FarmaCOPEia: Mentholatum Mixers

​An NP (Nurse Practioner) is my primary care professional. Although she works with me for all general medical needs, including diabetes, her long-term background has been as a pain management specialist. We get along great and I’m so appreciative of her expertise in homeopathic medicine options.

Not many years ago, I developed a brachio-cephalic blood clot. It was caused by compression coupled with Thoracic Outlet Syndrome (TOS). The compression was from hugging my arm against my side while on my phone. The thoracic outlet syndrome was caused by a clavicle fracture and muscular trauma to my neck, chest, and shoulder.

​Since the clot, I’ve had recurring pain in the shoulder and arm affected by the clot and the consistent discomfort associated with thoracic outlet syndrome, which in simple terms means the blood flows into my arm without much trouble, but if my arm is elevated, the flow back out gets interrupted enough that my arm will turn blue in a matter of moments.

​This doesn’t happen when I’m lying down but always happens if my arm is elevated for long, while I’m standing.

​In discussing non-surgical options to help decrease the trouble with the TOS, my NP suggested I try a blend of two OTC (over the counter) meds–Vick’s Vapo Rub and any brand of hemorrhoid cream. Vick’s provides wonderful therapy for much more than upper respiratory ailments. It’s also a preferred go-to medicine for musculoskeletal challenges, such as arthritis, bursitis, healing injuries, cramps, headache relief (including help for migraine), and more. Blending it with hemorrhoid cream adds an impressive anti-inflammatory agent to it that widens the spectrum for the health challenges it can help relieve.

And so, I put together a blend and added additional ingredients, most of which are shown below with the exception of Peppermint Essential Oil and hemorrhoid cream. I ran out of the oil a few days ago, and I used the remainder of the hemorrhoid cream for the second batch of the ointment. ​​

​To give you an idea of the rough-ratio I blended, it averaged being about 7 drops of each essential oil to 1 1.76 ounce jar of Vick’s, blended with half a regular tube of the hemorrhoid cream. I blended it right in the jar until the oil was thoroughly incorporated. Took less than five minutes to make the stuff.

I’ve used it (frequently) and it works great! 

Please be aware that Vick’s (or whatever menthol rub you use) is hot. Most all of the oils I used are also hot, so careful handling is needed and washing well afterward. If it gets near your eyes, you’re gonna cry.

Once more, I’m so thankful for holistic medicines and therapies. I’m additionally thankful to be in the care of a Christian medical professional who shares my pride in being a native Kentuckian and harbors a love for holistic medicine as grand as my own.

The Lord Jesus is so good to cross our paths with folks of like-faith, to walk in the Way with us, and share healing, encouragement, faith, and other good medicines!

If you try this, please let me know if it helps you. I’d love to know and so would my NP.

Before I close, if you missed last week’s post, pleaseeeee click here and have a look. It’s a post dear to my heart and hope it’ll be dear to you too, after you skim through it and thanks much, ahead of time.

Shalom!