Posted by Wenona Napolitano on Apr.27, 2010

Many over the counter ointments, like vapor rubs, contain petroleum products along with nasty chemicals and things you can’t even pronounce.

Thera Wise has a line of bio-active ointments that are plant derived, paraben free and petroleum free.

The “bio-active botanical extracts and therapeutic nutrients start the healing process from deep within the skin” and the “all natural plant extracts of organic chamomile, argan kernel, grape seed, barley beta glucan, witch hazel, calendula, sea buckthorn, organic rose hip seed and olive fruit reduce inflammation, rejuvenate and restore delicate skin tissue.”

Currently Thera Wise has four formulations: Decongestant (VpR), Hemorrhoids (HmR), Skin Healing (SHO), and Acne (Ac+).

I had a chance to try three of the formulas: Decongestant (VpR), Skin Healing (SHO), and Acne (Ac+) and I have to say…I was pretty impressed.

The decongestant works as well as vapor rub without the petroleum. It reminded me of the old fashioned ointment that came out of a tin that my grandma used to lather all over me when I was sick.

The skin healing and acne ointments both have a strong tea tree oil aroma and base which I don’t mind but my husband and son cannot use them because they are both sensitive to tea tree oil (not the product’s fault), however my daughter and I both use tea tree products regularly so had no problems with either ointment.

The skin healing ointment has antibacterial properties, can aid in wound healing, and can be used on rashes, burns or other skin irritations. Complete product details can be found here

The acne ointment is gentle and non-irritating. The plant based formula does not dry or redden the skin like your average acne product which makes me give it major thumbs up.

I would definitely buy Thera Wise products if I could easily find them at the store- which is one of the biggest problems when it comes to buying all natural, organic and green products.

They aren’t easily accessible in local stores. As a mom of three I have budget and time constraints. I like items that are cheap, easy to find, and don’t require a lot of extras. Sure I shop online when necessary but if my kids get sick or I need something I sure am not going to wait for a product to be shipped to me.

Thera Wise products are available at CVS stores here in the US which is a big plus (Thera Wise products are made in Canada). Hopefully they will be readily available at other stores soon.

They can also be purchased online.

Being a very cost conscious mom I do have to point out that I find the price a little steep at almost $20 for a tube of ointment.

It is no wonder so many people fight going natural and green, sometimes the cost difference can be huge. Compare a $4 or $5 bottle of Vapor Rub to a $20 (plus shipping and handling) tube of natural Vaporizing Decongestant Rub. That’s a big difference.

If I compared products at the store and there was just a dollar or two difference I would definitely go for the natural stuff but with the price difference being over $15 for around the same (or less) amount of product…

What would you do?

Product Disclosure: Review samples were provided to the author at no charge.

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Posted under Alternative Treatments, Product Reviews.