Heal from the Outside In

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Peruse the aisles of any drugstore and it’s clear that athlete’s foot, hemorrhoids and aching backs are big business. Throughout the centuries, people have experimented with a variety of remedies to soothe these kinds of irritating health problems. As it turns out, numerous plants contain healing compounds that provide exactly the relief needed. In fact, many of these remedies work so well that a significant number of over-the-counter topical drugs rely on medicinal herbs for their pain-relieving, healing and soothing effects. For example, some sunburn lotions contain aloe to cool and heal the skin; creams to relieve arthritis pain often depend on capsaicin from cayenne peppers; and salves for healing and preventing diaper rash commonly include allantoin, the active compound found in comfrey.

You’ll find here some of the most effective herbs for topical use. All have a long history of use for healing — some dating back to the dawn of civilization. In addition, many of these herbs are gaining the support of science because of research studies that support the herbs’ traditional uses.

Aloe (Aloe vera)

The succulent aloe plant has been used for thousands of years to treat wounds, burns, eczema and psoriasis. Some researchers believe that the polysaccharides (large complex sugar molecules) in aloe are responsible for the plant’s anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. Easy to grow indoors, an aloe plant is a valuable herbal ally.

Burns, wounds, eczema, psoriasis: Remove an outer leaf from the plant, slice it lengthwise, and apply the clear thick gel inside the leaf to the skin two to three times daily.

CALENDULA SALVE

Calendula salve is easy to make, but it requires advance planning because you first need to infuse the calendula flowers in oil and let them steep for at least one week.

1/4 cup dried calendula flowers
1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1/8 cup grated beeswax
40 drops lavender essential oil

To make the infused oil, put calendula flowers into a pint-size canning jar. Add the olive oil and stir well. Cover the jar with a lid and place the jar in a sunny window. When the oil turns a deep golden yellow (this generally takes one to two weeks), strain the oil through several layers of cheesecloth to remove the flowers.

To make calendula salve, combine the calendula oil with the grated beeswax in a small, heavy saucepan. Heat gently until the beeswax is melted. Add lavender essential oil. Pour the mixture into wide-mouth glass jars. Let the salve cool, and cover with a lid. When stored in a cool, dark place, calendula salve will stay fresh for approximately one year.

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