Herbal KnowledgeApr 17, 2026

5 Topicals for Herbal Self-Care

One of the great things about herbalism is that you don't have to drop everything and retreat to the middle of the woods in order to feel its benefits in your life. Just a few daily rituals can make all the difference. If you're already in the habit of taking our liquid herbal extracts or capsules, that's amazing. But, don't forget there's a whole world of topical herbal allies out there for you, too!

Get to know 5 external-use topical products that are just waiting to be added to your daily lineup.

St. Johns Wort

St. Johns Wort Oil

Think of our St. John's Wort Oil almost like sunshine in a bottle. In true Herb Pharm style, we don't cut any corners when making it. We start with fresh (never dried) flowering tops of Hypericum perforatum plants. Each summer near the solstice, the plants are responsibly wildcrafted in Oregon's Siskiyou and Cascade mountains in a narrow time frame before the flowers have fully opened. Then, we extract the flowers in cold pressed, Certified Organic Olive Oil. We use a longer and more labor-intensive traditional extraction method than other brands, but we feel the result is the better and that's just the Herb Pharm way!

Tea Tree Essential Oil

Are you a fan of essential oils? Check out our Tea Tree Essential Oil! Other brands may use dried leaves, but our Tea Tree Essential Oil is made with fresh (never dried) leaves of Melaleuca alternifolia trees. Additionally, we source these leaves from trees that are traditionally grown in their native wetland habitat in Australia. Sustainable sourcing like this supports the ecosystem where this plant naturally grows and leads to a quality oil. Our Tea Tree Essential Oil is also low in cineole (less than 7%) and is therefore very gentle to the skin and mucous membranes.

Calendula

Herb Pharm Original Salve™

Here's a fun fact: this salve was one of the first products Herb Pharm ever made and sold, which is why we call it Herb Pharm Original Salve™! Our salve is a customer favorite, with many 5-star reviews, and many people lovingly refer to it as “Herbal Ed's Salve” as a nod to Herb Pharm co-founder Ed Smith. This special salve is made with herbs from the southern Oregon area, either certified organically grown or responsibly wildcrafted on or around our Regenerative Organic Certified® farms in southern Oregon.

Herbal Gum Rinse

One of the best ways to incorporate new habits into your routine is by combining them with other things you do regularly, like brushing your teeth! Ditch the chemical-laden mouthwashes and opt for an herbal mouthwash, instead. Our Herbal Gum Rinse brings together a wonderful blend of herbs, including Spilanthes, Thyme, Cranberry, Cinnamon, Myrrh, Clove, and Peppermint essential oil. Just mix a dropper full in 2 oz. of water and rinse your mouth thoroughly after brushing and flossing your teeth (and be sure to spit when you're done rinsing!),

Mullein Garlic Oil

Mullein Garlic Oil is one of those classic herbal preparations that has long been a go-to for adults and children. For kids ages 1-10 years, add 1 drop of slightly warmed oil in each ear 2-3 times daily. For adults and children over the age of 10 years, do the same but feel free to up it to 1-2 drops. Both our Mullein Garlic Oil and Kids Mullein Garlic Oil are the exact same product, but the Kids label offers adapted Suggested Use instructions meant for little ones. These oils are some of our best-selling products, both online and in-stores, so if they're already part of your home apothecary, you're in good company!