ANTI-INFLAMMATORY INGREDIENTS THAT HELP WITH PAIN

​As I’ve got older, I’ve become intolerant to some skincare and ointments, and my skin erupts in contact eczema which takes ages to heal. That’s why I started making my own products so I knew what went in them – only the best natural ingredients.  Not only that, as I’ve aged I get twinges, aches and pains from past injuries in my misspent youth!  It’s annoying as I really didn’t sign up for old age but it seems to be fast approaching despite my trying to ignore it.
 
How many of you now have twinges in your knees, neck, shoulders, back, or have the start of arthritic joints?  It’s probably not surprising that the majority of us do, especially those who have been past runners, or sportsmen/women, or those that have worked hard outside over the years.
 
I’ve recently had a shoulder operation, and after 4 months, it’s still quite stiff and sore.  I started using deep heat, but then tried a hempseed product with quite good effect, however I wanted the heat feeling as well.  Out came the research books, talking to herbalists, and trialing different ingredients to see what was best.  In the end we kept it as simple as we could and used ingredients with high anti-inflammatory properties…

• Our Kawakawa Infused Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• Hempseed Oil
• And essential oils of wintergreen, peppermint and cinnamon.

 
 
Benefits of Kawakawa
Kawakawa has been used in traditional rongoā māori for centuries. Kawakawa leaves contain a component called myristicin which helps trigger the release of nitric oxcide from cells. The release of nitric oxcide is the bodys’ anti-inflammatory response which means kawakawa aids the body in responding to inflammation. What this means is that the plant is generally soothing and helps with reduction of blemishes, rashes and skin conditions such as eczema or psoriasis. The anti-inflammatory response can be so strong that it actually produces a numbing affect which is why it has a pain relieving effect.
 
Benefits of Extra Virgin Olive Oil
For centuries, extra virgin olive oil has been used topically to relieve every day skin ailments. It has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and anti-aging properties because it is packed with antioxidants and vitamins. It hydrates the skin by building the skin’s moisture barrier to prevent loss of moisture.

The high proportion of vitamins A, K and E, and a multitude of polyphenols protect against free radicals which damage the skin, making extra virgin olive oil effective in aiding common skin disorders such as: acne, psoriasis, eczema and nappy rash. It can help fade scar tissue and stretch marks.

We use Isobel Olives Gold Medal Extra Virgin Olive Oil, which is very high in polyphenols so we know that it is very good for the skin. We infuse kawakawa leaves in the Olive Oil for 6 weeks, then triple strain it ready for use. We store it in dark containers in a cool place to keep the oil in top condition.
  
Benefits of Hempseed Oil
Hemp seed oil is a hugely popular anti-inflammatory, and is commonly used to provide relief from inflammation and the pain it can cause.  That’s because it has high quantities of gamma linoleic acid (GLA), an Omega-6 fatty acid metabolite, with anti-inflammatory properties. GLA is also great for boosting your immunity.  It’s also very hydrating so it will also moisturise your skin.

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Wintergreen
The active ingredient in wintergreen oil, methyl salicylate, is closely related to aspirin and has analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. As such, products containing wintergreen oil are often used as an anti-inflammatory and topical pain reliever.
 
Wintergreen oil has also been used in traditional medicine for bacterial infections, colds, headaches and many skin conditions.
 
Peppermint essential oil
Peppermint oil is an oil that has many benefits and the following are just some of them:

• is an effective natural muscle relaxant and pain reliever thanks to its anti-inflammatory and anti-spasmodic properties.
• Calms muscle cramps and spasms
• Soothes back and muscle pain caused by flu or exercise.
• Improves circulation and relaxes tensed muscles
• Soothes headaches and Eases stress, depression and mental exhaustion.
• Effective against anxiety and restlessness
• Calms skin inflammation, reduces redness
• Lessens allergic reactions
• May cure and prevent acne
• Eases respiratory problems such as nasal congestion, asthma, bronchitis and colds and coughs.

 
Cinnamon essential Oil Benefits
It is anti-bacterial, anticoagulant, anti-depressant, Anti-fungal, anti-infection, anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, anti-oxidant, anti-parasitic, and antiseptic

 So what do we get when we combine all these in our Hot Rub?
 
 A super soothing, anti-inflammatory Hot Rub that can soothe all your aches and pains.

Power in a tin!  I swear by it!