Recommendations wanted

[annathepiper]

So I have this bottle of something calling itself "arnica pine salve" which my former chiropractor gave to me some time ago. It is supposed to be good for aiding the healing of bruises and muscular aches, and since I do in fact have some lingering muscular annoyance due to the whole arm thing, I decided to use the rest of this stuff on my arm. I've been smearing it on the last couple of nights and it does seem to be helping some.

But it's also kind of oldish at this point; I've had it for well over a year and I don't know how long this stuff keeps. The bottle has no expiration date on it, but it does smell a little different from when I first got it. There isn't any discernible change in how it works, though.

It's made by a company called Herb Technology, and there is a Seattle address on the label, but these folks don't seem to have a web site so I can't go look them up.

Has anyone heard of this stuff and in a position to advise me on whether I can happily use up the rest of this stuff vs. going to find a fresher batch? Also, anybody know where I might buy more of this or something similar? It's got tincture of arnica in it, and witch hazel, and pine tar, and apparently also turpentine and a couple other things.

Comments

[eveshka.livejournal.com]

This them?

Herb Technology
(206) 440-8667 12056 15th Ave NE # C2
Seattle, WA

[annathepiper]

Yeah, I think so!

Hrmm. A phone number. I could call them... on the... phone. How... quaint. ;)

[talyrath.livejournal.com]

*blinks* Arnica, witch hazel and pine tar? That sounds like something intended more for itches and rashes rather than muscle aches.

[annathepiper]

I'm going by what my chiropractor told me to do with it and I figure she was at least vaguely clueful about it. :) Originally when I got it, she gave it to me to tend some nasty bruising -- and it was quite effective in speeding the healing of that bruising. She also recommended it for muscular aches at the time, and the label on the bottom talks about that as its intended use.

[mnemozine.livejournal.com]

I've noticed on many jars of homeopathic stuff in my home that they stick a 5 year expire tag on it, but considering how one makes tinctures, it's likely to last much longer (unless in sunlight or in an open bottle).

Tiger balm ointment is good for muscle aches - but can be too hot and sometimes burning for those with sensitive skin. Arnica Montana is good to take internally for general muscle aches... but I'm not sure of anything really similar to whatever you're using :)

[annathepiper]

Thanks for the info, hon! I think I'll be alternating between the arnica goop I've got and the muscle cream that solarbird has let me use... just to see which stuff seems to make for a happier Anna arm.