About halfway through my two-month work push from hell (i.e. launching the mymilly box), a gift sample of Humboldt Apothecary’s Wintergreen CBD Stick 1:1 appeared in my life, and the timing could not have been better. I was spending so much time typing at my computer that I had started to get some carpal tunnel tingles, fatigued wrists, and cranky forearms. My hands and arms were so mad at me. I was getting a little worried. (“Sorry, hands, you gotta stick with me and these 15-hours days! Keep typing!”)


Open this deodorant-looking stick—which has a dry-stick, roll-on style—and the first thing you notice is the wintergreen freshness that will open up your nostrils, with notes of menthol and camphor. Ahhhhh. (It doesn’t smell weedy at all—if it didn’t have the big CA weed! sticker on the front, I don’t think anyone would know!)


And then you roll it onto where it hurts. I applied it on my right wrist, and let my poor left wrist suffer with nothing. It has a lightly creamy texture (the base is a mixture of coconut oil and shea butter), more oily than your usual roll-on stick, but not like a greasy salve at all. I patted it a little more into my skin and waited. 10 minutes later, I was feeling a cool and pleasantly tingly sensation, and then another 20–30 minutes later, I noticed my right wrist was much less pained and pissed off. 


I’ve been applying the Wintergreen Stick for the past couple weeks (on both wrists now—left arm, welcome to the party), and it’s helping me get through long work sessions. I keep applying it as needed every couple of hours or so during heavy writing bouts and it really keeps discomfort in check. I also like it on my shoulders, and how it doesn’t get all over my clothes or require me to strip to roll it on. (I’d rather strip for other reasons, thanks.) It’s also handy on my sore knees, ankles, and calves after working out. I definitely notice a diminishment in any minor pains or inflammation. Did you sleep funny? Roll it on that stiff neck!


I’m a fan of the women-owned and operated Humboldt Apothecary, and have much respect for the medicine these two women make (Gillian Levy and Susan Cleverdon are both herbalists, with 25 years of plant knowledge). They only use whole flower (in a 1:1 CBD:THC ratio for this formulation), and pure essential oils (as much of the product is organic as it can be)—in fact, 99 percent of the ingredients are organic. They also made it really affordable for the quality of ingredients they are using. Sweet! And I dig the environmentally friendly, childproof packaging. Throw this one in someone’s stocking—I think it would be great for canna-curious beginners, like parents! 

Visit humboldt-apothecary.com for more info; get it delivered via Sava here.

Disclaimer: The statements made regarding these products have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Please consult your healthcare professional about potential interactions or other possible complications before using any product.