The colder seasons are the perfect time to show your appreciation for all bees give us, like propolis and beeswax for balms and salves. Today, we are talking about these amazing products. While you can make your own, we also have handcrafted, propolis-infused, lightly scented balms and salves that are perfect for gifts or to have on hand to soothe the dry skin that comes with the cold, dry air.Â
Let’s talk about what makes a balm a balm and a salve a salve.Â
Balms and salves are both preparations for topical application. While there are many different definitions of the two, the formulation is as follows:
So how are they actually different? Balms typically have a higher percentage of beeswax to oil compared to salves, making them firmer to the touch. Many view balms as preventative; you apply them to your skin to prevent cracks, fissures, and other breakdowns. Think lip balm. A thicker, waxier preparation helps trap moisture and protect the skin. Â
Conversely, salves have a softer, smoother consistency that lends itself well to topical applications where there is already an area of concern i.e. fissures, rashes, sunburns, and other mild skin abnormalities.Â
Our recommendation? Pick up one of each so you’re covering all scenarios. Now, let’s find the perfect ones for you!Â
Our balms and salves are crafted using beeswax from our apiaries and formulated with the power of propolis, honey, and essential oils. Here are your options:
Believe it or not, there’s a preparation for every occasion and person. It’s time to break down your options.
Do you have sensitive skin? This is the balm for you. It’s unscented and contains no essential oils, so you can enjoy the skin-soothing effects of propolis, beeswax, shea butter, and olive oil without worrying about product-induced rashes.Â
This preparation is for those with sensitive skin who also have concurrent skin abnormalities. Do your hands get exceptionally dry in colder weather? Are you a healthcare worker who can’t avoid endless pumps of hand sanitizer or frequent handwashing? Do you work in an industry where you are exposed to the weather? This salve is perfect for you.
Lavender is known for its calming effects and citrus oils can increase your sense of focus. Both are allies for the skin. Choose this balm if you would benefit from herbal stress reduction, and want an option that’s both relaxing and invigorating.Â
Containing clove and ginger oils, this salve is perfect for autumn. The scent evokes memories of cozy mugs of hot apple cider and spice-infused baked goods fresh out of the oven. Plus, the clove oil in particular is a known pain reliever, especially when massaged into the muscles. If you work hard or workout hard, this is the salve for you.Â
The one-two punch of lavender and sage make this salve a must-have for anyone looking to sit back, relax, and relieve stress. It’s great to have a tin next to your bedside to rub into your temples or hands, lulling you into a restful sleep.Â
While we recommend this salve as the perfect summer accompaniment, it’s actually ideal for the colder months as well. The patchouli oil is excellent for bug bites, but also for cracks and cuts sustained when prepping your beehives or gardens for winter. Lemongrass oil has antibacterial properties. This combination plus the healing properties of honey is perfect for minor wounds that show signs of infection.Â
This blend is ideal for anybody who appreciates the scent of the Northwoods, and who wants to enjoy the powerful benefits of myrrh oil, including pain relief, treatment of infection, and reduction of inflammation.Â
This energizing blend of grapefruit and mint oils is for the movers and shakers. If you don’t like to sit still or play small, treat yourself to this balm. It’s uplifting, it has similar healing properties to our other blends, and it will remind you of the last days of summer when you need it most.Â
Coming in at $10 a pop, these balms and salves contain essential oils with known benefits for the skin, propolis with bee-approved healing properties, and honey, one of the oldest wound remedies around. You can trust 1000’s of years of history, right? Pick your favorite today, and enjoy this amazing gift from the bees that you don’t have to whip up yourself.
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