IN REVIEW: For stiff muscles and achy joints, Papa & Barkley has just what you need. Their 3:1 Releaf Balm may help you deal with daily aches and pains, or get you through an uncomfortably long flight. No matter the circumstances, its CBD-rich formula and nourishing organic oils will provide the relief you need when you need it most. Apply this to problem areas prior to a workout, or keep it handy as the sort of post-workout potion that can keep you up and active for the rest of the day.

Flying has never been one of my favorite pastimes—and after knee surgery and two hip surgeries, being cooped up in an airplane is toward the bottom of my list of beloved activities. Right next to root canals.

Dealing with my joint pain is undoubtedly exacerbated by sitting in the teeny-tiny seats on an airplane. What initially feels like something you’ll have to somehow tangle yourself into for a handful of hours seems to stretch on for eternity. Needless to say, my knee is usually incredibly inflamed and irritated by the end of a long day traveling. As I packed the last of my toiletries for a recent 7 hour flight home to spend some time with my family, my joints were already throbbing.

“Eucalyptus, lavender, and peppermint instantly awoke my senses. ”

As the dull pain slid up my leg, I knew I wasn’t going to mess around this trip: I grabbed a jar of Papa and Barkley’s 3:1 Releaf Balm and slathered a nickel-sized scoop onto my knee. I was expecting a thick, greasy salve, but the texture was smooth, pleasant, and almost silky. Then the comforting aroma floated up towards my nostrils. Eucalyptus, lavender, and peppermint instantly awoke my senses. At first, my knee felt a slight warming sensation, which was followed by a sense of release—almost as if my muscles sighed a breath of relief.

Already feeling bolstered by the scents and sensations of Papa and Barkley’s Releaf Balm, I tossed the entire jar into my carry-on and called my Uber to LAX. After I passed security and found my gate, I decided to rub a little more of the CBD-rich balm on my knee—just for good measure. Again, the aroma and feelings settled my muscles, and they also even seemed to calm my anxiety surrounding the upcoming journey.

When I finally boarded my flight, I made myself “comfortable” in a window seat towards the front of the plane. As predicted, the seats were as cramped as ever, with very little legroom to let my joints breathe. Despite the accommodations, my usually angry knee seemed to be limber, loose, and ready for the ride. I popped in my headphones and readied myself for the 7 hour trip, with a tight layover in the middle.

“My usually angry knee seemed to be limber, loose, and ready for the ride.”

About 3 hours into my first flight, I realized my knee hadn’t cried out in pain one single time, nor did I have to rearrange myself to find a comfortable position. In the past, I would’ve been rubbing my knee in agony and praying for the flight to be over. While I still wanted to get off the plane as quickly as possible, my knee was not the culprit that time around.

The captain got on the speaker to let us know we were making our final descent to our destination, which meant it was time for me to prepare for my quick layover. I neatly packed up my carry-on items, and mentally prepared myself to run across the airport to catch my next flight. It was time to really put this Papa & Barkley’s powerful balm to the test, as running and my knees are two things that do not go together.

As I exited the plane, I gripped my suitcase tightly and began to tentatively pick up my pace until I was at a steady jog. With each step, I expected my knee to give some sign of protest, but it merrily pumped along in silence, carrying me to my gate with a few minutes to spare. I stood in line with my boarding group, and still nothing from joints. I felt as though I could just say screw it, and run to my next destination instead of getting on the plane.

Consider me officially impressed.

Once on the plane, I made myself at home in another window seat for the last leg of the adventure. I laid my head back with a bright smile across my face because I knew the rest of the trip would be a breeze—and I knew my knee was in good hands with Papa and Barkley.

In fact, I’m still smiling because I simply do not have anything negative to say about this seemingly magical balm. From its unique effects and aromatherapeutic scent to its modern branding and silky texture, Papa & Barkley’s 3:1 Releaf Balm has the potential to be a serious game-changer for anyone dealing with discomfort.