Arnica cordifolia/latifolia are the native species of Arnica that grow here in Montana. It is my opinion that these species are stronger medicine than Arnica montana, which is most commonly obtained as a dry herb in commerce. This herb is very fragile, and ought to be processed fresh, but is rarely done so unless the Arnica is (ethically) wildcrafted and processed the same day.
Arnica is notoriously used to speed up wound healing, surgical recovery time, and is indicated for "pain aggravated by movement." It is helpful for rainbow bruises, hyperextension, and in injuries where there is fluid build up. Arnica is a powerful local immune stimulant to macrophage, which are the white blood cells responsible for cleaning up waste products (often seen after injuries). Apply Arnica around deep wounds, avoiding direct application with the wound itself. Arnica is contraindicated with open wounds and broken skin.
St. John's Wort, or Hypericum perforata, is a special little weed named after it's prime constituent, Hypericin. This is a deep red pigment that is found only in the fresh flowering buds of the plant, and is another plant that must be processed while fresh. Unfortunately for commercial product manufacturers, this rarely occurs, and often results in medicinally devoid products. Check for a deep red pigment when purchasing products containing this plant. *This salve is dark green in color due to the amount of chlorophyll extracted from the other fresh plants, and the CBD extract used, which cover up the red pigment. See product photos for the St. Johns Oil before it gets mixed with the other ingredients in this salve!*
While exploited for nearly a decade for it's potential use in Seasonal Affective Disorders and Depression, St. John's Wort actually works on many facets of the nervous system outside of the brain itself. When applied topically, Hypericum is the #1 herb indicated for nerve pain. From Shingles to Cold Sores and Genital Herpes to Sciatica, Fibromyalgia, Surgical Nerve Damage, or Tingling and Numbing sensations, Hypericum can help regenerate and soothe nerves over time.*These statements are not intended to diagnose, cure, treat or prevent disease or illness and are strictly educational*
Yarrow, or Achillea millefolium, is an analgesic, anti-spasmodic, anti-inflammatory, and powerful antimicrobial herb that relieves pain from burns and strengthens blood flow. Herbalists tout her as "Ruler of the Blood," as she works both as a hemastat to quickly stop bleeding, as well as an emmenegogue to help induce or promote menstruation when needed. Yarrow works well on varicose veins, and is a natural source of camphor, a common ingredient additive in topical pain remedies. Remember not to use this salve to stop bleeding, since it contains Arnica.
CBD works both as a synergist to the other components of this salve; enhancing, strengthening, and moderating all of their properties, in addition to having many potent analgesic qualities of its own.
I use a whole plant, minimally processed extract that is loaded with over 400 phytochemicals, which represent the original plant material.
Whole plants work long term without causing dependency or leading to tolerances, unlike standardized and isolated extracts. The contraindications for whole plant medicines are fewer, and the user will experience consistent, long term benefits. Isolates have contraindications, and new research shows that there is a bell shaped response curve for efficacy; isolates only work for two weeks before they drop off over time and become ineffective.
The combination of potent, fresh plant oils & true Full Spectrum CBD extract are sure to give you the most effective and high-quality topical pain fighting formula you may ever get your hands on.
It's a best seller for a reason. *Stock is limited to due seasonal access to fresh plant material*
