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Archive-name: medicinal-herbs/part5
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Last-modified: 15Nov03
Version: 1.38i
URL: http://ibiblio.org/herbmed/faqs/medi-cont.html

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                        3.13 Herbs for constipation

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Barbara Heller - BHpurple.aol.com

WHAT IS CONSTIPATION
Constipation, the "difficult, incomplete, or infrequent evacuation of dry
hardened feces from the bowels" (The American Heritage Dictionary) can be
an occasional, acute, or chronic problem. It can be caused by many factors
including lack of fluids, poor diet, sedentary lifestyle, emotional state,
or as a side-effect of specific medications. Be aware of the constipating
effect of other drugs or supplements you may be taking, like iron
tablets,opiates, antidepressants, and antihistamines. Constipation is
almost always a nuisance; it can also be a sign of a more serious
condition. Chronic constipation should be evaluated in conjunction with a
healthcare professional.

NATURAL REMEDIES TO TREAT CONSTIPATION
Laxatives, even herbal laxatives, should be used with caution. Other
natural remedies should be tried first. The gentlest remedies for
constipation include increased movement and exercise, certain yoga
postures, increase of fluid intake, and dietary changes including increased
fiber and fruit. Acidophilus liquid or powder relieves chronic constipation
(says herbalist Susun Weed in her Wise Woman Ways for the Menopausal
Years). And prune juice may be the most effective and gentlest remedy for
constipation.

Dr. James Duke, a scientist who worked for the USDA, recommended in his
typical iconoclastic fashion, that Dan Rather ask the commissioner of the
Food and Drug Administration (FDA) if he considered prune juice a safe and
effective laxative. "If he answered no, I suggested that Rather request
that Dr. Kessler (the commissioner) drink some and experience the results
for himself. If he answered yes, I suggested that Rather ask why FDA
labeling regulations prohibit prune juice marketers from stating that prune
juice is a safe, effective, gentle laxative." "...(It) is probably the
cheapest, least unpleasant laxative now available." (The Green Pharmacy,
p140)

Apple-pear juice is also highly recommended; and stewed fruits like prunes,
figs, or dates especially when mixed in licorice tea makes a tasty laxative
snack

SOME OTHER OPTIONS
Not a usual topic of discussion, at least here in middle-class America, is
the position in which one attempts a bowel movement. Squatting can really
help alleviate mild constipation - but may be awkward on traditional
toilets. Some families find that using a small footstool to raise and open
the legs helps to facilitate an easier evacuation. Massaging the abdomen
with essential oils with laxative properties (in a carrier oil base) like
chamomile, marjoram, or peppermint can also be helpful.

HERBAL LAXATIVES
There are three classes of herbal laxatives - bulk, mild (but not bulk) and
purgative.

Whichever category you use, remember that it takes time for laxatives to
work. The bulk herbs may need 12 to 24 hours to encourage a bowel movement,
and irritating herbs somewhat less time, perhaps 6 to 12 hours. So be
patient, and do not take another dose prematurely.

BULK LAXATIVES
Bulk laxatives are the gentlest for occasional constipation. Flaxseed (also
known as linseed), psyllium, and fenugreek are three well-known herbal bulk
laxatives. In The Family Herbal, the authors recommend flaxseed as a
"laxative without side effects". You can take one tablespoon of whole seeds
two to three times a day, followed by two cups of liquid. To help bulk
laxatives do their job properly, one must drink a lot of water, otherwise
gastrointestinal obstructions can occur.

Psyllium, another bulk laxative, is more well-known to most consumers as
the main ingredient in Metamucil. A combination of psyllium seeds and a
large glass of water can help lubricate the bowels and ease the passage of
dry stools. In addition, this seed may also help cut cholesterol. It is
quite popular in Germany to take 3 to 10 tablespoons a day for chronic
constipation. The seeds swell; they also need plenty of water to motivate
their transit through the digestive tract. Caution - asthmatics shouldn't
take this herb; if you generally have allergies, take only with caution.
("There have been several reports of allergic reactions to psyllium,
including a few serious asthma attacks from inhaled seed dust." - reported
by James Duke in The Green Pharmacy)

MILD (NOT BULK) HERBAL LAXATIVES
Dandelion root is a mild laxative often recommended by practicing
herbalists. Susun Weed says it is especially helpful for bed-ridden elders
and others with chronic constipation. "The root in tea will have little
effect on constipation due to nervousness, diet, fevers, and such
occasional causes, but acts reliably when it is chronic, related to age,
long-tern illness, or general intestinal blahs; a teaspoon of the root
boiled in water three or four times a day." Use dandelion leaves in salad,
or 1-2 teaspoons of dandelion vinegar or 10 - 20 drops of tincture taken
with meals.

Chickweed as a laxative is controversial but not seemingly harmful. It
would seem from the debate surrounding it that the worse that can happen
while using chickweed for constipation is - more of the same. Varro Tyler
heavily disparages its medicinal use "...there is no indication (in the
"extensive scientific literature devoted to chickweed") that any of the
plant's constituents possess pronounced therapeutic value; ... most
writings concern various methods of controlling this pesky weed. (HeK
comment: check this to see why Tyler isn't very respected as a herbal
authority: http://www.herbological.com/deconstructing.html ) " This is in
sharp comparison to how Susun Weed sings this herb/weeds virtues:

"Those with digestive system problems crave plates of chickweed salad, for
mineral-rich bulk and soothing, cooling energies to nourish their weak
stomachs and bowels. Chickweed eases and helps those with yeast overgrowth,
constipation, hard stools, hemorrhoids,stomach ulcers, intestinal ulcers,
colitis, internal inflammation, stomach cancer, and those healing after
treatment for appendicitis, peritonitis, or the like." (Healing Wise, p
121).

Both Susun Weed and Deb Soule also recommend yellow dock root tincture as a
remedy for constipation.

CONSTIPATION AS A MENOPAUSAL SYMPTOM
In Wise Women's Ways for the Menopausal Years, herbalist Susun Weed
explains that "Menopausal constipation and indigestion are generally due to
the slowing of the gastrointestinal tract (estrogen is a gastrointestinal
stimulant) and heavy demands on the liver." Again yellow dock root, as
vinegar or tincture, and dandelion are highly recommended. "Menopausal
women will want to avoid the use of bran as a laxative in deference to
building strong bones." Instead try prunes, figs, or rhubarb with maple
syrup. Daily doses of 1 teaspoonful vinegar or 5 - 10 drops tincture of
yellow dock eliminate constipation, indigestion, and gas. "Yellow dock is
especially recommended for the woman who finds her early menopausal menses
getting heavier."

PURGATIVE OR CATHARTIC LAXATIVES
Purgative laxatives is the category most utilized; and purgative herbs are
used in healthfood store formulations and in many commercial
over-the-counter laxatives. This group includes aloe, buckthorn, cascara
sagrada, rhubarb, and senna. All the herbs in this category contain
anthraquinones, strong and irritating chemical compounds that force the
bowels to evacuate. They should be used only as a last resort.

Pregnant or nursing mothers should not use these irritants, nor should
people with gastrointestinal problems including ulcers, ulcerative colitis,
irritable bowel syndrome, and hemorrhoids.

Avoid the prolonged use of purgative laxatives. The continual use can cause
lazy bowel syndrome. When this negative cycle develops the result is a
sluggish digestive system unable to evacuate without the use of more
laxatives. Studies also show that chronic over-use of constipation
relieving drugs can lead to disturbances of the bodies electrolyte
equilibrium. In turn this can result in potassium deficiency and a
concomitant problem for those who are taking heart medications. ("In
Germany, the law requires that the labels on all anthraquinone preparations
must bear the warning that possible potassium deficiency can intensify the
effect of chemical heart drugs -cardiac glycosides"; The Family Herbal,
p.188)

The gentlest of this class of cathartic laxative herbs is cascara sagrada,
known as "sacred bark" from a native American tree (Rhamnus purshiana).
Michael Castleman says cascara sagrada is the "World's most popular
laxative". Many herbalists claim that in addition to its laxative quality
it also tones the intestinal tract and colon. It can be purchased in over-
the-counter preparations or taken as a tincture (1/2 teaspoon at bed).
Although a decoction (tea) is sometimes recommended, it is very bitter. It
should never be used for more than 2 weeks, and a reputable source is
important because unless the cascara is prepared correctly it can have
negative side-effects. (Fresh bark cannot be used; the bark needs to be
dried and stored for at least a year).

Dr. Weil, the well-known physician/author and lecturer, says "If you must
use an irritant laxative, try rhubarb root (Rheum officinale). It is one of
the safest and least violent, but it should be reserved for occasional use
only. You can get preparations of rhubarb root in health food stores.
(Natural Health, Natural Medicine, p 274)

Senna (Cassia acutifolia) is a bit stronger and also quite popular. It,
too, is a main ingredient of many over-the-counter laxatives. Kathi Keville
states that it is the most often purchased laxative herb in North America.
And my perusal of over-the-counter laxatives supports this. In fact, the
company that manufactures Ex-Lax recently updated its formula. Senna has
replaced the key ingredient, the chemical phenolphthalein, which proved to
have carcinogenic tendencies. Again, taste is a reason that herbalists
might not recommend this remedy in its natural state. "The taste of senna
is nauseating... herbalists generally discourage using the plant material
and instead recommend over-the- counter products containing it."

Some herbalists recommend blends that pair the strongly bitter herbs with
others that are better tasting and more easily tolerated. Kathi Kevilles
approach is to combine the irritant herbs with tasty ones like peppermint,
ginger, and fennel, that also relax the intestines and prevent cramping.

A commercial example of such a mixture is the blend Smooth Move sold by
Traditional Medicinals. The main ingredient is senna, combined with
licorice, and cinnamon, ginger, orange peel, fennel and coriander seed.

Another herb in this category, aloe, is even more problematic. Its
popularity has recently increased and it is a wonderful herb to use
externally for skin care. But because of its use, its name is becoming more
known, and some people assume that because it is safe for one purpose, that
it is ok to try for another reason. But this is not so!

A recent magazine article suggested drinking aloe vera juice on a daily
basis. But many western herbalists do not recommend aloe as a laxative
because it is too strong, although it has a history of use in Ayurvedic
medicine. Michael Castleman in his popular book The Healing Herbs, has a
headline under aloe, "Never a laxative". He says it is the "most drastic"
of the cathartics and that it is least recommended "because it often causes
severe intestinal cramps and diarrhea."

AYURVEDIC HERB MIXTURE
Dr. Andrew Weil suggests using Triphala, an herbal mixture from the
Ayurvedic tradition. He says this mixture of three herbs is a "superior
bowel regulator rather than a laxative,...take it regularly, it's benefits
accumulate the longeryou stay on it." Available in health food-stores in
capsule form, follow the directions on the label.

RECIPES FOR RELIEVING CONSTIPATION, compiled from some popular herbal
guides

Constipation tea/tincture (Deb Soule, The Roots of Healing, p92)
Dandelion root 2 parts
Yellow dock root 1 part
Angelica root 2 parts
Burdock root 1 part
Ginger root 1 part
Licorice root 1/2 part
Place 7 to 8 tablespoons of herbs in 1 quart of water and simmer, covered
for 30 minutes. Drink warm as needed. As a tincture, take 25-50 drops as
needed. For chronic constipation, take 3x a week for 1 to 3 weeks.

Laxative Tea (Michael Moore, Herb Formulas for Clinic and Home)
3 parts Psyllium seed
3 parts Licorice root
2 parts Rhubarb root (Rheum officinale)
2 parts Senna pods, crushed
2 parts Angelica root
Drink as a simple tea/infusion in the evening.

Herbal Laxative Syrup - for adults (Kathi Keville, Herbs for Health and
Healing, p 84)
1 teaspoon honey (or barley syrup or some other natural liquid sweetener)
2 teaspoons cascara sagrada bark tincture
1 teaspoon licorice root tincture
1/2 teaspoon tincture of fennel, ginger, or peppermint
Warm honey enough to make it liquid. Combine it with the remaining
ingredients and stir well. Take 1 teaspoon.

CHILDREN'S CONSTIPATION - Keville suggests tea (recipe below); elderberry
jam; catnip enema; ground psyllium seed in juice; and slippery elm gruel.
For children's constipation, Susun Weed suggests violet flower syrup.

Slippery Elm gruel - for children (Kathi Keville, Herbs for Health and
Healing, p 221)
1 tablespoon slippery elm powder
3/4 cup water
1 teaspoon lemon juice (optional)
Combine powder and water in saucepan and heat until warm, stirring the
mixture to prevent clumping. Add optional lemon juice for flavor. Can also
sweeten the gruel with child's favorite herbal or fruit based sweetener.
Child can drink entire amount (for every 50 lbs of body weight). Drink
before it cools - as gruel cools down, it thickens and the thicker it gets,
the more likely your child will push it away.

Constipation Tea - for children (Kathi Keville, Herbs for Health and
Healing, p.220)
1 cup boiling water
1/2 teaspoon licorice root
1/4 teaspoon ginger root (or fennel seeds)
1/4 cup apple juice (optional)
1/4 cup prune juice (optional)
Steep first 3 ingredients; strain; add juices. Recommended - 50 lb child,
1/4 cup every 2 hours "until a change for the better becomes apparent".

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                             4 Processing herbs

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                          4.1 Making essential oil

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This info is copyright by the Australasian College of Herbal Studies,
Aromatherapy Certificate Home Study Course. Posted with permission.

>I would really be interested in finding out how to make essential oils.

From Dorene Petersen :

The most important production method for Essential oils is distillation.
The basic principle of distillation is the same but it is carried out in
different ways depending on the botanical material and the condition of the
material.

Three types of distillation are used:

  1. Water
  2. Water and steam
  3. Direct steam

Distillation is basically, producing steam. The steam is passed through the
herbal material. The steam carries the Essential oil from the plant in
suspension which means the droplets of Essential oils are not dissolved in
the steam but remain separate as droplets of oil. When the steam is cooled
it reverts to the liquid state which is water and in most cases the oil
floats on the surface of the water. The oil is then separated from the
water by dripping or pouring.

  1. Water distillation is used when the plant material has been dried and
     will not be damaged by boiling. It is also used for powdered materials
     such as powdered almond, and flowers, such as orange and rose, that
     need to float freely as they tend to lump together when just steam is
     passed through them. The material comes into direct contact with the
     boiling water and much care needs to be taken that the water does not
     boil away and cause the plant material to burn. Another example of an
     oil prepared by this method is turpentine gum. Turpentine gum is
     collected from a species of Pine (Pinus palustris) and the gum, wood
     chips and pine needles are placed in the distilling chamber with rain
     water. This mixture is heated until the plant and oil are condensed in
     the condensing chamber. Turpentine oil is not affected by very
     excessive heat.
  2. The second method of distillation is water and steam. This is used for
     either fresh or dried plant material that would be damaged by boiling.
     The plant material is supported on a perforated grid. The water level
     is below the grid and low pressure, wet steam passes through the plant
     material. The most important aspect of this method is that the steam
     is never really hot and always at low pressure. Cinnamon and clove
     oils are prepared by this method.
  3. Direct steam distillation is similar to the second method but the
     steam is hotter and passed through the plant material at a higher
     pressure. This method is used for fresh plant material that has a high
     boiling point such as seeds, roots and wood. It is also used for fresh
     plant material such as peppermint and spearmint. The crop is cut and
     placed in a metal distilling tank on a truck. It is then taken to the
     distilling tank on the truck. Steam is forced through the fresh herbs
     and the oil droplets are carried by the steam through a vapor pipe at
     the top of the tank onto a cool condensing chamber.

Cold Pressing or Expression:
This method is mainly used to prepare citrus oils such as orange, lemon and
tangerine. One method involves puncturing the oil glands by rolling the
fruit over sharp projections that actually pierce the oil glands. The fruit
is then pressed which removes the oil from the glands. It is then washed
off with a fine spray of water.

The juice is extracted by another tube. The oil is then separated from the
water by rotating it at a very high speed. Another method involves
separating the peel from the fruits and then cold pressing them. The
Essential oil is collected along with small amounts of juice, which is
separated.

Enfleurage:
This is an old method which was used in the production of perfumes and
pomade extracts for perfumery. Flower petals such as rose or jasmine are
layered onto warm oils, cold fat or wax. This process is repeated each day
until the base is saturated with the Essential oil. The resulting waxes or
pastes contain up to 1 percent of Essential oil. The Essential oil is then
extracted from the wax with a volatile liquid such as ethyl alcohol. In the
final step the ethyl alcohol is evaporated at low temperatures and reduced
pressure so that the pure Essential oil remains as a fairly thick liquid.
Cold enfleurage has the advantage that even the most delicate components of
the flower oils are preserved. The disadvantages are that it is not very
effective and it is very expensive. Flower oils prepared with this method
do not contain terpene-hydrocarbons, which indicates that these compounds
are not present as such in the flower, but form during distillation.

Solvent Extraction
This is the most widely used modern method to prepare oils from flowers.
The petals are mixed into a volatile solvent such as petroleum, ether or
benzene, until the Essential oil is completely dissolved in the solvent.
The solution is then filtered and the solvent is evaporated at reduced
pressure. The result of solvent extraction is a concrete. The solvent is
removed from the concrete by vacuum pressure without the use of heat to
avoid any harmful effect to the oil. The concentrated essence that results
is called an absolute. Absolutes are highly concentrated flower products
without the natural waxes.

The main advantage of extraction over distillation is that uniform
temperatures are maintained throughout the process. High temperatures
during the distillation process can produce altered chemical composition of
the oil which alters the natural odor. However, this method is expensive
compared to distillation, and chemicals or solvents used in the process may
still be present after evaporation.

I know this is kind of lengthy but it is not a quick topic. Hope this
helps.

Dorene Petersen
Australasian College of Herbal Studies 1(800)48-STUDY

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                   4.2 Pointer to the How-to of Tinctures

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Go get the latest edition of Michael Moore's Materia Medica from his WWW
site: http://www.swsbm.com .

If you wish to use anonymous FTP go to ibiblio.org or to sunsite.sut.ac.jp
and cd to
/pub/academic/medicine/alternative-healthcare/herbal-medicine/SWSBM/

Go for the manuals.

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A question on the herblist in November 97:
>Hi All, when it says on a bottle of tincture that the herb to menstruum
ratio is (say) 1:5, is this by weight? volume? and then if it is (say) 60%
alcohol, 40% water, does this mean that the 5 in the ratio is made up of
60% alcohol and 40% water?
>Also, how do you personally decide how much dried herb to put in that
canning jar before you add the vodka? I've recently been thinking that I
have probably been putting too much dried herb in, since in most jars it
doesn't have an easy time sloshing around.

From Henriette:
A specification of 1:5 60% is most probably for dried herb. Weight the herb
- let's say it's 100 g. The menstruum is by volume; metric is easier (for
me)(1 g water = 1 ml), so to get 5 parts of menstruum you add 500 ml (= 1/2
liter) 60 % alcohol to the 100 g of herb. With dried herb you can either
macerate or percolate. Maceration is the normal 'put herb in a jar, pour
menstruum over, put lid on, leave 2-4 weeks, shake every day or two'.
Percolation is faster, and actually quite easy, but the description of it
is lengthy...

You'll want a reliable materia medica to get ratios and percentages for
different herbs - a good one is available on Michael Moore's website at
http://www.swsbm.com (go for the Manuals, go for the Materia Medica).

Fresh herbs are usually done at a ratio of 1:2 and 95 % alcohol - unless
you use the 'simplers' -approach, which is to jam as much shredded herb as
you can fit into a jar, cover it with 95 % alcohol, close the lid, wait a
day, and top it up. Fresh herb is usually macerated.

The simplers approach doesn't give you very consistent quality from batch
to batch, so most more professional herbalists stick to given ratios and
menstruum strengths.

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                              4.3 Herbal Oils

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From Dorene Petersen :

I have made quite a lot of infused oils and the following is from the
Aromatherapy Certificate Correspondence Course offered by the Australasian
College of Herbal Studies.

It's not that technical but hope its helpful:

HOW TO PREPARE YOUR OWN INFUSED OILS AT HOME

There is nothing more satisfying than gathering a basket of fresh jasmine,
honeysuckle or rose blossoms on a warm summers day and then preparing your
own infused oil. There are three methods for preparing an infused herbal
oil. You can use fresh or dried herbs. Flowers are best fresh, although the
perfume of some flowers intensifies with drying such as gardenia, daphne
and boronia. If using fresh, double the quantity as all recipes given are
for dried herbs. If using fresh herbs for any of these methods leave the
herbs to wilt for six hours to reduce their water content which will spoil
the final product.

WATERBATH METHOD

15 gm (1/2 oz) dried or if fresh use 30 gm (1 oz) herb (this is the total
amount so if you are using a blend make sure you do not have more than
this)
1 cup of oil

Measure the herbs and oil and mix the oil to the herbs in a stainless steel
bowl. Heat over water bath (a saucepan 1/4 filled with water) also known as
a double boiler, which should be simmering. Make sure the bowl is not
sitting on the bottom of the pot but is floating in the water. Keep the lid
on the oil. Stir occasionally and simmer for 30 minutes. Watch the oil does
not get too hot. It should not smoke or bubble. It can burn easily and will
develop an acrid smell if it overheats, which is very difficult to
disguise. Strain through four layers of butter muslin or some other very
fine non-metal strainer. Strain twice if necessary as it is important to
get all herbs out of the oil to prevent the herbal oil from going rancid or
moldy. Essential oils can be added at this stage for perfume and added
therapeutic benefits.

SOLAR METHOD

Use the same quantities of herbs and oil as for the waterbath method or
approximately 3 tablespoons of finely cut herbs to 300ml (10 oz) of oil.
The quantity of herb can be increased to produce a stronger oil. Put the
herbs in a jar with a tight fitting lid and pour over the oil. Make sure
the herbs are completely covered with oil. Add one tablespoon of apple
cider vinegar or white wine to help break down the plant material. Leave
the jar to sit in the sun all day and in a warm cupboard at night for two
weeks. Strain through four layers of muslin. This process can be repeated
two to three times to give a stronger oil. The final product should be
strong enough to leave an aroma when massaged on the skin. Always test
infused oils on the skin. Don't rely on just your nose.

CROCKPOT METHOD

Use the same quantities of herbs and oil as for Waterbath method. Place the
herbs and oil in a crockpot and leave on a low heat for two hours. Follow
the recipe above for straining.

TO PRESERVE OILS

This is only necessary if you are preparing large quantities that you
intend to store.

  1. Add 1/4 tsp. simple tincture of Benzoin to 1 cup vegetable oil.
     Tincture of Benzoin is prepared from the gum of an Indonesian tree,
     Styrax Benzoin. Make sure it is simple tincture of Benzoin. Compound
     tincture of Benzoin, also known as Friars Balsam, is not suitable.
  2. Add 500 I.U. of natural mixed Tocopherols or Vitamin E to 1 cup of
     vegetable oil.

Dorene Petersen 

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                          4.4 Balms and liniments

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> Hi,I just wonder if anyone has any info about how to make your own balms
and liniments.

From: Shannon Brophy :

To make a liniment:
First infuse the plant in oil. Do this by baking at low heat (120-170
degrees) in a glass pan with herb and oil together, stir occasionally.
Then strain with cheesecloth and a funnel to separate plant material from
the oil. Squeeze out the cheesecloth. Then grate beeswax and add to hot
oil, maybe heating again over a double boiler on the stove. Pour the
viscous green stuff into jars and allow to cool. Can keep in the fridge for
a longer shelf life. Also, adding vitamin E oil to the mixture helps
preserve it.

Shannon Brophy, Midwife
visit the Roots & Wings Website at http://www.yoga.com

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From: Andy & Sharon :

One of the most popular liniments for muscle-, head- and backache is
Tigerbalm.
Tradition will have it that the Mongolian Horsemen from Genghis Khan,
roaming the plains of central Europe, had a very effective ointment against
saddle and back ache. Part of this ointment came from the Siberian Birch
Tree. A mixture was made out of lard, camphor and birch tree oil. For ages
this ointment was in use and got quite famous.

At the end of the last century many products were replaced by synthetic
components. The useful part of the birch oil (methyl salicylate) and the
camphor oil (the crystals) were available in synthetic form. This made the
ointment cheap and within reach for everyone.

A Chinese merchant composed a mixture of methyl salicylate, camphor
crystals and petroleum jelly, which he called Tigerbalm. It became famous
throughout the Orient and parts of Europe under this name.
How to make it: First you have to blend the oils. You can use the mix pure
or add it to petroleum jelly (vaseline) later on to make a balm.

Tigerbalm Oil - Natural - Recipe 1

Wintergreen oil  45 ml
Camphor oil      15 ml
Eucalyptus oil    7 ml
Lavender oil      5 ml
Peppermint oil    8 ml
Almond oil       20 ml

Tigerbalm Oil - Natural - Recipe 2

Peppermint oil   25 ml
Camphor oil      15 ml
Wintergreen oil  20 ml
Lavender oil     15 ml
Eucalyptus oil   15 ml
Jojoba oil       10 ml

Tigerbalm Oil - Partly natural

Methyl salicylate   25 ml
Menthol crystals     5 g
Camphor crystals    10 g
Eucalyptus oil      10 ml
Lavender oil         5 g
Paraffin oil       45 ml

Tigerbalm
To make tigerbalm take 100 gram petroleum jelly (vaseline) (acid-free) and
melt this by placing, for instance, a glass with vaseline in a pan of hot
water. The vaseline will melt quickly.
Once melted place the glass in a pan of cold water, and as soon as the
vaseline hardens again on the side of the glass, add 20 ml of your
Tigerbalm oil mix. Stir until cool. If you prefer the balm to have a
colour, add a drop of chlorophyll.

Apply a little bit to the forehead for headaches, or use it for muscle
pains and insect bites.

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>I find tiger balm/vaseline, to be too greasy for me. I created a simple
rub for my lower back pain (due to herniated disk) that provides some
relief. It consists of essential oil of Wintergreen and oil of St. John's
Wort, added to a base of Aloe Vera gel.
>The Aloe Vera gel is non-greasy and absorbs completely (to the touch).
This mixture also feels like it absorbs completely, and no staining of my
clothes as of yet.
>Can I make the above "Tigerbalm", but use the aloe vera gel? As well, my
herb book indicated that oil of wintergreen is good for pain and
inflammation. Could you also post what the other herbs are targeted for?

From: email.naturesway.ukonline.co.uk to above:
I cannot see any reason why you should not use your gel; the vaseline is
used to hold the oils together.
Here are some ways the oils react with your skin; as you can see lavender
detoxifies, while eucalyptus vitalizes, peppermint refreshes etc.

Essential oils and how they affect your skin

1. GREASY SKIN

Sage      : relaxes, improves blood circulation

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