Dr. Doug's Recovery Balm Review

I was sent some Dr. Doug's Recovery Balm to try out, and the timing was perfect. I just ran an out-of-the-country 24K trail race that was almost all mountain climbing and descending insanely steep hills rather than running. To tell you I was sore when I came home is a vast understatement. I could barely move my legs, and every step was agony. I'd also pulled my back pretty badly while slipping on the downhill. 

I'm telling you all of this because it was the perfect time to do an experiment. When I got home at 1 a.m., I found the package with Dr. Doug's Recovery Balm, and I applied it to the front of my legs, but not the back. I was tired enough to sleep through pain, so I figured it was a good test. 

The scent is super subtle, and comes from peppermint and lavender oil, and though I don't mind strong scents, this one was so light and pleasant that I think it actually helped me fall asleep. It also started to calm down the soreness fairly quickly. I didn't get to sleep for long because I had to work, but when I woke up, there was a significant difference between where I put the balm and where I didn't. The back of my legs were still super tight and a little swollen. The front of them were far less sore than they'd been, and the bruise I had from falling had calmed down quite a bit. 

I put it on again in the morning, this time including the back of my legs and my pulled back. I have to sit all day as a writer, so I thought I was in for a rough day. However, it really reduced the soreness, and I didn't feel as stiff as I usually do when sit all day after a race. 

The product has arnica montana and magnesium chloride, as well as olive oil, beeswax, shea butter, and vitamin E, and many of the ingredients are organic. Even better is that it absorbs into the skin and keeps you hydrated. That part was great because I always feel like muscle relief products sort of disappear after a bit and leave my skin dry. I also got a travel-sized miracle balm stick which is great for things like eczema, dry skin, blister prevention, and hot spots. I'm excited to try that out before my next long run because, if you wear sports bras, you know they often chafe after a while. 

I'm about ready to order the magnesium balm that they also carry for migraines and sleep! These products are absolutely going in my race travel bag. Plus, they're sticks, not liquid, so you don't have to worry about the 3-1-1 rule at the airport.