Summer means spending more time outdoors, which also increases your chances of getting bites and stings, rashes, and sunburns. We’ve rounded up six of our tried-and-true home remedies for summer problems. Many of these natural remedies use herbs and “weeds” that you might find in your own backyard. With these healing plants, you’ll be able to relax and make the most of the season.
1. Yarrow to Repel Bugs
Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) grows abundantly all over the world and has a multitude of uses, ranging from first aid to colds and flus. You can also use yarrow to make a fabulous homemade mosquito repellent.
Get the recipe for homemade bug spray »
2. Plantain for Bee Stings
Plantain (Plantago major, Plantago lanceolata) is a common “weed” found where soil has been disturbed. It may be growing in the cracks of your neighborhood sidewalks. And it’s an easy, effective bee sting remedy!
Learn how to use plantain for bee stings »
3. Chickweed for Insect Bites
This low growing herbaceous plant thrives in cool and moist conditions and grows readily in disturbed soil. Chickweed (Stellaria media) salve can be used for hot, itchy, and inflamed skin issues, such as bug bites, rashes, and clean wounds.
Get the recipe for super strong chickweed salve »
(Note: If you can’t find chickweed this time of year, try the Healing Salve in our Herbal Remedy Kit.)
4. Jewelweed for Poison Ivy
When it comes to poison ivy and poison oak, awareness and avoidance is your first line of defense. In case you do get exposed, it’s good to know about jewelweed (Impatiens capensis). This plant grows in wetter conditions, such as near a stream, and can soothe the itch of poison oak and ivy.
Learn how to use jewelweed for poison ivy »
5. Aloe Vera for Sunburn
This plant is a well-known balm for treating sunburn, minor burns, and moisturizing skin. Aloe (Aloe vera) is easy to grow in a pot indoors and you can harvest and freeze the gel to rub on sunburned shoulders, add to smoothies, and more.
Learn how to harvest and freeze aloe vera gel »
6. Self-Heal for Skin Protection
An often overlooked “weed,” self-heal (Prunella vulgaris) is used for wounds on the skin, including cuts, scrapes and burns. You can make your own self-heal serum to hydrate and protect against sun damage, especially on the face.
Get the recipe for self-heal skin serum »
Enjoy your summer, and don’t forget to stay hydrated with cooling herbal drinks!
Thank you for this valuable information!