10 ways I use Bodhi and Birch Mint Thé Temple Balm

Since I wrote my first review about Bodhi and Birch’s Mint Thé Temple Balm, I’ve found that there are many more uses for it than I had first realised.

On reading about the individual oils (for example, clove, cinnamon, camphor, frankinsence, lavender, rosemary, peppermint, thyme) used in the preparation, I noted that they have a long list of anti-fungal, anti-septic, anti-bacterial properties, bring blood flow to the area applied, relax musles and have and anaesthetic properties. As a caution, do be careful not to get it in your eyes or on… erm… pther delicate skin/areas… For the metaphysically minded among you, I also noted that many of the oils used are traditionally felt to be strongly protective and cleansing. I absolutely love Starchild for their write up about each essential oil’s many properties.

As I’ve just ordered my second jar (its unusual for me to repurchase, so that tells you something!), it felt like a good time to give you a run down of the ways that I use it day to day…

 1. Meditation aid/mindfulness practice – I wrote about this in my original post, but it is still one of the things I love best. When I meditate, a dab on the centre of my forehead and below my nose creates focus and the coolness and scent make a good sensations to notice for mindfulness exercises.

2. Rub on my feet when I have a cold (and to reduce my boyfriend’s cold induced snoring!) – I found this out recently when I had an annoying cough and cold, which was making it hard for me to sleep. I rubbed some balm on my feet and chest and this really helped to reduce my coughing and eased me into sleep. I found that applying the balm to my feet gives a steady inhalation, with the warmth of my feet, that lasts longer than applying to my chest alone. I also found that I can rub some on my boyfriend’s feet if he’s snoring because he has a cold and it seems to help him breathe, consequently reducing his snoring. Win win! ; )

3. Rub on sore muscles or temples to ease aches and head aches – one of the most written about uses for this balm is also (predictably!) one of the best. I have a lot of issues with shoulder pain and have found that the balm is very helpful in easing my shoulder muscles. Part of the problem is my posture at my desk – so the cool tingling sensation also helps to remind me to think about how I’m sitting. I don’t often get headaches, but have found the balm to be helpful when I do.

4. Dab under my nose to aid breathing before sleep – after I started rubbing the balm on my feet and chest during a cold, I found that I actually found the cool sensation and scent soothing and relaxing and have continued rubbing a little dab under my nose before I go to sleep.

5. Dab on sore blemishes/spots to numb and ease swelling – a day or two after reading Sophie’s post on using clove oil for acne, I had a large and painful spot pop up on my chin – one of those where you can feel the blood pulsing in it when you lean forwards… I had planned on ordering some clove oil, but hadn’t got round to it yet, so as I was thinking about what I could put on it to relieve the swelling, I had a brain wave! On checking the ingredients, I realised that the mint thé balm contained clove oil. It really took the throbbing pain down and the cooling feel was very soothing. The following morning, the swelling had reduced, so another win for the mighty balm and a fantastic tip from Sophie about clove oil!

6. Dab on insect bites to stop itching – I remember my first grown up holiday to Kos when I was about 17 years old… I got bitten by everything, sitting outside a pretty restaurant. “You have honey blood!” – the waiter told me, which is possibly the most poetic way of referring to an innate tendency towards being slowly eaten alive that I have ever heard! Due to my “honey blood,” I have had a few opportunities to try using the balm for bites – a bit like with spots, the local anaesthetic effect is very helpful. The cool tingling takes the itching out and the balm also helps to reduce swelling and irritation.

7. Rub on temples to help remind me to stop clenching my jaw – as you’ve probably noticed by now, the physical sensation from applying the balm is something I enjoy and find helpful… much as I’ve found with my shoulders, I’ve found that applying the balm to my temples both helps to relax my muscles and also to remind me to relax my jaw and stop clenching!

8. Rub on my forehead and the back of my neck when tired or struggling to concentrate – this is like someone placing their cool hands on you! Come 3pm, when I’m struggling to stay focused and getting tired, a dab on the back of my neck really helps to perk me up.

9. Rub on my stomach for stomach cramps and trapped wind – as I mentioned in the intro, several of the oils in the balm help to reduce muscle cramps and additionally, oils like clove and peppermint are helpful in reducing nausea. I’ve found rubbing the balm on my stomach helpful for trapped wind and muscle cramps, especially at times/places where I can’t do my usual yoga pose for reasons of decency or convenience! hehehe…

10. Hay fever relief- eases breathing and reduces sneezing and sinus pain. I’ve found a dab under my nose and on my forehead helps to reduce sinus pain and ease my breathing. It also seems to help stop me sneezing as much.

Well, that’s what I do with it. You can see why I’ve already gone through one jar, right!

What are your favourite multi-purpose products?

Lucy

No mud, no lotus