Hemp Relief Balm

Kure Hemp Relief Balm is a richly formulated, plant-based topical balm that combines a nourishing base of hempseed oil and carrier oils with four traditionally used botanical-infused oils and four essential oils. It is designed for topical application to muscles, joints, and areas of physical tension or discomfort, and draws on both Western herbal medicine traditions and the distinctive native NZ botanical heritage of kawakawa.

The formula uses a beeswax-set oil base that softens on contact with skin warmth, enabling controlled, mess-free application and steady delivery of the botanical constituents into the skin. All ingredients are plant-derived, and the product is made in small batches in Canterbury, New Zealand.

Hempseed Oil Cold-pressed from hemp (Cannabis sativa) seeds, hempseed oil provides the formula with a concentrated source of omega fatty acids — particularly linoleic acid (omega-6) and alpha-linolenic acid (omega-3) — and gamma-linolenic acid (GLA). When applied topically, these fatty acids contribute to the restoration and maintenance of the skin's natural lipid barrier, support skin hydration, and complement the anti-inflammatory activity of the botanical infused oils. Hempseed oil contains no THC or CBD.

Botanical Infused Oils The balm contains four botanically infused oils, each prepared by macerating plant material in a carrier oil to extract fat-soluble bioactive constituents:

Kawakawa (Piper excelsum) — A taonga plant of central importance in rongoā Māori (traditional Māori medicine). Kawakawa has been traditionally used for topical relief of joint discomfort, muscular tension, and skin irritation, and as a general anti-inflammatory topical agent. Its active constituents include dihydrokavain and other compounds related to the kava lactone and amide family, which are associated with analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. Kawakawa is unique to New Zealand and provides this formula with a distinctly local botanical identity alongside its traditional use heritage.

Arnica (Arnica montana) — One of the most widely studied and used topical botanicals in Western herbal medicine for muscular and joint comfort. Arnica's primary bioactive constituents are sesquiterpene lactones — particularly helenalin and dihydrohelenalin — which modulate the activity of pro-inflammatory transcription factors and cyclooxygenase enzymes. Arnica-infused oil is traditionally applied to support recovery from bruising, muscular fatigue, and joint discomfort. It should not be applied to broken or open skin.

Calendula (Calendula officinalis) — Calendula infused oil contributes anti-inflammatory, skin-soothing, and wound-supportive properties. Its flavonoids, triterpenoids, and carotenoids are well-established in topical herbal medicine for supporting skin barrier integrity, reducing local tissue irritation, and promoting skin healing. Calendula is among the most skin-compatible botanicals in clinical use, with a strong safety record across all age groups.

Hypericum (Hypericum perforatum) — St John's Wort infused oil provides fat-soluble hypericin (a red naphthodianthrone pigment) and pseudohypericin, hyperforin, and flavonoids including rutin and quercetin. Topically, Hypericum oil has a traditional and evidence-informed use record for supporting nerve-related discomfort, bruising, muscle soreness, and mild inflammatory skin conditions. Note: Hypericum contains hypericin, which is a photosensitising agent. Avoid application to skin that will be directly exposed to sunlight immediately after use.

Essential Oils Four essential oils contribute both active and aromatic properties:

Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) — The most widely used essential oil in topical applications, lavender provides linalool and linalyl acetate as its primary constituents, with well-established anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and skin-calming properties. It also contributes a pleasant, calming fragrance with known relaxation-promoting effects via olfactory pathways.

Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus or E. radiata) — Provides 1,8-cineole as its dominant constituent, contributing a characteristic cooling sensation and supporting localised comfort through its mild analgesic and counter-irritant properties. Eucalyptus essential oil supports ease of breathing and has a refreshing, clarifying aromatic quality.

Peppermint (Mentha × piperita) — Provides menthol and menthone, which produce a pronounced cooling and analgesic sensation on topical application via activation of TRPM8 (cold/menthol receptor) channels in cutaneous sensory nerves. This cooling effect provides immediate perceptible relief upon application to areas of muscle tension or discomfort.

Frankincense (Boswellia sacra or B. carterii) — Provides alpha-pinene, limonene, and other sesquiterpenes. Frankincense resin extracts are well-studied for their anti-inflammatory properties, mediated in part through inhibition of 5-lipoxygenase (5-LOX) and modulation of NF-κB signalling. Topical application adds depth to the formula's anti-inflammatory botanical profile and provides a warm, grounding aromatic note.

Carrier Base Coconut oil, beeswax, extra virgin olive oil, and sunflower oil form the delivery base. Coconut oil and beeswax provide a semi-solid texture and act as emollients and occlusives, supporting skin hydration by reducing transepidermal water loss. Extra virgin olive oil contributes squalene, tocopherols, and oleocanthal (a natural phenolic compound with documented anti-inflammatory activity). Sunflower oil provides additional linoleic acid to complement the hempseed oil's fatty acid contribution.

Why Kure Hemp Relief Balm?

• Kawakawa — uniquely NZ, traditionally purposeful. The inclusion of kawakawa infused oil places this formula within the rongoā Māori botanical tradition and provides a genuinely differentiated ingredient not found in imported topical products.
• Four complementary botanical-infused oils, not single-herb. Arnica, calendula, hypericum, and kawakawa each contribute distinct mechanisms of action — this multi-herb approach provides broader coverage than single-botanical topical products.
• Four synergistic essential oils with active topical effects. Peppermint and eucalyptus provide immediate sensory cooling; lavender and frankincense contribute deeper anti-inflammatory and calming support.
• New Zealand made, small batch. Produced in Canterbury using locally relevant ingredients with short supply chains.
• Beeswax-set format. The balm's texture provides precise, controlled application and extended skin contact time compared with liquid oils or light creams, supporting prolonged botanical contact with target tissues.
• Versatile topical application. Suitable for muscles, joints, skin, and general areas of discomfort.

Ingredients

Coconut oil, Beeswax, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Hempseed Oil, Sunflower Oil, Infused Oils (Kawakawa, Arnica, Calendula, Hypericum), Essential Oils (Lavender, Eucalyptus, Peppermint, Frankincense).

Directions for Use

Warm a small amount of balm between fingertips until softened. Apply to the desired area of muscle tension, joint discomfort, or skin and massage gently. Can be applied to the face and body. Reapply as needed.

Suitable For

The entire family. See cautions below for young children and sun exposure.

Cautions

• Hypericum (St John's Wort) infused oil is photosensitising. Avoid exposing treated skin to direct sunlight or UV immediately after application.
• Arnica should not be applied to open wounds, broken skin, or open mucous membranes.
• Eucalyptus and peppermint essential oils should be used with caution near the faces of infants and young children under 2 years of age. Do not apply directly to the face or nasal area of children under 2.
• Avoid contact with eyes and mucous membranes.
• Perform a patch test on a small area of skin before first use if you have a known sensitivity to any botanical ingredients.
• Discontinue use if skin irritation or allergic reaction develops and consult a healthcare practitioner.
• Not for internal use.
• Keep out of reach of children.
• Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.

Practitioner Notes — Stephen Roigard

The Hemp Relief Balm is a straightforward but well-constructed topical comfort product that sits naturally alongside your broader hemp and botanical range. A few clinical and practical notes:

Kawakawa — a genuine point of differentiation. For patients in your NZ practice, the inclusion of kawakawa gives this product a culturally meaningful and clinically relevant ingredient that is entirely absent from imported topical products. For Māori patients in particular, acknowledging the rongoā heritage of kawakawa in your product communication may be appreciated and clinically connecting.

Hypericum photosensitisation — the most important clinical caution for your patient base. This is the one caution that patients most consistently miss. Hypericin is a potent photosensitiser and can cause significant phototoxic reactions on exposed skin in sunny conditions — particularly relevant in the NZ summer UV environment. Make this caution explicit at point of dispensing, particularly for patients applying the balm to the neck, arms, or other sun-exposed areas during the day.

Combination with Kure Plus Full Spectrum: Kure positions the Relief Balm and their Full Spectrum hemp oil as complementary products for musculoskeletal support — the internal oil addressing systemic endocannabinoid tone and the balm providing localised botanical support. This combination logic is clinically sensible and provides a natural dispensing pair for patients with joint and muscle discomfort.

Arnica on broken skin: Arnica sesquiterpene lactones are safe and effective on intact skin, but can cause significant allergic contact dermatitis if applied to open wounds, broken skin, or mucous membranes. This warrants emphasis for patients with active skin lesions in the intended application area.