Balm for bruises, sprains, and sore backs

This morning, after getting up very early, it is Sunday I so wanted to sleep in, but my week day habits of a 5am start seem to prevent the weekend slumber, I decided to make a balm for my husband's sore back.

We buy heat rubs frequently for his back issues, and they are expensive plus they have a lot of preservatives of the noxious kind, so I thought I would make him so heat rub for his back.

I previously posted the recipe in to my website for Bruise Balm, and essentially this heat rub is Bruise Balm but with more heat.

In addition to the ingredients as per Bruise Balm, I added to the melted oils 2 tablespoons very fine ground ginger and 2 tablespoons very fine ground cayenne pepper.

The I made the balm as per my method outlined in my website.

This balm feels super warm on the skin and as well as the temporary pain relief it gives to sore aching muscles and bones, the cayenne and ginger help to increase the peripheral circulation, meaning that there is an increased oxygenated blood flow to the injured areas, helping to speed up the repair process.

Beware: do not put this anywhere near your face it is hot!

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 NOTE: The information in this blog does not constitute the practice of medicine, and does not replace the advice of your health care provider.

Spotlight on Herbs: Golden Seal

Golden Seal is a very effective ‘ all rounder’ in herbal medicine; it has antibiotic, anti-inflammatory and astringent properties making it versatile in treating many ailments.

Golden Seal contains a chemical called Berberine which has been researched in laboratories and found to have anti bacterial properties. Berberine is an alkaloid with a yellow pigment and a bitter taste. 

Berberine C₂₀H₁₈NO₄

As a bacteria fighter, anti-inflammatory and astringent Golden Seal effectively treats skin disorders such as abscesses, eczema, boils and acne.

As an astringent it aids digestion and works as a mild laxative  as well as helping to clean and promote healthy intestinal function.  It assists in regulating the menstrual cycle and reducing excessive bleeding, it soothes mucus membranes and stomach ulcers, as well as being an effective treatment for respiratory infections, irritated eyes, and liver illnesses.

Caution 

Must be avoided during pregnancy as it stimulates uterine contractions.

Should not be used without medical guidance if heart disease, diabetes or high blood pressure is also present.

Please note that the active chemical Berberine in Golden seal can be dangerous to infants, if you are a lactating Mother please do not consume items containing Berberine as it can pass to the child via the milk and be harmful.

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 NOTE: The information in this blog does not constitute the practice of medicine, and does not replace the advice of your health care provider.