By Gabby Pavlovic (Guest Post)
A reliable multipurpose balm is essential to have since there are so many ways you can use one! Before we share some of these, let us clarify what we mean by “multipurpose balm.”
Often you will hear words like “balm” and “salve” used interchangeably. Both are essentially oils (usually herbal) blended with emulsifiers (i.e. beeswax) to make a semi-solid product. Balms can often contain more aromatic ingredients like essential oils1 which provide moisturising, soothing, and protective properties.
There are plenty of benefits to having a natural multipurpose balm, so here are 12 versatile ways to use one.
1. SOFTEN DRY SKIN
A good natural multipurpose balm hydrates and softens dry skin, like cracked skin on knees and elbows, sore nipples or even pet paws.
Kunzea Muscle Balm is a great moisturiser balm to soothe dry skin. This formulation calms distressed skin, recovers skin tone, and stimulates skin repair thanks to the combination of ingredients such as vitamin E which assists skin repair and protects skin from sun damage2.
2. SOOTHE AND CONDITION LIPS
Dry, cracked lips are common, so it’s no wonder many are on the hunt for a moisturiser balm for our lips. Gently massaging a small amount onto your lips throughout the day can help keep the skin on your lips plump and hydrated – not to mention it brings out your lips’ natural sheen.
3. PREVENT SNIFFLES AND OTHER COLD SYMPTOMS
Ever thought to use a natural multipurpose balm when you get the sniffles? Applying a small amount underneath your nose around the base of your nostrils can help prevent redness and soreness, especially if you are blowing your nose a lot!
Our best multipurpose balm, the Kunzea Muscle Balm is fantastic in this respect, given the refreshing blend of Australian essential oils helps energise and uplift when you start feeling a bit under the weather. Additionally, essential oils present in our Kunzea Balm, particularly Eucalyptus essential oils, have shown great benefit in addressing common cold symptoms due to antiviral activity3.
4. SOOTHE INSECT BITES AND STINGS
A high-quality natural multipurpose balm may relieve the itch of insect and mosquito bites, so take your balm with you when camping or outdoors. Kunzea Muscle Balm has the added benefit of containing insect-repelling essential oils like Eucalyptus and Kunzea4.
5. RELIEVE MUSCLE AND JOINT SORENESS
While not every natural multipurpose balm is formulated for pain management, our Kunzea Muscle Balm contains Australian Kunzea essential oil which has great anti-inflammatory potential, which may contribute to its supportive role in relieving sore muscles and joints.
6. A PROTECTIVE BARRIER FOR ECZEMA, PSORIASIS AND DERMATITIS
Having an effective multipurpose skin balm on hand can be a lifesaver for dry, irritated skin. Look for a balm with soothing ingredients like vitamin E, jojoba oil, or similar moisture-retaining actives. Our Kunzea Muscle Balm has these, as well as anti-inflammatory kunzea essential oil, however a word of warning if you have broken skin: this formulation contains arnica which should not be used on broken skin as it has the effect of breaking down red blood cells5. Although this product may therefore not be the best multipurpose balm for skin conditions where the skin has broken, it is an excellent moisturiser balm generally.
7. TAME YOUR BROWS
Unruly eyebrows? Rub a tiny bit of multipurpose balm between your fingers and apply in the direction of hair growth. This can help keep them in check!
8. EASE NAPPY RASH
A moisturiser balm to soothe sore little bums from nappy rash can protect and moisturise the skin to comfort bub. Having a natural multipurpose balm free of nasties like parabens, synthetic fragrances, artificial colours, preservatives and petrochemicals is a must for sensitive skin.
9. MOISTURISE HANDS AND CUTICLES
Many of us use our hands a lot every day. A multipurpose skin balm can be especially helpful if you wash your hands a lot (painters, mechanics, nurses, etc). Additionally, if you have dry, breaking cuticles on your nails it can restore moisture to skin cells.
10. HAIR CARE
When it comes to what a multipurpose balm can do for your hair, the list is endless! Simply rub a small amount between your palms and apply to split ends, run through frizzy hair to smooth it out, or even style hair by taming curls and fly-aways.
11. EASE THE BURN
Sunburn (or any kind of burns) are NOT a fun time! Get a good moisturiser balm onto the skin to soothe the heat, retain hydration, and perhaps you might find your skin doesn’t peel – bonus!
12. NURTURE AND PROTECT SENSITIVE SKIN
With sensitive skin, it’s important to use a natural multipurpose balm which does not aggravate your skin. Look for a balm which contains natural and preferably organic ingredients rather than synthetic ones. For example, our Kunzea Muscle Balm does not contain parabens, synthetic fragrances, artificial colours, heavy metals, preservatives or petrochemicals which can otherwise cause a variety of adverse effects6.
CONCLUSION
As you can see, there are numerous ways you can use a natural multipurpose balm, so make sure you get your hands on one so it’s there when you need it. Kunzea Muscle Balm is a great option to start, and you can read more about it here.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Gabby Pavlovic is a Melbourne-based Naturopath and host of the Revitalising Health Podcast. With a background in Evolutionary Biology, Gabby takes an ancestral approach to health which is based on principles of empowerment, regeneration, and connection to nature. She helps busy, stressed high achievers to stop burning out so they can find what they love, do what they love, and excel at life in the process. Gabby believes that building and maintaining a robust connection with the natural world is hugely important, as she acknowledges environmental health and human health are closely intertwined.
REFERENCES
- Pursell J. J. The herbal apothecary: 100 medicinal herbs and how to use them. Timber Press; 2016.
- Osiecki, Henry. The Nutrient Bible 9th Edition. Bio Concepts Publishing, 2014.
- Mieres-Castro D, Ahmar S, Shabbir R, Mora-Poblete F. Antiviral activities of eucalyptus essential oils: their effectiveness as therapeutic targets against human viruses. Pharmaceuticals. 2021 Nov 23;14(12):1210.
- Webb, CE. Insect repellents derived from Australian plants and implications for public health messages. In M. Debboun, S.P. Frances, & D. Strickman (Eds.). Insect repellents handbook(2nd, pp. 213-229). CRC Press; 2014.
- Bone K., Mills S. Principles and practice of phytotherapy: Modern herbal medicine. Churchill Livingstone; 2013.
- Panico A, Serio F, Bagordo F, Grassi T, Idolo A, De Giorgi M, Guido M, Congedo M, De Donno A. Skin safety and health prevention: an overview of chemicals in cosmetic products. Journal of preventive medicine and hygiene. 2019 Mar;60(1):E50.
