HERBAL CARE FOR TIRED MUSCLES

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Each of the herbs mentioned here falls into one of three medicinal categories: external tonics, anti-inflammatory agents, and counterirritants. Lavender and rosemary, for example, which both have camphor in their leaves that helps draw blood to the skin surface (as does the oil of camphor available at drugstores), are considered external tonics ... ginger, calendula, and chamomile are anti-inflammatory agents ... and eucalyptus and wintergreen are penetrating oils, which irritate and stimulate the muscle, causing lactic acid to be flushed out. Therefore, to prepare an effective balm, herbs from all three categories should be included.

Once you've measured out the herbs you've chosen, cover the mixture with two to four cups of oil—corn, safflower, sesame, sunflower, peanut, olive, or almond oil will work—and gently simmer the concoction for about an hour. Then strain the blend through a finemeshed cloth—pressing the herbs as you do so—and store the oil in a sterilized jar. (You can add two to three tablespoons of beeswax or paraffin if you'd prefer an ointment.)

Because rubs ofer only surface relief, they're unable to tackle deep muscular pain. You can, however, obtain greater heat penetration—with these same salves—using a homemade hot pack. To do so, put the oil or ointment on your tender spot and cover that area with gauze or a piece of lightweight cotton cloth. Next, cover the bandage with a sheet of plastic wrap, thereby creating a vapor trap, and secure the clear film with skin-sensitive tape (it's available at most drugstores). Finally, enclose the whole shebang in an Ace bandage. (You'll find this pack particularly useful when circumstances force you to go on working after doctoring your ills.)

The herbal bath is yet another common means of treating aches and pains. I've found that a mixed infusion of stinging nettle and yarrow is extremely effective for relaxing sore muscles. You'll probably want to experiment with other herbal recipes, too. For example, try substituting mint, chamomile, calendula, comfrey, mullein or marigold flowers, hops, mugwort, or wild marjoram for the herbs listed above. Chamomile and mint are valuable for their antiseptic properties ... mugwort, wild marjoram, mullein, hops, and chamomile are "ner vines", or substances that have a calming effect . . . and the remaining herbs men tioned here are known for their effectiveness as anti-inflammatory agents.

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