This is an effective paste for poison ivy, bug bites and other itchy ailements. It will not only relieve itching, but also help dry out poison ivy.

Ingredients:

.68 oz non-nano zinc

.68 oz salt

.68 oz baking soda

.34 oz bentonite clay

.5 oz witch hazel

10 drops peppermint essential oil

5 oz jar

To make: combine dry ingredients and then stir in witch hazel and peppermint.

To use: apply to itchy skin. You may want to cover area with tight clothing as this cream will flake off.

Poultices draw out infection and foreign objects, such as splinters, from the skin and promote healing. You can use it on wounds, bacterial infections, and bites/stings. It is a lost treatment for topical care and it deserves its place in our homes. Poultices are simple and highly effective. This particular poultice promotes skin cell proliferation, soothes inflamed tissue, inhibits bacteria growth, and can reduce swelling.

Make poultice: Gather enough fresh plantain, self heal, and sage to cover the area. Chop/mash them up until it’s a wet paste. *If the herbs are dry, boil water and add just enough to plant material to rehydrate. Let sit for 15 minutes before applying.

To Use: Wrap the area with clean cloth/gauze/muslin and leave on for 1-12 hours. For easy clean-up, place the cloth on the skin and then apply the poultice on top of the cloth. Then wrap to cover. Continue use until skin ailment has resolved.

I formulated this mask for sensitive skin. It draws out impurities without over-drying.

Ingredients:

2 oz Benonite Clay

4 oz Kaolin Clay

.05 oz lavender buds/leaves

.02 oz calendula flowers

1 oz oats

30 drops lavender essential oil

To Make: grind plant material and oats in a coffee grinder or with a mortar and pestle. Combine thoroughly with the clays. Mix in the lavender essential oil. This will make a dry mask that will store for 6 months - 1 year. Add liquid upon using (see below).

To Use: scoop out 1 tablespoon of the mask and slowly add your chosen liquid until you reach the desired consistency. This can be rose water, ACV, raw honey, yogurt, milk - whatever you want! Apply to a clean face and leave on for 10-15 minutes. Rinse with warm water and wash cloth. Because this recipe is detoxifying, be sure to follow up with your favorite serum!

Final Step: Pat yourself on the back because you made yourself a mask and that’s pretty cool!