Healing Salve

First off, let me say that I am no doctor.  Please do your own research as to what you feel you can and cannot do for your family.

As some of you know, a few years ago, I began playing around with homemade non-petroleum jelly. (http://jilloalltrades.blogspot.com/2012/08/all-natural-cosmetics.html)  It is simple.

Recently, I investigated a healing salve.  Calendula is always good for soothing and healing skin for example.  Plantain (the plant, not the relative of the banana) is one that is excellent for blocking the reactions of bug bites, and Jewel weed is excellent for poison ivy.

 Jewel Weed is a very tender plant with yellow to orange flowers, with a bit of a spottiness to it. It prefers the damp, shady (or at least partially shady) places.

           

Plantain. Note the purple stem, and when you pick it you will find that it is very stringy,like very tough celery. It loves full sun and sandy places.    

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          

I am one of those unfortunate people who even when surrounded by others will get eaten alive by the hordes of insects, while those next to me will say what a pleasant, insectless night it is.  I itch, I swell, and my daughter is the same, so this sounded like a good plan.

I first harvested the plantain and jewelweed.  Both are considered weeds, and were relatively easy to find.  I took them home and cleaned them and dried them (This step is important!), and then ran them through my food processor.

In a pint mason jar, I put the chopped up plants, along with the dried calendula I already had.  Next, cover the whole batch with olive oil until it is completely covered (preferably with about a half inch of just oil on top.)  Remember I said the drying stage was important? Well, does water and oil mix?  water in your product will not help your final salve, and water or plant material above the oil line will just encourage mold.

Keep this in a jar, shaking occasionally, for 4 weeks. When ready, strain it well and your oil is ready to use.

From this point, just follow the non-petroleum jelly recipe.  I have added a few drops of tea tree and a few drops of vitamin E oil.  The vitamin E extends the shelf life, while the tea tree adds a bit of anti bacterial properties, which makes it a bit more of an all purpose, excellent healing salve.  I have used it on cuts, bug bites and poison ivy, all with very good results.

 This is what it looks like just poured.

 you can see i have it in both small travel size balm 'tins', and both half cup and full cup mason jars.  A little goes a long way!

Drier balls

So, I had read about using drier balls instead of drier sheets. I don't really do a lot with fiber, but a quick trade got me some wool.


My first batch I admittedly wrapped a little too loose. They work, but will likely fall apart sooner. My next batch had them much tighter and therefore harder. Roll it just like you would a regular ball of yarn, only tight. Tuck in the end. The ball should be about the size of a tangerine. (I wouldn't make it bigger than a baseball).


When you have a number of balls, you will want to put them in an old nylon stocking, knotting it tightly between balls.



If you have ever had a favorite wool sweater go through the wash, you know you need 2 things to make wool shrink--water and heat.  Take your balls and soak them in water before you put them in the drier.

Because no matter how tightly you roll them, your balls are still going to be full of air.  This means, yup--they are going to float.  I used one of my bowls that fit into the pitcher to hold them under the water.



Next, pop your balls in the drier.  Now, I usually hang dry, unless it is raining for an extended time.   However, something to consider is it will likely take more than one cycle to dry. (this most recent batch took 3 times through, but I over soaked them.)

When they come out (and feel dry) you will need to cut them out of the nylon.

This is what they look like when they emerge. -->







The final product.  Now, I made several.  I made them different colors both because that is the yarn I had, but also to differentiate scents--put a few drops of essential oil on the ball prior to tossing in the drier. (This is not enough oil to cause an issue in your drier). I usually use cedarwood oil, but have also used lavender. I also make several because the kids tend to take them with their loads to their rooms, not to be returned for a decade or so.



Now for the amazing news.  On an average clothing load, these balls have managed to cut off about 20 minutes of drying time.  Think about that. 3 loads would be an HOUR saved--and we all know that the drier is one of the highest users of our electricity (right up there with electric water heater and stove!)

Totally worth the time!