05/27/2026
That feeling when black fly season hits😫
It‘s warm, it’s sunny, and we are outside soaking it all up, but so are the black flies and mosquitos. Don’t worry though the plants have our back, and our ankles, and our necks and everywhere else that’s been bitten.😒
So let’s get into it!🌱
💚 For topical use herbs like plantain, chickweed, calendula, jewelweed, violet leaf, and comfrey can help bring down the itch, and add some much needed soothing when you need it most. Making a fresh poultice from these herbs can help pull out irritants and deliver on soothing your skin.
💚 You can use a mortar and pestle to grind these herbs into a paste or also by chewing them up (wash before🫧) Bonus points for our saliva being beneficial and natural!
💚While you are at it blend up these herbs now while they are abundant and fresh and put that herbal mash into some ice cube trays. Freezing this mash into a remedy for later will have you thanking your past self the next time you need a little cooling relief for your burnt, or itchy skin. These are a go to for us as the summer sun rashes, sunburns, poison ivy and bites come on full force.
💚 Topical salves and balms can also be a great go to for delivering relief. Check out Kathi’s book for recipes like the Heal all Salve and other herbal oil infusions.
Now turning inwards. Let’s talk internal support!
💚Reach for herbs like reishi and nettles for support from within. Leaning into foods that have quercetin in them like apples, onions and garlic will help address the itch. Quercetin is great at helping you manage when the bug bites just keep on coming. Reach for our Fire Cider and Turmeric tonic to support with inflammation and the itch.
Now go enjoy the outdoors. The herbs have you covered🌿💚✨
