COMFREY MUSTARD SALVE
I use this salve regularly on my clients when they need extra nutrients to the joints and muscles. I use it on myself when my back is hurting. It is helpful for muscle spasms, bruises, strains or sprains.
Herb: COMFREY LEAF
Botanical name: Symphytum officinale
Origin: Croatia/Hungary
Therapeutic actions: Anti-pyretic; Anodyne; Astringent; Bitter; Cell Proliferant; Demulcent; Emollient; Expectorant; Hemostatic; Mucilant; Refrigerant; Styptic; Tonic; Vulnerary.
Nutrients: Calcium, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, selenium, zinc, vitamins B1. B2, B3, B12 and C.
Drug interactions: No known drug interactions.
Description: One of the most well-known healing plants, especially for its ability to heal tissue and bone (due to its allantoin content), which promotes the growth of connective tissue, bones, cartilage and is easily absorbed through the skin.
External uses: Comfrey is especially useful in the external treatment of cuts, bruises, sprains, sores, eczema, varicose veins and broken bones. It is also beneficial for bedsores, bites, inflamed bunions, dermatitis, dry skin, psoriasis, nosebleeds and sunburn.
Herb: MUSTARD SEED
Botanical name: Sinapis alba
Origin: India
Therapeutic actions: Anti-bacterial; Anti-fungal; Appetizer; Carminative; Cathartic; Diaphoretic; Digestive; Diuretic; Emetic; Expectorant; Rubefacient; Stimulant; Vesicant.
Description: It has been used in the treatment of coughs with profuse phlegm, tuberculosis, and pleurisy.
External uses: It has been used as a poultice or plaster for lung congestion, sprains, spasms, and cold areas needing circulation. A plaster may also be used for the kidney and liver areas.
Herb: CAYENNE ROOT
Botanical name: Capsicum minimum
Origin: India
Therapeutic actions: Anesthetic; Anti-hemorrhoidal; Anti-bacterial; Alterative; Astringent; Antispasmodic; Anti-rheumatic; Antiseptic; Carminative; Diaphoretic; Digestive; Emetic; Irritant; Pungent; Rubefacient; Sialagogue; Stimulant; Stomachic; Sudorific; Tonic.
Nutrients: Amino acids, calcium, essential fatty acids, folate, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, selenium, zinc, vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, C, E and G.
Drug interactions: Supports interaction with aspirin.
Description: It is considered by many to be the strongest stimulant known.
External uses: Can be used with Goldenseal and Myrrh as a liniment for bruises, scalds, burns, psoriasis and sunburns.
OLIVE OIL
Botanical name: Olea europaea
Origin: Spain/Italy/Greece
Internal uses: It has been uses for gallbladder inflammation, flatulence, constipation, gastrointestinal ulcers and kidney stones.
External uses: It has been used for psoriasis, eczema, sunburn and rheumatism.
COCONUT OIL
Botanical name: Cocos nucifera
Origin: Asia
Therapeutic actions: Anti-bacterial; Anti-viral; Anti-microbial.
Description: Coconut oil has the essential MCT (medium-chained triglycerides) which are burned for energy instead of stored as fat like the LCT or Long chain triglycerides. These MCT's are what is found in mother's milk and is easily digested.
External uses: A great additive to herbal salves. It has antimicrobial and antiviral healing abilities and naturally solidifies salves to a creamy texture. Capric /Caprylic/Lauric acid: These are not very different from the medium chain fatty acids, but it is still important to mention them separately here, since they have their own contributions. These
three fatty acids have strong disinfectant and antimicrobial properties. As a result, when applied on the skin, coconut oil protects from microbial infections that can get into open
wounds or even enter the body through the pores. This microbial action can be experienced even if coconut oil is taken internally, as the fatty acids boost the
immunity when converted to monocaprins and monolaurins.
BEESWAX
Description: Beeswax is honeycomb melted. It is used for controlling the consistency of salves.