I have never been a product person.
It’s not that I do not care about my body, I am more a product of my environment. As an outdoors person my whole life, sunscreen and body lotion have been the extent of my kit.
Working in the field, doesn’t allow for much time to pamper yourself. Although I use only organic products on my body, working on the road hasn’t afforded the luxury of a huge medicine chest of yummy stuff that allow us to remember we are each a goddess and our body is a temple.
But as I step into my 40th year, friends my senior have been noting the importance of paying closer attention to the body’s cries. ” Now that you are in your forties, its time to take seriously your focus on stretching, body care and balance.”
On the 4Th day of my birthday surfing vacation (last week), I was quickly reminded how fragile my body is. Another surfer unknowingly reamed my left bicep head on with his hefty board. Immediately I took stock in my range of motion. It was limited. Paddling became labored. The injury forced me to become more efficient with my paddling. And more appreciative of the opportunity to be in this amazing place for my birthday.
Barely lifting my arm out of the water, I began to breath into the pain, determined not to be beach bound the remainder of my time in Sayulita, Mexico. Not to mention the rest of ski season. (Note- this was my first ever winter warm/beach style vacation. As my livelihood focuses on the snow, I never considerated leaving the mountains for the beach during ski season. (Even to visit my parents.)
Like all good campers, I had packed a little first aid kit in case of any unforeseen injuries. As mentioned, I am not into products. But there are a few items that have proven to be successful in what they claim to address. That night I applied my special bruise formula to the banged up appendage. Tiger Balm and Herbal Cool From Elemental Herbs.
Years ago, I was turned on to tiger balm and di da jow, a Chinese liniment for bruises, strains, contusions etc. It was a little messy and took a couple applications to do its thing. Last year, a friend of mine asked my to try out her concoction. She called it Herbal Cool. I agreed, thinking in the back of my mind … I’ll never use this. ? But of course as all humans, I too had some bumps and bruises from life (especially my mountain bike). I tried the Herbal Cool and was blown away. It really worked and without even applying the tiger balm. I called her immediately raving about its success.
That afternoon, after pouring some tequila, I rubbed on my little potion- and walla- the next day – even later that night, my arm and my spirits had drastically improved. It worked relatively fast; leaving me so excited that my boo boo wasn’t as bad or debilitating as first deduced. And I did get to surf for the rest of the week.
Elemental Herbs products are all natural and are the real deal when it comes to an environmentally conscious business. If supporting the environment with your dollars is important, check out what they are all about. It is small company dedicated to “creating products that are good for people and good for the earth.”
Herbal cool comes in two sizes. One travel size and one economy size. You don’t need much. Just spray it on and soon you will feel the heat/cool sensation. Their lip balm is my all time favorite. Not waxy- super smooth, long lasting and doesn’t melt like other brands. You can even get private labels for your company or event (wedding or family reunion). I was blown away with these simple products and how effectively they work.
What do you like? What works for your bruises and bumps.
