After Bite Salve

Plantain and nettle are thriving in the early summer sun on our goat milk dairy, and we’re grateful to have such potent medicinal plants growing wild around us. When it comes to choosing ingredients for our goat milk skincare, we’re deliberate about using herbs with real healing power. You’ll find nettle and calendula in many of our products—especially our goat milk lip balm. These two locally grown herbs are gentle yet effective for dry skin, eczema, and rosacea.

For healthy skin, start with the plants that grow close to home.

This is a “I have never made salve before” kind of salve. It is easy- but it will work very hard at relieving itchy and inflamed skin conditions- like mosquito bites!

Last summer we had a farm guest (Wwoof) who arrived with legs that had been feasted on by mosquitos on a camping trip.  There were so many bites they literally blended into one giant itchy rash and it looked angry. We know how to prevent bug bites (with our Bug Off Balm!) but really needed a way to help her legs heal – enter the “after the bite” salve. It literally worked miracles. It is an incredibly powerful experience to make your own healing products and we want you to give it a try. This salve uses easy to find medicinal plants. You can find narrow or broad leaf plantain in almost any lawn, either will work.  Calendula can be grown in your garden or purchased locally- Mother Mullins Herbs is a market friend of ours and carries all these herbs - she ships too! Nettle is currently in it’s prime and can be found along streams, the edge of forests and along roadsides. One word of caution- nettle is a chelating plant meaning it is able to pull minerals and heavy metals from the soil. For all of our balms we only collect our nettles in  intact woodlands- not by the road side!

Shelf life: Up to 1 year, stored in a cool, dry place

Ingredients

For the Herbal Infused Oil:

• 1 tbsp dried calendula

• 1 tbsp dried plantain

• 1 tbsp dried nettle

• ¾ cup (180 ml) carrier oil (olive, sunflower, or fractionated coconut)

For the Salve:

• 2½ tbsp (20 g) beeswax pastilles

• 1⁄8 tsp vitamin E oil (optional, for added shelf life)

• 5–10 drops lavender or tea tree essential oil (optional, for itch relief)

Instructions

Step 1: Make the Herbal Oil

1. Combine dried herbs and oil in a heat-safe glass jar.

2. Infuse using one of the following methods:

   • Quick method: Place jar in a warm water bath and heat gently (not above 120°F / 50°C) for 1–2 hours.

   • Slow method: Cap the jar and let sit in a sunny window for 2–4 weeks, shaking daily.

3. Strain oil through cheesecloth or fine mesh. Discard herbs.

Step 2: Make the Salve

1. In a heat-safe bowl or double boiler, combine:

   • ½ cup (120 ml) infused oil

   • 2½ tbsp (20 g) beeswax

2. Heat gently, stirring until beeswax is completely melted.

3. Remove from heat. Stir in vitamin E and essential oils, if using.

4. Pour into tins or jars. Let cool completely before sealing. Tjhis recipe will make just over 4oz and should fit into one of our little Chevre jars. Kept cool it should keep for up to a year. 
   

To Use

Apply a small amount directly to bug bites to reduce itch and inflammation. Safe for kids and sensitive skin. Avoid broken skin or open wounds.

A helpful tip:

3 parts fresh herbs = 1 part dried herbs

So to get 1 tablespoon dried herbs, you’ll need approximately:3 tbsp or 1/4 cup of chopped fresh herbs. 

This can vary slightly depending on the herb's moisture content, but it's a reliable starting point for most leafy herbs like plantain, nettle, calendula petals, mint, or basil.