A traditional herbal salve inspired by Roma healing practices, drawn from a historical manuscript of natural remedies. Crafted with time-honored botanicals to support skin repair, soothe irritation, and reflect the deep herbal wisdom of Roma healers.

“A Collection of Old and Ancient Gypsy Cures”
We’re honored to offer this historical salve, drawn from a remarkable compilation of traditional and ancient remedies used by Roma healers. The original manuscript, titled “A Collection of Old and Ancient Gypsy Cures,” contains time-tested recipes passed down through generations. While the exact date of origin is unknown, the formula is well-documented and reflects the deep herbal knowledge of the Roma people.
This particular recipe was unnamed in the manuscript, described only by its intended uses—so we gave it a name that reflects its purpose and legacy. While we recognize that the term “gypsy” can be sensitive, we’ve chosen to reference the original title with care and respect, in hopes of honoring the cultural heritage and healing traditions it represents.

A Glimpse into the History of Roma Healing
Roma healing traditions are rooted in centuries of practical herbal knowledge, passed down orally through generations. As the Roma people migrated from northern India through the Middle East and into Europe, they gathered and adapted remedies from many cultures, creating a rich and flexible system of folk medicine.
Herbal remedies were central to their approach. Roma healers used accessible plants like garlic, nettle, elderflower, and rosemary to treat common ailments such as fevers, wounds, and digestive issues. Salves, teas, poultices, and infused oils were prepared using simple tools and ingredients gathered from the surrounding environment.
Observation and experience guided treatment. Without written records, knowledge was preserved through storytelling and apprenticeship. Healers learned which herbs reduced swelling, which soothed burns, and which could be used to clean wounds or ease joint pain—often through trial, error, and careful attention to outcomes.
Adaptability was key. Roma healers often served communities with limited access to formal medical care, so their remedies had to be effective, affordable, and made from what was locally available. This led to a tradition of resourcefulness and innovation, blending old-world knowledge with new discoveries.
While practices varied by region and family, the emphasis was always on practical care, natural ingredients, and simple remedies that could be made and used at home.

Cross-Cultural Healing Traditions: Common Threads
• Herbal Wisdom
From the nettle and elderflower of European folk medicine to the turmeric and neem of Ayurveda, cultures worldwide have relied on plants for their anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and restorative properties. Despite regional differences, the core principle remains: nature provides what we need.
• Salves, Poultices & Liniments
Whether it’s a Romani salve, a Chinese herbal plaster, or a Navajo pine resin balm, the practice of applying plant-based preparations to the skin is universal. These remedies often combine fats or oils with herbs to draw out heat, reduce swelling, or protect wounds.
• Oral Tradition & Healer Lineages
In many cultures—Roma, Indigenous American, African, and beyond—healing knowledge is passed down orally, often through women. Recipes are rarely written, but remembered, adapted, and refined through generations of hands-on care.
• Ritual & Intention
While some traditions include spiritual elements, even the most practical remedies are often applied with care and intention. The act of healing is as much about presence and trust as it is about ingredients.
• Adaptability & Resourcefulness
Healers across cultures have always worked with what’s available—whether that’s lard, beeswax, olive oil, or tree resins. This adaptability is a hallmark of folk medicine: it’s local, seasonal, and deeply tied to place.

The Inspiration for our Product Label - Gypsy Wonder Salve - Lincoln Chemical Works 
In 1886, Lincoln Chemical Works was founded in Chicago. It was a quintessential example of a patent medicine company, specializing in the manufacture and marketing of a wide array of “remedies,” cosmetics, and household products. From salves and tonics to shampoos, depilatories, and toothpaste, their catalog was filled with bold—and often unverified—health claims.
Known for their extensive collection of varied remedies, Lincoln Chemical Works marketed its products directly to the public through mail-order catalogs and door-to-door sales. Everyday people were encouraged to sell these goods as a way to earn extra income, a sales model that embraced home-based distribution long before the modern side-hustle economy. Their products, wrapped in ornate, eye-catching labels and adorned with sensational claims, appealed to consumers seeking quick fixes and exotic allure.
Many of their offerings bore scientific-sounding names to lend an air of credibility—like Dr. Blumer’s Dentone Tooth Paste—while others used exotic or mysterious titles to capture attention and imagination. Gypsy Wonder Salve was one such product.
Although the ingredients in their version differed from ours, which is based on a traditional Roma healing salve passed down through generations of Roma healers, we were delighted to discover an original Gypsy Wonder Salve label from Lincoln Chemical Works. Inspired by its vintage charm, we added it to our collection and used it as the creative foundation for our newly designed label—a respectful nod to history, with roots deeply planted in authentic tradition.
Although the ingredients in the Lincoln Chemical Works version differed from ours—which are based on a traditional healing salve passed down through generations of Roma healers—we were delighted to discover an original Gypsy Wonder Salve label.  Inspired by its vintage charm, we added it to our collection and used it as the creative foundation for our newly re-designed label—a respectful nod to history and firmly grounded in authentic tradition.

Why Choose our Gypsy Salve?
Crafted with ingredients like elderflower, nettle, raspberry leaf, witch hazel, slippery elm, and honey, this salve is designed to support skin recovery, reduce inflammation, and soothe irritation. It’s similar in spirit to our Hastings Ointment, but with a unique blend of botanicals that make it especially helpful for eczema, psoriasis, rosacea, and dermatitis.

Why it stands out:
• Rooted in historical herbal practice
• Made with time-honored, skin-supportive ingredients
• Gentle, effective, and thoughtfully formulated
• A little goes a long way—customers often report visible results within a week