I began making my balm in the mid 90's because of my very dry skin. Winter time, for my skin, was rough. I constantly dealt with cracked finger tips and overall itchiness. I used to put Vaseline on the tips of my fingers and cover them with Band-Aids in an attempt to pull the split skin back together. Sometimes after a week or so, my fingers would heal and then, within a day, they would be split again.

I loved taking long baths but had to confine any time in the water to a quick in and out because the hot water dried my skin out so badly. I tried loads of drug store type lotions and salves but it seemed like most of them had alcohol or petroleum based oils and waxes in them which stung, especially my face. In addition, these products didn’t seem to have a lasting effect: my skin would feel dry and irritated soon after use. I resorted to using just plain olive oil which is a great moisturizer, but it was a bit messy and I wanted something with a thicker consistency.

One day I decided to formulate something for myself. I had been an herbalist for many years, which had involved an apprenticeship with internationally known herbalist, Rosemary Gladstar, and had an olive oil soap business that was doing quite well. I had no intention of making the balm as a product to sell, I was just trying to (excuse the expression) "save my own skin!" So, I started putting together combinations of healing, cell rejuvenating, and moisturizing herbs, oils and beeswax, until I came up with a formula that I really liked. I naturally kept several jars of it around: one in the bathroom next to the tub another by the kitchen sink and one in my car. As family and friends visited, and told me about their skin ailments, I would give them a bit of the balm, and often times sent them home with a small container. This led to requests for more and more so within few years, I had stopped making soap altogether and was selling only the balm.

My first label was a very simple botanical print with the words HEALING TEA TREE SALVE on the cover. This is the look that most people recognize. Over the past few years, as I change personally, (turning 50 has a tendency to make you think!) I wanted a more "light-hearted" look and name. I personally am intending more fun, adventure and positive experience in life and I wanted my balm to reflect this. In addition, my adult sons have been at me for years to make a pocket size. They are both avid flyfishermen, snowboarders and general outdoor addicts and they loved the balm but didn’t like the size of the tin (or the name!).

So in a joint effort we came up with a new name and label.( I have a "team" of ten fantastic friends/consultants/ who proof everything..they include a monk, an antique dealer, two sons, a retired couple, a nun, and a few other characters!)

I hand-stir the herbs in warm olive oil for 3-6 days before making each batch. The herbs are then strained out and the beeswax is added and slowly heated just high enough to melt the beeswax. The essential oils are the last thing to be added. The energy that I put into the process is almost as important as the product itself. I really love this salve and always make it when I am feeling good! (I am not kidding!)

Olive oil is a wonderful soother. It contains many nutrients and is easily absorbed while still allowing the skin to breath (that is why I use it on my face everyday without any risk of clogging my pores!). The blend of essential oils and herbs is designed to be highly anti-bacterial, fungal and viral while protecting and rejuvenating the skin. Eucalyptus, lavender and rosemary all penetrate the skin to work on tired/sore muscles. I have also heard from many that it is most helpful for cracked heals and feet.

A benefit for the lovers of nature is that most of the essential oils in the salve serve a dual-function of being insect-repellent as well as soothing for insect bites/stings.

Here are just a few of the many attributes of the essential oils and herbs in my salve.

Essential Oils:

Herbs: