A little traditional knowledge can go a very long way when it comes to taking care of our bodies on the day-to-day. The following compilation includes the common maladies I'm asked about most often and the elixirs, herbal remedies & lifestyle practices that I always recommend. 

For simplicity, this list is divided into Topical Issue, for everything skin & hair related, and Internal Issues, which includes congestion, pain and other ailments that affect us below the skin. Almost all of the following products can be found in our Topical Medicinals collection. 

Topical Issues

DRY / CHAPPED / RAW SKIN
DRY-TYPE ECZEMA / SKIN IRRITATION
  • Identify potential food insensitivities in your diet (the most common cause of severe eczema) or products that your skin may be reacting to (generally the source of contact dermatitis irritation) ~ common triggers include dairy, wheat, soy, nuts and cleaning products, fabrics, hand soap or other personal care products ~ remove triggers to the best of your ability 
  • For dry, raw, itchy or inflamed areas, apply Savior Salve as needed
  • If the area is extremely itchy, use Magic Mender to relieve itching
  • For very small or mild areas of eczema or irritated skin, use Solve All Salve until resolved
  • Avoid conventional soaps on irritated skin; wash as needed with Black 'Olena Cleanser 
INFLAMED 'DAMP' TYPE RASHES (FUNGAL, FOLLICULITIS, ETC.)
  • Spray S.O.S. Spray or raw Apple Cider Vinegar diluted 1:1 with water 1-3 times daily over clean skin 
  • Keep the area clean, dry & uncovered; avoid spreading through unwashed fabrics or skin to skin contact
  • For persistent rashes that won't go away, contact the herbalist at herbalist@indigoelixirs.com 
SCARS / STRETCH MARKS / TATOO HEALING
  • Apply Seven Seeds daily onto scars, stretch marks & new tattoos
  • Use Seven Seeds on the belly throughout pregnancy to prevent stretch marks 
HEMORRHOIDS / VARICOSITIES
  • Apply Magic Mender Balm to hemorrhoids soothe the area & encourage healing and use a stool for better bowel movement posture 
  • Massage Magic Mender onto varicose veins and practice daily full body movement to support vessel health 
CUTS / SCRAPES
ACNE
  • Wash face daily with Black ‘Olena Cleanser for problematic areas
  • Use Matcha Kalo Mask as a weekly treatment to detoxify skin & balance oil
  • Apply a thin layer of Sangre de Drago over zits after washing  & drying the area; leave on overnight to reduce inflammation
    INSECT BITES
    SCALP ECZEMA
    HAIR THINNING / LOSS
    • Massage Luscious Locks Serum regularly into the scalp to improve circulation
    • Use Citrus Bliss Rinse in place of shampoo/conditioner or as a weekly hair mask
    • Practice daily scalp massage & gentle inversion yoga postures that encourage blood flow to the head (like forward fold or downward dog)
    DRY / FRIZZY HAIR

      Internal Ailments

      HEADACHES / CONGESTION / COUGHING
      • Apply Head Tonic or Breathe Relief Balm to temples, sinuses, forehead and chest as needed
      • Pinch the fleshy area between your thumb & forefinger to stimulate Hegu, an acupuncture point that helps to relieve headaches & congestion 
      DRY NOSE / COLD PREVENTION
      RUNNY OR STUFFY NOSE
      • Apply a thin layer on the inside of nostrils of Savior Salve or raw unrefined Shea butter (both work as a nasal decongestant) or Breathe Relief Balm to help open the sinuses; use as often as needed
      EARACHE / MILD EAR INFECTION
      • Mix 1 part white vinegar with 1 part 70% rubbing alcohol in a clean glass bottle; use a dropperful in the ear 1-2 times daily until resolved  
      ACHES / SORENESS / INJURIES / BRUISING OF TISSUE OR BONE
      • For acute or chronic injuries, inflammation or bruising, massage Pain Healer Salve onto the affected area daily and especially before bed 
      • For sore, achey muscles or painful areas prone to coldness, apply Blue Moon Balm as needed
      • Make a fresh Comfrey poultice & use for acute injuries, bruising or areas with chronic pain 
      • Get acupuncture to speed healing and relieve pain & inflammation
      • Incorporate warming & circulating foods into your diet such as Turmeric, Ginger & Cinnamon 
      STOMACH ACHES
      MENSTRUAL CRAMPS
      • Massage Blue Moon Balm on to abdomen, low back & achey areas
      • Sip on Digestive Harmony Tea to encourage easy digestion 
      • Incorporate warming, circulating herbs like Ginger, Cinnamon & Turmeric into your diet to keep the blood moving and minimize cramping 
      • Minimize sugar intake in the week leading up to your period 
      • Avoid cold, raw & heavy foods & drinks; keep meals warm & nourishing 
      • Keep the abdomen warm with comfortable, non-constricting clothing
        COLD EXTREMITIES
        • Massage Blue Moon Balm onto cold areas
        • Incorporate Cinnamon, Ginger & Rosemary into your cooking
        • Practice daily full body movement to encourage healthy circulation