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.
You can also use the balm and oil anywhere else on the body too. Many people use the balm for lips and any dry or itchy skin elsewhere on the body. NatFem Original Oil makes a beautiful body moisturiser.
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.
April 2024 update: due to factors beyond our control, Super-Soothing Balm is becoming more complex and costly to produce and so we will be ceasing production of this product. It does have a three year shelf life and so we recommend stocking up while stocks are available.
NatFem Original Oil provides an option for customers who choose to use a product that does not contain beeswax.
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 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.
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. 18 months on the oil serums.
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.
Why can't I find your plant essences?
In April 2024 we made the difficult decision to stop making Archeus Plant Essences. Archeus Founder Georgina Langdale is currently writing a book on how to make and work with plant essences and this is planned to be available in late 2024.
Why have you stopped making a number of products?
In April 2024 we made the difficult decision to stop making a number of our products. There are a number of reasons for this. We were finding the cost of many of our ingredients, packaging and other materials is rising too much. We don't have time to do the amount of harvesting and processing we have been doing. And we want to focus on our core products which are NatFem Original Balm and Original Oil.
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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.
What delivery service do you use?
We ship orders via Posthaste couriers, New Zealand couriers and Courierpost.
International orders are shipped via Courierpost.
New Zealand Delivery:
- Urban flat rate: $7
- Rural, PO Boxes, Waiheke $10
- New Zealand orders over $110 FREE shipping
Australia Delivery:
Sent tracked delivery by NZ Courierpost. Receiver to pay any taxes or duty.
- Upto 4 Items - NZD $20
- 5+ items - NZD $40
USA, Canada, UK & Ireland, Denmark, France, Germany Switzerland, Singapore:
Sent tracked delivery by NZ Courierpost. Receiver to pay any taxes or duty.
- Upto 4 Items - NZD $40
- 5+ items - NZD $80
If your location is not listed above and you would like to order some NatFem products, simply email us and provide the following information:
- The items (and quantities) you would like to purchase
- Your delivery address
I will then work out the shipping for you and send you a custom order for payment. Once paid, I will ship the order to you.
Georgina x
Do you have stockists?
We do have some stockists here in New Zealand, as well as a number of healthcare professionals using NatFem in clinic.
You can find out more information here.
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 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 offer individual coaching?
Yes I do.
I have trained in a range of disciplines including menopause health, 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.
Book a session here.
Any other questions? Drop us a line.
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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