Inspired by the traditional healing practices of my Māori ancestors, TOHETAKA creates small batch, handcrafted nourishment and medicine for your skin.
Food for your skin
Our Sacred Formulations
Each product is part of a nightly ritual — made to be massaged in, breathed through, and slept on, so your skin can do its own repair work while you rest.
A cooling, emerald-green balm designed to soothe the itch and calm the heat. Formulated with garden-grown Chickweed, calming Mugwort, and Blue Chamomile to rescue skin that is red, itchy, or reactive.
Think of this as your botanical fire extinguisher. Whether it’s a bug bite, a heat rash, or windburn from a day on the coast, this salve brings immediate relief. We slow-infuse fresh Chickweed and Mugwort into Olive Oil until it turns a deep, vibrant jade green—capturing the plant's chlorophyll and cooling energy. Unlike heavy barrier balms, this formula is designed to feel lighter and silkier, making it perfect for sensitive areas like the lips or tender skin on children.
The Science
The magic lies in the synergy of cooling and calming. Chickweed is rich in saponins, natural compounds that have a profound cooling effect on the skin, physically reducing the sensation of "heat" in a rash. We amplify this with Mugwort (Artemisia), a powerful nervine that soothes over-reactive nerve endings to reduce the sensation of itch and irritation. We finish with Roman Chamomile, which is high in esters that act as a sedative for the skin, calming the urge to scratch.
The Scent
Soft, sweet, and herbaceous. The apple-like top notes of Roman Chamomile blend with fresh Lavender for a scent that is comforting and gentle, not medicinal.
Best For
The "Itch": Bug bites, poison oak, or hives.
Hot Skin: Sunburns, heat rashes, or eczema flare-ups.
Sensitive Areas: Safe and soothing for dry lips or cuticles.
Key Botanicals
Chickweed (Stellaria Media - CA Garden Grown): The ultimate cooling herb. It draws toxins and heat out of the tissues.
Mugwort (Artemisia Vulgaris): Known as the "dream herb," this nervine calms the skin's sensory response to irritation.
Roman Chamomile: A gentle powerhouse for calming reactive or pediatric skin.
The Ritual
Spot Treatment: Apply a small amount directly to the affected areas. Massage gently. Reapply as often as needed. Lip Care: Use as a daily lip balm to prevent chapping and keep lips soft.
Size: Net Wt. 2 oz (57g)
Ingredients: Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil, Cera Alba (Beeswax), Stellaria Media (Chickweed) Extract, Artemisia Vulgaris (Mugwort) Extract, Tocopherol (Vitamin E), Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil, Anthemis Nobilis (Roman Chamomile) Flower Oil.
The First Formula
My first skincare formula was born when my sister brought me fresh chickweed from her garden. I made a salve to soothe my kids’ cuts, burns and bug bites — and never stopped.
Tohetaka is what came after: small batch skincare made the way the women before me made things — from what the land (whenua) actually gives you.
Sacred Values
Everything we do is guided by respect for tradition, care for the earth, and commitment to our community.
Every ingredient is ethically sourced to support local growers and protect our environment.
Sustainable Sourcing
Ancient Wisdom
Honoring traditional Māori healing practices passed down through generations.
Earth’s Nourishment
Using only the purest, whole food ingredients that the Earth naturally provides.
Community
Empowering indigenous communities and preserving cultural practices through partnership.