I just received an excellent article about the healing properties of the formula San Huang San, or Herbal Ice, as we've decided to name our version. The article is from Plum Dragon Herbs, a company that specializes in external herb formulations for martial artists and sells single herbs and herbal formulations to craft at home (if you're feeling creative and want to make your own medicinals at home!! I encourage you, it's loads of fun!!). San Huang San is a classic formulation for traumatic injury, using it immediately after sprains or strains when there's inflammation and swelling.

These guys have a really beautiful breakdown of the actions of this formula. In the martial arts world, this formula was often taken internally as well as applied externally (our version is meant for external use only), and while there are many formulas Eastern and Western to use in cases of acute injury, they discuss the benefits of using this particular formulation over ice for acute injuries.

We use this salve in our house in place of ice and have had great success in treating many a sprained ankle!! Enjoy reading this article, gleaning bits of wisdom, and let me know if you're interested in this as a liniment, as they talk about in the article!! I'd love to make it with Seattle's local Sound Spirits!!

Ru xiang, or Boswellia papyifera, is commonly known as frankincense. The trees that frankincense is harvested from are primarily grown in Somalia and India. After lancing the trees it takes about 3 months for the hardened resin to fully dry for harvest.

This herb has the properties of being warm in temperature, acrid and bitter, and is used in many formulas for topical and internal use to invigorate the Blood, promote the movement of Qi, alleviate pain and generate flesh. Because of it's Blood moving abilities, it is *contraindicated during pregnancy*. A classic pairing is ru xiang with mo yao, myrrh.

It is in many of my liniments, salves and ointments to help invigorate the Blood, soften the sinews, alleviate pain, and promote the healing of injuries. It's also known and widely used to help promote healthy gums and can be found in many natural and Ayurvedic toothpastes and mouthwashes. Frankincense as an essential oil has an intoxicating, deeply rich and earthy aroma that the 'tears' also possess and is often used as support to the nervous system and adrenals as well as in a carrier oil for topical application to the skin (especially the face).

Recent studies conducted by researchers from John's Hopkins University point to a correlation between burning frankincense resin and the alleviation of mild symptoms of anxiety and depression; it is one of the main ingredients in my Sacred Space Incense. There is also ongoing research testing the efficacy of it's use in alleviating joint pain due to arthritis. I'll be keeping my eyes out for the results of these studies!

This information is for educational purposes only. It has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not meant to treat, cure, or prevent any disease.