Heat rub is the name for a variety of products intended to relieve the pain of fibrositis, lumbago and muscular aches and strains. They are so named because they produce a feeling of warmth within the muscle of the area they are applied to, typically acting as rubefacients via a counterirritant effect.
Heat rubs are typically applied in cream form, but patches, sticks and sprays are also available.
Well-known brands include IcyHot in the United States, Deep Heat in Ireland, the United Kingdom, Australia and other areas, and Tiger Balm in Asia and Canada.
Active ingredients are typically Menthol and Methyl Salicylate but could also include more exotic ingredients like cayenne.
The methyl salicylate that is the active analgesic ingredient in some heat-rub products can be toxic if they are used in excess. Heating pads are also not recommended for use with heat rubs, as the added warmth may cause overabsorption of the active ingredients.
Famous quotes containing the words heat and/or rub:
“Glories, like glow-worms, afar off shine bright,
But looked to near, have neither heat nor light.”
—John Webster (1580–1625)
“O Bee,
yoked with greed
for a drink of sap,
the jasmine bud
hasn’t even opened
its petals
in the least,
and yet
you rub against it.”
—Hla Stavhana (c. 50 A.D.)