As stated on the Smelly Science Home Page, I was handed the assignment of creating a Smelly Science activity for ITMCTRAV. I have an aversion to busy work and wanted to present an activity was educational, interesting, and useful. The event offers both Youth Rapier and Armored fighting and we know that fighters love to show and describe the acquisition of their bruises. These tales make for great fireside tales. So, I decided our first Smelly Science offering would be Bruise Balm. I knew of it but knew nothing about how to go about making it. Down the research rabbit hole I went!

#1 - BRUISE JUICE: by Herbalist's Fellowship, City-State of Marinus from Compleat Anachronist #27 - An Herbal Grimoire

You will need the following quantities of these herbs:

¼ cup arnica flowers (Arnica montana)

¼ cup witch-hazel leaves (Hamamelis virginiana)

3½ ounces comfrey root powder (Symphytum officinal)

9 ounces St. John's Wort flowers (Hypericum perforatum)

½ cup powdered black willow bark (Salix nigra)

You will also need the following:

5 cups 70% (isopropyl) alcohol

36 fluid ounces olive oil

Make a tincture of both the arnica flowers and witch-hazel leaves as follows: 

1. Mix dried plant material with 70% alcohol in a 1:10 ratio.

2. After letting it set for 14 days, strain through a muslin cloth, pressing out as much liquid as you can.

3. Leave for 2 days to settle, then filter out any sediment.

4. 
   

Make a decoction of comfrey root powder as follows:

1. Mix root powder with two pints water (spring water is best, or well-filtered tap water, if not heavily chlorinated) and boil for 10 minutes.

2. Strain the liquid.

Make oil of St. John's Wort flowers as follows:

1. 1. Crush the flowers in a mortar and pestle, then combine it with the 2 pints of comfrey decoction.  If short of 2 pints, add enough water to make the proper volume.

   2. Add 18 fluid ounces of olive oil, mix well.

   3. Pour into a large clear glass jar with a wide neck.  Leave uncovered in a warm place until fermentation occurs (about 3 to 5 days).

   4. Put on an airtight lid and keep away from light until the contents take on a red color (about 6 weeks).

   5. Pour off the mixture, discarding remaining plant material.  Keep airtight until needed.

Make oil of black willow bark powder as follows:

1. Mix bark powder with 18 fluid ounces of olive oil.

2. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and allow to simmer uncovered for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

3. When cool, pour into large container.

Mix completed oil of black willow bark, oil of St. John's Wort flowers, and tincture of arnica and witch-hazel together in a LARGE container, stir vigorously until well-mixed.  Pour off into sterile, air-tight, resealable (preferably green or dark glass) bottles.

Makes about ½ to ¾ gallons of bruise juice.  Stored in a cool dry place in good containers, it should last 1 to 3 years (if it doesn't all get used the first week).

DIRECTIONS FOR USE:

For use as ointment/liniment for bruises, sprains, and sore joints.  DO NOT TAKE  INTERNALLY.   Apply liberally to sore area (avoiding mucous membranes), and rub in until ointment disappears into skin.  Discontinue if irritation results.  Avoid open wounds where possible.  Apply as desired, but no more than 8 times daily, or irritation may result.

(Writer's note -- Surely you didn't think it was a 10 minute project?  Bruise juice takes at least 6 weeks to make, but ask any fighter -- it's worth it. Good luck.)  Bob Newmyer, rnewmyer@epix.net, http://www.epix.net/~rnewmyer

#2 - Bruise Balm: This is the most popular balm I make.  Fighters in our martial arts program have all commented on how well it works to speed the healing of their bruises.  Their doctors have commented on how well it works also.  The first two herbal ingredients are standard ones I always have on hand because they strongly encourage healing of bruised muscles.  The third herbal ingredient varies depending on my mood and the availability of the herbs at the time, but is always chosen for its helpfulness on bruises and sprains.

1 cup dried Juniper berries, crushed or roughly ground (Juniperus communius)

1 cup dried Arnica flowers (Arnica montana)

1 cup dried Bay Leaves (Anthimus nobilis)

Oil to cover

Wax to thicken

From:  Jadwiga Zajaczkowa / Jenne Heise, jenne@fiedlerfamily.net

#3 - Bruise Butter

1½ cup calendula flowers (pot marigold)

8 oz jar pure lanolin (anhydrous)

6 oz coconut oil

¼-½ cup comfrey

Put all ingredients in a covered casserole, bake at 375 for an hour.  Strain through cheesecloth into container, cool and label.  You can add eucalyptus oil or oil of clove for smell.  As with any salve recipe if it sets up too soft remelt and add more beeswax.  - Myfanwy

"Herbs for the Mediaeval Household" by Margaret B. Freeman

#4 - Bruise Balm: By Herbalist on the Bayou Guild, Principality of Gleann Abhann

6 bay leaves

½ cup lavender

¼ cup sage

¼ cup calendula

¼ cup wormwood

¼ cup rosemary

One large bottle of extra virgin olive oil. (I don't remember the exact ounces, but it was a big one from Wal-Mart. lol) Beeswax totaling approximately 4-6 ounces, as needed for thickness. All the herbs were combined in a pot and cooked on the stove in the oil on low (or simmer if your stove is so equipped) for approximately two hours.  Alternatively, you could use an old crock pot or potpourri pot (never use something for herbal recipes you intend to use for food later) and simmer it overnight.  This would keep the herbs from having a chance to scorch while cooking.  Just remember to stir.  Afterward, cool and strain the oil.  Melt the beeswax and add a little at time until the desired thickness is achieved for your balm.  It will need to be cooled to see the actual consistency.  This recipe makes quite a large batch of bruise balm and could easily be halved for personal use.

#5 - Bruise Cream: I think that one was mine. If not here is what I use in my bruise cream.  We sell this each year at Rowany Festival in Lochac and it sells very well and is very effective.

40 ml water

20ml of oil (which has had St. Johns Wort, Comfrey and Calendula soaking in it, in the sun for four weeks)

25 gm of beeswax

Combine the wax and oil and heat until the wax is melted.  Heat the water in a separate pot until it is ready to boil.  Combine the water and wax/oil mixture.  Mix the cream until it is cold.  You need to do this to make sure that it does not start to separate as it cools.  If you use a mixer in the early stages, it can save your arm a bit, but for large amounts the cream gets thick enough to break a hand mixer. - Caristiona 

#6 - Bruise Balm Making Class:  Instructor - Randalin in kyrra (toniaburk@hotmail.com)

Disclaimer:  Use of any and all of the information herein is at your own risk. 

10 oz olive oil (wet measure)

¼ Cup (dry measure) beeswax (~0.15 lb)

¼ Cup (dry measure): Agrimony, Comfrey, Peppermint and Witch Hazel leaves

¾ Cup (dry measure) Calendula Flowers (~same mass as the others - fluffy)

Tools: 1 liquid measuring cup (1 cup vol.), 

¼ cup dry measuring cup

double boiler with glass bowl

stapler

labels

Herbal Properties:  Agrimony’s blood-staunching and anti-inflammatory properties have been established by experiments in China.  Agrimonia eupatoria is also known as Church Steeples, Cocklebur, Funffing, Herbe de Saint-Guillaume, Liverwort and Stickwort.

Calendula officinalis is also known as Pot Marigold.  Calendula’s key actions are anti-inflammatory, relieves muscle spasms, astringent, prevents hemorrhaging, heals wounds and antiseptic.  The herb astringes the capillaries, an action that explains its effectiveness for cuts, wounds, varicose veins, and various inflammatory conditions. 

Comfrey (Symphytum officinale) is also known as Saracen’s Root, Knitbone, Boneset or Bruisewort.  Comfrey’s ability to promote the healing of bruises, sprains, fractures, and broken bones has been known for thousands of years.  It encourages ligaments and bones to knit together firmly.  A comfrey compress applied immediately to a sprained ankle can significantly reduce the severity of the injury.  The combination of tannins and mucilage helps to soothe bruises and scrapes.  Comfrey oil or ointment is used to treat acne, boils and psoriasis.  It is also valuable in the treatment of scars.

Peppermint (Mentha x piperita) relieves pain & reduces sensitivity when applied to skin.

Witch-hazel (Hamamelis virginiana) has a drying, astringent effect, causing the tightening up of the proteins in the skin and across the surface of abrasions.  This creates a protective covering that increases resistance to inflammation and promotes healing of broken skin.  It also appears to help damaged blood vessels beneath the skin.  It helps to tighten distended veins and restore their normal structure.

Discussion points:  

• Other herbs commonly used in bruise formulations: chamomile, bay, juniper berries, red clover, plaintain, rosemary, arnica, St. John’s wort, black willow bark, sage, cinnamon, eucalyptus, lavendar, clove.

• Not all herbs are the same.

  • quality – color, smell, source.

  • check species variations (ex: Chinese vs American variety).

  • check interactions/side effects www.drugdigest.org (ex: St John's wort - light sensitivity).

• Part of plant used:  leaves, flower, bark, root.

• Fresh (aromatics remain) vs dried (more concentrated constituents).

• Other topical formulations:  infused oils, ointments, poultices, creams, lotions, compresses of infusions, decoctions or tinctures.

Some period references:

Agrimony:  Outwardly applied, being stamped with old Swines grease, it helpeth old sores, Cancers and inveterate Ulcers; and draweth forth Thorns, Splinters or Wood, Nails, or any other such thing gotten into the Flesh; it helpeth to strengthen the Members that be out of joynt; and being bruised and applied, or the Juyce dropped in, it helpeth foul and imposthumed Ears. (Culpeper)

Marigolds (Calendula):  It is an Herb of the Sun and under Leo they strengthen the heart exceedingly, and are very expulsive, and little less Effectual in the smal pox and measles than Saffron.  The Juyce of Merigold Leaves mixed with Vinegar, and any hot swelling bathed with it, instantly giveth ease and asswageth it. (Culpeper)

Comfrey:  ...distilled Water..and for outward Wounds and Sores in the Fleshy, or Sinewy part of the Body whersoever; as also to take away the fits of Agues, and to allay the sharpness of Humors.  A decoction of the Leavs herof is available to all the purposes, though not so effectual as of the Roots.  The Roots being outwardly applied, helpeth fresh Wounds or Cuts immediatly, being bruised and laid therunto; and is especial good for Ruptures and broken Bones: yea it is said to be so powerful to consolidate and knit together (Culpeper)

Mint:  Dioscorides saith, It hath an heating, binding and drying quality, and therefor the Juyce taken with Vinegar, staieth Bleeding: It stirreth up Venery or Bodily lust...applied with Salt, it helpeth the biting of a Mad Dog;...Applied to the Forehead or Temples, it easeth pains of the Head.  And is good to wash the Heads of yong Children therewith, against all manner of breakings out, Sores, or Scabs therein; and healeth the chops of the Fundament.  It is also profitable against the Poyson of Venemous Creatures.

They {the eating of the leaves} are extream bad for wounded people and they say a wounded man that eats Mints his Wound will never be cured, and that’s a long day. (Culpeper)

Witch Hazel:  This seems to be a North American herb commonly used by Native Americans.  However, just a point of interest, the name is not a reference to witches, but derives from the Old English word for “pliant”, and the limber branches were used as archery bows. (Kowalchik) I included it because it is a widely used well-known skin care product.

References:  

Chevallier, Andrew, The Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants, Dorling Kindersley Lmtd, London 1996.

Culpeper, Nicholas, The English Physician, Printed by Peter Cole, Printing-Press in Cornhill, 1652. http://www.med.yale.edu/library/historical/culpeper/

Kowalchik, Claire and William H. Hylton, Ed. Rodale’s Illustrated Encyclopedia of Herbs, Rodale Press, Emmaus, PA, 1998.

Re: [Meridian Herbalists] Re: Randalin's bruise balm

On Jul 14, 2008, at 16:38, Tonia Burk wrote:

Greetings Magdalena, I began to research and make bruise balm for practical use.  My sources were the "Seasons" article in Pop Chiv a number of years back and various books and websites. It is not a redacted recipe. I just took what I liked out of each source.

Witch hazel and arnica are non-period ingredients I've used in the past, but I think the Agrimony, Comfrey, Peppermint and Calendula are period. Almond oil is much nicer on the skin (absorbs better) than olive oil, but much more expensive.

I have heard wormwood being used as a substitute for the arnica. It is pain-relieving, encourages circulation, and relaxes muscles.  Although it is associated with absinthe and its dangers, I have heard of no problem with using wormwood externally.  The medicinal use of wormwood goes back to Old Testament times (and, of course, is

mentioned in the New Testament, Book of Revelations as a reference to extreme bitterness).

You may be able to document period use of arnica, however.  Arnica montana was used by Europeans in the 1500s in NA and may have been taken back or traded to Europe by colonists.

I bought the dried herbs from Sevananda, a natural food store in Atlanta that has very fresh green dried herbs for super cheap. I wish I grew them all!

You can bake the mixture in the oven or heat it over an open fire in a double boiler (put your cooking pot suspended in a bigger pot of boiling water=constant 100 degrees C), which helps prevent you from having flaming bruise balm.

I gave samples out in little baggies in the past, but the oil tends to weep, so I suggest little jars if you can get them. It is great for the painful bone-deep bruises I get from rapier.

My only other words of wisdom are, of course, to use at your own risk and to let us know how it goes! - Randalin

#7 - Bumps & Bruises Balm

4 oz Almond, Sweet Oil

4oz Arnica Oil

1 oz Beeswax Pastilles - White, Unrefined

4 oz Witch Hazel Distillate

1.25 ml (1/4 tsp) Borax Powder

5 ml (1 tsp) Germaben IIE (Preservative)

5 ml (1 tsp) Lavender, Bulgarian Essential Oil

Combine the almond oil and beeswax in a double boiler and heat gently until the beeswax has completely melted.  Set aide.  In a separate container, carefully combine the water and borax powder and heat until very hot, but not boiling.  Add arnica oil to almond oil and beeswax mixture and pour the entire mixture into a deep glass container with high walls (alternately you could use a blender reserved for formulating) and begin stirring slowly with an immersion (stick) blender.  While still mixing the oils, slowly add the water solution and mix on high until a medium thickness cream has formed.  Allow to cool slightly before adding preservative.  If you are using fragrance, it can be added at this time.

Pour cooled lotion into a sterilized container and allow to cool completely before applying your closure.  Note: I store this balm in the refrigerator, although the preservative allows you to store it wherever you like.  When chilled, the cooling effect of the witch hazel is even more pronounced and soothing on bumps and bruises! 

(Allison B. Kontur, www.BathBodySupply.com)

#8 - Herbal Miracle Salve

1¼ cup good-quality olive oil

0.3 ounces dried calendula flowers

0.3 ounces dried plantain

0.2 ounces dried St. John’s wort

0.2 ounces dried Oregon grape root

1-2 ounces beeswax

essential oils

1. Weight the dried herbs using a kitchen scale.

2. Prepare the oil infusion. You can do this one-of-three ways:  Cold Infusion - In a glass mason jar, cover the weighed herbs with 1¼ cup of oil.  Stir to combine, and allow oil and herb mixture to steep for 4-6 weeks.  Hot Oil Extract - In a glass mason jar, cover the herbs with 1¼ cup of oil.  Stir to combine.  Place the glass jar in a pot on the stove, or in a crock pot, filled with a few inches of water on lowest setting (be sure to put a towel on the bottom of the pot).  Infuse the oil and herbs for 4-8 hours, a day, or up to 3 days.  Note: Watch the pot and add water as it evaporates.  Alternatively - According to Rosemary Gladstar, you may also do it this way:  “Place the herbs and the oil in a double boiler and bring to a low simmer.  Slowly heat for 30 to 60 minutes, checking frequently to be sure the oil is not overheating.”

3. Strain the oil and herb infusion through a cheesecloth, squeezing to extract as much oil as possible.  Be sure you collect at least 1 cup of herb infused oil.

4. In a saucepan, over very low heat, melt 1-2 ounces (depending on how thick you’d like your salve) of beeswax.  I suggest starting with the lesser amount of wax and adding more if needed.  Note:  To check if the mixture is the right consistency, because the salve hardens as it cools, Rosemary Gladstar again suggests placing a “tablespoon of the mixture in the freezer for just a minute or two.  If it’s soft, add more beeswax; if too hard, add more oil.” 

(http://frugallysustainable.com/author/andrea/)

#9 - Viking Balm

1 Block of bees wax

Extra virgin olive oil

Dried marjoram (Origanum Majorana)

Fresh flowers of:  

Arnica (Arnica Montana) or Common Daisy (Bellis Perennis)

Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla or Chamaemelum Nobile)

Lavender (Lavandula Angustifolia) 

Put equal amounts of the flowers in a jam jar, adding a teaspoon of dried marjoram.  Bruise the fresh flowers by squashing them as you put them in.  Pour over the olive oil and seal the jar, placing on a sunny windowsill for 2 weeks to extract the properties.  After 2 weeks, strain the mixture through a cloth so that the oil and plants are separated.  Give the flowers a last squeeze to get out last bits of oil.  Put the oil to one side.  Very importantly, you need to get the ratio correct.  It is 1 part flower oil to 4 parts beeswax.  In an old pan, on a very low heat, melt the beeswax block.  Slowly add the flower oil, stirring constantly but very gently.  Once the blend is mixed, pour into a jar, leaving the lid off, and allow to set.  Seal and label.  The balm will be good for a year.  Do not apply to broken skin, and do not use if you are allergic to any of the ingredients.

Directions: Apply the balm with your fingertips to the affected area, massaging gently in an anti-clockwise direction to take away the injury, making a circle nine times.  Ask for Eir's help in healing you, remembering to leave her a gift in thanks.

(http://www.grouprecipes.com/people/tuilelaith)

#10 - Herbal Healing Balm/Salve:  Submitted By - Patience

Summary: I created this salve after researching which herbs help minor skin problems - rashes, scrapes, small cuts, bruises, and very dry skin.  One friend even used it as a lip balm for her very chapped lips and had wonderful results.

2 c. olive oil

¼ c. dried comfrey leaves

¼ c. dried calendula petals

⅛ c. dried lavender buds

1 oz. beeswax

20 drops Tea Tree Essential Oil

20 drops Lavender Essential Oil

Instructions:  Place dried herbs into a crock pot.  Pour olive oil over them.  Turn crock pot on low and let set for four to six hours.  Strain infused oil.  Discard herbs.  Place infused oil into a 1 qt. saucepan and turn on low.  Add the beeswax; stir until beeswax melts.  Remove from heat and add essential oils.  Pour into 1 oz. jars.  Let cool and then seal.

(http://www.fromnaturewithlove.com/recipe/recipe.asp?recipe_id=409)

The first thing I noted was the repetition of certain ingredients, notably arnica (4/10 recipes), lavender (4/10), comfrey (5/10), calendula (6/10).  After researching the uses of herbs and oils and their attributed properties, the reasons for these repetitions became clear.  However, based on what I already thought I knew and what I learned in my research, I ended up with some questions that needed answering.  

• Was the use of Arnica as widespread as it appears? 

• Witch Hazel?  

• Wasn’t comfrey banned for being unsafe?

• Isn’t St. John’s Wort known for drug interactions?

Since I was ultimately going to be working whatever recipe I chose with children and sending a product home with them, I wanted to make sure that it would be safe (barring any individual allergies, of course).

Upon further investigation I learned the following:

Arnica is a perennial native to the mountains of Europe (Germany) and Southern Russia (Siberia), and is cultivated in North America. It can be a uterine stimulant and its use should be avoided during pregnancy.

Arnica | University of Maryland Medical Center

 http://umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/herb/arnica#ixzz2hY1pQlYa

Arnica is mentioned as far back as the 11th century and was used across Europe by physicians from the 16th century onwards for wounds. 

http://www.weleda.co.uk/page/arnica

Witch Hazel (Hamamelis virginiana L.) grows throughout the northeastern and southeastern United States. It is indigenous to the east coast and can be found in damp woods throughout most of North America.

http://plants.usda.gov

Comfrey is the subject of much controversy. There is a misbelief that it has been completely banned in the US by the FDA.  Taking comfrey internally has been linked to the development of liver disease or other serious problems.  According to the US FDA Poisonous Plant Database, “The external use of comfrey preparations should not be hazardous since the alkaloids are converted to toxic metabolites by liver enzymes only after being ingested.”

 Anderson, C.  Comfrey toxicity in perspective. 1981. FDA #: F01188 and http://www.uofmhealth.org

“St. John’s Wort appears to be an inducer of an important metabolic pathway, cytochrome P450.  As many prescription drugs used to treat conditions such as heart disease, depression, seizures, certain cancers or to prevent conditions such as transplant rejection or pregnancy (oral contraceptives) are metabolized via this pathway, health care providers should alert patients about these potential drug interactions to prevent loss of therapeutic effect.”

FDA Public Health Advisory - February 10, 2000.  

Risk of Drug Interactions with St John’s Wort and Indinavir and Other Drugs

Was the use of Arnica as widespread as it appears? Probably not.  It was indigenous to Germany and Russia.  It appears to be used more widely late in the SCA period.  Due to its strong warnings about use during pregnancy, I decided not to include it in my recipe.

Witch Hazel?  A rather broad question, but I didn’t think it was commonly used in Europe even today.  It is a North American plant and in fact is not widely available in Europe.

Wasn’t comfrey banned for being unsafe?  No, not in the US.  Canada banned several products containing comfrey.  It is highly suspect for internal use, but the US FDA has deemed it safe for external use.  

Isn’t St. John’s Wort known for drug interactions?  Yes.  Let’s leave it alone.

Carrier Considerations: Oil, Balm, Salve

The ingredients of my recipe could be mixed with a simple oil or added to a balm or salve. 

Process Considerations - As stated previously, my main concern was that I would be making this with children of all ages who would also most likely be using it. ITMCTRAV hosts many children of many ages, and we like to encourage everyone to participate even if it requires parental or child assistance. However, we want to promote a sense of achievement and success. We don’t want anyone to feel that what they made or did was not of their very own doing.

With that in mind I decided not use a method that would involve open flame, high heat, or hot ingredients. The hunt began for as basic and natural of a cream or butter base as could be found. This was more difficult and evasive than anticipated. I finally came upon a company called Aquatech and their Premium Body Butter. 

Activity participants would measure, add, mix, and package their Bruise Butter and get to see, touch and smell the actual dried herbs from which the oils were derived. So based on the following concentration measures of the oils: Calendula (33 d/ml), Comfrey (35 d/ml), Agrimony (39 d/ml), Lavender (40 d/ml) I determined the best ratios for my chosen ingredients.

Concentration Calculation Method: To determine final concentration measures: There are ~30 ml in one fluid ounce.  Therefore, the number of milliliters of oil required in each ounce of carrier oil (or base butter) is determined by multiplying the % desired concentration by 30.

For example, 10% is 0.10 x 30 = 3 ml

1% is 0.01 x 30 = 0.3 ml, or about 1/3rd of one milliliter

    0.5% is 0.005 x 30 = 0.15ml...and so on.

To determine the number of drops needed for 0.15 ml of Lavender oil which contains 40 d/ml; 0.15 x 40 = 6 drops will make a 0.5% ( ½%) concentration per ounce of carrier.

6 drops Calendula oil (infused)

3 drops Comfrey oil (infused)

3 drops Agrimony (infused)

3 drops Lavender oil (essential)

Measure ¼ c (4 Tbsp) of Body Butter base into a glass mixing bowl.  Add each oil, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. 

NOTE 1: It is important for the final scent of the butter to add the oils in the order listed.  

NOTE 2: The ingredient oils can also be added to your preferred oil, warmed, and thickened with beeswax to your preferred ratio, then cooled to make a lovely balm without using a prepared base.  

NOTE 3: Just FYI (because I always have to look it up):

1 cup = 8 fluid ounces (8 oz) or about 235 ml

1 ounce = 2 tablespoons (2 Tbsp), or just under 30 ml (about 29.57 ml)

1 Tbsp = 3 teaspoons (3 tsp), or just under 15 ml (about 14.78 ml)

1 tsp = just under 5ml (about 4.92 ml)

1 dram = 1/8 of a fluid ounce, or about 3.7 ml

4 oz water = approx. 120 ml

20 drops = 1 ml (water)

30 drops = 1.0 ml (oils)