Description

A good herbal topical spray is worth its weight in gold. It gives immediate relief to an affected area, thereby underscoring its short-term effectiveness. When combined with a salve and/or tincture, it becomes an important part of a synergistic team of intervention over a longer term.

Cortesia's herbal spray is hand-made and hand-bottled. The herbs are steeped over many weeks for optimal potency. They blend herbs that give both a cooling and warming effect, and that work together for increased efficiency and penetration to deeper tissue levels, as transported by the alcohol bases.

Uses:

• Sore and inflammed joints, muscles, tendons, and ligaments
• Circulation problems
• Sprains, strains, and bruises
• Injuries or discomforts from sports, gardening, work, or recreational activities, associated with the above symptoms
• Other conditions that may benefit from short-term relief

About the Herbs:

Witch Hazel base — All-purpose anti-inflammatory, soothing and cooling, also anti-bacterial and anti-fungal. It is an excellent natural herbal carrier for the other herbal ingredients.

Isopropyl Alcohol — Acts as a co-carrier for the other herbal constituents and rapidly evaporates from the skin after it has done its job. The 91% alcohol content insures the best extraction of the therapeutic constituents of the herbs and the deepest possible penetration of the finished liniment. An all-purpose antiseptic and disinfectant, isopropyl alcohol is often used for rubdowns after physical exertion and for general massage purposes.

Solomon’s Seal (Polygonatum biflorum) — Works to harmonize, feed, lubricate, and tighten or loosen (as needed) tendons, ligaments, muscles, attachments, and joints. It is a valuable connective tissue anti-inflammatory.

Comfrey Root (Symphytum officinale) — This vulnerary, kick-starts the body’s localized natural healing processes almost immediately. Exceptional ability to heal wounds, ulcers, and fractures, and moderate pain. Aids in rapid cell regeneration and bone repair, promotes healing of damaged tendons, ligaments, and swollen or inflamed tissue. Good for soothing a sore back, aching feet, or reducing the general pain.

Calendula (Calendula officinalis) — An anti-inflammatory and vulnerary, it is excellent for bruises, strains, skin inflammations, burns, sunburn, and external wounds that are tender, red, and swollen.

St. John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum) — Relaxes sore muscles and aids in healing the protective layer (myelin sheath) of the nerves. It is effective for general pain relief, as an anti-inflammatory, and to speed the healing of varicose veins, bruises, and burns.

Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) Essential Oil from flowers — Helps strengthen the capillaries and has a rejuvenating and toning effect on the skin. Useful for mild muscular pain, rheumatism, circulation problems, excess cellulite, and arthritis. Contains camphor, a stimulant that increases body heat in cold, tense, and arthritic joints. Eases stiffness in the body caused by fluid retention in muscles and other soft tissues. Also fights poor circulation by increasing the blood flow around the body. Suitable for dry, mature skin. Adds a pleasing fragrance to the liniment.

Rosemary Leaf (Rosmarinus officinalis) — This herb has a host of uses and a long history of use. Rosemary is instrumental for easing muscle pain, stimulating the circulatory and nervous systems, and promoting increased blood and lymph flow. The terpenoids in rosemary, such as rosmarinic acid, rosmanol, carnosol and ursolic acid provide effective anti-inflammatory benefits. The rosmarinic acid also functions as a wide-ranging antioxidant and helps fight free radical damage.

Arnica (Arnica montana) — Helps remove congestion by dilating the blood vessels, supporting the circulatory system in more effective disposal of waste tissue and reconstruction of healthy tissue. It is an effective pain reliever and anti-inflammatory, and is useful for muscle spasms, bruises, sprains, and strains.

Cayenne Pepper (Capsicum annuum) — Reduces inflammation, soothes stiffness and pain. It is considered a warming ingredient because it helps stimulate local blood circulation to bring vital energy and healing to the affected area. Cayenne is a catalyst for comfrey, helping the skin to absorb it.

Horsetail (Equisetum arvense) — Horsetail’s high silica content helps to rebuild damaged cartilage and structures. It strengthens connective tissue, bones, cartilage, mucous membranes, arteries, skin, and other tissues. It is especially useful for misaligned joints restricted in their movement.

Menthol Crystals — A cooling ingredient that is refreshing, aromatic, and helps relieve muscular aches and pains. Extracted from mint, menthol is widely used in health and beauty aids.

Warnings:

• Keep out of reach of children.