This salve is so much more than a breathe salve; it's a ritual

How can this salve help alleviate your skin, breathing, pain and/or mood?

As a passionate salve maker for four years, I always add a little Shea butter in my recipes and my favorite infused herbal oil is lavender (Lavandula angustifolia). These ingredients help leaving skin soft and deeply nourished. The dilution is 3%.

The essential oils I chose are mostly supporting the respiratory system but are also helping reduce pain like Eucalyptus and Rosemary. I have used this salve to help heal a bad sprain on my right ankle two weeks ago.

1. Black Spruce (Picea mariana) is my go to essential oil during times of stress. This oil addresses respiratory congestion, supports immune function, and relieves muscular inflammation. It is rich in bornyl acetate and monoterpenes, has an affinity for adrenal restauration. Bornyl acetate has documented anti-inflammatory, analgesic (pain-relieving) properties. Out of this list, I think Black Spruce is the least known essential oil. The aroma is described as pine-like, woody, camphoraceous, with soft sweet, vanilla-like and slightly sugary nuances.

2. Eucalyptus Blue Gum (Eucalyptus globulus) can support respiratory issues (congestion, coughs), pain relief (muscles, joints) and antimicrobial action, thanks to compounds like eucalyptol (1.8-cineole) that clear airways, reduce inflammation, and fight bacteria.

3. Eucalyptus Lemon (Eucalyptus citriodora): can help relax and relieve stress, uplift mood, is an insect repellent, can support fungal skin issues like athlete's foot, helps open breathing, ease coughs, colds, bronchitis and sinus congestion, can reduce pain (muscular aches, joint pain, headaches)

4. Broad-leaved peppermint or blue-peppermint (Eucalyptus Dives) helps stop sniffles and clear up congestion. It's aroma is sharp herbaceous, woody & minty.

5. Rosemary ct. cineole (Rosmarinus officinalis) is revitalizing and clarifying, supporting respiratory function and mental focus when you feel foggy or run down.

6. Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) is a very powerful antiseptic, anti-viral, it has wonderful properties for the thymus gland. The thymus is a small gland in the lymphatic system that makes and trains special white blood cells called T-cells. It is located in the upper chest.

The creation of this salve sprouts from my desire to share with you how healing can be accelerated when there is a balance in body, mind and soul alignment. When we massage our body, we immediately stimulate blood flow and improve circulation which helps tissues heal faster. Enhanced circulation also delivers more oxygen and nutrients to cells while flushing out waste products and excess fluid. The massage action itself relaxes tense muscles and reduces stiffness, while the salve's active ingredients penetrate the skin to provide targeted, localized relief.

A breathe salve can also help you feel better by easing both physical discomfort and emotional tension. When you massage a small amount of the salve into your chest, neck, upper back, or under the nose, the warmth and touch increase local circulation and help you shift into your parasympathetic nervous system (rest-and-digest) more easily.

The ritual itself is also comforting: pausing, massaging in the salve, and taking a few slow, intentional breaths can become a mini self-care practice that signals safety and rest to the body, helping you feel more grounded, comforted, and at ease.

In the morning, when you do your meditation, this can be a moment where you pause for a minute or two or longer and set the intention of the day. It can be a prayer or a connection with the Universe to empower your vibration and to speak to your higher self.

Personally, I rub a little bit of the salve on my hands and breathe in for four counts through the nose, then hold for two and exhale for six counts. This helps me relax and unwind very quickly and sets the tone for the day. You can do this three to five times in the morning and in the evening.

Some safety and practical notes

• Do a patch-test by applying a pea-sized amount on the inner forearm first at the local market.

• To use a breathing salve safely, appy a small, thin layer to your upper chest, throat, or upper back, then allow the vapors to waft up toward your nose.

• Keep it away from nostrils, mouth, eyes, and broken or irrated skin, since these areas absorb quickly and are more prone to stinging and adverse reactions.

• Stop if irritation or breathing discomfort occurs.

• Store the salve securely out of reach so it cannot be ingested, especially by children and pets.

• Keep away from people with respiratory vulnerability unless guided by a qualified practioner.

• Keep the tin container closed to obtain a good scent preservation. When closed, slide tins provide a fairly airtight environment that helps slow oxidation

  and evaporation of the aroma.

• Keep the tin away from heat, don't leave it in your car.

  
  

Sources:

https://www.healthline.com/health/essential-oil-for-bug-bites#uses

https://www.alzheimersresearchuk.org/news/study-links-ability-smell-dementia-risk-five-years-later/

There are many uses for this salve: the Respiratory system (breathing), the Musculoskeletal system (muscle and pain relief) and the Circulatory system (blood flow). This salve could be your travel companion. The slider tin is very practical, easy to use and preserves the scent well.