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Topical Herbal Remedies
Many herbs work wonderfully both as an external topical application, or taken
internally. How you use herbs for remedies and treatments will depend on what
you're treating.
In almost all cases, some kind of liquid or oil based ingredient is needed to
help the herbs adhere to the area you're placing them on the body. This is why
many salves are made with pure petroleum jelly, because it is a thick cream
like substance that is easy to rub on and it stays in place for long periods
of time.
Aloe vera is another common liquid agent used to make herbal salves and
topical remedies, because it has both healing and soothing properties of it's
own, plus it is an excellent herb for penetrating the skin.
Mineral oil and vinegar are sometimes used as a liquid agent for salves and
ointments as well. However, these and pure aloe vera tend to be a bit watery
for certain types of use. Another herb known as Slippery Elm is often used in
this cases, because it has a mucus like quality which helps hold other herbs
and liquids together.
There are also many herbs which can be used alone for various reasons. Let's
look at both individual herbs used topically and in ointments or salves.
Cayenne is an herb to keep on hand for emergencies. It can stop bleeding when
almost nothing else will. Nothing special is needed either. Simply sprinkle
Cayenne powder onto the wound to stop the bleeding. Naturally, if someone is
wounded quite badly, get them to the hospital immediately.
Aloe vera, of course, is quite well known for using on sunburns, cuts and
scrapes. If you have live aloe vera plants on hand, you can simply slice open
one of the leaves and rub the open leaf onto the affected area. If you don't
keep live aloe vera plants on hand, then keep a bottle of pure aloe vera juice
in your fridge instead.
Chickweed is an herb to add to ointments and balms which are designed to
decrease pain and swelling. It's also excellent for use on boils and burns.
Comfrey salve is another herb you should almost always have on hand,
particularly when you have kids. It helps relieve pain on contact, can reduce
swelling from pulled tendons and is also excellent for treating burns, cuts,
abrasions, etc. Comfrey is a natural way to accelerate healing too. Containing
a cell proliferant known as Allantoin, Comfrey can help regrow new flesh and
bones.
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