The story
behind the salve
Ginny wasn’t a person who typically considered natural remedies. That all changed one day after her 5-year-old son Sam was stung by a bee.
“We were at the home of an acquaintance, and when I told her about how uncomfortable Sam’s bee sting was, she said, "Oh, I have the perfect thing for that.” She went out to the yard and picked a plantain leaf, then told me to chew it up and put it on his sting.
I did it to be polite, but I thought it was odd, even a little gross, and had no faith in the remedy. To my surprise, within minutes, Sam said it felt better, and I could see the swelling had gone down and it looked better too. The wheels immediately began turning in my head. I asked, "What about winter? Do you dry or freeze them to keep around for other types of owies?" She explained that she made a salve with these leaves, using common household ingredients, and showed me what it looked like. That really sparked my curiosity, so when I got home I did some research about salve making and found several DIY salves with plantain.
I had been aware of herbal remedies but what completely blew me away was learning that there are so many "weeds" that grow in our yards that have healing or nutritional properties. We label them "bad" and we do everything we can to kill them. I felt wonder alongside grief as I realized these plants continue bursting forth from the earth with all their healing properties despite our hatred of them.
So I found a recipe and made my first batch of salve, adding essential oils to add even more goodness and scent. I didn't really know what I was doing, and made the whole batch, which was an enormous amount for our needs, so I gave some of it to friends. They said they loved the stuff and would gladly pay money for me to make them more. I was using a fair amount of it on myself and Sam and my husband for any minor scrape or insect bite or dry patch. I started making bigger batches and giving/selling the extra to a few friends and family. From there, I have continued to find that as I make it, people order it. "If you build it they will come" is a famous movie line that I think of every time I make a batch. It's a lovely feeling to send out these little tins of healing into the world knowing the soothing comfort they will bring to people.
I invite you to try my Super Salve, Lip Balm, and Bug Bite Balm for yourself to experience the relief and healing properties of the earth that I have lovingly combined for your enjoyment!”
-Ginny