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Herbalism

The herbs behind our four balms

Meet the flowers, roots and leaves hiding in every jar. No science degree needed.

4 min read Bowls of dried lavender, hops, chamomile, calendula, rose, arnica, ginger, turmeric, cinnamon and chili on a wooden table

Ever wonder what’s actually inside a jar of balm? Good news: it’s mostly plants. Lots and lots of plants.

Here’s how every Moon Mother Wellness balm is made. It’s easier than baking cookies.

  1. 1Soak the herbs. We put dried herbs in warm jojoba oil and let them hang out. It’s like making tea, but with oil instead of water.
  2. 2Make it creamy. We stir in cocoa butter, mango butter and beeswax. Yes, the same cocoa as chocolate. No, you can’t eat it.
  3. 3Add the good smells. A few drops of essential oils go in last. These are strong plant oils that give each balm its own scent.

Every single ingredient is certified organic. That means it was grown without harsh chemicals. Your skin says thanks.

Okay, let’s meet the herbs!

Lavender, chamomile, passionflower, mugwort and hops laid out on linen
For bedtime

Dream Balm

It smells like: Lavender and blue chamomile. Soft, floral and sleepy.

How to use it: Rub a little on the back of your neck, your wrists and between your toes before bed.

The herbs inside
  • Lavender. The purple flower everyone loves. It smells calm and sweet, like a deep breath.
  • Chamomile. A tiny white flower that looks like a mini daisy. It smells a little like apples. Grandma probably made tea with it.
  • Passionflower. A wild purple flower that grows on a vine. It looks like a firework. Seriously, look it up.
  • Mugwort. A plant with silvery green leaves. Old folk stories call it the “dreamer’s herb.” Fancy.
  • Hops. Little green cones that look like tiny pinecones. Yes, the same hops used in beer. Earthy and cozy.
Shop Dream Balm
Arnica, chili peppers, ginger, turmeric, black pepper, mint, cinnamon, orange and ylang ylang on linen
For after a busy day

Muscle Balm

It smells like: Cinnamon, ginger, ylang ylang and sweet orange. Warm, spicy and bright.

How to use it: Rub it into your shoulders, back, legs or feet after work, a hike or a workout. Wash your hands after, since the chili pepper is warm!

The herbs inside
  • Arnica. A sunny yellow flower from the mountains. People have rubbed it on after long days for hundreds of years.
  • Capsicum. That’s a fancy name for red chili pepper! It gives a warm, toasty feeling on your skin.
  • Ginger. A spicy root. Warm in your kitchen, warm in your balm.
  • Menthol. It comes from mint. It feels cool and tingly, like a winter breeze.
  • Turmeric. A bright orange-yellow root. It’s the same golden spice that’s in curry.
  • Black pepper. Yep, from your pepper shaker. It adds a little extra warmth.
Shop Muscle Balm
Calendula, plantain, comfrey, St. John’s wort, tea tree and lavender laid out on linen
For dry, thirsty skin

Skin Balm

It smells like: Tea tree and lavender. Fresh and clean.

How to use it: Smooth it onto dry spots, like your hands, elbows, knees and heels.

The herbs inside
  • Calendula. A happy orange flower, sometimes called pot marigold. It’s a superstar in herbal skin care.
  • Plantain. Not the banana! It’s a flat green leaf that grows in tons of backyards. You’ve probably stepped on it.
  • Comfrey. A plant with big, soft, fuzzy leaves. Folks have used it in skin salves for ages.
  • St. John’s wort. A little yellow flower with a cool trick: it turns the oil a deep red color when it soaks.
Shop Skin Balm
Arnica, chamomile, roses, St. John’s wort, hops, clary sage, lavender and cardamom laid out on linen
For monthly self-care

Wise Woman Comfort Balm

It smells like: Clary sage, lavender, rose and cardamom. Warm, floral and a little spicy.

How to use it: Rub a little onto the spot where you want comfort, like your lower belly or lower back, during your time of the month.

The herbs inside
  • Arnica. The sunny mountain flower again. It’s that good, so it’s in two balms.
  • Chamomile. The tiny apple-scented daisy. Calm, gentle and sweet.
  • Rose. Soft pink petals. Who doesn’t love roses?
  • St. John’s wort. The little yellow flower that turns oil red. Neat, right?
  • Hops. The tiny green cones, back for an encore. Earthy and grounding.
Shop Wise Woman Comfort Balm

A few friendly tips

  • These balms are for the outside of your body only.
  • Don’t use them on cuts or broken skin.
  • Keep them away from your eyes.
  • Got sensitive skin? Try a tiny bit on your arm first.
  • Pregnant, nursing or have a health question? Check with your doctor first.
  • Store your balm somewhere cool and dry.

That’s it! Simple herbs, good oils and a whole lot of care, made in small batches in Colorado.

Now the fun part: which one will you try first?

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