Balm of Gilead

“Is there no balm in Gilead; is there no physician there? why then is not the health of the daughter of my people recovered?” Jeremiah 8:22 (KJV)

The Scriptures speak of a healing ointment, of frankincense and myrrh, and of oil used to anoint. This blend is prepared in that same spirit: the buds of the cottonwood, the flowers and roots of the field, and the fragrant resins of ancient use, held in a salve for the comfort of the body.

God placed these botanicals in the earth. We gather them, infuse them, and turn them into a simple topical salve — rich, aromatic, and made by hand.

Net Wt. 2 oz (56 g)

Cotton wood buds

The sticky spring buds herbalists have long called Balm of Gilead. Resinous and balsamic, they give this salve its deep, forest scent and its old-world character.

St. John’s Wort

The flowering tops are steeped until the oil turns that familiar deep red. A traditional plant in handmade topical preparations.

Arnica

A mountain flower from the daisy family. Used here only as a topical ingredient, and only meant for intact skin.

Comfrey

A familiar garden herb with a long place in old-style salves. Included for topical use on unbroken skin.

Calendula

Golden pot-marigold petals — another daisy-family plant, valued for generations in herbal skin blends.

Ginger

Warm, spicy, and aromatic. It adds heat and scent to the oil.

Cayenne

The pepper that can leave a noticeable warmth or tingle on the skin. A little is enough. Keep it away from eyes and broken skin.

Essential oils:

Ginger, lavender, clove, frankincense, myrrh, wintergreen, and black pepper.

Patch-test a small amount on the inner forearm and wait 24 hours before fuller use. Then apply a thin layer to clean, intact, unbroken skin and massage it in. Wash your hands well afterward — especially because of the cayenne and wintergreen — and keep the salve away from eyes, nose, mouth, and broken skin. A little goes a long way. Store it tightly closed in a cool, dark place

Disclaimer: This product is handmade with natural ingredients and is intended for external use only. The statements made have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Results may vary. Always consult with your healthcare provider before using any new herbal product, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, have a medical condition, or are taking medications. Discontinue use if irritation occurs. Keep out of reach of children.