It’s Green, It’s a Balm, It’s 100% Natural and it’s a miracle. That’s what the manufacturers of Móa – The Green Balm say about their organic balm. Having tried most of the balms on the market, aimed at climbers and outdoor folk, I was keen to explore the validity of these bold claims.
Móa claim that their product is 100% natural, has 100% organic herbs, no chemicals, no artificial preservatives, no perfume, no alchohol, no parabens, no lanolin and is not tested on animals. So there’s no nasties in there, but most products on the market claim to have all natural ingredients too, so what’s the difference? Móa say that each pot of The Green Balm is crammed with organic Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) a herb renowned for its nourishing and healing properties. Organic Yarrow? That’s something I haven’t seen in the ingredients lists of the other balms I’ve tried.
Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) is a flowering plant, grown in the temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere. In times gone by Yarrow was known as herbal militaris, for its use in staunching the flow of blood from wounds. It is believed to be an astringent, a tonic and a mild aromatic. It has a history of use a medicine for everything from hemorrhoids to colds and flu. Potent stuff then!
So what’s it like?
It’s a soft paste, as opposed to a hard balm. I prefer this as it makes it easier to apply. The only downside is you’ll probably use it up faster. Like all balms aimed at climbers, it feels greasy for a few minutes, until it’s soaked in. The thing that struck me the most was the smell, or lack of it. Most balms have a very heady aroma, which to some people is very appealing and for others, truly repellent. My girlfriend has complained on several occasions when I’ve come to bed reeking of various oils found in these balms. The Green Balm has a very light, almost citrusy aroma. I found it really pleasant, and there have been no complaints from ‘her indoors’ either!
I’ve found that most of the balms on the market are effective in dealing with the maladies that climber’s and other outdoor athletes hand’s face. The Green Balm is no exception, it worked a treat on my dry, calloused paws.
At £9.99 for a 50ml tub, the price is comparable to other balms on the market. If you fancy giving it a try, Móa also offer a ‘mini’ 15mm tub for £4.99. Both are available from www.thegreenbalm.com.
