"White candle grease" — a folk salve of the islands
A simple, soft topical balm passed down through generations across Trinidad and the wider Caribbean. Hand-prepared by a family of certified herbalists in South Florida since 1987.
In Trinidad and across the Caribbean, "soft candle" has long been kept in the home cabinet as a go-to topical balm. Here's how families have traditionally reached for it.
Traditionally smoothed over areas of tenderness or swelling as a gentle, warming comfort balm.
Used in folk practice as a "drawing" application for boils and small surface irritations.
A small dab worked into the skin — the simple, familiar ritual passed between generations.
The soft, spreadable texture means one wrapped stick lasts a long while in the cabinet.
The Herbal Gardens of South Florida is a family-owned shop founded in 1987 and rooted in Lauderhill, Florida. Founder Diane Galloway — a certified herbalist and nutritionist — has spent decades preparing customized blends and hard-to-find herbal remedies.
The shop serves its South Florida community alongside patrons throughout the Americas, the Caribbean, and beyond. The Caribbean Soft Candle is one of its most-requested traditional preparations.
Gently wash and pat dry the area you intend to treat.
Scoop a pea-sized dab of the soft balm with a clean fingertip.
Smooth a light layer over the surface of the skin. A little goes a long way.
Some prefer to cover with a light dressing. Reapply as needed.
A small-batch piece of Caribbean home tradition, prepared by herbalists and shipped from Florida.
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