(SPOT.ph) Admit it: if you're reading this, then you're probably looking to find a new ointment or salve to add to your ever-growing stash. You're a tita or tita-in-training, after all. What used to be the signature scent of our grandparents, mint-scented ointments, soothing salves, and essential oils have become the norm for those that want a quick reprieve from the aches and pains of everyday life—something we're sure to have more frequently in the next few years. Do keep in mind however that while these essentials have no medical claim, they're basically tita-approved, just ask the one you know.
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Take the pain of disappointment away with these tita-approved ointments:
Essential Oil Blends Travel Kit from Pili Ani (starts at P280)
Essential oils are a wonderful invention—not only do they act as room scents for when you use a diffuser but they also act as quick therapeutic ointments. Stressed? Dab a few drops onto your temples. Experiencing fainting spells? Take a sniff of your eucalyptus oil. There's a variety of ways you can use them and while the price does tend to add up the more you purchase, gift sets like this travel kit from Pili Ani allow you to try out and decide which oil will become your next bag staple.
Available online.
White Flower with Holder from White Flower (P110)
You probably recognize White Flower as the OG ointment of choice. Back in the day, students often faked a headache just so they can take a quick trip to the clinic in order to dab on the menthol oil (and perhaps spend five minutes in the cool airconditioned room). Still, a no-brainer when it comes to ointments, it now comes in a cute holder that you can clip into your purse for easy access.
Available on BeautyMNL.
Stress Check Breathe In from This Works (P1,060)
If the rising gas and food prices have been giving you too much stress then perhaps you need to have this soothing rollerball in your arsenal. A mix of lavender, eucalyptus, and frankincense essential oils, this will melt your worries away one dab at a time.
Available on Sephora.
Katinkogirl Set from Katinko (P850)
Another staple in Tita's bag is, of course, Katinko. Primarily used for muscle pain relief, it's often passed to you by your caring aunt whenever you have a headache coming or simply when you have a few knots in your muscles that you want to relax. And if you're the type that can't decide which kind to get, why not go for a set like the Katinkogirl set which has the original ointment in both 10 grams and 30 grams, a stick version, 10ml and 35ml oil versions, an inhaler, sports spray, as well as lavender-scented alcohol.
Available online.
2-in-1 Orange Inhaler from Peppermint Field (P65)
In case you haven't heard of them, Peppermint Field is a Thai company that specialized in various aromatic nasal inhalers. They came to our shores via the folks that usually go to Bangkok on vacation, as a means of pasalubong. Recently, we've been seeing them on e-commerce platforms so that makes it easier to restock your stash, we are still in a pandemic after all.
Available online.
White Ointment from Tiger Balm (P109)
Another staple passed onto us by our beloved titas, Tiger Balm is one of our go-to alternatives in case we run out of Katinko or White Flower. Best used when feeling under the weather, most prefer to use slather on the ointment on their chests—for instant relief—or on their sock-clad feet. Don't ask us the science behind that one as we can't answer you either.
Available online.
Travel Ease Oil from PAU Essentials (P204)
Sure, ointments and salves are fun to use, but they do take up space in your purse especially when you're traveling. Instead, why not carry one oil to treat them all? From headaches, muscle pain, motion sickness, and even your hangover, this essential oil from PAU Essentials will surely help you on your adventure.
Available online.
Relief + Recovery Cooling Cream from YogaLove (P499)
We're already at the point in our life where our body aches in places they shouldn't. Or perhaps we just did our yoga poses wrong? We'll never know. Regardless, having a soothing cream like this Relief + Recovery Cooling Cream from YogaLove is important for your exercise-loving tita. You don't want her to miss her Zumba session, right?
Available online.
Skin-Soothing Comfort Balm from Human Nature (starts at P99.75)
One of the most underrated products on this list, Tita would surely love having this balm from Human Nature in her tote. It has eucalyptus, bergamot, and peppermint as the key ingredients so it's no wonder that inhaling the scent instantly relieves a headache. Now, if only the scent travels through the air, we won't have to worry about stressful days hearing about how everything is getting more expensive.
Available online.
Organic Rub from Organic Rub MNL (starts at P120)
Another underrated salve on this list, Organic Rub is best-used after a good sweat sesh when your muscles are all aching. Tita will surely enjoy using this after that strenuous Zumba class where she tries to keep up with her amigas. But be warned, as the salve is made from natural ingredients, it's best to keep it in a cool, dry place. You don't want it going all mushy now, do you?
Available on Instagram.