Category: Pain, Joints & Injuries

Herbal first aid for soft tissue injuries.  Sprains or strains of the joints anywhere on the body can cause painful inflammation.  The first step would be to ice the area if there is any chance of internal bleeding or bruising.  Arnica oil will prevent bruising from forming when applied directly after the impact. 

Note: Arnica Oil should not be applied directly into an open wound. 

An additional aid for internal bleeding would be to take a dose of Cayenne, a glass of hot lemonade would be helpful. This is a cold drink consisting of 16 to 32 ounces of water,  1 tablespoon Apple cider vinegar, 1 tsp cayenne, Lemon juice and Maple syrup to taste.  

Note:  Cayenne aids to equalize blood pressure allowing the body to control any bleeding more quickly. https://daradietz.me/2016/05/30/when-how-to-use-cayenne/

After the ice pack has done its job or if not Icing is required, as in the case of overuse of a joint, or any case where there was no impact or concern for internal bleeding, apply a pack with a good Healing Salve with anti-inflammatory properties.  A good combination of herbs and essential oils could be,  Comfrey Root; Marshmallow Root, Marigold Herb, Beeswax; Essential oil of Rosemary, Lavender, Frankincense and Helichrysum

For the full healing salve, with the herbs and essential oils and how it’s made, see A Healing Salve to Keep on Hand.

Apply as a salve pack over the abused or damaged joint for a couple of hours.  This combination of herbs will knock down the inflammation around the damaged area and allow healing to happen more quickly.  Also this will aid in keeping the discomfort from increasing.  (Remember, pain comes from blockage, clearing the blockage will knock down the pain.)

A good herbal combination to aid in restoring the damaged joint is Dr Christopher’s BFC formula.  His combination of herbs supports with the nutrition to “knit” the body back together.  BFC, Stands for Bones, Flesh, and Cartilage, this herbal combination of, White Oak Bark, Comfrey Root, Gravel Root, Mullein Leaf, Marshmallow Root, Black Walnut Hulls, Wormwood, Skullcap, Lobelia is an helpful aid for providing the body with the nutrition needed to repair damage to the Bones, Flesh, and Cartilage. 

The formula can be applied as a salve pack over the affected area.  It is also wonderful as an herbal extract taken as a cup of tea internally.  Leave pack on overnight, depending on how extensive the damage continue to use allowing the area to “breath” without a pack for 6 to 8 hours each day.

The past three weeks have taught me all I never wanted to know about foot pain.  Dealing with a case of Plantar fasciitis I have had to learn quickly what works and what will not provide relief. 

The most effective way I have found to relieve the intense pain has been using hydrotherapy along with stretching exercises.  I quickly discovered the hot and cold changes, which increase circulation, have the ability to all but end even the worse throbbing in my foot.  The relaxing effect of the circulation on the Plantar fascia tendon allowed for a more effective stretch with much less discomfort.

My daily program began with a new pair of supportive shoes.  First thing each morning I applied a BF&C Salve Pack to the bottom of my foot and another one around my ankle.  The packs are held in place with the Press N Seal wrap and my sock.  With the pack in place and my shoes on walking was much easier.

My herbal therapy program:

1 tsp BF&C extract in cup of hot water 3 times a day.  The BF&C Formulas and Salves have the nutrients to strengthen and repair the damaged tendon.

1 oz Echinacea once a day for 4 days each week.

Did an ELF; Flushed my liver one day each week.

Yes, I used the Advil as needed for the pain.  The first week I had to use the maximum dose allowed.  By the second week one dose a day of Advil for pain control was enough.  By the third week the inflammation is nearly gone along with the pain.  I am now able to do a half mile on my treadmill to stretch my legs.  The rebuilding process is slow.  As long as the tendon is stretched and supported there is no pain. 

Foot pain can destroy the quality of life, preventing free movement further impeding good circulation throughout the body.  Everyday activities become a trial when every step taken creates pain.  Here today are a few suggestions for naturally clearing foot pain.

Plantar Fasciitis is an inflammation caused by excessive stretching of the plantar fascia. The plantar fascia is a broad band of fibrous tissue which runs along the bottom surface of the foot, attaching at the bottom of the heel bone and extending to the forefoot. Achilles tendonitis causes inflammation and degeneration of the Achilles tendon. The achilles tendon is the large tendon located in the back of the leg that inserts into the heel.  Herbal Remedy: This issue is quickly cleared by applying a BF&C Salve pack over the affected area.  Relief is often found quickly using the BF&C Extract internally and applying a pack of the salve over the affected tendon area.  Leave pack on all night.  Pack can be reapplied and left on during the day if needed.

A heel spur develops as an abnormal growth of the heel bone. Calcium deposits form when the plantar fascia pulls away from the heel area, causing a bony protrusion, or heel spur to develop. Herbal Remedy: Apply BF&C Pack over affected area to dissolve spur. Heel Spurs are often cleared in six to ten days when packs are applied nightly. (The packs can also be applied during the day for faster healing.)

Bunions, Corns, Calluses; are some of the most common foot problems. A bunion is a prominent bump on the inside of the foot around the big toe joint. This bump is actually a bone protruding towards the inside of the foot. Some of the symptoms of bunions include inflammation, swelling, and soreness on the side surface of the big toe.

The Formation of Calluses is caused by an accumulation of dead skin cells that harden and thicken over an area of the foot.

Corns like calluses develop from an accumulation of dead skin cells on the foot, forming thick, hardened areas. They contain a cone-shaped core with a point that can press on a nerve below, causing pain.

Tailor’s Bunion, also known as a Bunionette form on the outside of the foot towards the joint at the little toe. It is a smaller bump that forms due to the little toe moving inwards, towards the big toe.

Herbal Remedy: Bunions, Corns & Calluses are slow to clear usually taking several months of continued herbal support to dissolve and complete clear the lumps & bumps.  Apply BF&C Pack daily over affected area.  In addition use the BF&C extract ½ to 1 tsp. three times a day in cup of hot water or juice.

Toenail fungus infection occur when microscopic fungi gain entry through a small trauma in the nail, then grow and spread in the warm, moist environment inside the socks and shoes. Fungal infections can affect the fingernails as well as the toenails, but toenail fungus is more difficult to treat because toenails grow more slowly. It occurs most often on the big or small toe, but might occur on any toe. Herbal Remedy: Black Walnut Salve and Extract are the most powerful anti-fungal remedies available.  Applying a application of Black walnut over the affected area will aid in clearing even the worst nail fungus infection.  See our Feet Info sheet for more detailed instructions.

Athlete’s foot is a fungal infection that causes red, dry, flaking skin, sometimes accompanied by pain or itching. The condition usually occurs between the toes or on the soles or sides of the feet. In its acute stage, the infected foot exhibits blisters that itch or “weep”. Athlete’s Foot can spread to the toenails, causing chronic fungal infections. Often when a patient thinks the feet are only dry and cracking, Athlete’s Foot is responsible for the problem. Herbal Remedy: Black Walnut Salve and Extract are the most powerful anti-fungal remedies available.  Applying a application of Black walnut over the affected area will aid in clearing even the worst fungus issues.  See our Feet Info sheet for more detailed instructions.

Anyone dealing with an inflamed condition is dealing with pain.  Inflammation makes for blockage which creates pressure and pain.  The real question to ask is; where is the inflammation located, and what is the best and quickest way to knock it out?

Recently I was asked for help dealing with inflammation.  The member asked if ‘Ginger root’ was an effective herbal aid.  The answer is…It can be if the inflammation is located in the skin, as in hives or blisters ect… but when we are looking at inflammation in a joint in connection to bone the best anti-inflammatory support is Apple Cider Vinegar.  Soaking the affected area in Hot ACV will provide quick relief, often overnight.  The ACV dissolves the uric acid crystals responsible for inflaming the joint.  Follow up with the A&R Salve and or, Arthritic Formula to completely clear the issue.   Using this formula along with the BF&C formula has proved extremely effective on all types of Inflamed Arthritic conditions.

Anytime the skin is affected with hives, Eczema or Psoriasis, a ginger bath can bring huge relief.  Add 1 or 2 cups of ginger powder to a warm bath.  This of course is only a temporary solution real and lasting relief will come only with a good liver flush.  That means it is time to do an ELF (Emergency Liver Flush).