Axe Brand Medicated Oil (Dont Hike Without it)

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17 April 2010 - Today i didn't get to complete the hike from Bukit Timah Visitors Centre to Dairy Farm Quarry as one of our friends got very sick during the hike.  (click here for the pre-trip recce of the same route) 

Shortly after starting, she began to have dizzy spells and stomach cramps.  It quickly got worse and she had to stop.  We sat her down onto a boulder in a side track.  I can tell she was really uncomfortable and sick as she sat slumped on the boulder with her palms holding her forehead and her elbows resting on her thighs. 

As she rested, we fanned her and gave her water but her condition did not improve.  Someone took out a bottle of  Axe Brand medicated oil and applied the oil under her nose and massaged the oil onto her temple and the back of her neck.   A little while later, she felt better and we could lead her back to the visitors centre.

I believed that the medicated oil accelerated her recovery and thus made her well enough to make the trek out of the forest.   Initially, she resisted the medicated oil as she didn't like the smell ! We even had to gently "force" her ! :-)

Dont underestimate this seemingly "old fashioned" aunties' favourite.  I have seen it reviving people who have fainted in MRT and crowded places.  

"Medicines that come from the Earth - essential oils drawn from flowers and grasses, trees and leaves - have healed, soothed, and stimulated our forefathers for centuries. And Axe Brand Universal Oil, with its blend of eucalyptus, menthol, camphor and other essential oils, has known the value of natural therapy for over 70 years."  (http://www.axebrand.com.sg/)

I have also heard from various sources that medicated oil is really effective against leeches as well.  Just drip the oil on the leeches and they will fall off.  It is also good for altitude sickness and for soothing insect bites. Many hikers recommend medicated oil as an standard item in your personal first aid kit when you go for hikes. 

This is really potent stuff - all natural and effective.  It is a must bring for all hiking trips from now on. Don't hike without it. Many aunties don't leave their homes without it ;-)

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