Balsam from Provence.

A special preparation made by Provençal Trappist monks at Aiguebelle Abbey. Essential oils of rosemary, lavender, thyme, eucalyptus, pelargonium, sage, forest fir, pine and juniper are mixed with vaseline and beeswax to make a fragrant ointment for soothing painful joints or rubbing into your chest when you have a cold or cough.

Made by monks and nuns.

From Ireland to Poland, from Italy to Scotland, monasteries protected and developed large and important parts of Europe's cultural and spiritual heritage. In medieval times monasteries were - even by today's standards - large and important enterprises. Work and worship continues to this day in many places; there are about 4 dozen monasteries and convents all over Europe which produce wines and spirits, delicacies, traditional bodycare products, handcrafted items and books. We have decided to present a few of these items: top of the range body care products made by monks and nuns from Wales, France and Italy.