The Healing Power of Balms

Balms are important and effective in the skin care world, and have been around for a long time. The scriptures talk about balms generally, and more specifically as the “Balm of Gilead.” A healing compound itself, the balm or resin from the gum of a tree, was used for the healing of wounds and skin diseases. The reference was also used as a healing for inner wounds and diseases.

A balm can be something that heals, soothes, or mitigates pain. Today balms, also called as salves or ointments, are used as a restorative for dry cuticles, elbows, feet. Some other uses of balms are:

-facial moisturizer

-effective acne treatment

-psoriasis treatment

-diaper rash ointment

-sore muscle remedy

Some oils that may be used in balms include -virgin coconut oil -extra virgin olive oil, -essential oil of lavender -essential oil of carrot seed -orange oil -ginger oil -tea tree oil.

Herbs are wonderfully effective ingredients that can be used in balms. Some of these herbs might include:

-calendula

-chamomile

-rosemary

-sea buckthorn berry -

lavender

-myrrh

-patchouli

-thyme

-yarrow

Other ingredients often used in balms are (1) St. John’s Wort, (2) beeswax, (3) vitamin E, (4) shea butter, and (5) rose hips.

A healing foot balm can be very beneficial for diabetics. It can help to heal dry cracked heels, and is also good to treat foot fungus. A new study has shown that chamomile tea may help prevent the development of skin complications. Chamomile has been used to treat inflammation and skin diseases and wounds. Research also shows that chamomile plant extract suppresses the growth of human cancer cells.

Tea tree oil, used in healing balms, is a natural antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal product. It is commonly used for skin ailments, infections, burns, and insect bites. It is effective against nail fungus, ringworm treatment, athlete’s foot, dandruff, and acne.

Essential oil, extracted from the flowers of yarrow, can be used in a balm as an anti-inflammatory, and is especially effective when infused with St. John’s wort.

Balms really can soothe and heal from head to toe, from facial moisturizers to foot cream. There is most likely a combination of natural ingredients in a balm that is just right for you.

Terry Christensen is an expert on natural skin care, and balms are one of the products she has researched. For more information on balms and the effectiveness for some of the uses mentioned above go to http://www.beautifullynaturalskincare.com/.