Balms— FAQ

Why balms?

Oil is such an important part of a healthy daily routine. Abhyanga, or self massage with oil, is one of the absolute best ways to get oil to penetrate deeply into the tissues, but it’s not appropriate all the time or for everyone, and it does take a bit of time to do right. I see the balms as a way to spot-treat; to give yourself small doses of beneficial herbs delivered via these amazing carrier oils like ghee, coconut oil and sesame oil, without the logistical hurdles of full body oil massage. Portable and practical, the balms can give you a taste of the wonderful effects you can notice when you start to incorporate some of these herbs and oils into your life, spend a little time massaging yourself, whether it’s your temples or your feet, and indulge your senses in the experience. I suppose you could call the balms a gateway drug to other Ayurvedic practices.

Are your balms vegan?

Mostly no. I use ghee (clarified butter made from cow’s milk) and beeswax in most of the balms (though not all, so do check the ingredients list) and both are non-vegan. I use organic ghee made from pasture-raised grassfed cows, and organic beeswax that is sourced responsibly and made without additives or synthetic ingredients. Ghee has been used in Ayurveda both externally and internally, in cooking and in medicines, for thousands of years and there is simply no equal substitute for it (though if the situation called for a substitute, coconut oil would likely be the best). If you are interested in a vegan version of one of my available balms, please contact me directly for a custom balm.

How long do the balms last?

It’s best to use the balms within 6 months to 1 year from the date of purchase. They are stable (no refrigeration necessary) but made with fresh ingredients and no preservatives. Just like food for your skin— if your vegetables never went bad, wouldn’t that concern you?

Are the balms medicinal or cosmetic?

Well, both. There’s a relationship between the health of the body and the appearance of its outermost layer. The skin is an expression of the health of Rasa Dhatu, the first of the Seven Bodily Tissues, and we can absorb, digest and integrate substances through the skin as well as through the digestive tract. This is why anything we put on our skin should be made of natural, safe ingredients, of a quality that is good enough to eat.

What does the FDA think of all this?

I’m so glad you asked. The information on this site has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The products on this website are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. And just for fun, here is an incomplete database of substances the FDA approved for use that were later discovered to be toxic and recalled.

What is the return policy?

I want you to be happy with your balms. If you have an issue, please get in touch and I’ll make it right!