Martial arts and healing/wellness have been interconnected since their origins
As the owner of a martial arts school, it’s important that I feel my best at all times. Although the occasional injury or illness may happen, I address them right away for the quickest recovery. Over the years, I have come to rely on some tried and true remedies and items for first aid.
I am not a doctor and this is not professional advice. Please always check with your doctor first. I have intentionally provided minimal information here to encourage the reader to do their own research. Although these are my personal favorites, there are many other items that I do use and could be added to this list.
1) Essential oils – These should be 100% pure – free of additives, fragrances and perfumes.
• Frankincense, Wintergreen, Peppermint and Helichrysum are great to add to a lotion (or carrier oil like coconut oil) for bruising, arthritis, sprains, bone spurs and sore muscles.
• I like to put Wintergreen, Peppermint or Eucalyptus essential oils in a diffuser or hot bath to alleviate congestion.
2) Raw Honey – It soothes a sore throat, strengthens the immune system and contains prebiotics for healthy digestion.
3) Colloidal Silver – Antimicrobial properties. Although it can be taken internally, I really just use it topically on skin rashes or mild skin infections.
I once came home from a sweaty sparring session at the gym and noticed an irritation on my arm. It was red and itchy, exactly where the velcro of my sparring partner’s shin guard had scratched my arm when I caught his kick. Although I kept it clean and applied antibacterial products, it was still there after a few days. It even looked like was getting worse and the itching was increasing. I had some Colloidal Silver on hand and decided to apply it. Immediately, the itching went away. I reapplied regularly until the rash completely disappeared within the next two days.
4) Oil of Oregano (must be Mediterranean source) – Not only is it high in antioxidants, Oil of Oregano also has antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and anti-fungal properties. I take a 2 or 3 drops of Oil of Oregano in a glass of water as soon as I feel cold/ flu symptoms. It isn’t pleasant but it is powerful!
5) Supplements, Vitamins and Minerals
• Vitamin C – You can’t go wrong with having high quality Vitamin C on hand. Our bodies need it for so many functions.
• Vitamin D3 – Our bodies naturally manufacture Vitamin D when skin is exposed to sunlight. However, I do find that taking a supplement is useful when there is minimal sun exposure like during the winter.
• Quercetin – Besides taking it in supplement form, I simmer grapefruit, lemon and orange peels for a couple of hours, especially if I am feeling under the weather. Add a few tablespoons to a favorite tea sweetened with raw honey. Will keep for a few days in the refrigerator.
• Magnesium – A high quality (bio-available) supplement is important to have. Magnesium can also be taken through the skin (trans dermal) by using magnesium oil or taking an epsom salt bath.
7) Castor Oil Pack
• One of my favorite remedies! Aching joints, cramps, pain, slow digestion and so much more.
• Purchase organic, hexane free in a glass bottle
• A Castor oil pack or wrap made of natural fiber (like 100% organic cotton). You will need this for most application
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8) Lozenges – zinc, slippery elm, elderberry
9) Other essentials
• Heating pad or hot water bottle
• KT tape
• Ginger, black seed oil, organic apple cider vinegar (raw/unfiltered) and baking soda.