort, I. (2004). Skin penetration studies of Arnica preparations and of their sesquiterpene lactones. PlantaMedica, 70, 897-903. DOI: 10.1055/s-2004-832613
2 Knuesel, O. & Weber, M. (2002). Arnica montana gel in osteoarthritis of the knee: An open, multicenter clinical trial. Advances in Therapy, 19(5): 209-218.
3 Ekenas, C., Zebrowska, A., Schuler, B., Vrede, T.,Andreasen, K., Backlund, A., Merfort, I. &Bohlin, L. (2008). Screening for anti-inflammatory activity of 12 Arnica (Asteraceae) species assessed by inhibition of NF-kB and release of human neutrophilelastase. Planta Medica, 74, 1789-1794. DOI: 10.1055/s-0028-1088320.
4 Klaas, C. A., Wagner, G., Laufer, S., Sosa, S., Della Loggia, R., Bomme, U., Pahl, H. L., &Merfort, I. (2002). Studies on the anti-inflammatory activity of phytopharmaceuticals prepared from Arnica flowers. PlantaMedica, 68, 385-391.
RUB·A535TM Natural Source Arnica products are ideal for the whole family to use because they are indicated for adults and children over the age of two. RUB·A535TM Arnica relieves inflammation, muscle or joint pain as well as treats bumps and bruises. In particular, there is evidence to suggest that topical Arnica is a safe and effective treatment for the inflammation and subsequent pain caused by Osteoarthritis1, 2, 3.
1 Knuesel, O. & Weber, M. (2002). Arnica montana gel in osteoarthritis of the knee: An open, multicenter clinical trial. Advances in Therapy, 19(5): 209-218.
2 Widrig, R., Sutur, A., Saller, R., &Melzer, J. (2007). Choosing between NSAID and Arnica for topical treatment of hand osteoarthritis in a randomized, double-blind study. Rheumatology International, 27: 585-591. DOI: 10.1007/s00296-007-0304-y
3 Cameron, M., &Chrubasik, S. (2013). Topical therapies for treating osteoarthritis. Cochrane Database for Systematic Reviews, 5(CD010538). DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD010538.
Natural Source Arnica contains Arnica montana 25% extract.
Apply as needed 3-4 times daily. Massage into skin until cream or gel-cream vanishes.
You should speak to your physician before adding any new treatments to your pain regime.
RUB A535 Kids Aches & Bruises Cream is a Kid-friendly formula made with 100% naturally sourced Arnica and no harsh additives for your most important patient.
For children 2-12 years and adolescents 13-18 years. Apply thinly and evenly to the affected area. Gently massage it into skin until it disappears. For children 2-12 years application should be supervised by an adult.
RUB A535 Kids Aches & Bruises Cream contains Arnica Montana Extract, equivalent to 25% Arnica Montana tincture (Flower), which offers soothing pain relief for everyday aches, sore muscles, bumps & bruises for your child.
No. Rub Kids Aches & Bruises Cream is a non-heating sensation formula.