Ferry Traffic Tension Balm salve

Is there anything more delightful than Whidbey Island on a summer weekend? The sea, sun, forest, beaches, whales, wildlife, boats, food, wine, art, small farms and farm stands and farmers markets, sunsets, fresh air, live theater and concerts, quirky shops run by proudly quirky locals, and just, ahhhhh.

And, because just about everyone and their dog agrees with this sentiment, on the weekends our ferry waits on and off the island around the weekends can be bad. Two- and three-hour waits can stress folks out. Everyone has their own ways of coping. Many avoid weekend ferry travel entirely whenever possible. Or we bring good books, family games to play, snacks to eat while parked in line. Or we stretch our legs and chat with carloads of folks who have suddenly become neighbors. And, if you still find yourself tense in the stuckness and the waiting... 

To use: Use in whatever way eases your tension while sitting parked in the long ferry line, just don't use while driving drivers! Only when parked, motor off, in a too-long summer or weekend ferry line or, once parked, motor off, on the ferry if you're late, tired, and tense after a too-long wait. Here are some ideas based on what we do and what we've heard others do:

• Rub a little balm into your palms, cup your hands over your nose, and inhale. Drop your hands and take a few more deep breaths. Wiggle your fingers one by one, then move all your fingers together, then your hands and wrists, and swing your arms. Stepping out of the car and stomping up and down may help too. 
• Rub a little balm into your temples, neck, jaw line, or shoulders where you're holding tension. Create a tiny spa experience for yourself or those you're with while stuck in the long line. Why not?
• If you're still tense after trying one or more of the previous ideas, add singing. Yes, singing. Become your own balm--as all our ancestors did at some point. Sing a song you loved as a child or that you love now. Sing as loud as you are able to. Sing alone or with others. 

Ingredients:  Olive oil (organic/trusted non-organic blend) infused with windfall Whidbey Island Douglas Fir branches, peppermint, spearmint, burdock root , and rosemary grown here at Ritual Mischief, plus local beeswax from Hive Harvest on the peninsula and one drop of peppermint essential oil per tin. Some dried mints from Ritual Mischief are sprinkled in a small pile on top.

Size: 2 oz

Packaging: Reusable, food-safe, silver metal 2-ounce, screw-top tin. See the Packaging page of this website for more details. 

Medical disclaimer: For external use only. To make well-informed decisions for yourself, seek the guidance of your qualified health provider, such your medical doctor, nurse practitioner, naturopathic physician, and/or clinical herbalist with questions regarding your medical conditions, dosage information, and possible ingredient interactions with prescription drugs. This is especially important if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking prescription drugs, have a chronic disease or any chronic health concern, if you have allergies, or if you have never used products with these plants in them before. Visit the Medical Disclaimer for Herbal Offerings page for more information.