Friday 18 April 2008

Swedish Bitters cream

I'm researching external uses for Swedish Bitters in preparation for a therapeutic cream I want to make that contains it. As with it's internal uses, it seems to be very diverse and was apparently recommended by Maria Treben for all kinds of skin problems. 

Uses reported for Swedish Bitters cream:-
  • Circulation problems
  • Pain relief (I've seen combined bitters & cayenne pepper creams for this as well)
  • Chapped or sore skin
  • Varicose veins
  • Eczema
  • Athlete's foot
  • General skin irritations
  • Relief from insect bites
Some of the above uses I found in testimonials from people who have used the cream on the website, www.selfheal.co.nz

In all cases, the liquid could be used directly on the skin but this has the disadvantages of staining the skin somewhat, drying the skin (due to the alchohol), as well as being more difficult to apply. Not to mention missing out on the additional therapeutic and soothing benefits of the oils used in the cream. 

The only case I know so far where the liquid should be chosen over the cream is when it is being used to get rid of scars. I have to try this out as I have an old scar on my hand. In the "Old Manuscript" it says "They [Swedish Bitters] take away scars, even if very old, wounds and cuts if moistened up to 40 times with them". I only hope that it doesn't remove the scar and leave a stain. LOL

Talking of the "Old Manuscript", here are the external uses it lists that I haven't already covered above:
  • Inflamed eyes (a moistened piece of cloth applied to the closed lids)
  • Scabs
  • Blisters on the tongue
  • Earache (a moistened piece of cotton wool is inserted into the ear)
  • Haemorrhoids
  • Fistulas
  • Burns
  • Swellings and bruises
  • Frost bite
  • Rheumatic pain
Now, I just have to decide which oils I want to use for the cream and then... to the lab (kitchen)! :-)

Update! I've made some other healing creams since this post:

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3 comments:

  1. I made this cream a while ago now... I tried it on some really itchy insect bites on my leg and it has soothed them almost immediately!

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  2. hey, ive been looking for testimonials on google and i found your blog. very nice work you have here!

    so i have to ask, did swedish bitters ever get rid of your scar completely or have you found a better formula?

    thanks!

    natalie

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  3. Hi Natalie,

    Glad you enjoyed the blog!

    I must admit I didn't keep up the applications of Swedish Bitters to my scar, so I can't report on that one.

    Warm regards,
    Elizabeth

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