Can we talk chickweed, comfrey, and plantain?

[Marco Esquandolas]

I "dabble" in making balms, salves, and the such, but truly am not as educated about some herbs and oils as others, with the 3 in the subject line being among my not so well versed variety.

Anyway, I wanted to make a salve for not so much burns but rather for severely dry skin and even for bum balm (red, raw bum). Soooo, would these three be good to use together or is that overkill, for making a salve for dry skin and skin irritations? Also, are they safe for those aged 2 and under or is it as simple as cutting back the amount used to make it safe? My hubby has extremely dry skin and my son has sensitive skin.

I've made (lotions and) salves for both before concentrating on calendula for my carrier and then adding in other stuff like tto, lav, vit e gel, aloe vera gel, etc. I'm now wanting to try out other stuff, but want to be sure it is safe for their sensitive skin, and more importantly, is gonna do what I want it to do. Any input would be greatly appreciated!

[ilex]

Hello Phishmama, I know a bit about herbals... if you are wanting to treat very dry skin, the chickweed is very good for any rashes or itching, so you could use that, the comfrey I wouldn't use as an everyday cream, just because I think you should be a bit careful with comfrey. It is wonderful for healing skin as it almost instantly regenerates new skin cells...try putting it on a cut and the bleeding will stop almost immediately, but I might forego this as a frequently used cream. I'm not saying don't use it in the cream or salve, but perhaps make the main ingredient base out of something else. The plantain is great for any insect bites, and this is the only thing I have used it for, so I'm not sure, although I know it is good for rashes as well.

I would use a chamomile base, with calendula, and would add oils such as evening primrose, vitamin E oil, avacado oil, carrot oil, rose hip oil, and St. John's Wort flower oil.

And all of this is safe on an under two. I have always used these ingredients on my own dd.

Good luck, and have fun! It is a great feeling to make your own herbal products!

[Marco Esquandolas]

THANK YOU!! You rock!

I knew I had once been cautioned against comfrey but couldn't remember why

You know, I don't even think it ever occured to me to use chamomile.

This is just awesome. I think I'm gonna make an 'every dayer' batch and then a 'heavy duty' batch. I'll have to let you know how it/they turn out! Thanks again.