This oil is inspired by the mountaintop sanctuaries of the Great Mother across Southern Europe. While the figures outwardly worshipped at these sites today are christianized, the vast majority of these sacred places have existed for far longer than the church and have always been recognized as places that embody and emanate a matriarchal energy that welcomes and nurtures all who have walked slowly up the mountains to seek refuge. There is a very particular spiritual energy on the Mountains, and as a species who has long felt this, we have gone to great lengths to build structures to mark these places and welcome those who journey to them, as well as intricate village rites to celebrate and maintain a relationship with them. Infused with Pine, Frankincense, and Baltic Amber, three plant derived materials that we have long recognized as sacred and incorporated into our spiritual lives, this oil is in honor of these places, those who have taken care of them, and the mystics who continue to speak to the Earth and choose the mysterious path of the Mother. 

Baltic Amber is a fossilized resin produced by coniferous trees from the Pine family. These include a large number of different genera, all given the collective name Pinus Succinifera, which grew in Northern Europe around the Baltic Sea 40 million to 200 million years ago. An atmospheric change occurred causing the climate to warm and in an attempt to adapt to the changing environment, the conifers exuded large amounts of resin. Over time this resin sank to the bottom of the Baltic Sea floor and over eons became stable. Humans have been engaging with Baltic Amber as medicine for a very long time, recognizing its proclivity to strengthen the human spirit and impart courage. When applied topically, Baltic Amber fills our bodies with vitality, alleviates stress, and is a panacea of health. Pine is a coniferous tree that is widely distributed in the Northern Hemisphere and is also found in the Mediterranean Basin, and dry tropical forests in southeast Asia and Central America, that is a powerful antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial. It’s soothing to irritated skin conditions, relaxing to sore muscles, and aids in minor wound care. Frankincense  provides a cornucopia of support including but not limited to – promoting cellular health and immunity, rejuvenating skin, supporting a healthy inflammatory response, accelerating healing of wounds, supporting healthy sebum levels, and promoting healthy and responsive tissue states. Made by infusing whole pine and resins into the oils, Sanctuary is potent topical medicine, imparting its fresh, sharp, sweet, resinous, woody, citrusy, deep aroma & its multifaceted medicine— deeply warming and soothing for our nervous systems, providing a protective cloak for the season.

Our herbal oils are made by infusing whole plant material into oil using the most effective methods for each plant, rather than substituting this with the use of essential oils as is commonly done today. This results in true herbal oils that carry the full spectrum of oil soluble constituents the plants offer, rather than just their concentrated volatile oils. They embody and encompass the medicine, spirit, and natural scent of the plant while being gentle and effective for everyone/ everywhere on your body—yes, including face!

Applying herbal oil to our bodies is a gift for out past, present, and future self. It supports our musculoskeletal and nervous system health and promotes circulation, lymph drainage, softer and stronger skin. It relaxes our muscles, stimulates internal organs, helps relieve pain, and increases our mobility. Taking that time with ourselves and giving attention to our whole body clears the mind, enhances our quality of sleep, and life. To get the most out of this practice, I suggest applying the oil after bathing while your skin is still damp, and to use in conjunction with a hydrosol to really lock in moisture and add hydration.

2 oz. glass bottle with pump top

Info comes with order

Ingredients (All organic) | Baltic Amber, Frankincense, Pine, Small Batch Sicilian Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Almond Oil.

An important note on Frankincense—Humans have been utilizing Frankincense for thousands of years and due to its popularity across cultures and in the wellness industry, its conservation status is becoming increasingly threatened. Reports from communities and experts range from considering the trees near threatened to critically endangered, with the status range representing differences among trees and regions. Because of this, I seldomly use Frankincense and only ever source it from Boswellness, a distillery in Vermont owned by Mahdi Ibrahim who is from Somaliland. Through his business, he is engaged in efforts to take care of the trees, environment, and communities these resins come from and who do the harvesting work. I encourage you to read more about his efforts and to only buy products containing Frankincense from makers who source ethically and share this info, in an effort to protect this special ancestor.

Please read announcement at the top of site for shipping information for remainder of holiday season. We are a super small apothecary and appreciate your patience and support of Slow Handcrafted Medicine.

Required Disclaimer - These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.