5 Herbal Products for Summer

by David Bunting

Usually when we think of seasonal herbs and extracts, we think of winter colds and flu. But as weather warms, our increased activity and time spent outdoors inspires another collection of season-related products. Here is a group of five products that, while certainly not limited to use in summer, have particularly useful applications during the warmer months. These products were specifically designed to help the body cope and recover from the strains, bruises, wounds and weathered, damaged skin that can come with increased outdoor activity.

Propolis/Echinacea Throat Spray makes an excellent first-aid spray for cuts, scrapes and scratches. Its actions are similar to those in sore throat in that Propolis/Echinacea Throat Spray reduces inflammation and acts as an antiseptic to limit or prevent infection. Among its blend of ingredients, Propolis and Sage are antimicrobial while Saint John's Wort speeds the healing of skin and relieves pain from damaged and irritated nerves. Echinacea also helps in both of these respects. An added benefit of Propolis is that its resinous nature creates a protective coating over the wound. Due to its alcohol content, Propolis/Echinacea Throat Spray may sting at first when applied to broken skin.

Herb Pharm's Original Salve™ is ideal for speeding the healing of all sorts of skin conditions including wounds and inflammations. It serves as a soothing anti-inflammatory and vulnerary (skin healer) for burns, including sunburn.The burn should be cooled down first with iced water or vinegar. Otherwise, the oil base will trap heat in the skin. Once the heat has dissipated, gently apply Herb Pharm's Original Salve™ to the affected area. Another perfect summer application of Herb Pharm's Original Salve™ is for chapped and cracking skin as seen in "gardener's hands" and dry feet.

For many, summer is a time for organized sports activities or a chance to kick an athletic training regimen into high gear. For the serious athlete, Herb Pharm makes Athlete's Power Tonic™. The herbs in this compound contain natural phytosterols (plant steroids) which, unlike synthetic steroids, are safe to use and do not have health-threatening side effects. Athlete's Power Tonic is used internally, to help facilitate speedier recovery and is recommended in any situation where the body is being pushed past its normal limits.

Trauma Oil™ is useful for many conditions including strains and inflammations of muscles and joints, and it is specifically indicated where the trauma has been overt, such as sprains, contusions, fractures and dislocations. Trauma Oil should be gently massaged onto the traumatized area, and then covered with a cotton cloth.

Trauma Drops™ serve as an internal adjunct in all cases that warrant the topical use of Trauma Oil.

Summer hiking and wildcrafting can bring us into contact with Poison Oak and Poison Ivy. Resins on these plants initiate a reaction in many (but not all) people that manifests as blisters and severe itching after a day or two.

If you are sensitive to Poison Oak/Ivy and have been exposed, try to get the area washed as soon as possible with hot soapy water. As much as possible, try to prevent the soapy water from running onto non-affected skin. If preventive measures do not work, Soothing Oak & Ivy™ Compound will quickly relieve the intense itching and can minimize the spread of blisters. Avoid getting the spray in eyes or on sensitive skin. A washcloth dipped in ice water can also be applied to these areas for temporary relief.

Skin and muscles get an added dose of wear and tear during the summer months. Preventive measures such as proper stretching, sunscreen and general safety awareness can preclude many of the injuries common to the summer months. When skin is damaged, preventing infections and speeding healing with Herb Pharm's external use products is the best way to stay healthy and get back to summer fun.