Product Introduction: Ow, My Aching Everything!

A couple weeks ago, I talked about the process of formulating this newest item. The formula was finalized Monday evening, and I'm currently working on getting the first dozen or so jars listed in the store or delivered to U. G. White Mercantile in Athens.

Ow, My Aching Everything Therapeutic Ointment

I have to list all the ingredients by their scientific names on the back label, so I thought I would break them down by their more recognizable names here. The active ingredients include castor oil, rose hip seed oil, lemongrass oil, cinnamon leaf oil, clove oil, eucalyptus oil, wintergreen oil, and rosemary oil. Coconut oil is used as a carrier and adds a moisturizing element to the ointment.

Castor, rose hip, lemongrass, eucalyptus, and rosemary oils are all known for their anti-inflammatory properties. Cinnamon leaf, clove, and wintergreen are natural analgesics. So, you not only get almost instant, if temporary, pain relief, but the other oils work to reduce the inflammation.

The fragrance is an interesting and warm blend of rosemary, clove, and wintergreen with hints of the other herbs. After about an hour, the rosemary scent fades and leaves you with the wintergreen and clove.

It should be noted that, "Ow, My Aching Everything," is a topical cream meant to help with inflammation only. It tests well against strained or sore muscles and tendons, carpal tunnel, TMJ, tension headaches, and rheumatoid arthritis in the early stages. Hubby has also used it as a stop gap to ease sinus pain long enough for oral decongestants to kick in. Used alone, the relief from pain caused by sinus pressure only last thirty minutes to an hour instead of the usual 4-10 hours because it isn't the result of inflammation. The ointment meets its match with damaged disks, osteoarthritis, which is caused by a build up of uric acid rather than inflammation, and pain resulting from nerve damage.

Also, it is important to remember herbals can have side effects or be overdosed on. A little of the ointment goes a long way! A pea sized amount is enough to cover the hands and wrists. If you start experiencing stomach upset, you're probably using too much.

As with anything, the ointment works best in tandem with other simple steps such as drinking plenty of water, mild stretching, and rest. Because I am using it as part of my regimen to minimize the pain and damage of RA, I've found the most success in applying the cream before bed and after breakfast combined with avoiding foods which trigger inflammation, stretching, and low impact aerobics.

Because members of the mint family such as wintergreen and eucalyptus behave like a natural NSAIDs, I don't recommend the use of, "Ow, My Aching Everything," for women who are pregnant or nursing, those who are already on blood thinners, or individuals who bruise or bleed easily. I am working on an alternative anti-inflammatory ointment safe for these individuals.