My husband and I both
grew up using Tiger Balm for muscle aches and pains. However, after
learning that it's a petroleum based salve, I started looking around
for other muscle ache formulas to try. It's not that Tiger Balm
doesn't work, it's just that I don't want to deal with the horrible
side effects from petroleum jelly.
Petroleum jelly is not
absorbent in and of itself. It does seal the skin, so that the other
ingredients can be fully absorbed, and not accidentally rubbed off.
This sounds like a good thing, but what it does is clog the pores so
that there is major build up which can lead to acne and other skin
conditions. It also prevents toxins from being released from the
pores. This can lead to toxicity problems, including kidney and liver
problems down the road. However, petroleum jelly is also closely
linked to various cancers, including breast cancer. Because of this,
and it's high chance of being corrupted with polycyclic aromatic
hydrocarbons (PAHs), which are major endocrine disruptors, it's use
in beauty products is banned in several countries. And all of this is
without touching on the fact that petroleum is derived from crude oil
(along with paraffin oil, liquid paraffin, and mineral oil), as if we
needed another reason to avoid the stuff.
So now that we know why
I try to avoid Tiger Balm, lets get on to what I found that works in
it's place. It's a lineament called Dit
Da Jow. There's a bonus as well, while Tiger Balm works wonders on sore muscles, it didn't work well for bruising. However, Dit Da Jow does. It seems that
everyone who practices martial arts has their own recipe, often
passed down in their family. After much research, I came up with this
recipe that works well for my family. Now this is, traditionally, a
Chinese formula. However, I think several American herbs increase the
effectiveness of this formula, so you will see some of those in this
recipe. Also, since this is a Chinese recipe, I will list the Chinese
name for the herb as well as the English one. Dit Da Jow is great to
rub on sore mussels after a workout, on arthritic joints, and to
relieve the pain of rheumatism. This lineament helps to reduce pain
and swelling, increase circulation, and speed up healing of bruises, wounds
and other injuries.
A Word on Ingredients:
Dragons Blood (Xue Jie)
helps to stop bleeding, promote the healing of wounds, and reduce
pain. This herb is great for bruising.
Frankincense (Ru Xiang) has
been used in Chinese medicine to heal injuries and pain due to Blood
or Qi stasis. It works best when used with Myrrh as they have a
synergistic relationship.
Myrrh (Mo Yao) invigorates
the blood, prevents gum disease, and alleviates pain. It works best
when used with Frankincense as they have a synergistic relationship.
Arnica (Shan Jin Che) is
highly toxic, and not suitable for internal use. However, many
herbalists and holistic practitioners maintain that this is one of
the best herbs to speed the healing of bruises. It also helps soothe
pain associated with trauma and arthritis.
Plantain (Che Qian Zi) is
used all over the world for quite a few issues. It's known best as a
wound herb, however, and works well to reduce inflammation and speed
healing.
Comfrey (Comfrey) has been
traditionally used to heal wounds, sprains, and broken bones. It's
excellent at speeding the healing of these injuries and reducing
inflammation.
Nettle (Xun Ma) helps to
purify the blood, but it's also packed full of Vitamin K which helps
stop bleeding and speed the healing of wounds.
Calendula (Jin Zhan Ju) is
similar to Arnica, but much more mild and safe for internal use. It's
a great wound herb and helps speed healing as well as reduces
inflammation.
Angelica (Dong Quai or Dang
Gui) is considered to be a cure-all blood purifier. It helps to move
the blood and aid recovery, especially when dealing with wounds and
sores.
Clove (Ding Xiang) along
with it''s many other amazing properties, clove helps ease muscle
cramps and reduce inflammation.
Turmeric (Jiang Huang) is
one of the best known anti-inflammatory herbs in the world. It also
helps speed the healing of sprains, wounds, and bruises.
Dandelion (Pu Gong Yin) is
super high in Vitamin K which helps stop bleeding, improve bone mass,
and limits neuronal damage in the brain. It's a great tonic for
blood, skin, and digestion. It's also used in Western herbalism to
help soothe sore muscles.
Cayenne (La Jiao) helps
improve absorption of this formula, but it also reduces inflammation
and is a mild pain reliever.
Dit Da Jow
1 tablespoon Dragons Blood
(Xue Jie) powder
1 tablespoon Frankincense
(Ru Xiang) powder
1 tablespoon Myrrh (Mo
Yao) powder
1 tablespoon Arnica (Shan
Jin Che) flowers
1 tablespoon Plantain (Che
Qian Zi) leaf
1 tablespoon Comfrey
(Comfrey) leaf
1 teaspoon Nettle (Xun Ma)
leaf
1 teaspoon Calendula (Jin
Zhan Ju) flowers
1 teaspoon Angelica (Dong
Quai) root
1 teaspoon Clove (Ding
Xiang) powder
1 teaspoon Turmeric (Jiang
Huang) powder
1 teaspoon Dandelion (Pu
Gong Yin) root powder
¼ teaspoon Cayenne (La
Jiao) powder
80 proof (or higher)
Alcohol, Vodka is preferred
Instructions
Combine herbs in a 16oz
mason jar. Cover with vodka. Label and leave in a dark, cool place
for 6 weeks to 6 months. Make sure to shake it once a day. 6 weeks is
minimum, but the longer you let it sit, the stronger the lineament
will be.
This recipe is not for
internal use. Rub it on your sore muscles and/or bruises. Make sure
to rub away from your heart to help break up stagnation.
I hope this Dit Da Jow
recipe works for your aches and pains. If you have any questions or
comments, please leave them below!
Resources:
5 Reasons to Avoid Petroleum
and Mineral Oil in Your Skincare: Beauty Editor:
https://beautyeditor.ca/2014/10/16/petroleum-mineral-oil-skin-products
Authentic Dit Da Jow: East
Meets West International: http://eastmeetswest.com/
Dit Da Jow Herbal Remedy
(for pain relief and rapid healing): Wellness Mama:
https://wellnessmama.com/13236/dit-da-jow-herbal-remedy/
Dit Da Jow Ingredients: Plum
Dragon Herbs: http://plumdragonherbs.com/dit-da-jow-ingredients/
So, What Is Wrong With
Petroleum Jelly?: Skinplicity:
https://skinplicityofcary.com/blogs/skinplicity-of-cary/17013091-so-what-is-wrong-with-petroleum-jelly-aka-vaseline
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