Our Ingredients

 

We could write a book on the benefits of the hemp plant. We selected it primarily for its rich fatty acids (gamma linolenic acid GLA) which are well documented for being effective for the treatment of  skin disorders and for the maintenance of healthy skin.

Hemp is also very effective as a natural pain reliever when ingested or applied topically. With its anti-inflammatory properties hemp oil is useful for injuries and autoimmune disorders that cause joint pain. 

 

Olive oil is our carrier oil. All of our herbs are infused in olive oil because it is packed with fatty acids and antioxidants which are incredibly beneficial for the skin.

 

Kawakawa is one of the most treasured herbs used in Rongoa (Maori Medicine). It is best known for its incredible anti-inflammatory properties both internally and externally.

We chose Kawakawa for its ability to heal every skin issue we have encountered thus far. Ranging from cuts and stings to sunburn to the fiercest eczema. We have also found it to be incredibly effective for joint and muscle pain. 

Kawakawa is the first choice for our family, whether it be for scratches, cuts or digestive issues. Our garden wouldn’t be complete without it. We harvest the leaves sustainably and respectfully, they are then dried and gently infused in olive oil.

 

Prized since ancient times, comfreys ability to heal damaged tissue is well renowned. Today we know that this is due to the substance ‘allantoin’ which speeds up cellular mitosis, meaning it accelerates the growth of new tissue.

We have used comfrey poultices for a variety of ailments and found it to be particularly effective on tired and muscles and frayed nerves. It is a great accompaniment to our Rilēv balm.

 

Both ginger and chilli work remarkably well on tired, sore muscles and painful joints. Ginger acts very gently to heat the affected area allowing blood to move more freely and to flush waste products from the stiff, swollen joints.

The addition of chilli (cayenne) acts as an extra stimulant for increasing circulation without giving you the cold burn feeling associated with most topical pain relief balms.

Our Rilēv balm contains both ginger and chill and has been used on broken skin and cuts in an emergency without causing any burning or irritation. 

 

Plantain has a long history of healing chronic skin complaints. Like comfrey it contains ‘allantoin’ and is well proven to stimulate tissue regeneration. This common backyard weed is now a staple plant in our garden.

 

Calendula is considered to be the single most useful herb for healing damaged and broken skin. It is highly effective for any skin inflammation, bed sores, eczema and slow healing wounds.

Our flower heads are collected in the morning after the dew has gone and are slowly dried before they are infused in oil.

 

We source only local and organically certified beeswax for our balms. Beeswax is primarily used to bring the oils together to a consistency that will be firm at room temperature and easily spread on your skin. 

Beeswax also heals and softens skin but comes with the added benefit of being antibacterial, making it ideal for young skin. Beeswax creates a protective barrier between the environment and the skin. This is essential for protecting babies from wet nappies.

 

Castor oil is great for penetrating the skin and stimulating the body’s own production of collagen and elastin, which soften and hydrate your skin.

The healing properties of castor oil help against eczema, dermatitis, rosacea, psoriasis, and keratosis pilaris. It is also effective for penetrating deep into tired and sore muscles.

 

Shea butter has very high concentrations of fatty acids and vitamins making it an ideal addition for Sōōth, our calming skin balm for babies skin. Shea butter also has anti-inflammatory and healing properties.

Jojoba is an effective skin care product on its own. We have added it to Hēl and Sōōth for its ability to soothe eczema prone and inflamed skin

 

Vitamin E is essential for skin repair, it assists in cellular restoration and skin repair. It is also another antioxidant which protects your skin from free radicals and oxidative damage.

If you have any questions regarding our ingredients or our process please contact us here.