DIY Monthly Magic
Each month, we feature a hands-on herbal project crafted from our Herb of the Month. These DIYs are more than recipes—they’re invitations to engage with the plant in real time, through texture, scent, and seasonal timing. Whether you’re blending a salve, steeping a syrup, or bottling a tincture, each project is designed to be sensory-safe, emotionally grounded, and mythically resonant.
🕯 Why We DIY
We believe herbal medicine is ancestral, accessible, and alive. These projects are designed to reclaim that truth—one batch, one scroll, one ritual at a time.
“To make is to remember. To blend is to belong.”
Each Herb of the Month & DIY page includes a Table of Contents section at the bottom, linking to previous months. Each entry includes:
- A link to the Herb of the Month page
- A link to the DIY of the Month project featuring that herb
Soothing Spiderwort Salve
Unwind Your skin with this handcrafted Spiderwort Salve a gentle remedy where ancient herbal wisdom meets modern care. Infused with wild-harvested spiderwort, celebrated for its soothing & anti-inflammatory properties, this velvety salve is designed to calm itchiness & restore comfort to irritated skin. Enhanced by a blend of nourishing botanical oils & natural ingredients.
19
remarkable health benefits. These benefits range from its anti‐inflammatory effects (traditionally used to soothe insect bites and skin irritations) to its ability to purify indoor air.
6.5K
years, marks some of the oldest findings of beeswax in medicinal uses. Archeologist have discovered beeswax used in a dental filling dating approximately 6,500 years ago!
79%
of eczema-induced itching can be reduced by shea butter according to scientific research & anecdotal clinical observations.
Instructions
Below You'll find Your own magic, in a few easy steps
Ingredients
Spiderwort Infused Oil (see below for instructions)
- 1 cup coconut oil (or another neutral oil like olive oil)
- 10 drops of lavender essential oil
Salve Base
- 1/4 cup spiderwort infused oil (see below)
- 2 tbsp shea butter
- 1-2 tbsp beeswax or Candelilla, Carnauba, or Soy wax for a vegan option (to solidify & thicken salve)
- 5 drops lavender essential oil (optional)
- (Optional) 2 drops of tea tree essential oil (for added antimicrobial support)

How to Make Spiderwort Infused Oil:
1. Combine: Place fresh or dried spiderwort leaves & coconut oil in a clean jar. Use enough leaves to loosely fill the jar (around ½–1 cup of leaves per cup of oil).
2. Infuse: Seal the jar & place it in a warm, sunny window for 2–3 weeks. Shake the jar gently every few days to help extract the constituents.
3. Strain: After infusion, strain out the leaves using a cheesecloth or fine mesh strainer. The resulting oil should be a rich greenish tint & carry the essence of spiderwort.
Preparation of the Salve:
1. Melt the Base: In a double boiler, combine ¼ cup of Your prepared spiderwort infusion oil, 2 tablespoons coconut oil, & 1–2 tablespoons beeswax or vegan options. Warm the mixture gently, stirring until the wax has fully melted.
2. Add Essential Oils: Remove from heat and stir in 5 drops of lavender essential oil and (if desired) 2 drops of tea tree oil.
3. Cool and Store: Pour the mixture into a clean, sterilized container (like a small glass jar). Allow it to cool at room temperature until it solidifies.
4. Application: For external use on insect bites or general itching, apply a small amount (approximately 5–10 mL) to the affected area as needed. Gently massage it into the skin.
This salve takes advantage of spiderwort’s traditional use as a soothing, anti-inflammatory herb. The beeswax & coconut oil create a smooth barrier over the skin, allowing the infused oil and essential oils to deliver their benefits while protecting the irritated area.
These formulas are based on traditional herbal practices and anecdotal evidence. If you’re interested in experimenting with your natural remedies, tweaking the ratios and adding complementary anti-inflammatory herbs (like calendula or plantain) might further enhance the treatment—always noting to adjust based on a patch test and personal skin reactions.
The Archives
Explore past Herbs of the Month in the Living Archive, where each entry is a memory and a medicine.
This living archive honors the rhythm of ritual care—season by season, scroll by scroll
Explore past herbs in the Living Archive, where each entry is a memory and a medicine. Enter The Archives