FAQs
1) What are the advantages of using a Massage Wax instead of an oil?
2) Which products in the range are safe for use during pregnancy?
3) What is the shelf life of the Songbird products?
4) Is there a batch number or expiry date?
5) What is the difference between a Balm a Massage Wax and a Reflexology wax?
6) Which waxes are nut free?
7) What does it mean when it says the products are EU 1223/2009 compliant?
8) Are any of the products for use on the face/ for facials?
9) What are EcoTubs?
10) Is the quantity of essential oil used in accordance with aromatherapeutic principles?
11) Can Throat and Chest Balm be used on babies and young children?
12) What is the function of arnica in the formula?
13) Do the Songbird products need to be kept in the fridge?
14) What is the right method of application?
15) What is the difference between the Warming & Easing and the Cooling & Soothing Balms?
1) What are the advantages of using a Massage Wax instead of an oil?
A. We believe that at the centre of a good massage product is the control it gives the therapist, thus allowing them to do their job properly and provide maximum benefit to the client. To do this, the grip-slip ratio of the massage medium needs to be correct. We believe that Songbird Massage Wax is the ideal medium for massage, and it's taken us many years to perfect it. Oils and lotions are too fine and have too much slip, so they dictate the grip to the therapist. Our products have been created to give the therapist complete control over the grip. With our massage waxes, therapists can control whether they have a tighter grip or a looser, more slippery grip.
On top of that, massage waxes don't spill, they smell great, a little goes a long way, they don't go rancid easily, and they're good for the skin. And they're also 100% natural. What's not to love?
2) Which products in the range are safe for use during pregnancy?
A. For the first, second and most of the third trimester, we suggest only using our Unscented range (available as a Massage Wax, Reflexology Wax and Liquiwax), or our Bee Balm. Towards the end of the third trimester, some therapists choose to use our Lavender, Zest or Balance (Womans Blend) ranges.
If you prefer to avoid Arnica during pregnancy, our Zest range and our Bee Balm are both free from Arnica. Bee Balm is used for both pre- and postnatal work and is particularly good for stretch marks when used consistently.
Please note we do not recommend the following products during any stage of pregnancy, due to their higher essential oil content: Cooling and Soothing Balm, Warming and Easing Balm, Throat and Chest Balm, and Herbal Lift Massage Wax (this massage wax is not recommended because it contains Clary Sage).
As always, the proper care and precautions should be taken during any pregnancy massage. If in doubt, please consult a health professional.
3) What is the shelf life of the Songbird products?
A. The shelf life of the Songbird products at room temperature, unopened, is 2 years. Once opened, this is reduced. Because Songbird products are altogether natural, any dirty hands being dipped into the jar will reduce the shelf life. We suggest that a spatula is used to dispense what is needed, and then the jar returned to a cool place. This will give the maximum life to your product. If it is stored in a hot place, near a radiator for instance, the shelf life will reduce accordingly. If left in a car in the sun, or exposed to similar heat the product will start to separate, like butter, and will be damaged.
4) Is there a batch number or expiry date?
A. Yes. Under each pot or bottle is a little sticker which gives the batch number for control purposes, and a 'Best Before' date. The expiry date is 2 years at room temperature from the date of manufacture. The label will indicate when the two years have expired.
5) What is the difference between a Balm, Massage Wax and Reflexology wax?
A. The Massage Waxes are designed for all over body massage, with a standard grip rating of 5; Our Reflexology waxes allow for a firmer grip with a little less slip than our regular massage waxes. With a Grip Rating of 7, the consistency of our Reflexology waxes is the same across all blends. Balms are for use on specific areas of the body. As such they fulfil a function (ie cooling, in the case of Cooling and Soothing Balm [Inflammation Relief], or decongesting, in the case of Throat and Chest Balm [Cough and Cold Relief]). They have a larger quantity of essential oils in the formula to bring out the necessary qualities of the Balm. Balms are typically 10% thicker in consistency than the Massage Waxes, and have a grip rating of 4-6.
6) Which waxes are nut free?
A. We have recently changed our recipies to make all products in every range, completley nut free! Find out everything you need to know about the change here: https://www.songbirdnaturals.co.uk/grape-seed.html
Full ingredients lists are available when viewing each product on our website.
7) What does it mean when it says the products are EU 1223/2009 compliant?
A. In July 2013 the EU directive EU1223/2009 became a regulation, giving it legal status. This means that all products legally on the UK and EU market which fall under 'cosmetics' ie not medical, must go through the safety assesment procedure of EU 1223/2009. All of our products are compliant with this legislation, as they have all been assessed by an EU approved chemist and signed off a safe for use. Thus you do not have to be an aromatherapist to use our products in therapies. All of our products state our compliance. All compliant products must subscribe to manufacturing processes that involves no animal testing. We never have and never will test our products on animals - humans are using the products...!
Brexit Update: The govenment have simply copied the EU regulations at this point, and they are the same for the UK. As we sell into the European market, our products will uphold that standard, even if the UK decides to drop their standards.
8) Are any of the products for use on the face/ for facials?
A. We do not sell products specifically tailored to the face and facials. Some essential oils can be more volatile and are not appropriate to use on sensitive areas such as the face. Commonly misread, Fascial Release wax is related to the Fascia; a thin casing of connective tissue that surrounds and holds every organ, blood vessel, bone, nerve fiber and muscle in place. This is not to be confused with facial wax!
Some people use the massage waxes such as Balance or Lavender for facial massage, and remove the residue afterwars with a warm flannel.
9) What are EcoTubs?
A. All information regarding EcoTubs can be found here: https://www.songbirdnaturals.co.uk/ecotubs
10) Is the quantity of essential oil used in accordance with aromatherapeutic principles?
A. Yes. All our formulas and blends are created using all the quantity principles used in aromatherapy blends, and are in line with IFRA regulations.
11) Can Throat and Chest Balm be used on babies and young children?
A. It is not recommeded to use on children under 24 months. After that, yes, but with caution as always. It will sting if it gets into the eyes, so all precautions should be taken to avoid this. When applying at night, rub it onto the chest and cover with pajamas. This ensures that they can't rub their hands in it and then touch their eyes. Another good way of doing it is rubbing it into your own cupped hands and letting them inhale. It usually enjoyed and will help with congestion in a very short time. Again be careful round the eyes.
12) What is the function of arnica in the formula?
A. The infused oil of Arnica is excellent for bruises, sprains and muscular aches, which is why we use it in the formula as extra help with the efficacy of the Massage Wax. It is also a good emmolient.
13) Do the Songbird products need to be kept in the fridge?
A. No, they don't. They can be stored quite comfortably at room temperature. If it gets very hot in the room in which it is stored it might help to refrigerate them, especially if the room stays above 23 degrees for a prolonged period of time. In winter, store away from heating systems. There are therapists who keep the product in the fridge, take it out briefly, and dispense to a bowl. It will definitely keep longer that way and there is the extra benefit of no dust contamination. However, this is not the average practice - look after it, don't dispense with dirty hands and it will last a long time. Never leave it in a hot car, or upside down.
14) What is the right method of application?
A. There is no 'right' method of application. Generally speaking the Massage Waxes are created for all over body massage and the Balms are created for use on specific body areas. In terms of massage, different therapists have their own methods. To prevent cross-contamination, we suggest that a spatula is used to move sufficient quantity for use to either a small bowl or the back of the hand, and work from there. If extra glide is needed during the massage, a touch more wax on top of the area is useful. The more practised a therapist is at using the waxes, the more efficient they will become at judging the quantity needed.
In terms of Balms, the rule of thumb is that 'less used more often' is the best to remember in terms of application. If properly rubbed in there is no excess waste.
15) What is the difference between the Warming & Easing Balm and the Cooling & Soothing Balm?
A. Cooling and Soothing Balm (formerly known as Inflammation Relief) is a cooling rub and contains about 10 times the arnica of our regular Massage Waxes. Like a Massage Wax, it can be used over wide areas of strained or bruised muscles. The ingredients create an 'ice-fire' effect on the areas where the muscles have been strained. It is commonly used by sports teams or anyone involved in bodywork after strenuous activity.
Warming and Easing Balm (formerly known as Aches and Pain Balm) is a heat rub intended for application in small amounts where heat brings relief (especially in the joints), or where the blood flow needs to be stimulated through the muscles. Although some people find relief when applied over larger areas, others find it uncomfortable. A test patch is recommended, especially on those with sensitive skins. When covered, or used before bed, the body heat will intensify the heat created, as will a hot shower or bath afterwards. Again, some people find this extremely useful, others find it uncomfortable. It can also be applied and mixed in with massage wax during a massage to increase the heat of the massage. Caution: Do not use near eyes or sensitive body areas.