Special Herbal Balm

One of Tinderbox’s most cherished and iconic creations, Special Herbal Balm, has earned its place as a trusted staple in countless home first-aid kits. With its remarkable ability to soothe, protect and heal, this balm has inspired an outpouring of heartfelt testimonials from those who turn to natural remedies as their first line of defence. Time and again, it has won the loyalty of families, adventurers and herbal enthusiasts alike, each one delighted to have such a reliable ally on hand when life’s little mishaps come calling.

This high-quality herbal healing balm is crafted to do multiple tasks in wound care: stop bleeding, ease pain, quell infection, reduce scarring and speed up healing. Each botanical ingredient in the Tinderbox Special Herbal Balm plays a unique role in supporting our body’s natural healing process. Here’s a breakdown of each ingredient and its benefits:

Key Ingredients & Their Benefits

The Herbal Extracts

Nettle: Rich in vitamins and minerals, nettle supports skin regeneration and reduces inflammation, which makes it ideal for sensitive or irritated skin.

Calendula: Calendula is famed for its skin-soothing, anti-inflammatory and wound-healing properties. It speeds up tissue repair and reduces swelling.

Yarrow: Yarrow has a long history for use in wound healing its ability to stop bleeding and encourage tissue repair. Its antiseptic properties help protect against infection.

St. John’s Wort: This herb has nerve-soothing qualities, making it perfect for wounds that might be particularly tender. It also contains antibacterial compounds to reduce infection risk.

Golden Seal: Golden seal has strong antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects, reducing infection risks and supporting faster healing.

The Essential Oils

Lemon: Known for its antibacterial properties, lemon oil helps prevent infections by creating an environment that reduces the presence of harmful bacteria.

Lavender: Lavender oil is soothing and known for its pain-relieving, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory effects. It encourages faster tissue repair and reduces scarring.

Tea Tree: Tea tree oil is one of nature’s strongest antiseptics, targeting bacteria and fungi that might try to colonise a wound and it’s gentle enough for use on sensitive skin.

Chamomile: Chamomile is calming and reduces redness, irritation and pain. It is also mildly antiseptic, making it great for soothing inflamed or tender areas.     

Manuka: Manuka oil is one of the most potent antimicrobial oils, and is particularly effective in preventing wound infections.

Thyme: Thyme oil has high levels of thymol, a compound with antiseptic and antifungal qualities, which helps keep wounds clean and promote healing.

The Plant-Based Base

Cold-Pressed Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Olive oil is a powerhouse for skin hydration, delivering deep moisture to keep the wound area soft, which helps prevent cracking and further irritation. Its antioxidant-rich properties also protect the skin from environmental factors that could impede healing.

Candelilla Wax

Candelilla wax a natural plant-based wax from the leaves of the candelilla shrub. It forms a protective barrier on the skin that locks in moisture and soothes irritations, promoting natural healing. It gives the balm its solid texture; allowing it to stay in place on the skin, shield the wound from dirt and bacteria while still letting the skin breathe.

Shea Butter

Shea butter is highly moisturising and packed with vitamins A and E, which help repair damaged skin. It soothes the wound area, alleviating any dryness or itching as the wound heals.

Vitamin E

This is a plant derived Vitamin E, a strong antioxidant that helps protect the skin cells and supports wound healing by reducing free radical damage and helping minimise scar formation.

Practical Wound Care Protocols

Clean the Wound
First, rinse the wound with clean water and calendula tincture to remove any dirt or debris.

Stop Bleeding
Apply gentle pressure with a clean cloth until the bleeding subsides. Yarrow in the balm helps to stop bleeding, so applying a small amount as soon as possible can be beneficial.

Apply the Balm
Once the wound is clean and dry, apply a small amount of the balm directly to the wound. The balm will create a thin, breathable barrier that protects the wound while delivering antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory benefits.

Cover if Necessary
For larger wounds or cuts that are prone to irritation, cover with a clean bandage. This can help the balm stay in place and prevent exposure to additional dirt or bacteria. Change the bandage daily, reapplying the balm each time.

Repeat as Needed
Reapply the balm 1-2 times a day or as needed, especially after cleaning the wound. Consistent use will maximise healing, keep infection at bay and help minimise scarring.

Special Herbal Balm is an excellent, all-natural option for small cuts, scrapes, burns, and bug bites. Its soothing and antiseptic properties make it a helpful addition to any natural first-aid kit and it will keep well, potentially lasting for years without deteriorating.