For individuals who spend considerable time working outdoors, it’s only natural to encounter minor health concerns. Rather than relying on commercial products, many of the same issues can be addressed using herbal remedies derived from your own backyard. Common afflictions include chapped hands, insect bites, scrapes, and sunburns, while others may experience rashes from plant contact or respiratory issues stemming from airborne allergens like pollen, leaf mold particles, or smoke.
The good news is that there are numerous effective herbal treatments available to gardeners and farmers, providing a natural alternative for alleviating these common problems.
DIY Insect Repellent
When venturing outdoors, it’s nearly impossible to avoid insect bites. Mosquitoes, chiggers, and flies are lurking, waiting to take a bite out of your skin. To combat this issue, I recommend mixing one cup of distilled water with one cup of witch hazel extract, followed by the addition of 15 drops each of lemon eucalyptus, lemon balm, and catnip essential oils. Decant this mixture into a spray bottle and use it to mist your skin or clothing before heading outside.
This solution is gentle enough for direct application to the skin, but can also be used to protect clothing for added coverage. In addition to using this spray, consider mixing a few drops of the aforementioned essential oils with coconut or olive oil and applying it behind your ears, knees, and ankles. For extra protection, apply this mixture liberally around the tops of your boots during tick season if you’re spending time in wooded areas.
Growing lemon balm and/or catnip in pots around your yard can also be a helpful deterrent. If you find yourself being bothered by insects while outdoors, crush up some fresh leaves and rub them on your skin. The concentrated scent should help repel the bugs until you can get indoors and behind bug screens.
In extreme cases where blackflies, gnats, and other biting pests are present in large numbers, consider investing in a good netted hat that ties off around your neck to create a protective barrier around your head and face.
Poultice for Treating Insect Bites
When the repellents mentioned earlier prove ineffective against a few stubborn biters, you may be left with uncomfortable welts that can cause itching and burning. To combat this, gather some fresh chickweed (Stellaria media), violet leaf (Viola spp.), and/or jewelweed (Impatiens capensis) leaves and stems. Process these using a mortar and pestle or blender to create a smooth puree.
Apply the green mixture to the affected area using a soft cloth, which should significantly reduce the itching, burning, and swelling.
Relief for Poison Ivy Reactions
Contending with poison ivy dermatitis can be a harrowing experience. The intense itching, burning sensation, and appearance of weeping blisters can be overwhelming, especially when you consider that the plant oils can spread through contact. To mitigate the discomfort, it’s essential to take prompt action. Immediately after exposure, toss your clothes into the washing machine and shower with soap to remove any remaining plant oils from your skin.
Once clean, prepare a natural remedy by blending fresh jewelweed leaves with yarrow flowers, leaves, and witch hazel twigs or bark. Combine two teaspoons of this tea with pureed jewelweed, a pinch of activated charcoal powder, and just enough bentonite clay powder to create a thick paste. Add four drops each of tea tree and lavender oils to the mixture and apply it to the affected area, securing it with a damp cloth.
This holistic approach should help neutralize the urushiol from the poison ivy, dry out weeping blisters, and alleviate itching and burning sensations.
Topical Sunburn Relief
Having an Aloe barbadensis plant at home can be a lifesaver, especially when it comes to treating sunburns and other types of heat-related inflammation. If you’re unlucky enough to get a bad sunburn, start by rinsing the affected area with cool water. Then, extract the gel from a few leaves by slicing them open and mashing out the contents. Don’t worry if there are lumps – just squeeze or mash them away.
For an added layer of relief, you can also add a few drops of Lavandula angustifolia essential oil to the gel and stir well. Soak a piece of cotton flannel in cool water, apply some of the gel mixture to it, and apply the compress to the affected area for about 20 minutes. Repeat as needed, and be sure to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of cool water – especially if you’ve infused your gel with mint or cucumber. But here’s the thing: this burn relief isn’t just limited to sunburns.
I’ve used it to treat second-degree burns on my arms after a potato soup explosion (it was like napalm, seriously), and for a burn my partner received while working with hot metal as a blacksmith.
Soothing, Healing Spray for Cuts and Scrapes
Garden enthusiasts, you’re not alone in your struggles with cuts and scrapes! Even experienced gardeners like myself have encountered their fair share of sharp leaf blades, rocks, and rough tree bark that can leave us feeling sore and vulnerable. Fortunately, a clever blend of natural ingredients can provide both antiseptic and anti-inflammatory benefits to help prevent infection and promote healing.
This herbal remedy is as simple as mixing one cup of witch hazel extract with 20 drops of paracress tincture, 10 drops of lavender essential oil, and 10 drops of tea tree essential oil. Combine the ingredients in a clean mixing cup with a pour spout and decant them into a spray bottle.
Store your homemade wound spray in the fridge for up to four months, ready to be used as needed on cuts and scrapes.
With this natural solution at your disposal, you can tend to those pesky garden injuries with confidence.
Treatment for Bee and Wasp Stings
Working outdoors often means encountering the unwelcome attentions of wasps and bees. I learned this the hard way when a wasp stung me on the palm of my hand despite wearing thin gardening gloves. The most sought-after remedy for gardeners is one that alleviates the pain and inflammation caused by these stings.
If you find yourself stung, it’s essential to identify whether the culprit was a bee or a wasp.
Wasps can sting multiple times, while bees will typically only sting once before detaching their stinger. If it’s the latter, you’ll need a credit card or dull knife to carefully remove the stinger from your skin.
A poultice made from fresh tobacco and plantain leaves has been known to bring relief from pain and swelling. However, if tobacco isn’t readily available, plantain can be used on its own to provide some measure of comfort.
To apply the plantain remedy, simply chew a few leaves slightly and then apply them to the affected area. If you’re using rolling tobacco instead, wet the shreds with water and apply them gently.
It’s crucial for those allergic to bee or wasp stings to carry an EpiPen at all times when working outdoors. Additionally, wearing protective clothing such as heavier trousers and leather gloves that these insects can’t penetrate is a good idea.
While herbal remedies are effective, they won’t protect you from anaphylactic shock if you’re allergic.
Remember, it’s always better to be prepared than sorry.
Replenishing Salve for Cracked, Sore Hands
Immersing oneself in the natural world through gardening can be an incredibly fulfilling experience. The tactile connection with the earth is calming to the soul and enables us to take a more hands-on approach to cultivating our own food and remedies. However, soil can also have unintended consequences on our skin. Clay-rich soils, for instance, can rapidly dry out our hands, leaving them cracked and chapped.
While clay has its benefits in drawing out impurities from bites and infections, it’s not exactly suitable for the delicate skin on our palms. I’ve had my share of painful experiences with cracked knuckles and chapped palms after gardening! To mitigate these issues, I always keep a replenishing salve handy.
What you’ll need to make this herbal remedy:
Combine 1/3 cup each of olive oil, coconut oil, and sweet almond oil with 1 cup of a custom dried herb blend. For this recipe, use 60% calendula, 20% lavender, 10% St. John’s wort, and 10% arnica. You’ll also need a muslin cloth, fine strainer, clean bowl, and sterilized container. Additionally, prepare 1/4 cup of beeswax, either by using pellets or grating your own, or opting for carnauba wax for a vegan alternative. Finally, have 10 drops of your preferred essential oils on hand (optional).
To create the salve, add the dried herbs and oil mixture to the inner pot of a double boiler, stirring well to combine. You can also create a makeshift double boiler by placing a smaller pot inside a larger one, with a sealable jar band elevating it off the bottom. Next, fill the outer pot with water and bring it to a low simmer. The temperature should be similar to that of a warm bath.
Allow the mixture to steep for 4-6 hours, stirring regularly, before straining it through muslin-lined cheesecloth into a clean bowl. Once strained, return the oil mixture to the double boiler and add in the beeswax. Stir gently until the wax is fully melted and evenly incorporated into the oil. Finally, pour the salve into your sterilized jar or container, adding essential oils if desired. Select oils that complement the herbs’ scents and healing properties.
Steam Inhale for Chest Relief
When working outdoors, some individuals may experience respiratory inflammation due to pollen inhalation during spring and autumn or mold spores from raking leaf litter. For those who have been affected by nearby forest fires, the aftermath can bring about dry, sore coughs resulting from smoke inhalation. Even proximity to a bonfire can trigger similar symptoms.
To alleviate this discomfort, try infusing dried calendula petals and mint leaves in boiling water for a few minutes.
Next, cover your head with a towel, lean over the bowl, and inhale the steam through your nose while exhaling through your mouth. This technique helps to rehydrate damaged mucous membranes and facilitate the expulsion of particles from the lungs.
Among the herbal remedies listed here, this one is remarkably simple yet effective in its relief, so don’t overlook it.
Disclaimer:
Before incorporating any herbal remedies into your gardening routine, it’s essential to conduct thorough research. Ensure that the remedies won’t interact with your current medications or health issues by consulting with your healthcare provider. Start with small amounts to monitor potential side effects and adjust as needed. If you’re unsure about the efficacy or safety of a particular remedy, consider seeking guidance from a qualified herbalist or naturopath.
While herbal medicines can be an effective complement to traditional healthcare, there are instances where conventional medical treatment is the better option. In cases of severe injury, such as a broken bone, or life-threatening conditions like chest pain or difficulty breathing, prioritize standard healthcare. Additionally, if you’re experiencing symptoms of sunstroke, seek immediate medical attention.
By taking these precautions, you’ll be well-equipped to maintain your health and wellness while tending to your garden.
