The Halfling Herbalist

Sorry things have been a little quiet on social media over the last couple of months. Lots of changes have been happening in the Shire.
The website is now at thehalflingherbalist.com.
Naenae has stepped away to work on some personal projects, so expect to see her up to something exciting, pampering, and decadent in the future!
I (Lizzy) am still here, fighting the never ending onslaught of winter, stress, and eczema. However, I’m also heading in for ankle reconstruction surgery in June. As a result, things may look a little different around here over the next couple of months.
Some of our products have been reformulated or revamped, with a stronger focus on sustainability and value. (Do not panic. The 40% shea butter content is staying.) I am also suddenly in charge of social media and displays, despite not actually being very good at making things pretty, so please be gentle.
I also still have a job, so there will probably be fewer posts for a while.
Our major supplier for shea butter, beeswax, and sweet almond oil has changed as well. Hopefully there are no teething problems, but it does mean we can no longer source organic sweet almond oil without charging absolutely ridiculous prices ($91/L was enough to make me curse in the black tongue). It is still fair trade and ethically sourced.
Starting in October, assuming surgery recovery behaves itself, I would like to commit to two markets a month, with more as chronic illness allows. Please comment below if you have a favourite market suggestion, or just stop in to say hi!
Oh, and some good news: there will be a couple of giveaways coming up soon. Watch this space.

The leaves are turning gold, the hearth fires are being lit, and a chill whispers on the wind. 🍂❄️

As we say in the Shire (and beyond the Wall), Winter is Coming.

But fear not, dear halflings! We’ve brewed a bit of magic to see you through the long, drying months ahead. Our Hand & Body Balm and Face Balm are your first line of defense against the icy grip of the season.

Crafted with a mighty 40% Shea Butter formulation, this is no mere salve—it’s a suit of armor for your skin. It delves deep to repair the lower layers of your dermis, ensuring your skin stays soft, supple, and hydrated even when the winds howl.

🌿 The Old Magic Within:
All our potions are forged with the four signature essential oils we grow in our own gardens:

🌼 Kawakawa – For soothing the weary and inflamed.
🌿 Rosemary – For warding off the chill and microbes.
🌼 Marigold – For mending and restoring.
🍃 Chamomile – For calming the fiercest of windswept skin.

Together, they provide lasting antimicrobial action, reduce inflammation, and help our balm sink deep past the skin’s barrier—so you stay soft, protected, and utterly radiant, no matter how long the night.

Stock up your larder (and your pockets) before the frost claims us all. Your skin will thank you when the sun returns.

Winter is coming. Are you prepared?

You can stock up online 
Thehalflingherbalist.co.nz
Or catch the Halflings at Moon Bloom Market
April 11th
From 2pm

  WinterSkincare HomegrownHerbs Kawakawa ShieldForTheSkin CozySeason HandAndBodyBalm

Acne: A Personal Journey.

We get asked a lot about what products we recommend for Acne, and our answer might surprise you: our rich hydrating face balm. Before I explain why, I want to share my own story.
My name is Naenae, and I’ve had acne on and off since I was a teen. It got really bad in my early twenties, disappeared for a bit, and has returned again now. My journey with my skin has been a long one.

As a young person battling with my appearance, I was taught—by the beauty industry and even some medical professionals—that my skin was a problem. Something to be ashamed of, perhaps a sign of bad hygiene, an unhealthy diet, or cheap makeup. I internalized that shame.
I did the things most people try. I burned my skin with harsh astringents, slathered on tea tree oil, salt, and even toothpaste. I developed disordered eating habits and went on prescription medications with horrendous side effects, all because I hated my skin. I felt like it had betrayed me. The acne wasn't just on my face; it was on my back, chest, ears, and even my scalp. The message "beauty is pain" felt all too real.

I remember vividly being at the zoo with a good friend when some girls looked at me and started laughing. I tried to hide how upset I was, but luckily, my friend has nerves of steel and told them exactly where to go.
I know how badly you want to just wash those spots away. The hard truth is, acne often isn't just "dirty skin." It's frequently a symptom of what's happening within your body—like hormones, or in my case, Polycystic O***y Syndrome and a collagen disorder. No amount of chemical burns was going to "fix" that. My acne comes and goes like the seasons. Sometimes my skin is soft and smooth, and other times, it’s not.

Why I use our face balm.

•Kawakawa oil has potent antimicrobial properties to keep skin bacteria in check and is anti-inflammatory to calm redness.
•Marigold and Chamomile oils further reduce inflammation and encourage healing to minimize scarring.
• Jojoba oil helps to gently draw out blackheads.
• This all sits in a rich shea butter base, proven to be non-comedogenic, and promotes scar free skin healing.

The hearth is warm, the kettle is on, and the garden is whispering. ✨

After a restorative summer break, The Halfling Herbalist is back and brimming with new botanical blends and cozy comforts.

We’re so excited to step out of the sunshine and meet you at the Ink & Indie Pop-Up Market!
📅 Saturday, February 8th
⏰ 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Sip a tasty beverage, discover hand crafted arts, herbal salves, and little bits of garden magic to top up your self care rituals.

We can’t wait to see your sunny faces! Tell us in the comments what you're craving most this season—a massage balm, a soap free soaps, or maybe a moment of calm with a soothing bath tea? 👇