My teen daughter gets the worse chill blains on her hands and feet this time of year. She has the bad habit of going outside without shoes and socks. Like her peer she is often underdressed during winter. I remember those years of bundling her up in wool to protect her vital energy and “kidneys”. Many girls her age have “yin deficiency” with symptoms of cold hands/feet, poor circulation, and dizziness upon standing. I created this salve for her poor blistered toes and fingers. I also have her taking my iron tonic and using my kidney rub oil.
This salve contains warming herbs high is essential oils to increase circulation to small capillaries. I added some calendula to help heal up the blisters and soothe the itchiness. The rue deals with stagnant/obstructive energies or emotions.
Chilblain Salve
A two inch piece of fresh ginger coarsely chopped
3/4 cup of fresh horehound leaves
1/4 cup of fresh rosemary leaves or 5 drops of the essential oil
1/2 cup of dried calendula flowers
2 TBSP of clove powder
1/2 cup of fresh or dried rue leaves
Place all ingredients in a jar that holds about two cups of liquid. Fill with organic Californian olive oil. Let sit in a cool place for 2 weeks. Strain and use in the following salve recipe…
Add your strained oil infusion to a double boiler. Heat on medium for 5 minutes. Add in the 2 ounces of beeswax ,1 ounce of shea butter and 1/4 cup of castor oil. As soon as it is all melted and you see no floating pellets-test consistency by dipping a metal spoon into the mixture and placing it in the freezer for 1 minute. If you are happy with the result remove from the heart. If not, add 1/2 an ounce beeswax beads and test until you are satisfied. Let cool 2 minutes and then add in any essential oil. Pour into small tubes, tins or jars. Let sit 2 hours before capping and storing.
White horehound is a perennial plant in the mint family that grows easily on several continents. You will find it in gardens, dessert pastures, the wild, and wastelands. The entire plant is downy and has a silver “bloom”. The fibrous twisted root sends up several square shaped stems. Numerous leaves are opposite, petioled, round/ovate, wrinkled and soft underneath. Tiny with a pink/white two lipped flowers with a spiny calyx grow in axillary whorls in late summer. Prefers sun and well drained soil.
Marrubium has been used for healing since ancient times. It is a common ingredient in cough syrups and lozenges because it clears phlegm and prevents infection from moving into the lungs. It is thought to helps with bronchitis, laryngitis, hoarseness, sore throat, asthma, pneumonia, and a hacking cough. Historically this plant has bee used to treat fever, anemia, hepatitis, retained placenta, stomach issues, heart conditions. It balances bodily secretions and makes a bitter digestive tonic. It increases circulation (vasodilator) and sweating. Stimulates the production of bile and supports the liver.
Externally a serum can treat blackheads and rough/dry skin. Adds a healthy glow and moisture to the skin. As a poultice/compress it can be used on deep wounds, a rash or for shingles.
Taste: highly aromatic/pungent (volatile oils) and bitter. Requires a lot of sweetner to make it palatable.
Energetics:Moves energy, clears heat/cooling and toxins. Drying.
Element: Air
Spiritual/Emotional uses: protection
Contraindications: pregnancy. Excessive use may lead to hypertension. Fresh juice applied to the skin may cause a reaction. Large doses may act as a laxative.
Blackbird's Backyard Pharmacy 