Last week, in just one day, three of my kids ended up needing a Band-Aid. With six kids who enjoy climbing, jumping, and spending time in their treehouse, this happens pretty often. So, I thought I’d look for a natural alternative to regular ointments like Neosporin.
I’m not a big fan of Neosporin since it contains petroleum jelly, and there are plenty of natural options that work just as well. My homemade healing salve, which the kids call “boo-boo lotion,” is great for cuts, bruises, stings, poison ivy, and other skin irritations. It even helps with diaper rash and baby skin issues. Just remember to use a disposable liner if you’re using cloth diapers.
This herbal healing salve is also wonderful for conditions like eczema, scrapes, abrasions, and insect bites. Plus, it moisturizes dry skin and cuticles. Basically, if there’s a skin problem, this salve is likely to help.
So, how does one salve work in so many ways? The herbs in this recipe are naturally antibiotic, anti-inflammatory, antifungal, and astringent, making it a great addition to any herbal first aid kit. Comfrey is known for healing skin quickly, so it’s important to use it with other herbs to avoid sealing any infections inside. That’s where antimicrobial herbs like rosemary and echinacea come in handy.
You can also add essential oils like lavender or tea tree for extra skin benefits. Lavender naturally calms itchy skin and bites, while tea tree is a strong antifungal and helps soothe itches too. Feel free to use any skin-friendly essential oils you like, such as frankincense, chamomile, or helichrysum.
This salve is easy to make, and you might even find some of the ingredients growing in your yard during summer. For example, plantain grows in most parts of the U.S. and is great for the skin. Yarrow might be growing wild in your area as well. These herbs are versatile and can often be used internally or in food as well.
You can use almost any liquid oil in this recipe, but I typically choose olive oil. If you opt for coconut oil, you might want to decrease the amount of beeswax, as it can become too hard in cooler weather. Sunflower oil, almond oil, and grapeseed oil are other good options.
Salves store well in metal tins or glass jars. I prefer tins since they’re great for traveling and I don’t need to worry about them breaking. Lip balm tubes are a handy option too, making it easy to carry around and apply.
Properly stored, this salve can last for a year or more, so I like to make it in large batches. You can make smaller quantities if you prefer. I always have some on hand when gardening for those inevitable skin irritations and bug bites. Just keep it in a cool, dry place away from light and heat.
Adding a bit of Vitamin E can help extend the shelf life and prevent the oils from going bad quickly.
Have you ever made your own salves? Feel free to share your experiences!
