Extra virgin olive oil 

We use extra virgin olive oil as the base oil for this balm as it is moisturising, hypoallergenic, anti-infective and anti-inflammatory. It is a very stable oil that maintains its healing properties when gently infused like in this recipe. It is also rich in a host of potent natural antioxidants – which not only protect the skin from the effects of sun radiation, pollution and other stressors, but also help preserve the balm for longer. Containing plenty of vitamin A, D, E and K, it is nourishing, soothing and protective to the skin. 

Menthol crystals

Menthol crystals create a cooling sensation and a painkilling effect when applied on the skin. Menthol — the main constituent in peppermint essential oil — is a cough suppressant that decongests your airways and helps you breathe more deeply. Menthol is also antibacterial and antifungal, which may help address respiratory infections. It eases pain and discomfort and induces muscle and mental relaxation. 

Eucalyptus smithii essential oil

Eucalyptus smithii is a refreshing, mild variety of eucalyptus essential oil that is gentler and better tolerated on the skin than the more commonly used Eucalyptus globulus variety. It is suitable for those with sensitive skin, but still very effective in loosening and clearing out excessive mucus, decongesting and opening the airways, stimulating the immune response and supporting the body to combat upper respiratory infections. It soothes the respiratory tract and eases soreness and discomfort associated with coughs and chest infections. 

Ho wood essential oil 

Ho wood essential oil works as a decongestant to clear blocked airways. It eases coughs and shortness of breath. It is naturally anti infectious, immunostimulant and painkilling, making it excellent for easing symptoms associated with  respiratory infections. As an antispasmodic, it also soothes muscle spasms and pain associated with coughs, or any tightness in the chest which may accompany colds, flus and other respiratory complaints. 

Pine essential oil

Made from aromatic pine tree needles (commonly recognised as the traditional Christmas tree!), pine essential oil has been used in traditional medicine for centuries. With an invigorating and cleansing fragrance, this essential oil is known to support immune function, help clear the respiratory tract, address symptoms of coughs, colds, flus, asthma and sinusitis, and facilitate the healing of upper respiratory infections. It is also refreshing and uplifting, which makes it helpful to reduce tension and fatigue. It 

soothes inflammation, soreness, aches and pain, supports the body’s natural detoxification processes and improves circulation. 

Thyme essential oil 

An intensely aromatic Mediterranean herb, thyme essential oil is a powerful anti-infective, and it is very effective in opening the airways, loosening phlegm and easing its expulsion from the respiratory tract. It is warming, drying and anti-inflammatory, making it a go-to herb for cold, damp upper respiratory conditions: bronchitis, laryngitis or even asthma, for example. Thyme is also a warming stimulant to the circulation – perfect for chilly winter days, or when you need that extra bit of oomph! 

Candelilla wax

We use candelilla wax to thicken the balm into just the right consistency for rubbing on the chest. Candelilla wax is very similar to beeswax. We avoid using beeswax in order to offer fully vegan balms. It is derived from the candelilla plant, which grows in the Chihuahuan desert in Mexico, providing livelihoods to local smallholder producers (“candelilleros”) who sustainably harvest the plant. Candelilla wax is soothing to the skin, does not block pores (making it safe for oily skin) and is naturally rich in beneficial vitamin A. The plant leaf is so full of wax that you can light it like a candle!