How great is it that you get to enjoy the beautiful summer months? The sun rises early, sets late, and you get to enjoy hiking, gardening, beach or lake days, and backyard barbecues. As incredible as all that sounds, the bugs, depending on where you live, can be relentless. From mosquitos and ticks to chiggers and spiders, summertime can be a brutal time for bug bites. Fortunately, you can be ready to soothe that itchiness with a homemade plantain salve. 

What Is Plantain? 

Let us first clarify one thing regarding the name of this herb. Despite sharing the same name, plantain weed is unrelated to plantain fruit. With a long history as a healing plant, plantain is widely known in the herbalist community as “nature’s band-aid.” Plantain (Plantago major), grows naturally in many yards and fields all over the United States. It only came to the U.S. by way of new settlers from other countries. Natives in both America and New Zealand referred to plantain as “Englishman’s foot” or “white man’s foot.”

Believe it or not, you can find plantain weed in most yards and fields across the U.S., and it will take over unless you control it. It grows as a rosette with leaves that surround the stem at the base. The leaves are more oval and somewhat large, with the stems standing above them with seeds at the top. No matter the variety of plantain weed, all of them work interchangeably, so you don’t have to worry about which one is more potent for your DIY salve. 

Plantain Benefits

Plantain weed has a long list of benefits for both internal and external uses. For the purpose of this article, we will focus on plantain’s benefits for the skin. Exhibiting antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and astringent properties, plantain may help relieve a variety of common skin ailments and bug bites. Historically, plantain leaves were used to help heal minor wounds, scrapes, cuts, bumps, infections, bruises, and burns. 

On its own, plantain weed is a complete medicine, meaning you don’t need to add anything to it to create an effective herbal remedy. At the same time, you can incorporate other herbs or ingredients to incorporate other soothing benefits, which is especially beneficial for relieving bug bites. Typically, it isn’t the actual bite that causes the itch; rather, it is an anesthetic that the bug injects you with as it drinks your blood! If you are allergic to that anesthetic, the body attacks the substance with white blood cells, causing the area to become inflamed and red. 

The salve in this article calls for you to infuse dried plantain leaves into a carrier oil of your choice. We listed sweet almond oil, but you can use olive oil, avocado oil, coconut oil, or jojoba oil if you prefer. Once you infuse the oil, you will melt beeswax and mix in the infused oil with it before allowing it to solidify at room temperature. The beeswax helps moisturize and protect the skin, which may help relieve itching. It also creates a barrier on the skin that protects the bite to promote healing. 

DIY Plantain Salve

Ingredients:

• 1 cup dried plantain leaves
• 1.5 cups sweet almond oil (or carrier oil of choice)
• 1 ounce beeswax

Instructions:

• Put the dried plantain leaves into a glass pint jar and pour the oil in to cover the leaves. 
• Screw on the lid and allow the oil to infuse for about four to six weeks. Ideally, place the jar in a cool spot away from direct sunlight. 
• Once the oil has infused, strain the leaves from the oil through a fine mesh sieve and make sure to press out any remaining oil from the leaves. 
• Pour one cup of the plantain infused oil into the top of a double boiler over medium-low heat and add the beeswax. Stir occasionally until the beeswax is fully melted. 
• Remove from heat and stir more to combine. Pour the mixture into several small tins or jars and allow the salve to set at room temperature (this will take a couple hours). 
• The plantain salve is ready to use once it is solidified. The salve will keep fresh for a year if kept in a cool, dry place.

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There are many things that you can do to improve self-care. Many people find that great forms of self-care include meditation, exercise, bubble baths, playing video games, reading, and more. However you engage in self-care is your prerogative, and we are all for it! It is an essential component to your mental, physical, and emotional well-being. 

Creating your own cuticle salve with natural ingredients is a great way to enhance your self-care routine. The process of creating your own beauty or skin care products can be a relaxing experience in and of itself. Not only will this cuticle salve improve your overall nail health, but it may also leave your hands feeling soft and rejuvenated. Whip it up by completing a few simple steps and it’ll be ready in under an hour! It is great to use during dry weather. 

How Shea Butter Helps Your Nails

Shea butter is full of essential fatty acids and vitamins A and E. All of these nutrients help provide hydration to dry and brittle cuticles, which can help prevent cracking and bleeding. Because shea butter has emollient properties, it helps to increase moisture levels in the skin. This ensures that your cuticles remain supple and soft. Shea butter also exhibits anti-inflammatory properties that help soothe any irritation or redness around the cuticle. That makes shea butter especially beneficial for anyone with discomfort that stems from dryness. 

Almond Oil For Your Nails

Similar to shea butter, almond oil also contains vitamin E, which works to promote the growth of healthy cuticles. At the same time, it may help prevent breakage of both your nails and cuticles. Some preliminary research suggests that almond oil may improve blood circulation to the nail area, which encourages faster regeneration and healing. Additionally, almond oil offers anti-inflammatory properties that may relieve redness or irritation. The nourishing properties in almond oil make cuticles easier to manage by softening them. Regular use of almond oil may contribute to stronger, healthier nails and reduce the likelihood of hangnails or other common cuticle problems. 

Vitamin E Oil Supports The Cuticles

In addition to the vitamin E present in both shea butter and almond oil, we decided to add more to the cuticle salve with vitamin E oil. Just like your skin, your nails require moisture to remain healthy and strong. Vitamin E oil is incredibly hydrating and helps restore dry cuticles by enhancing moisture in the nail bed. In order to produce healthy nails, keratin dead cells have to receive a continued blood supply that is rich in vital nutrients. Vitamin E oil helps supply the blood with the right amount of nutrients necessary for healthy growth. 

Beeswax Benefits Cuticles

Beeswax is a common ingredient in various beauty products, especially cuticle care products, lip balms, and other products that promise hydration. It can keep the nails and cuticles healthy by forming a protective barrier that prevents damage. Not only does this protective layer maintain hydration, but it also protects against the elements. Beeswax also works to keep the cuticles supple and healthy by providing hydration via the emollient properties. 

Homemade Cuticle Salve

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup shea butter
• 1/4 cup almond oil
• 1 teaspoon beeswax pellets
• 1 teaspoon vitamin E oil
• 5-10 drops essential oil of choice (optional for fragrance)

Instructions:

• Combine the shea butter, almond oil, and beeswax pellets in a microwave-safe container and microwave for about 45 to 60 seconds (or until everything is melted). Just make sure to monitor it closely so it doesn’t overheat. 
• Once the mixture is melted, remove the container from the microwave and stir with a wooden utensil. Add the vitamin E oil and optional essential oil and stir to combine. 
• Pour the mixture into a storage jar and allow it to cool completely at room temperature. This is a crucial step, as it solidifies into the salve, which you can apply easily. 
• Store the salve in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. It can last for several months, but if it changes in scent or texture, go ahead and discard it.

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Pregnancy affects everyone differently, and the same applies to postpartum life. Just as both of these stages in life can be intense, emotional, or easy, so can breastfeeding, especially in the first few days after giving birth. Breastfeeding is worth it and being able to nourish your baby with your own body is nothing short of miraculous. Making sure the baby has a good latch from the beginning can help mitigate the pain. That said, breastfeeding is not a completely painless process, despite what you read. 

Go on any baby registry or talk to any mom or mom-to-be, and they will tell you that nipple cream is a must-have item. When you are in the trenches of learning to breastfeed, nipples can become irritated and sore. Some lactation experts recommend lanolin cream, but that doesn’t work if you are allergic to lanolin. 

What Is Lanolin?

Lanolin is the oil that is extracted from sheep’s wool. It undergoes a process to create finished lanolin, which is only problematic if you have a wool allergy. You also have to worry about potential pesticide residue found in wool. This can build up in fatty tissue or in breast milk if you apply it to your nipples. 

The reason for that is because a lot of sheep are sprayed with pesticides, which treat mites and various pests. Additionally, most sheep consume non-organic and GMO feed, traces of which are sometimes found in wool. Organic lanolin from healthy sheep exists, but it is hard to find. There are conflicting opinions and sources about the safety of lanolin, though. If you want to avoid the risk and be a little more careful with your little one’s first food, you may want a natural nipple cream.

Natural Nipple Cream

If you want to have an easier time with those first few days or weeks of nursing, you are going to need a soothing nipple cream. Because there are various natural nipple creams on the market, there is no need to make a DIY version. If you want to make your own because you want the assurance of knowing exactly what goes into the cream, this article provides an excellent DIY version. 

The baby may ingest some of the cream while nursing, so the goal is to use all-natural, safe ingredients for newborns. The ingredients in this cream have a low chance of allergic reaction. You’ll notice that it doesn’t contain almond oil, beeswax, or coconut oil, despite how beneficial those ingredients are to the skin. This is because they have a small chance of allergic reaction. This recipe is also free of essential oils for similar reasons, and because of their intensity. 

The Consistency

This nipple cream has a consistency that is more akin to a soft salve, but it is incredibly easy to apply. Should you desire a firmer cream, increase the amount of cocoa butter to one-third cup or more. You can also add some beeswax to thicken it, but there is a small chance that the baby could have an allergic reaction. Some evidence indicates that pesticides in inorganic beeswax may cause beeswax allergies. 

DIY Nipple Cream

Ingredients For Infused Oil:

• 1 cup olive oil
• 1/4 cup chamomile flowers
• 1/4 cup calendula flowers
• 2 tablespoons marshmallow root
• Ingredients For Nipple Cream:
• 1/4 cup infused oil
• 1/4 cup cocoa butter

Instructions:

• You can make the infused oil one of three ways. The easiest way (provided you have time) is the solar method. 
• Add all of the ingredients to a pint-size mason jar, place in the sun, and shake daily for two to four weeks. Once the infusion is complete, use a metal strainer lined with a cheesecloth to strain the herbs. 
• The quicker method is to fill a small saucepan with an inch or two of water and place it over low heat. Add all of the ingredients to a mason jar and place the jar in the saucepan.
• Allow the ingredients to melt and stir every so often once melted. Make sure to replenish the water if it evaporates too much. 
• Once the infusion is complete, use a metal strainer lined with cheesecloth to strain out the herbs. 
• Once you have the infused oil, you can make the nipple cream. Add 1/4 cup of the infused oil and cocoa butter to a heat-safe glass jar and fill a small saucepan with an inch or two of water. Place the saucepan over low heat and place the glass jar in the saucepan. 
• Stir the oil and cocoa butter until melted. Remove from heat and pour the mixture into a heat-safe glass jar or tin. Allow to cool at room temperature and then use when needed. 
• Keep the balm in a cool, dry place.

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Lemon balm is a relaxing, calming herb loved by bees and humans alike. It is a common ingredient in stress-reducing creams or supplements that aid sleep and rejuvenation. As a relative of the mint family, lemon balm has dense green leaves that emit a fresh lemon aroma. It is a lovely addition to any herb garden and complements other shrubs and flowers. If you have good soil and sunlight, lemon balm will grow easily!

How Does Lemon Balm Benefit The Skin?

Rich in caffeic and ferulic acids, both of which are antioxidants, lemon balm can help neutralize free radicals on the skin. Free radicals, which are commonly created by pollution, are oxidizing agents that cause damage to skin cells. If left unchecked, these free radicals can cause premature aging, including fine lines, dark spots, and wrinkles. Creams or salves that contain lemon balm work to increase circulation, while simultaneously tightening the skin. 

Lemon balm exhibits antibacterial properties that work to cleanse pores and reduce the frequency of blackheads. Some anecdotal reports indicate that it may aid healing, being a natural remedy for insect stings, bites, cuts, and small wounds. Lemon balm contains rosmarinic acid, which works to benefit oily skin by reducing oil production. In turn, that effect may help reduce acne breakouts. 

What Does The Research Say?

An in-vitro study that used lemon balm oil found it to be very effective against a series of human cancer cell lines. Lemon balm oil exhibits antioxidant activity, evidenced by a reduction of 1, 1-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH). Another study from 2004 found that lemon balm may offer anti-tumor properties, but more research is necessary to determine this. 

Lemon balm works to relax the blood vessels and offers antiviral activity. Historically, Greek and Latin cultures used lemon balm to calm nerves and treat fevers. In America, the Cherokee tribe used lemon balm to remedy digestive disorders and mitigate stress. Even today, lemon balm offers therapeutic properties that help soothe wounds, anxiety, acne, eczema, and even chickenpox. 

What Is Lemon Balm Oil?

Lemon balm can also be found in oil form, but you can make your own lemon balm oil if you have the time. Please note that lemon balm oil is not the same as lemon balm essential oil, which is made by distilling lemon balm leaves. To make lemon balm oil, you have to crush the leaves and slowly heat them in a carrier oil, such as jojoba oil, almond oil, or fractionated coconut oil. This process can take a couple weeks before it is ready to use, and the longer you wait, the better. If you don’t have the time, though, you can buy lemon balm oil for the following DIY salve. 

DIY Lemon Balm Salve

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon candelilla wax
• 2 tablespoons jojoba oil
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 tsp lemon balm oil (not essential oil)

Instructions:

• Melt the wax with the jojoba oil and olive oil in a small saucepan over low heat. Once the wax is melted, you can stir in the lemon balm oil. 
• Transfer this mixture to a metal storage tin and allow it to cool before placing the lid on. Use as needed, but do not use lemon balm if you have thyroid issues.

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There are many natural ingredients that people use to moisturize their skin. Because of that, you can choose to lather your skin in all sorts of oils, butters, salves, and balms. You don’t necessarily want to bombard your skin with too many things because you want to try certain products to see their efficacy before you keep adding more and more. If your skin is chapped or dry, the DIY moisturizer in this article can help enhance moisture levels.

This recipe calls for dried dandelion flowers, which you need to infuse into the coconut oil. This is a process that you can typically do two different ways, but coconut oil limits you to one way. Because coconut oil is solid at room temperature, unless it is very hot where you live, you can’t just add flowers to the oil and allow it to infuse for a few weeks. If this whipped moisturizer called for olive oil, you could do that process. 

The quickest way to infuse dandelion flowers into the coconut oil is by putting them in a heat-safe jar with the coconut oil. A glass measuring cup or canning jar will work just fine. Set the jar down into a saucepan that contains a couple inches of water in the bottom. This is a makeshift double boiler. Set the pan over medium-low heat for about two hours, adding more water so that it doesn’t fully evaporate out. 

Dandelion Flowers For Skin

Dermatologists recommend dandelion for the skin because it can inhibit microbial infections. Naturally rich in anti-fungal and antibacterial properties, dandelion can act as an antibacterial, germicidal ingredient, detoxifying the skin and clearing out pores. It may help reduce the risk of future breakouts, especially if you have acne-prone skin. Dandelion flowers also exhibit anti-aging properties, and some studies found that they may help reduce the appliance of fine lines. Lastly, dandelion stimulates collagen and elastin production, which helps to firm up your skin, preventing sagging or drooping. As a bonus, it may help minimize the appearance of hyperpigmentation or age spots. 

Coconut Oil

Is coconut oil the undisputed champ of moisturizing agents? That is up for debate, but it is an occlusive, so it sits on top of the skin and traps moisture underneath. That works to soothe the skin and lock in any existing moisture, but it does not “hydrate” the skin. Instead, coconut oil may help to plump up the skin because it is a natural anti-aging moisturizer. The medium-chain fatty acids in coconut oil help your skin retain moisture, while keeping it silky smooth. Coconut oil may also suppress inflammatory markers and enhance skin barrier function, but more studies are necessary to confirm that. 

Whipped Dandelion & Coconut Oil Moisturizer

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup coconut oil
• 1/4 cup dried dandelion flowers

Instructions:

• Add the coconut oil and dandelion flowers to a heat-safe glass jar. Set this jar in a saucepan with a couple inches of water in it over medium-low heat. This process takes about two hours.
• The indirect heat melts the coconut oil and helps infuse the dandelions into it. Make sure to keep an eye on the water so that it doesn’t all evaporate. When it gets low, pour more water into the saucepan. 
• Remove from heat and strain the dandelion infused oil into a small mixing bowl. Discard the dandelion flowers.
• Place the infused oil into the fridge until it becomes firm. Once it is firm, remove it from the fridge and beat the chilled oil with a hand mixer for about five minutes, or until light and fluffy. 
• Spoon this whipped coconut oil into a glass jar and store in a cool, dark place. If you have a warm house, though, consider storing it in the refrigerator. Use when ready, but let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before using.

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Lavender is one of the most pleasant, floral aromas that is incredibly soothing and relaxing. Since spring is here, lavender flowers are in bloom. If you have lavender flowers and don’t know what to do with them, you can infuse them into an oil and make the salve in this article. A salve can help soothe the skin, filling in any dry areas of skin and replenishing them with nutrients. 

Studies show that inhaling lavender’s aroma before bed contributes to a more restful night of sleep. You can place a few drops of lavender essential oil under your pillow, or inhale the aroma via a diffuser. That said, you can also make a lavender-infused salve, which has multiple uses. In fact, if you are new to making salves and want to learn more about them, this recipe is a great entry point. Continue reading to learn about some of lavender’s most impressive health benefits for the skin. 

Antibacterial And Anti-Inflammatory Properties

Lavender’s antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties work together to help purify your skin. The antibacterial properties help fight bacteria and clean out the pores, while the anti-inflammatory properties calm the skin, reducing swelling that is common among other skin irritations. Lavender is also great at minimizing the appearance of scars. If the skin is not inflamed with infection, lavender can do a better job of forming new skin cells, according to research. 

Anti-Aging Properties

One of lavender’s most impressive benefits is that it can help improve circulation, which increases the delivery of oxygen to skin cells. When skin cells receive more oxygen, they get an energy boost and start producing new cells. New skin cell production makes your skin look more youthful and healthy. Additionally, better circulation through the bloodstream can help reduce the appearance of wrinkles. 

Antioxidants

According to several studies, lavender contains antioxidants that work to improve the look of your skin. How do they do this? By fighting free radicals that cause the skin to appear dull, antioxidants contribute to a more youthful glow. The same antioxidants may also help rid the skin of dead skin cells, allowing new skin cells to come to the surface for improved skin barrier function. When you have a strong, healthy skin barrier, you are better protected against environmental pollutants. 

Homemade Healing Lavender Salve

Ingredients For Lavender-Infused Oil:

• 1/2 cup dried lavender flowers
• 12 ounces olive oil
• 4 ounces refined coconut oil, melted

Instructions For Lavender-Infused Oil:

• To make the lavender-infused oil, add the dried lavender to a 16-ounce, heat-safe glass jar.
• Pour in the olive oil and the melted coconut oil. Cap the jar and give it a little shake. 
• Leave this jar in a cool dry place for a few weeks and then strain the oil after that, discarding the lavender flowers. 

Ingredients For Lavender Salve:

• 1/2 cup lavender-infused oil
• 1/2 ounce beeswax
• 1/2 ounce refined shea butter
• 12 drops lavender essential oil (optional)

Instructions For Lavender Salve:

• Melt the beeswax and shea butter in the top of a double boiler over medium-low heat. Once these ingredients are thoroughly melted, stir to combine and then remove from heat. 
• Pour in the lavender-infused oil and the optional lavender essential oil. 
• Get your tins read and then carefully pour this mixture into the tins. Allow the salve to cool at room temperature before screwing on the lids. 
• Use when ready and store the tins in a cool, dry place.

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Wouldn’t it be great if, after getting a headache, you could close your eyes and it would melt away? Unfortunately, life doesn’t work that way. Instead, you become stubborn, irritated, and dwell on the discomfort when you experience a headache. The pain is manageable, but frustrating, unless of course you have a migraine. 

Some people immediately resort to over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers to help curb the pain of the headache. The most common OTC pain relievers are aspirin, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and acetaminophen. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warns consumers of OTC pain meds to take them with caution. Improper usage of them can cause liver damage, serious illness, and increase the risk of drug misuse and abuse. 

Should you want to try and naturally get rid of your headaches, there are several methods that may provide relief. One such method is by gently massaging this homemade peppermint pine headache salve to your temples, shoulder, and neck. We’ll explain how it may help by detailing three key ingredients below. 

Peppermint Essential Oil

Peppermint essential oil is great for opening up the airways when you’re sick, but it may help you relieve headache pain. In fact, it is one of the most commonly used essential oils to treat headaches and migraine attacks. Researchers attribute this ability to the menthol in peppermint essential oil, as menthol helps relax muscles and eases pain. Applying a diluted peppermint essential oil topically may alleviate headache pain and reduce the severity of migraine attacks. 

Mint

How does mint differ from the aforementioned peppermint essential oil? Believe it or not, the topical application of mint helps numb the area slightly. Topical application of mint has been effective at alleviating acute pain from tension headaches and migraine attacks. It is, however, important to apply it in the early stages before the headache or migraine attack takes a turn for the worse. Researchers believe that mint may stimulate inflamed nerve cells to activate a protein that counteracts the inflammatory connection to headaches. Additionally, drinking mint tea can calm an uneasy or upset stomach that can accompany headaches. 

Pine Needles

Pine needles are fresh, fragrant, and typically associated with the holidays and winter season. That said, pine needles are beneficial to your health year-round. According to research, pine needles are naturally rich in vitamins A and C, two nutrients that are essential for many bodily functions. Traditionally, though, pine needles were used to soothe arthritic joint pain. Certain countries even filled mattresses with pine needles, so that people could soothe their joints during sleep. Research notes that pine needles have pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory properties. They may be able to reduce joint and muscle pain, which excites scientists!

Peppermint Pine Headache Salve

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons dried mint leaves, crumbled
• 2 tablespoons dried pine needles, chopped
• 2/3 cup olive oil
• 1 tablespoon tamanu oil
• 1/2 ounce beeswax
• 1/2 teaspoon peppermint essential oil

Instructions:

• The first step is to infuse the mint leaves and pine needles into the olive oil. To do so, you can add the mint, pine needles, and oil to a jar, cover it, and store it in your windowsill for about three weeks. 
• That will take a while, but it is very easy. You then strain the oil through a fine mesh sieve to discard the mint and pine needles. 
• The other option is to place the mint, pine needles, and oil in a heat-safe glass measuring cup and add that to a saucepan with a couple inches of water over low heat. The infusion process should take about an hour or so, after which you strain the oil. 
• When ready to make the salve, combine a half-cup of the infused oil with the tamanu and beeswax in the top of a double boiler over medium-low heat. Warm until all the ingredients are fully melted. 
• Remove from heat and then stir in the peppermint essential oil. Carefully pour the mixture into tins or jars and allow the mixture to solidify at room temperature. 
• Use when you first notice signs of a headache, massaging a small amount into your temples, shoulders, or neck. The shelf life of this salve is about six to nine months in a cool, dry place.

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Chickweed is a common weed that belongs to the carnation family. Growing low to the ground, chickweed produces a hairy stem with small, star-shaped white flowers. It commonly grows in North America and Europe, and herbalists have used it in alternative remedies for many years. Although it’s a weed that many people dig up to throw out, chickweed does offer significant health benefits. 

According to historical records, chickweed has had a prominent place in folk medicine since the 16th century. Healers made the flowers, leaves, and stems of the plant into extracts, teas, and oral decoctions. In present day, people commonly incorporate it into ointments to help remedy numerous skin conditions. There is a history of using chickweed to accelerate the healing of wounds, in addition to remedying other skin issues. 

Experts don’t recommend that you take chickweed by mouth because there may be potential toxicities. That doesn’t stop people in some cultures from consuming it for its health properties. Many people in Japan, for example, consume it during Nanakusa-no-sekku, a springtime festival, because it promotes weight loss. Continue reading to learn about a few more health benefits. 

First Off…Foraging For Chickweed

You won’t find chickweed in the store, but you can easily find it in the wild. Don your finest foraging attire and head to your backyard or hiking trail. Chickweed likes to grow in patches and it grows like a ground cover. It’s somewhat of a bushy plant with star-shaped white flowers. In case chickweed is not flowering, use the following picture for reference. 

May Fight Germs And Promote Wound Healing

Chickweed has the potential to help accelerate wound healing and may even fight germs. It has many purposes in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), primarily for skin conditions like dermatitis. In Britain and Ireland, chickweed was commonly used in folk remedies for reducing irritation and itchiness on the skin. It was also able to help accelerate wound healing. One test-tube study found that chickweed juice was able to fight the hepatitis B virus. The study found that applying the juice to an HBV-infected liver cell line for six straight days reduced the growth and production by 25%.

May Reduce Inflammation

One review found that applying whole chickweed to swollen areas, even broken bones, provided anti-inflammatory relief. The chickweed also helped to soothe the area and decrease irritation. A separate review found that the entire plant may be beneficial for combatting inflammation, in regards to inflamed skin or joints. 

DIY Chickweed Salve

This salve is beneficial for sore joints and numerous skin ailments. To help calm damaged skin and improve complexion, there is the addition of lavender essential oil. If you have any chickweed allergies, please do not use this salve. Additionally, always do a small patch test in a non-sensitive area to ensure that the salve does not give you a negative reaction.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup dried chickweed herb
• 1 cup olive oil
• 1/4 cup beeswax, grated or chopped
• 20 drops lavender essential oil

Instructions:

• In a heat-safe glass bowl or measuring up, combine the chickweed and oil. 
• In a small pot, make sure there is about an inch or so of water. Place it over medium-low heat and place the glass bowl/measuring cup with the oil in the pot. 
• Once the water is simmering, turn the heat down to a low simmer and let the chickweed infuse in the oil for three hours. You’ll need to refill the water as needed so that it doesn’t all evaporate. 
• Remove from the heat and strain the chickweed through a fine mesh sieve, saving the oil in a heat-safe glass measuring cup. 
• Add the beeswax and infused oil back to the original glass bowl/measuring cup that you used for infusion. Place it in the pot over medium heat, ensuring that there is a little water in the bottom. Stir until the wax is fully melted. 
• Remove from heat and stir in the essential oil. Pour into salve containers (glass or tin) and allow the mixture to harden at room temperature. Use as needed and store in a cool, dry place.

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Everyone is familiar with the irritating, itchy sensation of a bug bite. The itchiness starts almost immediately after the insect bites. Slapping the bite, scratching around the bite, or applying cold compresses can only provide so much relief. Is there a natural relief ointment or cream that proves effective for relieving itchiness? The anti-itch bug bite sticks in this article may be exactly what you need. 

Even though summer is almost over, bug bite season is not. Insects tend to stick around until the beginning of fall, getting in every last bite possible. All of the fly strips, bug zappers, swatters, citronella sticks, and more cannot seem to win the war against insects. They always find a way past your defenses and get you when you least expect it.

Why You Shouldn’t Scratch A Bug Bite

The last thing you want to do is scratch the bite to the point of bleeding. Scratching a bug bite, especially a mosquito bite, makes the itching worse. Bug bites itch because of inflammation and scratching something that is already inflamed only increases the inflammation. That’s why bug bites itch more after you itch them. If you break the skin as a result of scratching, it can increase the risk of infection, itchiness, and it can make the healing process take longer.

Calendula Flower

Some people refer to calendula as the Swiss Army knife of the forest. It has many healing properties and can help relieve diaper rash, itchy eyes, wounds, dandruff, sunburn, and bug bites. It exhibits antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, which accelerate the healing process while simultaneously reducing itchiness. 

Beeswax

Beeswax has powerful properties that help to heal and protect the skin. The anti-inflammatory properties help accelerate wound healing and create a protective barrier on the skin. This helps to protect the skin from the environment and can relieve itching in the process. Additionally, beeswax exhibits antibacterial properties, which help to keep the skin clean and reduce the risk of more inflammation or contamination. 

Lavender

If you’ve seen a lavender bush, you know that many bugs are attracted to it. More often than not, bees collect pollen from the flowers and bring it back to their hives. Well, as it turns out, lavender is a popular remedy for treating bug bites. The soothing properties are similar to that of chamomile and help to relieve pain or itchiness. Several studies found that it proves most effective for spider bites, fire ant bites, and bee stings. That being said, the notable anti-inflammatory properties work to relieve bug bites from all insects. 

DIY Anti-Itch Bug Bite Sticks

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup sunflower oil
• 1/8 cup calendula flowers
• 1/8 cup lavender flowers
• 1 tablespoon beeswax

Instructions:

• Pour the oil in a glass canning jar and add the calendula and lavender flowers. Stir a few times to ensure that there are no air bubbles. 
• Screw the top on the jar and place it in a windowsill for about three weeks for a slow infusion. 
• If you want a quicker infusion process, set a heat-safe glass jar with the oil and flowers in a saucepan containing a few inches of water over low heat. 
• Keep an eye on the oil for about two hours and then strain the oil, discarding the flowers. 
• Add the beeswax to a heat-safe glass jar along with 3 tablespoons of the infused oil that you reserved. Place it in a saucepan with a few inches of water in it over low heat. 
• Allow the beeswax to melt and stir well to combine. 
• Remove from the heat carefully and pour into lip balm tubes or tins. Allow the mixture to harden completely before putting on the tops. 
• To use the bug bite sticks, dab the bug bite with them as needed to relieve itchiness. 

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Chapped lips, dry elbows, itchy shins, and cracked hands all indicate that the colder months have arrived. Most people are at war with elements during winter, fighting for silky smooth skin that looks nourished and moisturized. You don’t have to fight the good fight anymore because we have a DIY salve that will help your skin retain moisture like never before. 

What Causes Dry Skin In The Winter?

The top layer of your skin, known as the epidermis, contains a lipid barrier and skin cells that keep the skin from drying out. This barrier also prevents harmful pathogens or substances from entering the body. The combination of environmental factors and age naturally weaken this barrier. Now add the excessive hand washing and use of hand sanitizers as a result of COVID-19 and you find yourself with skin that looks that you just jumped in flour. The temperature of the water, alcoholic sanitizers, and less moisture in the air during the winter months all contribute to dry skin. Luckily, you can replenish the moisture you lose with the right ingredients. 

It’s All About The Right Moisturizers

If you want to lock in moisture to the skin, you need the right ingredients. Think of your skin like a bottle of carbonated water. If you leave the cap off, the carbonation won’t last very long. Keeping the cap on makes the bubbles last longer. Moisturizing is all about putting the right cap on your skin, creating a strong barrier that helps your skin retain moisture. The salve in this article contains several ingredients that keep the skin hydrated, but the two that stand out are detailed below.

Beeswax

Beeswax is hypoallergenic and works to protect the skin. It’s the natural waxy substance that hives produce, and it has myriad uses, but the buzz we’re concerned with is how it benefits the skin. The natural antibacterial properties work to combat eczema and acne, while the anti-inflammatory properties create a barrier between the skin and the environment to protect the skin without clogging pores. Beeswax is also rich in vitamin A, which helps support skin cell reconstruction. Finally, beeswax acts as a humectant, meaning that it attracts water to the skin to keep it hydrated and supple. 

Olive Oil

This classic cooking oil is one of the best kept beauty secrets that is most likely in your kitchen. Just like beeswax, olive oil has humectant properties, which help to attract moisture to the skin. Olive oil also contains vitamins E, K, and other antioxidants that offer anti-aging benefits, helping your skin look younger and softer. The great thing about olive oil is that it helps to hydrate your skin whether you apply it topically or ingest it. If you are prone to breakouts or have sensitive skin, do not apply olive oil on your face. 

DIY Moisturizing Salve

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 3 tablespoons unrefined coconut oil
• 2 tablespoons beeswax pellets
• 1/2 teaspoon vitamin E oil
• 1/8 teaspoon alcohol-free vanilla extract
• 8 drops black spruce essential oil
• 4 drops frankincense essential oil
• 4 drops lavender essential oil

Instructions:

• Add the olive oil, coconut oil, beeswax pellets, and vitamin E oil to a heat-safe glass jar.
• Create a double boiler by pouring some water (about a couple inches) into a small saucepan. Carefully place the jar in the center of the saucepan.
• Keep the pan over medium-low heat until all the ingredients in the jar are completely melted. Before removing from the heat, stir to combine. 
• Once you remove the glass jar from the pan, add in the vanilla extract and essential oils. Stir gently to combine and then pour the entire mixture in a small glass jar. Let the mixture solidify at room temperature before using it. 
• It’s best to apply a small amount on dry hands, dry feet, or dry areas of skin at night to allow the moisturizing properties to soak in overnight. 

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