hen it comes to pain, you want to use a product that is all natural or organic; that means: The herbs were grown without use of harmful ingredients as in unnatural pesticides; that the ingredients do not contain parabens or other synthetic preservatives, or petroleum chemical bases of any kind, which includes artificial fragrances. (I’ll create a blog soon about what ingredients to avoid in skincare products.)
In my massage therapy practice, the main pain I wanted to address was the muscular and joint pain of my clients. I am grateful today, that after researching which herbs work best for pain that I was able to create a salve for pain relief that went above and beyond my greatest expectations! Here are some of the herbs I use topically for their natural healing and pain relieving properties:
- St. John’s Wort – is used externally for bruises, sprains, burns, skin irritations and some nerve pain. It is a pain reliever, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and known to calm the nerves. (Read more about St Johns Wort.)
- Arnica – Is an analgesic, relieving pain, an anti-inflammatory and wound healer. It is a favorite for using on sports related injuries, sprains and bruising and general muscle and joint pain. (See Avani’s Muscle Ease Bath Teas.)
- Valerian – has been used for centuries as an antispasmodic relieving muscle spasms and strain, and rheumatoid symptoms. It is also very effective as a sleep aid, without the after effect as other sleep related drugs have. (Go to my Salve for Pain Relief.)
A word of caution if you are on antidepressants or anti-anxiety medications, especially take care when using nervine effecting herbs like St. John’s Wort and/or Valerian. You should always consult your doctor before trying anything new or if you are on prescribed medications. Whether it is an herbal remedy, diet supplement, or pain relief, it is always wise practice to consult with your physician. We are all unique and different and will react differently to certain ingredients. Know your body; make safe and wise decisions.
Hi Kathleen
My Mom purchased the salve at the bizarre in Albany. I love it!! I have osteoarthritis in my lower back, and hips and I cannot tell you enough how much this salve has helped with my pain. I was wondering though how often I can use it. So far I have been using it twice per day, once in the morning and before I go to bed.
Hi Kara! Many of my Avani clients start out using the Salve for their arthritis more frequently, usually “as needed” throughout the day, however over a pretty short time period they find out they don’t need to use it so often. The reason for this is because the Salve also has herbs in it that lessen the inflammation, which is a big component of arthritis pain. So using it frequently at first as needed should be fine. If you are on blood thinning medications or heavy doses of NSAIDs I would recommend checking with your doctor first.
When I created the Salve formula my focus was mainly on muscle pain, but I am so pleased to see how amazing it works for arthritis suffers like yourself!!!! So glad you are finding relief!
I live in Lincoln City and love your salve. Since the Farmers market is over for the season do you have a physical shop where I can purchase more product? Or is it Internet only? Please let me know. Thank you. Lynne lenker
Hi Lynn! I am glad to hear the Salve is working for you! I am sorry the Lincoln City Farmers Market is over for the season. Yes, you can order on the Internet, or if you feel more comfortable ordering by phone, that is also an option. I can be reached at 541-401-1648. This time of year we do Holiday Shows only. I have them listed on my webstite under events:
Next weekend we will be in Happy Valley in Portland, then the 1st 2 weeks of December in Albany, then Salem.
I hope that helps.