The Story Behind BUDS BALM: A Personal Journey of Pain, Recovery, and Purpose

After surviving two major road accidents — both of which left lasting damage — I found myself in a place I never expected to be.

Multiple spinal fractures. A snapped femur. Partial knee replacement. Multiple facial fractures. The list goes on and on. The physical toll was obvious, but the mental weight was just as heavy.

Recovery wasn’t linear. It was slow, humbling, unpredictable, and at times, overwhelming. I had to relearn to walk (just like a baby would) and I felt completely useless. I lived with constant discomfort, struggled to sleep, and continued to battle the kind of trauma that lingers long after the bruises fade and bones heal. The traditional routes — physio, medication, rest — helped, but only to a point.

It was during this period that I discovered CBD. I didn’t expect much, but the impact was real. It helped me in such a variety of ways. Eased the tension in my body. Brought my mind some much needed peace and clarity. Allowed me to feel like I had some control again. That relief was powerful — not a miracle worker, but a tool that made daily life much more manageable.

However, many of the products I tried were also filled with synthetic additives and chemicals that I no longer felt comfortable using long-term, with some even causing adverse skin reactions. For something meant to help me through, it felt like a contradiction.

I wanted to create something different — something natural, straightforward, and practical. A balm that could support the body through the demands of recovery, activity, or just everyday movement — without compromise. Not just for circumstances like myself, but everyday runners, gym-goers, hikers etc. I didn’t want a gimmick or a generic CBD product. I wanted a completely natural formula, inclusive of CBD and other active ingredients that matched the grit and honesty of the journey I’d been through.

That’s how BUDS BALM began.

There was a clear goal: build something I could trust on my worst days and still rely on during my best. Over two years of refining, testing, and learning followed — I’m so happy with the result.

I still live with the after-effects of my physical injuries. However, I’ve made it back to a place where I’m more active than ever before, consistent, and capable in ways I never thought possible during those early hospital days. BUDS BALM has been a defining part of that process. It has supported me when other things couldn’t, continues to support me every single day, and now, it’s something I believe will support others too.

Whether you’re dealing with physical setbacks, staying active, or just looking for something natural to help your body keep up with your lifestyle, I hope BUDS BALM can offer the same sense of reassurance it has given me.

I couldn’t be more proud of what we have achieved here so far… and I thank everybody on the team, family, friends and customers for their continued support.

Thanks for reading — Tommy Harris, Founder of BUDS BALM