These days getting kids outdoors into the backyard is hard enough and few negative experiences with bugs or plants can be a pretty significant deterrent to time in wild spaces. Whip up a batch of this natural healing salve to bring along on your nature excursions so you can quickly address the wounds (emotional and physical!) of things like bee stings, bug bites, scrapes and cuts. It’s a really simple project that can empower kids - knowing they are carrying their own healing creation in their pack may give them the boost of confidence they need to head back onto the trail or into the bush this summer and fall season.
Materials
- clean, un-sprayed plantain leaves
- clean, un-sprayed chickweed leaves and stems
- good quality olive oil
- 2 one ounce blocks of beeswax
- 250 ml mason jar
- double boiler
- wooden spoon
- small tins or jars with lids
Directions
- Clean and dry all plant material. Fill your 250 ml mason jar roughly half full with the plantain and chickweed. Cover with olive oil, leaving some space at the top. You will need 250ml of infused oil for the project.
- Let the plants infuse in the oil for two or three weeks.
- Strain the oil into a bowl mason jar.
- Set out tins or jars on the counter, with something underneath to catch waxy drips.
- Measure out 1 cup of oil into your double boiler.
- Add your beeswax (it will melt faster if you chop it up or grate it).
- Stir the beeswax into the oil over low-med heat until it is melted.
- Pour into a glass measuring cup or something else with a spout for easy pouring.
- Pour into tins, filling almost to the top.
- Let cool completely.
- Add lids and labels and pop a tin of nature salve into your pack right away for your next adventure! Share with friends or sell some at your local market.
Happy healing!
*Originally published August 16, 2016
