When it comes to natural remedies that soothe pain and reduce swelling, traditional herbal
medicine offers a wealth of options. In this blog post, we’ll introduce you to some remarkable herbs
known for their medicinal properties in easing bone and muscle pain as well as swelling. We’ll also
provide you with a recipe to create a healing salve using these herbs. This Nettle salve isn’t just effective for
pain; it’s also excellent for soothing irritated skin, insect bites, cuts, and minor wounds. Let’s dive
into the world of herbal healing with nature’s bounty.

Herbs that Calm Pain and Swelling

1. Purple Dead Nettle (Lamium purpureum): This herb, also known as purple archangel, is
renowned for its astringent properties. It possesses excellent anti-inflammatory,
antibacterial, and antifungal attributes.

2. Arnica (Arnica montana): Arnica is a well-established anti-inflammatory herb traditionally
used to treat swelling, bruises, muscle pains, and arthritic joints.

3. Comfrey Root (Symphytum officinale): Comfrey root can be beneficial for bruises, sprains,
strains, cramps, and swelling.

Preparing the Pain and Swelling Relief Salve

Creating Purple Dead Nettle Oil
The core of our salve lies in the purple dead nettle oil. You can make this oil using purple dead nettle
alone, but for added potency, consider combining it with two other powerful herbs: arnica and
comfrey root. Start by making a Nettle blend with equal parts of purple dead nettle, arnica, and
comfrey root.

Here’s a quick method for preparing the medicinal oil if you don’t have weeks to wait. Fill a
heatproof jar halfway with the herbal blend. Pour cold-pressed olive or sunflower oil over the herbs
until the jar is full.

Place the jar in a pot of water and simmer over low heat for approximately two to three hours,
stirring occasionally. Remove the jar from the pot and allow it to cool.

Strain the herbal oil and pour it into a clean bottle. Store it in a cool, dark place for up to a year.

Ingredients

• 43g purple dead nettle oil (arnica and comfrey root)
• 4g tamanu oil
• 7g beeswax
• 30 drops peppermint essential oil
• 5 drops juniper berry essential oil
• 4 drops rosemary essential oil

Instructions

1. In a heatproof bowl, combine the purple dead nettle oil and beeswax. Place the bowl in a
   saucepan with water and heat it gently until the beeswax melts.
2. Remove the bowl from the saucepan, add the essential oils, and stir well.
3. Pour the warm mixture into a jar or plastic container. Store the salve in a cool, dry place for
   up to a year.

Nettle: A Plant with a Rich History

Native to cooler regions of Northern Europe and Asia, nettle is now found worldwide. It thrives in
nitrogen-rich soil, blooms between June and September, and typically reaches heights of 60 to 120
cm.

Nettle products are typically made from its leaves, stems, and sometimes its roots.

How Nettle works

Common Uses: Nettle has been used for centuries to treat painful muscles and joints, eczema,
arthritis, gout, and anemia. It’s commonly used today to address early-stage prostate enlargement
(benign prostatic hyperplasia or BPH), urinary tract infections, allergic rhinitis (hay fever), and as a
topical cream or lotion for joint pain, sprains, strains, tendonitis, and insect bites.

Caution: Using herbal remedies requires time to achieve their full effect on strengthening the body
and treating ailments. However, herbs can have side effects and interact with other herbs,
supplements, or medications. Therefore, use herbal remedies with caution under the guidance of a
qualified healthcare professional.

Nettle is generally considered safe when used as directed. Occasional side effects may include mild
stomach upset, fluid retention, sweating, diarrhea, and localized skin rash (from contact). Be
cautious when handling nettle as it can cause allergic skin reactions.

Never apply nettle to an open wound. Pregnant individuals should avoid nettle due to potential
effects on menstrual cycles and the risk of miscarriage. It should never be used to self-treat BPH;
always consult a doctor for a proper diagnosis and to rule out prostate cancer.

Evidence suggests nettle may affect blood sugar levels, either raising or lowering them. Diabetic
patients should monitor their blood sugar levels carefully when using nettle. Nettle salve may also have a
diuretic effect, so individuals with kidney or bladder issues should consult their healthcare provider.

Conclusion

Nature’s bounty provides us with a treasure trove of healing herbs like purple dead nettle, arnica,
and comfrey root. By harnessing their potent properties, you can create a soothing salve that not
only eases pain and swelling but also promotes the well-being of your skin. Remember to use herbal
remedies mindfully and consult a healthcare professional when necessary. Nature has much to offer
in the realm of healing; let’s embrace its gifts and promote holistic wellness.