Description

The First Signs of Spring — A Time-Honored Woodland Tradition

Long before the first leaves appear, our cottonwood trees begin preparing for spring, producing fragrant, resin-filled buds that have been treasured in traditional herbal preparations for generations. Our handcrafted Balm of Gilead Herbal Salve captures this remarkable gift of nature in a rich, protective blend inspired by the wisdom of traditional homestead skincare.

Balm of Gilead, traditionally made from the resinous buds of cottonwood trees, has a long history of use in herbal skincare. These sticky, aromatic buds contain naturally occurring plant resins and botanical compounds that have made them a favorite in traditional skin-conditioning preparations.

Each year, during late winter and early spring, we carefully gather cottonwood buds from trees growing on our Nebraska homestead, harvesting them during the brief seasonal window when they are rich with fragrant resin. We slowly steep these buds in olive oil, allowing their natural botanical compounds to infuse into the oil before blending it with beeswax to create a rich, nourishing salve.

Unlike lightweight lotions or creams, our Balm of Gilead has a thicker, more substantial consistency. It goes on rich, softening and conditioning dry, rough skin while leaving behind a lasting protective barrier that helps seal in moisture. Especially well suited for hardworking hands, weather-exposed skin, elbows, heels, and other areas needing extra attention, a little goes a long way.

Made with just three simple ingredients — homestead-harvested cottonwood buds, olive oil, and beeswax — our salve contains no added fragrances, artificial colors, or preservatives. Its distinctive, subtly sweet, woodsy aroma comes naturally from the resinous cottonwood buds themselves.

Simple ingredients. Generations of herbal tradition. Handcrafted on our Nebraska homestead.