In most modern cities in Thailand today, traditional cosmetic recipes enjoy more popularity than the latest brand-name items.
People there easily see the benefits of using homemade natural remedies instead of the mass-produced chemical alternatives. Herbs are commonly used cosmetically for their natural tonifying, rejuvenative, and antibacterial properties, and the people in Thailand seem to understand this in a way that many Westerners don’t.
A favorite topical application for soothing sore muscles, Tiger Balm is also great for colds, congestion, and sinusitis, when applied to the chest and throat. Try out this pure and totally natural recipe:
Ingredients
10 drops essential oil of peppermint
10 drops essential oil of eucalyptus
5 drops essential oil of clove
60 ml extra-virgin olive oil or coconut oil
15 g beeswax
Heat olive oil and beeswax in a double-boiler over low heat. Stir until wax is melted. Remove from heat. Stir in essential oils, and pour into small glass or metal containers to cool.
Note that commercial Tiger Balm is available in several strengths, and that you may adjust quantities of essential oils in this recipe. This recipe calls for essential oils, but extremely strong decoctions of fresh herbs may be used as well by following the directions here:
Combine fresh herbs in a pan with a pint of water; boil to reduce water. Strain. Combine liquid with oil and wax, and continue cooking over low heat until water has evaporated, making sure not to boil the oil. Remove from heat and cool in glass or metal container.
Read more: Health, Natural Remedies
Adapted from A Thai Herbal, by C. Pierce Salguero (Findhorn Press,
2003). Copyright (c) C. Pierce Salguero. Reprinted by permission of Lantern Books.
Adapted from A Thai Herbal, by C. Pierce Salguero (Findhorn Press,
2003).
Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may
not reflect those of
Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.
Really? Men have been working as secretaries since the mid-80s. Even receptionist, typist, data-en…
Awesome looking tree.
thank you for sharing.
Animals are much more intuned to nature and have more instinct in these matters. Just as they can s…
I'm so happy for these dogs. Thanks to all the people that are making sure that they have a warm pla…
6 comments
+ add your ownAm going to try this - thanks.
To THOMAS S [jun 29, '09]: Did anyone let you know what would make the balm have "ultra strength", or increase the heat? Please comment on it, if so.
Thanks
tiger balm, awesome. I normally use the ultra strengh. can u suggest which ingredient would increase the heating and soreness relief or combo thereof. for the strongest effect possible. thank you again. good stuff.
lable on the tiger balm shows menthol, which is actually a different plant but the active ingredient is similar. Be careful with eucalyptus oil, a relatively small amount ingested can kill.
Gotta save this for later. :) Thanks.
login to add your comment
use your care2 login
add your comment
20