The Story Behind Our Natural Nettle Balm: A Tradition Passed Down Through Generations
- Kevin Ingram
- Nov 26
- 2 min read
Long before Nature’s Empathy was born, long before we made our first balm here in Aotearoa, this recipe lived a quiet life on the other side of the world — in a little Scottish town known simply as “The Kirk.”
Nestled just east of the sweeping Cairngorms National Park, The Kirk was the kind of place where people worked the land, respected the seasons, and understood the healing power of the plants that grew around them.
My grandfather was one of them — a humble farm labourer who lived simply, worked hard, and carried with him the old knowledge of the land. He didn’t learn his remedies from books or formal teachers. He learned them the way his parents did, and their parents before them: through stories, observation, and a deep respect for nature.
Back then, life was sustainable not because it was trendy, but because it was necessary. People harvested only what they needed. They knew which plants soothed tired muscles, which eased weathered skin, and which could be relied on through long winters and years of farm work.
One of those plants was nettle — often seen as a nuisance today, but in their world, it was a powerful ally. They used nettle for everything from nourishment to skincare, and my grandfather paid close attention when the older workers prepared their herbal balms.
From his hands, this recipe — this simple but powerful combination of nettle and natural oils — passed down through the generations. Honoured, protected, and never altered beyond what nature intended.
Today, that same recipe lives inside our Nature’s Empathy Nettle Balm. We make it in small batches, just as they did — with care, patience, and respect for the land. The ingredients are pure, natural, and thoughtfully harvested. The method is slower, more intentional, and keeps the spirit of the original recipe intact.
This balm isn’t just a product.
It’s a piece of family history.
A piece of Scottish land wisdom.
A reminder of the people who believed nature could nurture us — if we only took the time to listen.
And now, we’re honoured to share it with you.
From our whānau to yours.
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