COMBAT BALM

Deep within the dense rainforests of Southeast Asia, the potent resin known as "Xue Jie," or Dragon's Blood, is harvested from the Daemonorops draco tree. Revered for centuries within Ayurvedic and traditional Chinese medicine, prized for its ability to treat wounds, ulcers, and inflammation. Xue Jie is a key ingredient in many liniments used by martial artists to treat bruises, sprains, and muscle pain. These liniments, often referred to as "Dit Da Jow" or "hit medicine," are a staple in Chinese martial arts like Kung Fu. Rich in proanthocyanidins, flavonoids, and taspine, Dragon's Blood possesses antioxidant, antimicrobial, and collagen-boosting properties, making it ideal for rapid recovery and enhanced endurance.

Myrrh (Commiphora myrrha) has been valued for centuries in Egyptian, Chinese, and Ayurvedic medicine for its role in wound care and injury recovery. Used in healing salves and poultices, it was traditionally applied to cuts, bruises, and burns to aid in repair and protect against infection. Around 400 BCE in Greece, soldiers carried Myrrh ointment with them into battle to help prevent infections arising. Research highlights sesquiterpenes and terpenoids as its key bioactive compounds, recognized for their anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and tissue-repairing properties. Studies suggest Myrrh may promote wound healing, reduce swelling, and support circulation, reinforcing its historical use for injuries and skin recovery.

Valued since ancient Egypt for wound, burn, and skin care. Egyptian texts mention its use for muscles and joints, while Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine applied it for detoxification, circulation, and inflammation. Across Africa and the Americas, it has supported skin restoration and mobility for generations. Modern research links these benefits to ricinoleic acid, Castor Oil’s key component, which has anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and skin-barrier-supporting properties. Studies suggest it may help regulate inflammation, promote hydration, and aid in wound care.

Frankincense has captivated cultures for millennia, cherished in Egyptian, Ayurvedic, and Traditional Chinese Medicine, and steeped in religious mystique. Mentioned 52 times in the Bible, it has long symbolized divinity and healing. Beyond its spiritual significance, healers valued it for its ability to soothe and restore, applying it to cuts, bruises, and inflammation. Recent science highlights boswellic acids—powerful compounds with anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and skin-regenerating properties, which suggests that Frankincense can speed up wound healing, reduce swelling, and enhance circulation.

Yarrow’s medicinal legacy stretches back to the time of the Trojan War, where it was said that Achilles used it to tend to battlefield wounds. Traditional herbal medicine has long recognized its antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and hemostatic properties, making it a staple in applications designed to support tissue repair, stop bleeding, and soothe minor cuts, bruises, and scrapes. Indigenous cultures across Europe and North America incorporated Yarrow into remedies aimed at skin and wound care. Yarrow contains flavonoids, alkaloids, and sesquiterpene lactones, which have been shown to exhibit anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and astringent effects. Research suggests that Yarrow extracts may promote collagen production and circulatory function.

Jojoba oil is unique because it is technically a wax ester rather than an oil. This structure makes it remarkably similar to the sebum our skin naturally produces, enabling it to absorb deeply and hydrate effectively without leaving an oily residue. Extracted via cold pressing, this method ensures that all the delicate nutrients, such as vitamins E and B-complex, are retained, enhancing its natural efficacy and stability. Historically used by Native Americans to soothe burns, sores, and other skin conditions, jojoba oil’s healing properties include enhancing skin regeneration, reducing inflammation, and balancing oil production, making it an invaluable addition to any skin care regimen for its therapeutic effects.

Shea butter is extracted from the nuts of the Vitellaria paradoxa tree, native to West Africa. It is rich in stearic and oleic acids, which contribute to its moisturizing properties, and is also abundant in vitamins A and E, which protect the skin and promote its healing. This makes shea butter a potent emollient and anti-inflammatory agent, suitable for soothing and conditioning the skin. In African tradition, shea butter has been used to prevent skin dryness and to treat various skin conditions such as eczema. Scientific studies support its use in reducing skin inflammation and aiding in the barrier function of the skin.

Beeswax, the natural wax produced by honey bees of the genus Apis, is primarily made up of fatty acids and long-chain alcohols. Its protective nature forms a barrier on the surface of the skin which helps to lock in moisture and protect it from environmental irritants. This barrier also has anti-inflammatory properties, making beeswax suitable for healing cracked and inflamed skin. Its high vitamin A content stimulates fibroblast cells which are essential for tissue repair and rejuvenation. Historically, beeswax was a popular choice in ancient medicinal practices for wound healing and as a treatment for various skin conditions. Its emollient properties help in softening the skin and maintaining its moisture balance.

St. John's Wort, or Hypericum perforatum, is primarily known for its active component, hypericin, which has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. When infused into oil and applied topically, it can aid in healing wounds and reducing the visibility of scars by promoting tissue regeneration. Historically, it was valued for its protective qualities against infections and for treating burns and nerve pain. Scientific research has shown that St. John's Wort effectively treats mild to moderate skin irritations due to its ability to soothe the skin and accelerate the repair of damaged tissue.