Frequently Asked Questions
About the NatFem Botanics Range
How do I use NatFem Balm?
You only need to use a very small amount of the balm per application. Get some of the balm on a fingertip and gently apply to the affected area. If using on the genital area, apply some to the vulva and vaginal opening.
Can NatFem vaginal moisturisers be used for intimacy?
Many customers say how NatFem vaginal moisturisers have helped ease painful sex. It can be used by both partners (which can be quite fun!).
Some women tell me they ‘preload’ with NatFem balm before sex, others apply the balm as part of foreplay. It can also help to apply a small amount over the next few days to help keep things comfortable.
Do not use with condoms though as the vegetable oils will make the latex split.
Products:
What's the difference between Original and Super-Soothing Balm?
Original Balm was the initial vaginal moisturising balm I developed and it contains beeswax.
Over time had requests for a vegan balm and so I created Super-Soothing Balm so that I could remove the beeswax. It is replaced with soothing plant butters and waxes.
Can NatFem Balm be applied before having a smear test?
Yes it can.
Do you have to be going through menopause to use this range of products?
No you don’t! But I have formulated each product in response to common needs and issues through and beyond this transition.
However with the exception of the herbal tinctures (which have quite specific purposes) anyone can use the products. NatFem Balm for example makes a beautiful nappy rash and nipple balm!
I'm a health professional, can I use NatFem in clinic?
Absolutely. I have special sample packs available for health professionals to purchase for use in clinic.
There is info and a contact form for you here.
Why does NatFem Balm seem to help reduce UTI's?
A key factor for the reason it seems to help with UTI’s is that it does not contain any glycerin. Glycerin is a common ingredient in a wide range of skincare products and it sets up conditions for ‘bad bacteria’ to thrive. You can read more about glycerin and the vaginal and vulval biome here.
Why does NatFem Balm seem to ease itching?
Both NatFem Balms are made using traditional processes which enable me to infuse the base oils with a range of medicinal herbs. One of them in particular, Stellaria media, is a specific herb that has been used traditionally for soothing hot, itchy skin conditions.
Is the NatFem Collection organic?
Most of the ingredients used to make all of the products here at Archeus, are certified organic, or grown organically. In the ingredients list on each product page I indicate which ingredients are certified.
However the products themselves do not have their own organic certification as it is simply too expensive for me to do that at this time.
I'm in perimenopause and I don't know what products I need, can you help?
If you have any questions you are welcome to get in touch. Also if you subscribe to my newsletter you’ll find out abut talks, Q&A sessions and workshops I will be running about perimenopause and this time of life.
What is the expiry date of NatFem products?
One of the benefits of anhydrous (no water) balms is that they have a very long shelf life. The expiry date label on the bottom of the jar has the format MONTH/YEAR.
I put a three year shelf life on the balms. 14 months on the oil serums. Five years on tinctures and essences.
Do your products contain any nasties?
We love working with the healing power of nature and with ingredients that support health and wellbeing. We do not use any of the following: steroids, hormones, glycerin, silicones, petrolatum, mineral oil, paraffin wax, PEGs, synthetic glycols, parabens, formaldehyde donors, artificial colours and fragrances.
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I feel empowered
“It is exciting to have products that focus on women’s health and well-being . I feel empowered knowing that the product I am using was prepared with women’s problems in mind. I have since told friends about NatFem Products”
Julie
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Helping women
"You are helping lots of us women, thank you again."
Marlene
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Remarkable product
Absolutely excellent. Been using for 3-4 years. Gently apply to necessary bits and you are free for the day. Remarkable product!
Cushla
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Where is Archeus located?
The Archeus Apothecary is located in Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand.
Is the Archeus Apothecary open to the public?
No it is not. Any visits to Archeus are strictly by appointment only.
What delivery service do you use?
We ship orders via Posthaste couriers, New Zealand couriers and Courierpost.
International orders are shipped via Courierpost.
I live in Hawke's Bay, is there a local retail outlet that stocks NatFem?
The Unichem Havelock North Pharmacy at 10 Napier Road, Havelock North (the one with the Post Office!), stocks NatFem Super-Soothing Balm.
What plants do you have growing in your gardens?
A wide range of plants are growing in organically in the Archeus gardens. Calendula, Melissa balm, Motherwort, Sage, Lavender, Violets., Elecampane, Evening primrose, St John’s Wort, Thyme, Roses, Camellias, Silver birch, Ash, Totara, Daphne, Comfrey, Mugwort, Nigella, Jasmine, Meadowsweet, Clary sage, Fig, Avocado, Basil, Oregano, a multitude of vegetables… to name but a few
What do you do for sustainability?
We operate on solar power.
All plant material left over from the traditional processes we use here to make Archeus products (including the NatFem collection) is returned to the earth in compost.
We do what we can to minimize the use of plastic and other non-recyclable materials. We reuse packaging when we can (e.g. we use packaging our blue jars come in, to wrap tincture bottles to help protect them when out for delivery).
We donate to ecological projects including the ecological restoration activity at Argyll East Primary School, the Tiwaiwaka project and to the Millennium Seed Bank at Kew Gardens.
Do you have a podcast?
Yes I do! It’s called The Soul Garden. It’s a mix of interviews, soliloquies and meditations.
You can jump on and have a listen here.
Do you offer individual coaching?
Yes I do (and I love doing this work!). But from September 2023 I am taking a few months break so that I can finish writing a book and preparing new content for my courses and coaching. Subscribe to my newsletter to be kept informed of new offerings at georginalangdale.com.
I have trained in a range of disciplines including herbalism, reiki, shamanic healing, aromatherapy, spiritual mentoring and end of life care. I am a member of the International Coaching Federation ICF, the Climate Change Coaching Alliance, International End-of-Life Doula Association. I am currently training in interfaith ministry and counselling with the Onespirit Foundation in the UK.
Do you offer online learning opportunities?
Yes I do. But from September 2023 I am taking a few months break so that I can finish writing a book and preparing new content for my courses and coaching. Subscribe to my newsletter to be kept informed of new offerings at georginalangdale.com.