Herbal Salves Collection - Ingredient Guide

Herbal Salves Collection - Ingredient Education FAQ

Discover the botanical ingredients and traditional herbal infusion methods that make our handcrafted herbal salves special. From organic herb-infused oils to skin-nourishing butters, learn what goes into every jar.

What makes your Herbal Salves different from commercial balms?

Our Herbal Salves are handcrafted using traditional herbal infusion methods that have been used for centuries. Unlike many commercial balms that use synthetic ingredients or fragrance oils, our salves are made with:

Slow-infused organic herbs - We infuse organic botanicals in organic oils for 4-6 weeks to extract their beneficial properties
100% organic plant-based oils and butters - Including olive oil, coconut oil, shea butter, and cocoa butter
Beeswax sourced locally from Oregon - Provides natural structure and helps seal in moisture
Pure essential oils - For aromatherapy benefits and natural scent
No synthetic preservatives, parabens, phthalates, or artificial fragrances

Each salve is made in small batches to ensure quality and freshness.

What is Blue Tansy and what does it do in salves?

Blue Tansy (Tanacetum annuum) is a yellow flowering plant native to Morocco. The essential oil is steam-distilled from the flowers and has a distinctive deep blue color due to a compound called chamazulene, which forms during the distillation process.

Benefits in salves:

Rich in Chamazulene - A naturally occurring compound traditionally valued for its skin-soothing properties
Calming Aromatherapy - Sweet, herbaceous scent that promotes relaxation
Skin Conditioning - Helps soften and nourish skin
Beautiful Blue Color - Creates a distinctive appearance

Blue Tansy has been traditionally used in natural skincare for its gentle, calming properties, making it ideal for rough patches of irritated skin.

What is Helichrysum and why is it called "Immortelle"?

Helichrysum (Helichrysum italicum), also known as Immortelle or Everlasting, is a flowering plant native to the Mediterranean region. It gets its name "Immortelle" because the flowers retain their color and shape even after being dried.

Benefits in salves:

Traditionally Valued in Skincare - Used for centuries in European herbal traditions
Rich in Antioxidants - Helps protect skin from environmental stressors
Skin Conditioning - Helps soften and nourish skin
Gentle & Soothing - Traditionally used for sensitive or irritated skin
Warm, Honey-like Scent - Provides a comforting aromatherapy experience

We infuse organic Helichrysum flowers in organic olive oil to extract their beneficial properties, creating a nourishing base for our salves.

What is Calendula and why is it in so many of your salves?

Calendula (Calendula officinalis), also known as pot marigold, is a bright orange flower that has been treasured in natural skincare for centuries across many cultures.

Benefits in salves:

Traditionally Soothing - Calendula has been used for generations to soothe and calm skin
Rich in Flavonoids - Natural plant compounds that act as antioxidants
Gentle & Conditioning - Helps soften and condition skin
Versatile - Suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin
Beautiful Golden Color - Infused oil has a lovely golden hue

We infuse organic calendula flowers in organic olive oil for 4-6 weeks to create a gentle, skin-nourishing base oil that we use in multiple salve formulations.

What is Lavender and what does it do in salves?

Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) is one of the most beloved herbs in natural skincare and aromatherapy. We use both lavender-infused oil and pure lavender essential oil in our salves.

Benefits in salves:

Calming Aromatherapy - Lavender's classic floral scent is traditionally used in bedtime rituals and relaxation practices
Skin Conditioning - Helps soften and nourish skin
Gentle & Versatile - Suitable for all skin types
Traditionally Soothing - Used for centuries to calm and comfort skin

Our Lavender and Sleep Well salves feature lavender as the star ingredient, providing both aromatherapy benefits and skin nourishment.

What herbs are in the Root to Crown Hair Salve and what do they do?

The Root to Crown Herbal Hair Salve is formulated with a blend of herbs traditionally valued for hair and scalp care:

Brahmi, Bhringraj, and Amalaki:

Revered herbal ingredients in traditional hair care
Traditionally used to nourish hair and scalp
Help condition and soften hair

Organic Moringa Oil and Black Cumin Seed Oil:

Rich in nutrients that deeply nourish hair and scalp
Help condition and moisturize

Organic Clove Bud, Rosemary, and Peppermint Essential Oils:

Provide an invigorating aromatherapy experience
Perfect for a luxurious scalp massage ritual
Help create a stimulating sensory experience

This blend is designed to nourish hair and scalp while providing an invigorating aromatherapy experience.

What is the difference between Beeswax and Candelilla Wax?

Beeswax:

Produced by honeybees (not vegan)
Sourced from local Oregon apiaries
Creates a protective barrier on skin that helps seal in moisture
Naturally antimicrobial properties
Provides a firmer texture
Subtle honey scent
Used in most of our salves

Candelilla Wax:

Derived from the candelilla shrub (100% vegan)
Plant-based alternative to beeswax
Creates a similar protective barrier
Slightly softer texture than beeswax
No scent
Used in our vegan salve options

Both waxes serve the same purpose: providing structure to the salve and creating a protective layer on skin that helps lock in moisture from the infused oils and butters.

What base oils do you use and why?

We use a combination of organic oils, each chosen for specific benefits:

Organic Olive Oil:

Rich in vitamins E and K
Deeply moisturizing and conditioning
Excellent carrier oil for herbal infusions
Absorbs slowly, providing long-lasting moisture
Used as our primary infusion oil

Organic Coconut Oil:

Lightweight and easily absorbed
Rich in fatty acids that moisturize skin
Helps create a smooth, spreadable texture
Natural shelf stability

Organic Shea Butter:

Deeply nourishing and conditioning
Rich, creamy texture
Contains vitamins A and E
Helps soften and smooth skin

Organic Cocoa Butter:

Firm texture that melts on contact with skin
Rich in antioxidants
Provides long-lasting moisture
Natural chocolate scent (subtle)

This combination creates a balanced salve that's rich enough to nourish dry skin but not so heavy that it feels greasy.

How do you make your herb-infused oils?

We use a traditional slow-infusion method that has been used by herbalists for centuries:

Our Process:

Select organic herbs - We use only certified organic botanicals
Infuse in organic olive oil - Herbs are covered with oil in glass jars
Slow extraction - Jars sit in a warm, dark place for 4-6 weeks
Daily agitation - We gently shake jars to ensure even extraction
Strain & filter - Herbs are carefully strained out, leaving beautifully infused oil
Blend into salves - Infused oils are combined with butters, waxes, and essential oils

This slow method allows the beneficial properties of the herbs to fully extract into the oil, creating a potent, nourishing base for our salves.

What is Oregano Oil and why is it in the Helichrysum + Oregano Salve?

Oregano Oil (Origanum vulgare) is a concentrated essential oil steam-distilled from oregano leaves. It has been used in traditional Mediterranean herbal practices for centuries.

Benefits in salves:

Rich in Antioxidants - Contains compounds like carvacrol and thymol
Traditionally Valued - Used in herbal traditions for skin care
Warm, Herbaceous Scent - Provides an earthy aromatherapy experience
Skin Conditioning - Helps nourish and condition skin

In our Helichrysum + Oregano Salve, oregano oil works synergistically with helichrysum to create a nourishing, skin-conditioning balm.

Note: Oregano oil is potent and should always be diluted in a carrier oil or salve base, never applied directly to skin undiluted.

What makes the Sleep Well Salve good for bedtime?

The Sleep Well Salve is formulated with herbs and essential oils traditionally used in bedtime rituals and relaxation practices:

Lavender:

Classic calming aromatherapy scent
Traditionally used in bedtime routines for centuries
Helps create a peaceful, relaxing atmosphere

Chamomile:

Gentle, apple-like scent
Traditionally associated with relaxation and calm
Helps soothe and condition skin

Rose Geranium:

Sweet, floral scent
Traditionally used in aromatherapy for relaxation
Helps create a calming sensory experience

How to use: Apply to pulse points (wrists, temples, behind ears) or chest before bed. The aromatherapy experience can help create a calming bedtime ritual that signals to your body it's time to wind down.

Are your Herbal Salves safe for sensitive skin?

Most of our salves are formulated to be gentle and suitable for sensitive skin, but individual sensitivities vary. Here are our gentlest options:

Best for Sensitive Skin:

Calendula Herbal Salve - Simple, gentle formula with soothing calendula
Lavender Herbal Salve - Classic, gentle lavender
Blue Tansy Herbal Salve - Traditionally valued for calming irritated skin

What makes them gentle:

Made with organic, plant-based ingredients
No synthetic fragrances, parabens, or phthalates
Essential oils used at safe dermal limits
Traditional herbs known for their gentle, soothing properties

Patch Test Recommendation:

Even with gentle formulas, we recommend patch testing on a small area first if you have very reactive or sensitive skin. Apply a small amount to your inner forearm and wait 24 hours to check for any reaction.

Avoid if you have specific allergies:

Bee products (beeswax) - Choose our vegan options with candelilla wax
Specific herbs or essential oils - Check ingredient lists carefully

How should I use Herbal Salves?

Application:

Warm a small amount between your fingers to soften
Apply to desired area and massage gently into skin
A little goes a long way - start with a pea-sized amount
Reapply as needed throughout the day

Best Uses:

Dry patches - Elbows, knees, heels, hands
Rough skin - Cuticles, knuckles, calluses
Aromatherapy - Pulse points, temples, chest
Scalp care - Root to Crown Hair Salve for scalp massage
Bedtime ritual - Sleep Well or Lavender on pulse points before bed

Tips:

Salves work best on slightly damp skin to seal in moisture
Use after washing hands or bathing for maximum hydration
Keep in your bag, car, or bedside table for easy access

How should I store my Herbal Salves?

Proper storage helps your salves maintain their quality and beneficial properties:

Best Practices:

Store in a cool, dry place - Away from direct sunlight and heat
Keep lids tightly closed - Prevents oxidation and contamination
Avoid extreme temperatures - Don't leave in hot car (salves can melt above 95°F)
Use clean, dry hands - Or a clean spatula to prevent introducing moisture/bacteria
Use within 12-18 months - For optimal freshness

If your salve melts:

Don't worry! Simply place it in the refrigerator to re-solidify. The beneficial properties remain intact. Salves naturally soften in warm weather and firm up in cool weather.

Shelf Life:

Our salves contain natural ingredients without harsh preservatives. When stored properly, they typically last 12-18 months. If you notice any off smell or change in color, it's time to replace.

What's the difference between a Salve, Balm, and Ointment?

These terms are often used interchangeably, but here's the general distinction:

Salve:

Traditional term for herb-infused oil + wax preparations
Typically firmer texture
Made with infused oils as the base
Our preferred term because we use traditional herbal infusion methods

Balm:

Similar to salve but often softer texture
May or may not contain herbal infusions
Sometimes used for lip balms or softer formulations

Ointment:

Medical/pharmaceutical term
Often petroleum-based (we don't use petroleum)
Used for medicinal preparations

Our Herbal Salves are traditional salves made with slow-infused organic herbs, organic oils and butters, beeswax or candelilla wax, and pure essential oils.

Can I use Herbal Salves on my face?

While our salves are made with skin-safe, gentle ingredients, they're formulated primarily for body use. Here's why:

Considerations for facial use:

Richer texture - Salves are thicker and more occlusive than typical facial moisturizers
Essential oil concentration - May be higher than ideal for delicate facial skin
Comedogenic potential - Some oils (like coconut and cocoa butter) can clog pores for some people

If you want to try on your face:

Use sparingly - A tiny amount goes a long way
Best for very dry areas (like dry patches, not all over)
Avoid if you're acne-prone
Patch test first

Better facial options from our line:

Check out our Sea Forest Collection - specifically formulated for facial skin with lighter textures and facial-appropriate ingredient concentrations.

Are your Herbal Salves vegan?

Most of our salves contain beeswax (from local Oregon apiaries), which makes them not vegan.

Vegan Options:

We offer select salves made with candelilla wax (a plant-based wax) instead of beeswax. Look for "vegan" in the product title or description.

Why we use beeswax:

Supports local Oregon beekeepers
Creates ideal salve texture
Naturally antimicrobial
Helps seal in moisture
Sustainable when sourced responsibly

Why we offer candelilla wax options:

Provides a plant-based alternative
Similar protective properties
Allows those following a vegan lifestyle to enjoy our salves

All other ingredients in our salves (oils, butters, herbs, essential oils) are 100% plant-based.

What does "Organic" mean on your labels?

When we say "organic," we mean ingredients that are certified organic by USDA or equivalent international organic certification bodies.

Organic ingredients in our salves:

Olive oil - USDA Organic
Coconut oil - USDA Organic
Shea butter - USDA Organic
Cocoa butter - USDA Organic
Herbs (calendula, lavender, helichrysum, etc.) - USDA Organic
Essential oils - USDA Organic when available

Why organic matters:

No synthetic pesticides or herbicides
No GMOs
Better for the environment
Higher quality, more potent botanicals
Supports sustainable farming practices

Beeswax: Sourced from local Oregon apiaries that follow organic beekeeping practices (though beeswax itself cannot be certified organic per USDA standards)

Can I use Herbal Salves during pregnancy or while breastfeeding?

While our salves are made with natural, plant-based ingredients, some essential oils are not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

General Guidelines:

First Trimester: Avoid all essential oil products as a precaution
Second & Third Trimester: Some essential oils are considered safe, but always consult your healthcare provider first
Breastfeeding: Avoid applying salves to breast area; some essential oils can transfer through skin

Essential oils to be cautious with during pregnancy:

Rosemary (in Root to Crown Hair Salve)
Peppermint (in Root to Crown Hair Salve)
Clove (in some formulations)
Some others depending on individual circumstances

Safest option during pregnancy:

Choose products with gentle essential oils like lavender or chamomile, and always consult your healthcare provider before using any aromatherapy products.

Alternative: Our unscented or lightly scented products may be better options, or consider our Sea Forest Collection which is formulated without strong essential oils.

Have more questions about our herbal salve ingredients? Contact us - we're here to help!

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