The Nu Guide: Frequently Asked Questions
The Nu Balm inbox receives quite a few enquiries about what, where, why and how to use Nu Balm. This reasonably regular stream of questions is what has helped shaped the content for our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) page which has now become a rich library of things to know.
Especially if you’re a woman, especially if you’re having any issues with your intimate wellbeing, and especially if you have been wondering about talking to a health professional, but haven’t quite got there yet.
So for this Nu Guide, we have brought together the most commonly asked questions into this article which we think is a pretty helpful read whichever way you look at it.
What is an intimate balm, what’s it made of, and why use Nu Balm?
We use the term ”intimate balm” as we believe traditional lubricants haven’t been designed with female genitalia in mind. Nu Balm is also a vulvo-vaginal moisturiser and an all-over massage balm.
Nu Balm contains three natural ingredients: extra virgin olive oil, kanuka oil and beeswax.
Olive oil is a natural oil rich in antioxidants and fatty acids. It helps to keep the skin hydrated, as well as protect and prevent dryness. A study has also recently found that oleic acid, which is the main fatty acid in olive oil, can play a role in restoring vaginal microbial balance in bacterial vaginosis, which is a bit of a cherry on the top, is it not?!
Kanuka oil is derived from the native kanuka tree in New Zealand. It is known for its anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, and antibacterial properties.
Beeswax is a natural wax produced by honey bees. It has moisturising, protective and anti-inflammatory benefits for our skin.
These three natural ingredients come together (pun intended) to create our oil-based lubricant. Oil-based lubricants are more gentle on vulvar tissues and can enhance comfort and pleasure by effectively reducing discomfort and irritation that can occur during sex. Our oil-based lubricant is long lasting and can be applied freely on all body parts as it is hormone and paraben-free. It can also be used as a vulvo-vaginal moisturiser, for anti-chafing, any high friction activity or sport, and for all types of penetrative sex.
If you have been experiencing pain or discomfort, or specific conditions of the vulva or vagina, can you use Nu Balm?
Yes you can! Nu Balm is suitable for use as an emollient or moisturiser on the vulval skin if you have lichen sclerosis, vaginissmus, vulvodynia or vaginal atrophy. However it’s important to note that while Nu Balm can relieve symptoms, it will not cure conditions and we always recommend that you seek advice and support from a health professional for any symptoms that you’re unsure about.
Is Nu Balm safe to use during or post cancer treatments?
Absolutely. Nu Balm is hormone free and perfectly safe to use liberally on the vulva and vagina if you have received cancer treatment. This includes treatment for any breast cancer and DCIS. Nu Balm is designed specifically not to disrupt the pH level of the vagina, and can be used in conjunction with prescribed treatments such as Ovestin. If you are using a prescribed treatment, apply this one first, then Nu Balm. If you have any concerns, please check with your health professional.
Is Nu Balm able to be used with condoms or sex toys?
Generally speaking, no. As Nu Balm is an oil-based product, it’s not recommended or been tested for use with condoms. We suggest using a water based lubricant with condoms. Most sex toys are made from silicone which is easily damaged by oils so again, go for a water based lubricant when you’re feeling playful.
If you’re interested in reading more of our Frequently Asked Questions, you can do so here. We also encourage you to explore the rest of our article library for advice and support on a number of topics. And as always if you have a question which hasn’t been answered by us in this article or on our FAQs, please feel free to get in touch with us at info@nubalm.co. We would love to hear from you.