Mechanism of Action (MOA)
- Reduces baseline inflammation across four parallel pathways (5-LOX, CB2, NF-κB, mechanical)
- Supports nerve tissue repair
- Stabilizes daily inflammatory load to reduce flare frequency
Helichrysum italicum
Pharmacology / MOA: Neuro-regeneration, anti-inflammatory (di-ketones, neryl acetate); supports nerve tissue repair and reduces neuro-inflammatory signaling at the injury site.
Traditions associated with:
Corsican folk medicine for bruising, nerve trauma, and wound healing.
Frankincense CO₂ (Boswellia/carterii/sacra)
Pharmacology / MOA: 5-LOX inhibition, blocks
leukotriene synthesis in the inflammatory cascade.
Purpose & typical usage: Core anti-inflammatory arm, present in all tiers.
Traditions associated with: Biblical and Ayurvedic resin medicine, burned and applied for pain and inflammation.
Copaiba
Pharmacology
/ MOA: CB2 receptor modulation via
beta-caryophyllene; anti-inflammatory without CB1/psychoactive activity.
Traditions associated with: Amazonian medicine,
applied topically for wounds and inflammation.
Formulation
notes: Third parallel anti-inflammatory lane alongside 5-LOX (Frankincense).
Plai CO₂ (Zingiber cassumunar)
Pharmacology / MOA: Deep mechanical/muscular
anti-inflammatory; distinct from culinary ginger, higher terpinen-4-ol content associated with muscular decompression.
Traditions associated with: Thai traditional
medicine for muscular and joint pain.
Formulation notes: Not redundant with Ginger CO₂ — Plai targets muscular/mechanical compression, Ginger targets circulation/warming.
Ginger CO₂
Pharmacology / MOA: Circulatory stimulant, warming penetration enhancer; supports local blood flow to the treatment area.
Traditions associated with: Nearly universal
traditional warming/circulatory remedy (TCM, Ayurveda, European herbalism).
Formulation
notes: Failure mode if removed: reduced local warming/circulatory support, slower perceived onset.
Laurel Leaf (Laurus nobilis)
Pharmacology / MOA: Proposed neuromuscular relaxant action, mild analgesic.
Traditions associated with: Mediterranean culinary and folk-medicine tradition for muscular tension.
Turmeric CO₂
Pharmacology
/ MOA: NF-κB inhibition; broad-spectrum neuro-inflammatory control via a pathway distinct from 5-LOX/COX-2/CB2.
Traditions
associated with: Ayurvedic and TCM anti-inflammatory staple.
Formulation
notes: Adds a fourth, non-redundant inflammatory-cascade lane at the daily-use tier.
Myrrh CO₂
Pharmacology
/ MOA: Connective tissue and fascial
support; mild analgesic resin chemistry.
Traditions
associated with: Ancient Egyptian and Biblical wound/embalming medicine.
Formulation
notes: Failure mode if removed: reduced connective-tissue-layer support in structural/circulatory contexts.