HERBAL REMEDY FOR SORE AND STIFF JOINTS

 

One of my blog visitors, Mrs Dorothy Moore requested for an herbal remedy for her son, Michael, whose joints feel sore, tired, stiff and achy after exercising.
Well, here in Malaysia we go and seek out a traditional masseur for treatment of Michael's problem. Unfortunately, I think such practitioners are very rare in America. If there are then their fees must be exorbitant.

And so that got me thinking. As the Flower Fairie, I usually collect an assortment of herbs for my friends and colleagues to be made into a herbal bath to treat their ailments but then the herbs that I use are tropical plants and most probably do not grow where the Moore's reside. So how was I going to recommend a herbal bath for Michael?

I thought and thought about the matter and finally figured out a solution. It took me couple of days to look up the herbs that possess the properties similar to the ones that I use here in Malaysia.

I'd like to share the herbal remedy here with other American visitors who might suffer from a similar medical situation. They do not need to worry much about side effects as this is an alternative treatment and the herbs are used externally and not ingested. The bath will help to stimulate blood circulation, relax the muscles and get rid of gas from the body.


RECIPE FOR HERBAL BATH


INGREDIENTS

• 1 small bunch of basil
• 1 small bunch of dill
• 1 small bunch of thyme
• 1 small bunch of sage
• 3 sprigs of Apple/Pear/Peach/Orange Leaves (Use all or any two types)
• Orange peel (1 cup)
• Lemon peel (1 cup)
• 2 sticks of cinnamon
• Fennel seeds (1 tablespoon)
• Mint leaves with roots and stems (2 cup full)
• Ginger root (about the size of a fist)

METHOD

1. Fill a 5 litre pot with water (about 3/4 full).
2. Add all the ingredients except the rock salt.
3. Boil for 30 minutes.
4. Add the rock salt.
5. Boil for another 5 minutes before turning off the fire.
6. Wait until the herbal concoction become warm before carrying it to the bathroom.
7. Dip a face towel into the herbal concoction and use it to apply to the joints and the area surrounding it.
8. Repeat (7) a few times.
9. Add water to the herbal concoction until it is lukewarm.  Then use a scoop to pour water on the body.  
10. Towel dry.  Do not rinse with water.  You can shower after a few hours.  
11. You will feel refreshed and light after the bath.  The joints would hopefully be less painful.