I still remember the day I realized something had to change.
For years, I had dealt with discomfort that lingered long after recovering from Lyme disease and Epstein-Barr. I tried nearly everything, searching for something—anything—that felt comforting without leaving me drained or foggy. The shelves were full of options, but so many felt disconnected from what I was actually looking for: something simple, botanical, and rooted in centuries of natural care.
That’s what led me to create Dori Balm, and eventually, All About Alchemy. Not because I had a business plan, but because I had a need—and I figured I wasn’t alone.
Today, we offer what I believe is one of the best anti-inflammatory topical creams, carefully formulated with plant-based ingredients and clean, mindful sourcing. But beyond the cream itself, I want to share something that I wish I’d known earlier: what’s actually inside these topical creams—and why it matters.
Let’s break down the most common botanical ingredients you’ll often find in anti-inflammatory medication creams.
🌿 St. John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum)
This golden-flowered herb has a long history of traditional use, especially in European and folk herbalism practices. In topical applications, it’s often included for its gentle and calming qualities.
- Common in botanical oil infusions
- Traditionally used in massage oils and body salves
- Known for its deep amber tone when properly extracted
I include St. John’s Wort in Dori Balm because of its historical connection to body care rituals. It’s also one of the ingredients I personally resonated with during my own recovery journey.
🌼 Arnica (Arnica montana)
Arnica is another plant that’s been a staple in traditional apothecaries. Its bright yellow blooms are often used in creams, balms, and ointments.
- Extracted into oil or used in homeopathic preparations
- Commonly found in the best anti-inflammatory topical creams on the market today
- Typically sourced from mountainous regions in Europe and North America
Arnica was one of the first botanicals I researched when I started testing my own blends. While I can’t make any claims, I can say it’s something I consistently reach for in my own home cabinet.
💜 Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)
Lavender is best known for its distinct aroma, but it’s also a foundational part of many topical products.
- Steam-distilled into essential oil
- Blended into topical creams for fragrance and texture
- Often used in aromatherapy and skincare routines
When I first blended lavender into an early version of Dori Balm, it just felt right. The texture, the scent, the smooth glide across the skin—it created a sensory experience that felt personal, grounded, and restorative.
Other Notable Ingredients
Many high-quality anti-inflammatory medication creams—especially those crafted in small batches—include supporting ingredients like:
- Beeswax: For a thicker texture and lasting skin contact
- Jojoba oil: Lightweight and similar to the skin’s natural oils
- Olive oil: Often used as a carrier oil for herbal infusions
- Shea butter: A creamy, rich base that adds smoothness
Each ingredient serves a purpose. When combined, they don’t just sit on the skin-they create a complete experience.
Why I Pay Attention to Every Ingredient
When I started All About Alchemy, I didn’t just want to create another cream. I wanted to create something I could use without questioning what was in it. No mysterious labels. No synthetic fillers. Just recognizable ingredients from plants that have been trusted for generations.
I worked with herbalists, tested small batches in my kitchen, and gave samples to friends who were just as curious (and skeptical) as I was. The feedback kept pointing in the same direction: keep it simple, make it clean, and let the plants speak for themselves.
💬 A Real Story from Someone Who Gets It
"I’ve tried so many creams after chemo left me with lingering discomfort in my legs. Dori Balm was the first one that felt like it understood me—not just my skin. I love knowing what’s inside it, and that it was made with care."
— James, Customer
Ready to Explore a Simpler Cream?
If you’re looking for a neutral, plant-based topical cream and you value knowing what’s in your jar—Dori Balm might be worth trying. No exaggerated promises. No hype. Just thoughtfully chosen ingredients, blended with care.
Let the ingredients tell the story. Let your body decide what works.
– The All About Alchemy Team