'Shake it Off' Healing Salve

Comfrey: Comfrey is harvested from a shrub that grows in North America, Europe and Asia.  It has been used in traditional medicine for about 2000 years.  It should only be used topically and not ingested as it has been shown to be potentially toxic to the liver.  It has wound healing benefits as it helps the body regenerate cells.  It also has anti-inflammatory and pain relieving properties, particularly joint pain as well as pulled muscles and ligaments. 

Plantain Weed: Although this plant is considered a weed that grows just about anywhere, it has been used medicinally for centuries.  The leaves and seeds contain several anti-inflammatory compounds.  The anti-inflammatory properties are part of why it promotes wound healing, in addition to its pain relief benefits and its ability to block microbial growth. If ingested, it has been shown to improve gut health.  But it can be used topically as well. 

Calendula: Calendula is a marigold plant native to Canada and the continental US that is known for its skin health benefits.  When used topically, it helps promote new cell growth in wound healing and helps reduce skin inflammation.  It helps wounds heal faster and with less redness and swelling.  It was shown to significantly increase the healing time of venous ulcers and is commonly used as a treatment for eczema.

Rosemary: In addition to being a popular culinary herb (with many health benefits), rosemary can also be used topically.  It has powerful anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties, making it very beneficial in wound care. It helps alleviate both muscle and joint pain when massaged into the skin. Additionally, it has been shown to improve circulation as local blood flow increases significantly when rubbed into the skin.

Yarrow: Yarrow is an ancient herb with many medicinal benefits.  It is commonly ingested as tea or eaten as a culinary herb. Used topically, it is known from Greek legend for healing all of Achilles’ wounds. It speeds the healing process of wounds.  It also has many anti-inflammatory properties.

Lemon Balm: Lemon balm is native to southern Europe and Northern Africa and is a member of the mint family.  It can be used internally, but has topical use as well.  Its anti-inflammatory properties can help reduce skin irritations. And, because of its powerful antibacterial and antiviral properties, it helps speed up the healing process of wounds and skin conditions. 

Goldenseal: Goldenseal is a plant native to North America with very powerful anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that provide benefits when ingested or used topically.  When applied directly to the skin, it can help treat a large number of skin conditions including psoriasis, eczema and dry skin as well as skin infections. It can also help alleviate joint pain due to its anti-inflammatory properties. 

Olive Oil: Olive oil serves as the medium to absorb the various nutritional properties of the herbs. But, in its own right, olive oil is a moisturizer that helps retain the moisture in the skin.  It is also beneficial to wound care as it is anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial. And, because like attracts like, it helps to cleanse the skin by removing oily residue. 

Beeswax: Beeswax is the foundation of the beehive.  There are many significant benefits of the topical use of beeswax.  It is naturally moisturizing and helps to repair and protect the skin. It has been shown to alleviate pain and inflammation of the joints when applied topically. Also helps to reduce feelings of itchiness and can treat fungal skin infections.

Shea Butter: Shea butter is a fat that is extracted from the nuts of the shea tree from West Africa. It is incredibly beneficial in promoting cell and collagen production.  It is very moisturizing and has powerful anti-inflammatory and anti-fungal properties. 

Cocoa Butter: Cocoa butter is a fat that is extracted from the cocoa bean.  When used on the skin directly, it is hydrating and helps hold the moisture in.  This is probably because it is high in fatty acids.  It is absorbed well by the skin and tends to feel less greasy than many other oils.  

Jojoba Oil: Jojoba oil is an oil that is harvested from the nut of the jojoba plant from North America. It’s many benefits include that it is moisturizing and contains antimicrobial and antifungal properties.  It is an antioxidant which can help promote collagen production. It is also believed to stimulate wound healing.