Crafting (Vegan) Herbal Salves and Balms with Soothing Native Plant Infusions

In this hands-on class, we’ll work with native “weeds” that many people already have growing in their lawns and landscapes — plants that are routinely walked past, mowed over, or bemoaned, despite their long history of relationship with humans and their beneficial roles in the ecosystem. Together, we’ll slow down and take a closer look at familiar plants like native blackseed plantain, wild violets, and heal-all, exploring how their resilience in nature is closely tied to what they offer us for everyday human skin care.

• Participants will learn to recognize common native “weeds” and understand why leaves of low-growing groundcover plants in particular play such an important role in topical herbal preparations.
• We’ll explore a two-step process for creating potent oil infusions designed to coax out a wider spectrum of plant constituents.
• We’ll discuss the differences between salves, balms, ointments, lotions, and creams, so participants leave with a clear framework for understanding how formulation type determines both function and safety, including when preservation is required.
• Along the way, we’ll also touch on why many of the compounds that support irritated skin exist in the first place, and what they do for the plants themselves.

During the workshop, we’ll craft own vegan herbal salve using native plant infused oils (prepared ahead of time) and participants will leave with a finished salve and a deeper understanding of how to continue this work at home.

This class is designed to build plant literacy, practical skills, and a more nuanced way of seeing the plants that already surround us in our daily lives.

Register HERE through NCBG!