External Herbal Terms

Liniments– Should not be ingested!!! This is solvent that is rubbed on the body and friction is created to reduce swelling, increase circulation and relieve pain. This can be as simple as witch hazel or isopropyl alcohol. You can use these for anti-inflammation and relieving pain. You can use ginger or black pepper infusion to increase blood circulation.

Ointments- this is usually a moisture of tea and carrier oil (1:4 ratio) whisked into a cream. This can be used for burns, flesh wounds, insect bites and stings, etc…

Salve– a salve is much like an ointment, but usually has bees wax added to it for stability and will not have essential oil like a balm does. You apply over surface and it is not absorb into the skin much. It is used as an astringent or anti-bacterial cover to help wounds heal properly by drawing out the infection it is usually used for cysts, boils, splinters and ingrown toenails

Compresses– a cold compress can be ice in a cloth, to placing you foot in a cold running stream. A hot compress can be a wet rag heat in a microwave or over a fire to a hot water bottle. A herbal poultice compress is heated herbs muttled into a paste and applied directly to skin. A clay compress is clay and a poultice mixed into a paste, applied and alloed to dry.

Balm– A balm is a mixture of a herbal infused carrier oil, bees wax (wax of your choice), and essential oils. The ratio for this is usually 1 oz of wax to 1 cup of carrier oil. Balms are used to heal, sooth and protect dry, chanfed skin.

Until next time, Love your weeds!!!