Herbal Topical Medicine

Herbal medicines, deeply woven into the fabric of our history, illuminate the power of Earth’s botanicals. Of these, herbal topical medicine consistently proven their mettle, healing and nurturing our skin and body through the ages. From the majestic courts of ancient Egypt to the traditional homes in China, these herbal wonders have been an integral part of skincare and therapeutic rituals.

Within the vast landscape of health and well-being, herbal topical medicines shine like precious threads of gold. They effortlessly blend ancient wisdom with our current needs, serving as a beautiful reminder of nature's abundance and its enduring impact on our health. As we move forward, these natural remedies invite us to find harmony between tradition and the modern world.


Art of Acupuncture Homemade Topicals

Art of Acupuncture produces all herbal topical medicine use products by hand and with love using only organic ingredients sourced from trusted suppliers. All liniments are done using 95% organic cane alcohol for extraction and ARE FOR TOPICAL USE ONLY AND NOT FOR USE ON OPEN WOUNDS.

Liniments are liquid herbal extractions that need to be applied repeatedly several times a day and gently massaged into the area for best results. Alternatively, a cloth can be soaked in liniment and wrapped around an area and then wrapped with an elastic bandage or cling wrap. Our liniments will stain light colored fabric. Salves are solid oil based extractions that liquify with body heat.

herbal topical medicine

Dit Dat Jiao/Hit Fall Wine Trauma Liniment

Centuries old martial arts formulation suitable for acute trauma and bruising, perfect for if you get hit or fall down! This is suitable for the first stage of trauma, typically with severe pain, swelling and heat. Apply frequently. This is a cooling liniment, do not use concurrently with heat OR cold therapies.

Tendon Lotion Liniment

Tendons do not have an extensive blood supply and heal more slowly than other tissues, with cold and damp easily penetrating. Tendon lotion is a warming herbal topical medicine for second or third stage healing, after swelling and heat have cleared. It is useful in both acute and chronic tendon injuries. Apply frequently, massaging liniment into the affected area. If this makes pain worse, there is still heat present and Trauma Liniment should be used instead.

Scar Salve

Helps to prevent adhesions in new scarring and disperse adhesions in old scarring. For best results, gently massage salve into the area twice daily.

vivid Ink Tattoo recovery Salve

All around healing salve for small wounds/cuts/abrasions and fresh tattooing, gently speeds skin recovery and prevents scarring while nourishing the skin.

Exceptional Pain Liniment

Excellent all around herbal topical medicine pain liniment for just about any stage of healing. Musculoskeletal pain, chronic or acute joint pain, jammed fingers or toes, and even post-herpetic neuralgia pain. Apply liberally and gently massage several times a day.

Castor Oil Salve

We made doing castor oil packs a bit less messy! Useful for menstrual cramping, painful abdominal/ovarian cysts, and fibroids.

Apply salve liberally to the abdomen, cover and apply low heat. Rest and lie comfortably for 30-60 minutes. (Also helpful in arthritic joint pain that responds well to heat!) Just apply to the area, cover and heat.

ZENFLEX MUSCLE BUTTER

Introducing Zen Flex Muscle Butter – your serene solution to aches and muscle spasms. Crafted with the power of arnica and magnesium, cocao and jojoba butters, and lavender and camphor essential oils- this soothing blend melts away discomfort, relaxing tired muscles into tranquil bliss. It also smells AMAZING.


herbal topical medicine

Types of Topical Herbal Applications

Herbal topical medicine applications are incredibly diverse. Ointments and salves, with their thick consistency, act like protective shields for the skin. On the other end of the spectrum, lotions and creams, known for their moisturizing prowess, hydrate the skin with ease. Herbal oils and infusions can double as relaxing massage mediums or be added to baths for a therapeutic experience. Then there are the poultices and compresses, which allow for a more direct herbal application. And for those seeking a holistic spa-like experience, herbal baths promise relaxation and healing in tandem.

Popular Universal Topical Herbs and Their Uses

  • Aloe Vera, once dubbed the 'plant of immortality' by the ancient Egyptians, remains unmatched for its wound healing and sunburn soothing capabilities.

  • Calendula, with its sun-like blooms, tackles inflammation and revives skin.

  • Tea Tree Oil, a gift from the Australian shores, stands tall with its unmatched antiseptic qualities, making minor cuts and acne a thing of the past.

  • Arnica, a treasure of the mountain regions, is a trusted ally against bruises and muscle discomfort.

  • Witch Hazel, native to North America, gracefully tones the skin and quells inflammation.

  • Lavender, with its dreamy aroma, heals minor burns, muscle aches, and eases the mind.


Methods of Preparation

Preparing these herbs for topical application is both an art and a science. Decoctions and infusions involve a dance of herbs with water, harnessing their medicinal essence. The maceration method, on the other hand, sees herbs basking in oils, alcohol or glycerine extracting their constituents over time. For those looking to craft balms, the combination of herbs, waxes, and oils meld together in a heated waltz to form salves and ointments. And, if direct application calls, herbs either fresh or dried can be placed on the skin through compresses and poultices.

Safety and Precautions

But, like all potent solutions, caution is the companion of efficacy. Before diving headfirst into the herbal realm, one must acquaint oneself with potential skin reactions through patch tests. It's also prudent to be wary of any interactions these might have with existing topical or oral medications. A discerning eye must be kept on the source of the herbs, ensuring purity and potency. And once these treasures are acquired, they should be nestled in cool, dry abodes to retain their vigor.

Comparative Advantages & Limitations

Topical herbal treatments, while miraculous, are not without their nuances. They shine in their sustainable nature, often leaving the environment unscathed. Their side effects, when used judiciously, are minimal, and they address health from a holistic vantage point. But they aren't without challenges. Some ailments demand more immediate or potent interventions. And, while rich in tradition, the realm of herbal remedies is still catching up in terms of standardized research.


Contact Art of Acupuncture Pharmacy

OUR OFFICE: 2941 5th Avenue North St. Petersburg, FL 33713

HOURS OF OPERATION: Monday — Thursday: 8:30am — 6:30pm & Friday — Saturday: 9:00am — 5:00pm

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