In the past I’ve tried the trick where you slather one leg with Lactigo, leave the other leg untouched, workout, and compare. To me there was a clear Lactigo advantage but I’ve always been intrigued with the notion that it’s just the menthol that does the trick, not whatever else is in the mix. Se…

Now try the, “Tiger Balm” challenge! 11% menthol! :slight_smile:

Have you compared either of them to a bicarb one, like amphuman?

Great stuff, especially when you’re doing hill climbs in Autumn!

[image] splash: Have you compared either of them to a bicarb one, like amphuman? Not yet but I will. I think the topical bicarb goo is a 0.5% menthol gel so there would be a more marked difference between biofreeze and PR Lotion. As for Lactigo I am out & who knows when I will have more.

[image] Brennus: every topical ergogenic seems to have menthol as the delivery mechanism. Now I’m curious… have an unopened tube of Castelli “Warming Embro Cream”. Menthol is an ingredient as is peppermint oil, Leaf extract, camphor and a bunch of other stuff in common with biofreeze. What’…

If it’s just the menthol, just rub some noxzema on your legs. Super cheap.

Or Vicks Vaporub. 2.6% menthol for $5 per tub. I’ve noticed when I use embro my legs feel better. Menthol, capiscum… it just gives the legs another sensation to feel that blunts the muscular burn IMO. No need to spend $30 on 3.4oz for that…

What I don’t understand is if the mechanism of action is due to the carnosine / magnesium, why is the only active ingredient listed on the product menthol??? hmmm.

I think i remember coach Chad saying in a podcast that the burning feeling is due to the acidity building in the muscles. Sodium bicarbonate would make sense.

Topical leg ergogenic THROW DOWN: Lactigo vs Biofreeze

Equipment

Jhardisk February 15, 2022, 7:07pm 11

There was some discussion of this a while back, and I shared my experience and also understanding (at the time) of the role of menthol in these various training ointments. FWIW, I’ve compared my version of bicarb lotion with AmpHuman, and have had strikingly similar benefits. Mine is muuuuch cheaper to make, but a little grittier.

Topic		Replies	Views
Amp Human? --put the lotion on--Thoughts? Training	113	24213	July 18, 2021
Menthol lotion cooling strategy for racing/training in heat? Racing	1	370	June 29, 2024
Bicarb and PR Lotion - Still in Vogue? Training	28	2558	August 7, 2024
Lactigo gel for long endurance rides Training	2	2245	April 7, 2021
I dope with NaHCO3 Nutrition	79	9168	September 2, 2025

Topical leg ergogenic THROW DOWN: Lactigo vs Biofreeze

Related topics