Properties of Herbs and Botanicals
 Used in Herbal Salves & Lip Balms

 


 
         
    Arnica (Arnica montana), a daisy-like flower, contains anti-inflammatory and circulation-stimulating compounds.  Often used for bruises, sprains and muscle pain, it also helps reduce pain and swelling for arthritis sufferers. Arnica should not be taken internally without direct medical supervision and should not be used on broken skin.  
         
    Black walnut, Juglans nigra, one of the best-known remedies for fungal infections, black walnut leaf contains tannins that are useful for healing, and treating eczema, allergic rashes, and other skin disorders.  
         
    Calendula, Calendula officinalis,  very soothing to sensitive and dry skin, has a wide range of anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and skin-healing properties.  The phytochemicals in calendula make it good for burns, cuts, inflammations, insect bites, rashes, minor wounds, and skin disorders such as eczema.  World War I battlefield doctors poured boiling water over dried flower heads and applied the mixture to soldiers’ wounds to prevent infection and inflammation.  It is believed to promote skin cell regrowth and moisturize dry, cracked skin.  Calendula is  beneficial for individuals with sensitive skin.

 

  
         
    Cayenne, Capsicum annuum, peppers contain capsaicin. Applied topically, capsaicin stimulates nerve cells to release a neurotransmitter that sends pain messages to the nervous system to release a chemical called substance P.  When the nerve cell supply of substance P becomes depleted no pain signals can be transmitted to the brain until the nerve endings accumulate more, Thus capsaicin helps to temporarily relieve pain  from sore muscles, arthritis and nerve pain (neuralgia).

 

  
         
    Chamomile,  Matricaria recutita, contains compounds that have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties and help promote tissue regeneration.   Oil infusions have been used to soothe skin rashes, help heal cuts, scrapes, abrasions. minor burns and minor sunburn.  Chamomile makes a great salve to reduce skin inflammation and help ease the itching of eczema and other rashes.  
         
    Chickweed, Stellaria media, is valued by herbalists for its skin healing properties, minor burns, skin irritations, and rashes.  It is useful in treating inflammatory skin conditions, brings relief from chronic itching caused by eczema, and psoriasis and other rashes.  Chickweed salve soothes burns, stings and bites.  It also eases and moisturizes dry or chapped skin.   
         
    Comfrey, Symphytum officinale, is one of the best-known healing herbs of all times. Both the root and the leaf are known to heal and soothe.  It is believed to regenerate cell growth after injury.  During the Civil War, comfrey poultices were used  to wrap the wounds and broken bones of soldiers and earned comfrey the nicknames “heal-all” or “knitbone.”   Comfrey leaves and roots are rich in allantoin, a compound that fosters the growth of healthy new skin cells and helps calm inflammation.. Comfrey has gained popularity as a skin healing herb and is used to heal rashes, inflammation, insect bites, minor burns, and many other skin problems.   
         
         
         
    Echinacea, Echinacea angustfolia, long used as a healing herb by Native Americans, has phytochemicals that have cortisone-like and antibacterial properties to help speed up wound healing.  It has been use for the treatment of  psoriasis, eczema, minor burns, sores, and inflammatory skin conditions.  In one study of 4500 patients with inflammatory skin conditions, including psoriasis, 85% were cured with topical applications of echinacea salve.  
         
    Eucalyptus, Eucalyptus globulus, acts as an antiseptic, antiviral, and bactericidal agent.   It is believed to help athlete's foot and other fungal infections.   
         
    Goldenseal, Hydrastis canadensis,  well known for it's skin healing properties, is widely used in many herbal salves and ointments as a disinfectant.  The root contains hydrastine and berberine which give goldenseal natural antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.  
         
    Lavender, known as calming and soothing herb, is useful for minor burns, cuts, and insect bites.   Lavender infusions have been helpful for eczema, psoriasis, and minor sun burns.  
         
    Myrrh, Commiphora myrrha, has been used as a cleansing, purifying agent for centuries.  Today, because of its antiseptic, disinfectant, and anti-inflammatory properties, myrrh is used topically for cuts, scrapes, scratches, and abrasions. Since myrrh helps prevent tissue degeneration, it helps heal wounds and dry, cracked areas of the skin. Myrrh is often used for its rejuvenating properties on mature skin. Myrrh has antifungal properties that help fight diaper rash.  
         
    Plantain, Plantago major, has been used as medicinal herb since the time of Alexander the Great.  The leaves, rich in salicylic acid and tannins, aid in the healing of wounds, burns and bruises.  Often included in skin-healing salves, plantain helps to relieve pain of insect bites and is a great remedy for cuts, and hemorrhoids.  Common Plantain is often called "soldier's herb" because it has been used over the centuries to treat battle field wounds. Plantain is a very common weed growing in backyards and open fields, Crushed fresh leaves a handy first-aid remedy.  
         
    Saint John's Wort, Hypericum perforatum, named after St. John the Baptist because it blooms around his celebration day (June 24), was once thought to rid the body of evil spirits.  This roadside plant has many chemical compounds that disinfect and heal wounds and burns, reduce inflammation and promote wound healing.  Cherokee Indians used the mucilage from the leaves as an ointment to treat bruises and burns, and introduced the plant to early Colonists. "Wort" is Middle English for "herb."  
         

 

Please Note: The information on this website is in no way intended as treatment regimen for health conditions. If you have medical concerns regarding yourself or your family you should seek the advice of qualified, licensed health professionals.


 

Click link to read disclaimer concerning health information.

When using new herbal recipes on your skin,
you should always perform a patch test for reactions before use.
Research and learn about the herbs you are going to use BEFORE you use them.
Always check for precautions and warnings
before using any herbal remedies

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