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Healer’s Touch is a soothing skin salve that contains many marvelous and all-natural ingredients that have been used for thousands of years in traditional medicine.  At Heirloom Herbals, we integrate trusted, age-old remedies with modern research to develop our product…and here is what we have found:

Calendula:

This beautiful yellow-orange flower has a lot more to offer than just a pretty face! Records of calendula’s use for skincare date all the way back to ancient Egypt and Rome when it was widely used to heal wounds. Calendula ointment was even used in World War I to heal soldiers’ wounds due to its anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, and antimicrobial properties. In more recent research, calendula has been found to induce collagen production, inhibit collagen degradation, improve blood flow, reduce inflammation, redness, and irritation, and has remarkable antimicrobial activities. It has also been found to balance sebum production within the skin, making it ideal for oily or dry skin.

Lavender:

Most people are aware of lavender’s aromatherapeutic reputation, but very few know what it does for the skin. Lavender’s topical applications were first recognized by the ancient Romans as an antiseptic and anti-inflammatory, and was later recorded by the Greek physician, Dioscorides in 77 AD. Modern research supports these ancient findings and has also provided evidence of lavender’s ability to treat skin ailments such as eczema, fungal infections, parasitic infections, and acne.

Thyme:

Though it is most often used as a culinary herb today, thyme has a rich history of topical application for skin conditions. This herb also dates back to ancient Egypt, Rome, and Greece when it was used as a general antiseptic. Current research shows that thyme is an all-purpose herb with a broad range of benefits such as anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties, as well as an ability to stimulate circulation to the skin, which can facilitate the fading of scars from acne and other skin injuries. Most notable is thyme’s ability to fight off bacteria and fungi, which helps to treat skin infections like acne, athlete’s foot, and ringworm. 

Chamomile:

Widely popular for its use as a tea to soothe sore throats, chamomile has a long-standing history of medicinal use. In ancient Egypt, it was revered as a sacred flower and used to treat skin conditions and fevers. Greek physicians, like Hippocrates (450-380 BCE), recognized its multitude of medicinal uses and often prescribed chamomile for headaches, sleeplessness, and skin conditions. Ancient Roman physicians, such as Pliny the Elder (23-79 AD) often recommended chamomile for anxiety, insomnia, and digestive upset. Its medicinal applications echoed throughout history time and time again for a variety of ailments and was later used in the 16th and 17th centuries for ointments and medicinal baths. Today’s research shows that chamomile has potent anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce irritation and redness which often accompany skin conditions like eczema and rosacea.

We infuse the healing properties of these herbs with coconut oil and sweet almond oil, and here’s why.

Coconut Oil:

Coconut oil is highly moisturizing and improves moisture retention which makes it the perfect choice for dry, cracked, or flaky skin. It contains anti-inflammatory compounds that help to soothe irritated skin, reduce redness, alleviate pain, and speed wound healing. The lauric and capric acid in coconut oil have antimicrobial properties which help to prevent the spread of microorganisms and can treat bacterial skin conditions like acne. Its antioxidant content can help even skin tone and boost collagen production which can reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.  

Sweet Almond Oil:

Sweet almond oil is a nutrient-rich oil that works as an emollient to soften and hydrate the skin. Its anti-inflammatory properties work well to soothe irritated skin in conditions such as eczema and psoriasis. Sweet almond oil is rich in vitamins, minerals, and fatty acids that nourish the skin and contribute to overall skin health. It is generally considered non-comedogenic, meaning it’s unlikely to clog pores, making it suitable for various skin types. Antioxidants present in the vitamin E contents of this oil have also been found to help protect against sun damage. 

We add a small amount of tea tree essential oil and spearmint essential oil to compliment the properties of our Healer’s Touch. Tea tree essential oil has antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antifungal properties which make it ideal for treating acne, reducing itching and irritation, and aiding in wound healing. Spearmint essential oil’s cooling sensation can help relieve itching, irritation, and inflammation. It can help to balance sebum production and is noted to be especially helpful in managing oily skin. Spearmint essential oil is also a natural astringent, meaning it can tighten the skin and close the pores, helping to reduce their appearance, smoothing skin texture. 

Finally, we add beeswax to bring everything together! Beeswax acts as a humectant, drawing moisture to the skin and forming a protective barrier to prevent moisture loss. This helps to keep the skin hydrated and soft, which is essential for treating a variety of skin ailments. Its anti-inflammatory properties help to soothe irritated skin while its antibacterial and antimicrobial properties can improve minor skin issues. Beeswax is also non-comedogenic and contains vitamin A which supports skin cell regeneration.