I have become painfully aware of just how difficult it is to express the healing properties of plants and herbs, due to the restrictions on language to keep one from making claims or selling snake oil. There are so many laws governing what can and cannot be said. Although salves and ointments, tinctures and teas have been used for centuries, there is little freedom to explain the medicinal uses for each. You must almost become a student of herbs and wildcrafting yourself to know how you can effectively treat yourself and your family.
I received three small jars of body balm in the mail from Vintage TRADITION, all different scents, all very pleasant. We got a jar of “Pretty Girly Scent”, “Mild Manly Scent”, “Almost Unscented Scent”. A friend was over and we were so excited that we opened all three. She and I naturally gravitated towards different ones—she loved the “pretty girly scent” and I did not care for it at all (in the jar, anyway—but it was much milder on my skin and very pleasant). I immediately fell for the “almost unscented scent” because it was mild and calming. Although I do not consider myself “girly” I am a far cry from manly either. I was convinced that scent would be for my husband, but in a moment of curiosity I tried it myself. I love it! It is not “manly” at all, although I think both it and the “almost unscented” are gender neutral and would be appropriate for anyone. Both of those have sandalwood in them, a very common choice for cologne.
I have tried natural salves many times before, and I have always enjoyed them. It is true that they make an incredible difference in your skin and I dare say that you will believe in the power of all-things-natural once you make the switch. Vintage TRADITION has created a perfect blend. I have tried my hand at homemade balm before (no pun intended), but I find it difficult to get the right consistency because mine are generally too greasy. I loved the smooth creaminess of vintage Traditions, and how it naturally soaked into the skin without that greasy residue.
The maker of Vintage TRADITIONS uses 100% Grass-fed, organic beef tallow that he gets straight from the ranch. Tallow was used for centuries in skin products before petroleum-based products became all the rage.
I have decided that I do not need to be an expert in everything, and that I do believe I will allow Vintage TRADITION to go on making salves on my behalf. They obviously know a thing or two about medicinal herbs, evidenced by the combinations they use. Trust me, it matters. I won’t be making any claims here about the herbs used, but you can do a quick google search to discover how healthy these combinations are for your thirsty skin.
I took some time to research their testimonials page. A mom recently posted some pics of the baby’s healed bum, and I was moved. After I myself had a baby with serious diaper rashes that required multiple trips to the pediatric dermatologist, I felt for that mom. I myself shed more than one tear over an inconsolable and pained baby. That was back in the day, when I knew nothing beyond store bought stuff and tea tree oil—I wish knew to try this back then.
So check out their website and give it a try. We do not sell Vintage TRADITION, but I can personally recommend it.
–Chaya
*Picture of tallow from this site, please check it out for info on making soaps and shaving cream from tallow.