Bye Boo
There has been an incessant throbbing in my left shoulder blade for what seems like ages, but while the soft hint of Lavender winds its way through my nostrils, I finally feel a sense of relief. My eyes are closed, and I’m paying half attention to the gentle pressure kneading directly into where there used to be tightness and pain. Another breath, and there is barely a hint of lavender, and the smell is more earthy now. The kneading has stopped, so I raise my left hand and wriggle my shoulder around... Perfect.
‘I’m good to go, Coach!’ I blurt out as I jog back to the dugout. ‘Atta girl, get back in position!’ he retorts.
Finally being able to finish a whole league match without my gimpy shoulder bothering me is a huge relief, but throughout the rest of the evening, I can’t stop wondering about what is in the topical my Totsie massaged into my pain to make it go away.
I know I’ve seen her use a product called Bye Boo on my cousins for minor cuts, scrapes, bruises, and stings, but I’ve NEVER known her to use it for muscle aches, and cramps, or pains! Was she using the same stuff she uses for the kids, or was this entirely different? And if it IS the same stuff, I HAVE TO know what’s in it!
‘HEY! A A - WAIT UP!’ I yell from the bleachers in my aunt's direction as I see her opening her car door to leave. ‘I NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THAT STUFF!!’ I quickly show her my back as I use my right hand to make a circular motion over my left shoulder, exactly where she had applied the topical during a short time-out. She motions to me in a “come here” fashion, so I scamper down and jog over to her.
She immediately starts telling me about the cream she used and it's exactly as I had suspected... It IS the ByeBoo product she uses on her kids! I couldn't believe that one product could do so much until she broke down the products’ ingredients and explained why they work.
Once the product touches the skin, it starts working immediately by melting through the top layer of skin, known as the dermis. The hemp and wheat germ oil help carry the medicinal herbals through the layers of skin where they enter the nerves and the bloodstream. All the herbs in the formula share some therapeutic properties such as being anti-inflammatory or a Vulnerary, which makes these specific properties stronger. When herbs in any formula share properties they work together in a process known as synergy which makes that specific property stronger. Meaning that the ByeBoo formula has a Strong anti-inflammatory action and also carries an amazing ability to heal minor wounds, cuts, scrapes, bruises, or abrasions.
She did mention that some people who are allergic to certain types of flowers or who are strongly allergic to wheat may not be able to use the cream and it shouldn't be used for those who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or in children under three years of age.
I wanted a full list of the ingredients and since she refused to give me the last jar, I was surprised to see what I had scribbled across a piece of torn notebook paper, but also more than happy to have been pointed in the right direction. I’ve included my findings below of each of the products ingredients. I discovered so much about plants and how they're used as medicine during my time spent researching. . . I wonder if Totsie has any free time soon so I can tell her what I found out and ask her if she has any other herbal product that I would enjoy.
Til next time -
Cali
Herbal Actions:
Arnica - This herb is an immuno-stimulant and carries a strong anti-oxidant action which helps to protect the cells and makes them stronger.
Beeswax - This wax helps to moisturize and protect the skin. It is also an anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, and is also known to increase blood circulation which helps blood clots to form where the skin is torn.
Bloodroot - This herb also carries anti-inflammatory action and is also used as a nervine and anti-spasmodic, which means that it can help to calm down over active or damaged nerves at the applied site.
Calendula - This herb has astringent properties, which means that it can act as a disinfectant. Works synergistically with herbs that have anti-inflammatory, nervine, anti-spasmodic, vulnerary, and sedative abilities.
Comfrey - This herb is neat because it carries a molecule called allatonin which does amazing things for the skin in a variety of ways like moisturizing, soothing, and hydration. It can also help exfoliate, helps with cell proliferation and carries a wound healing property.
Hemp Oil - This oil is known the break the blood brain barrier in order to access the bloodstream. There are special receptors in the brain known as CB1 and CB2 receptors that this oil specifically effects, and they are directly linked and work with a system in the body known as the Endocannabinoid System. This “newly” discovered functioning system within the body has been found to control and maintain overall Homeostasis within the human body (aka Balance) making sure that all other systems are functioning properly and helping neurotransmitters send the right signals at the right time to the right place.
Hyssop - This is the one herb that does not have major anti-inflammatory properties, however, it DOES work as an astringent and as an anti-spasmodic.
Lavender - Probably the most commonly known herb out of the group, and definitely carries anti-inflammatory properties. This flower also works as a nervine, sedative, and as an anti-spasmodic.
Plantain - This herb has a special quality that helps to sooth sore and inflamed membranes. Also works as an anti-microbial, vulnerary, anti-inflammatory, and as an astringent.
Rosin - Pine Gum Rosin to be exact.. Works as a nervine and also has soothing properties with coolant abilities.