Homestead Remedies for Bug Bites and Summer Scrapes
If you spend any time outdoors in the summer, you know the drill: mosquitoes, bee stings, scratches from gardening, maybe even a sting from brushing against nettles. These little nuisances can put a damper on warm-weather fun, but they don’t have to. With a few simple herbs and remedies, you can care for your skin naturally — often with plants you can grow yourself or find just outside your door.
Plantain: Nature’s Band-Aid
Plantain (Plantago major) is one of the most underrated first-aid herbs. Its leaves are cooling, drawing, and anti-inflammatory.
Use it for: Mosquito bites, bee stings, splinters.
How to apply: Crush a fresh leaf and place directly on the affected spot, or use in a pre-made salve.
Looking for a pre-made salve? Check out Calm the Bite Balm.
Calendula: The Skin Soother
Calendula’s bright orange flowers bring more than cheer — they’re antimicrobial and excellent for healing irritated or broken skin.
Use it for: Scrapes, rashes, slow-healing cuts.
How to apply: Infuse into oil for a salve or make a gentle wash for the skin.
Our Calm and Restore salve is wonderful for skin.
Lavender: Calming and Antimicrobial
Lavender isn’t just for relaxation — it’s also great for calming itchy skin and preventing infection.
Use it for: Bug bites, minor burns, scrapes.
How to apply: A diluted essential oil roll-on, or fresh lavender infused in oil.
Yarrow: The Bleeding Stopper
Named after Achilles, yarrow has been used for centuries to stop bleeding and support wound healing.
Use it for: Cuts, nosebleeds, minor wounds.
How to apply: Fresh yarrow leaves crushed on a cut, or powdered dried yarrow sprinkled on bleeding skin.
Check our Herbal Healing Salve here.
Quick Tips for Everyday Summer Remedies
Scratches & cuts: Wash with clean water, apply yarrow or calendula, cover if needed.
Bug bites: Rub with fresh plantain or apply a calming salve.
Bee stings: Remove the stinger, apply plantain or a baking soda paste, then soothe with lavender oil.
Nettle stings: Rub with crushed plantain or jewelweed.
Why I Love Simple Herbal Remedies
What I love about these remedies is how accessible they are. You don’t need a pharmacy or even a fully stocked apothecary — just a handful of herbs, some growing in your yard. It’s empowering to know that when my kids come running with a scrape or sting, I can grab a leaf, a salve, or a wash and bring relief right away.
With a few jars of herbal salves and a little knowledge of plants, your homestead (or backyard) can be its own first-aid kit.
Do you use elderberry in the fall and winter months? I wrote an article talking about when and how to use it properly. You can read it here.