How does it work? The science behind the balms

We source the highest quality organic ingredients to make sure that every batch of balm (salve, ointment) is superior quality, free of toxins, and abundant in healing properties. Research suggests our balms to have a wide array of uses. Here I will explain some of the reasons why we use what we use and what you should expect from each ingredient. Whenever trying ANY new product on your skin, remember to patch test a small amount first to ensure you don't have a negative reaction.

The Oils:

-Coconut oil is a popular, sweetly fragrant skin care ingredient. High in Lauric acid, it is naturally antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral. Coconut helps skin maintain it's moisture, provides antioxidant protection, and makes a great hair conditioner. It also has anti-inflammatory effects, making it useful against conditions affected by inflammation, such as eczema. Vitamin E is also present, which helps with scarring and stretch marks. We use virgin cold-pressed coconut oil.

-Olive oil is another hugely popular oil for skin care, with natural antifungal and antibacterial properties. Olive oil helps with skin moisturization by helping regulate the skin surface, sealing in moisture, and is also full of antioxidants (like polyphenols) which can help with inflammation and its related ailments. Copious vitamins (A, E, D, K) help with skin repair and free radicals, and Oleic acid content helps with skin elasticity. We use extra virgin olive oil grown in Santa Barbara county.

-Jojoba Oil (actually a wax esther) is very high in vitamins A, E, and D which makes it great for healing damaged skin and scar tissue and reducing damage from free radicals. It is very similar to our skin’s own sebum, which helps regulate, balance, and protect our skin. Jojoba is also naturally antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, analgesic (pain relieving), and anti-inflammatory. Jojoba also contains docosanol, which is used commercially for cold-sore treatments.

Emulsifiers:

-Shea Butter contains several types of fatty acids — including lineoleic, oleic, palmitic and stearic acids, which help improve the skin’s natural barrier. Vitamins A and E help with healing and free radicals, yet again. Shea also has antifungal, antibacterial, and antioxidant properties. We use fair trade, African shea butter.

-Cacao Butter helps skin hold in moisture, and smells downright delicious. It contains oleic, palmitic, and stearic acids, all of which nourish the skin. Cacao Butter is high in antioxidants (like Resveratrol) and has anti inflammatory properties. It is widely used to help with scarring and stretch marks. We use high quality cacao fit for artisanal chocolate making.

-Beeswax is another wax esther used mainly for its emulsification properties, which helps make our balms thick and heat resistant. Beeswax helps seal in moisture to keep skin hydrated, and to slow absorption of our other oils which helps them stay on the skin longer and feel less greasy on application. Beeswax contains vitamin A, which is antioxidant and useful against acne. Anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, and anti-inflammatory elements are also present in beeswax. We use wildflower beeswax from California to avoid agricultural toxins and maximize medicinal qualities. Like with honey, I find the wildflower beeswax to be pleasantly more complex aromatically, and believe it contains certain medicinal components in higher concentrations. (Ok, maybe that last one is just an opinion, but I've worked with a lot of beeswax!)

Herbs:

-Calendula- It's not just great for gardens and pollinators. It's antibacterial and antimicrobial properties help to speed up wound healing. It is also a powerful astringent. Germs cannot thrive in an environment where calendula is present, and it helps to prevent scab formation too early in the healing process. It is also anti-inflammatory, inhibiting the signaling molecules and enzymes that trigger the body’s inflammatory response.

Aside from stimulating healing, calendula oil can significantly boost the appearance of your skin. It can affect blood flow to the skin cells, provide antioxidant protection that reduces the appearance of wrinkles and age spots, and even the visibility of scars. It also shows anti-tumor properties.

“A study published in the 2006 issue of BMC Cancer found that an extract of calendula killed cancerous melanoma cells and stimulated lymphocytes, the white blood cells of the immune system. Another 2006 study, published in the Journal of Natural Products, found that two triterpene glycosides in calendula flowers had a toxic effect against colon cancer, leukemia and melanoma."

-Lavender- Research shows that lavender oil speeds the healing of burns, cuts, scrapes and wounds — and a big part of this is because of its antimicrobial compounds. Components like B-myrcene are widely studied for their anxiolytic, antioxidant, anti-ageing, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic properties. Pair that with the aromatherapeutic components and Lavender is a no brainer.

Chamomile: Chamomile is calming and soothing to the skin, providing irritation relief. Applied topically, chamomile oil is known to calm red, dry, and irritated skin, such as bug bites. it includes flavonoids apigenin, luteolin, and quercetin, and the volatile oils including alpha-bisabolol and matricin. These constituents all contribute to chamomile's antioxidant properties

-Stinging Nettle- When the extracts are applied to the skin, stinging nettle has been proven to reduce the severity of acne and can even prevent bacterial infections. Due to its antioxidant properties, it can also speed healing, reduce the appearance of scars and blemishes, and promote anti-aging effects to reduce wrinkles and age spots.

-St Johns Wort- Pharmacological research supports the use for the treatment of minor wounds and burns, sunburns, abrasions, bruises, contusions, ulcers, myalgia, and many others. naphthodianthrones (e.g., hypericin) and phloroglucinols (e.g., hyperforin) have interesting pharmacological profiles, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and antimicrobial activities.

-Sage- Sage leaf is known to have anti-microbial properties, thanks to constituents like thujone. It can protect against certain bacterias and fungi. Present essential oils, Hydroxycinnamic acid derivatives, and flavonoids deliver additional antioxidant effects. According to Escop, a production company, "the antioxidative activity of a dry acetone extract from sage leaf was found to be 101-116% of that of the synthetic antioxidant butylated hydroxytoluene." It is also thought to have astringent and antihidrotic (fights perspiration) properties. Sage's antioxidants also fight bacteria and free radicals on the skin that can cause premature aging and fine lines

-Rosemary- The nutrients of rosemary can help protect skin cells from damage often caused by the sun and free radicals. Since rosemary has natural antiseptic properties, it makes a great disinfectant for our skin and hair.

-Mint- In addition to soothing and calming your skin, mint has a variety of uses. Mint contains a nutrient called perillyl alcohol, and studies have shown that it may prevent the formation of skin cancer cells. What makes mint a beneficial ingredient for skin care is its ability to act as an anti-pruritic agent. That means that its juice can soothe and calm skin that's itchy or infected. It also contains vitamin A, which may strengthen skin tissue and help reduce oily skin.

-Yarrow- Yarrow has been employed for natural wound treatment for centuries. The chemical achilleine present in this herb is known for its ability to stop bleeding. In addition, it’s a natural antiseptic so it can prevent wounds from getting infected.

Researchers believe that yarrow’s ability to quell inflammation is related to the fact that it contains both flavonoids and sesquiterpene lactones. The herb displays not only anti-inflammatory abilities, but also astringent properties. Yarrow is often included in topical products for inflammatory skin problems like eczema.

-Oregano- The carvacrol compound in oregano oil helps in treating minor skin problems such as acne, cold sores, rashes and fungal infections when applied topically. Oregano contains anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-fungal properties, which make it useful for many topical applications.

-Sweet Marjoram- closely related to oregano and with similar constituents, Marjoram has been shown to be anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant.

-Dandelion- The High Antioxidant content of the Dandelion can help with healing and keeping skin looking youthful. It is Rich in Potassium, Calcium, Magnesium and Phosphorous, these are all minerals which are required for healthy skin function.

-Mullen- Traditional use of mullein in its various forms includes the treatment of bruises, burns, hemorrhoids and gout. Preparations of mullein can be ingested, smoked, or applied topically. Anti-bacterial properties are also present.

-Astragalus- Because of its anti-inflammatory qualities, astragalus has a long history of treating wounds.Many studies show that thanks to its saponins and polysaccharides, astragalus can reduce inflammatory response in connection to a number of illnesses and conditions, from helping to heal wounds and lesions to reducing inflammation. Astragalus also has strong anti-viral activity.

Many recent screenings have shown the success of astragalus saponins, flavonoids and polysaccharides in decreasing or eliminating tumors.

“In a 2012 study by the Institute of Pharmaceutics at Zhejiang University, wounds treated with astragaloside IV (the active ingredient in dried astragalus root) showed recovery rates increase two- to threefold over 48–96 hours. It was concluded that astragalus is a promising natural product for anti-scarring and healing in wounds.”

Fungi: research can confirm that the antioxidants found in mushrooms slow aging in skin 

-Chaga- its high concentrations of antioxidants, zinc, and melanin make it a useful for skin protection. It also contains betulin. This compound has been shown to reduce inflammation, and has anti-bacterial, antiviral and antiseptic properties. It even helps to stimulate the growth of new, healthy skin cells.

Other constituents found in chaga include beta glucans, which promote immune function and further ease inflammation. Chaga also protects against burns, and helps skin to maintain its firmness and elasticity, thus reducing the formation of wrinkles. It can even help to reduce allergic skin reactions, such as a rash, and offers mild pain relief.

Ergosterol peroxide in chaga has shown anti-tumor, anti-inflammatory, antiviral and immunosuppressive capabilities in the lab. 

The betulinic acid found in chaga mushrooms is known to induce apoptosis or cell death and prevent tumors from developing

research on chaga points to multiple anti-cancer components: Betulinic acid, Inotodiol, and Ergosterol peroxide.

Chaga is considered to be an adaptogen; a substance which helps normalize and balance body functions. Research has demonstrated that chaga could both stimulate immune response while simultaneously reducing inflammation, unlike most medications which typically have one effect or the other.

-Reishi- Reishi’s Chinese name is sometimes translated as “mushroom of immortality,” and research confirms it has immune system-boosting powers. It is sometimes used alongside radiation and chemotherapy in cancer treatment in China and Japan.

-Turkey Tail- Turkey Tail mushrooms are proving to be useful against viruses as well as cancer. The mycelium structure is loaded with helpful enzymes, antimicrobial agents and antiviral compounds. Topical application can reduce or inhibit skin inflammation

Turkey Tail extract is used to create a topical application that reduces and/or inhibits skin inflammation

-Agarikon- Agarikon mushrooms can be used to help combat both bacterial and viral infections.

-Lion’s mane: In addition to killing cancer cells, lion’s mane extract has also been shown to slow the spread of cancer. Research shows that lion’s mane mushrooms contain powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compounds as well.

-cordyceps- Cordyceps is also said to protect the immune system from the effects of stress, as well as having anti-viral properties

CBD/Hemp

Topical CBD and other constituents in full spectrum hemp oil deliver localized pain relief, and the individual does not feel high during or after usage.

CBD delivers many beneficial medical properties to its users including analgesic, anti-spasmodic, anti-inflammatory, cell-regenerative, anti-bacterial, and anti-immunity modulating, according to a 2016 study done at The Hebrew University of Jerusalem.

Users have reported that topical CBD products helped alleviate both mild and severe muscle spasms as well as reduced overall pain from arthritis, menstrual cramps, and migraines

CB2 receptors near the skin respond to cannabinoids, especially cbd, to produce the localized relief which passes through the skin and muscle barriers.

When you apply a CBD salve topically, the cannabinoid carrying lipids in the oil base are transported across skin cell membranes, at which point the CBD begins its healing, therapeutic mechanisms on surrounding cell and tissue layers. (This is also why salves are a good choice for things like joint pain and skin-specific conditions like eczema and psoriasis – you can “target” the CBD activity directly onto a desired area and initiate therapy right at the source of the pain, or inflammation).