How Do You Adventure?
Hiking, rock climbing, creek chasing, camping under the stars, exploring National and State Parks, foraging and identifying plants, looking for sea creatures in tide pools, searching for bones where we know the coyotes bring their dinner leftovers, climbing trees, gently looking under logs for bugs, counting and logging how many and what kind of birds we see. How ever you do it, there is no wrong way to adventure. There is only the excitement of discovery, the curiosity in exploring, the breathtaking moments of unexpected beauty. Emersion in nature is the best way to cultivate a love and respect of nature.
Whether your kids are more the go all out and throw caution to the wind personalities or the careful, slow, think everything through type, sometimes there are accidents. Maybe running up the last leg of the trail and someone trips over an unseen rock, or a surprise scratch from pokey pinecone while collecting pine pollen, it happens. My kids are a mix of both types of personalities, and I have learned that giving them space to explore their boundaries and learn their limits has helped to build self-awareness and also awareness of their surroundings.
So, if we are heading to explore a National Park and sleep in the tent for a few days, or just out for a day in the forest, my adventure backpack pretty much looks the same. Baby wipes, even though I have no more diapers to change, are a lifesaver. Snacks because, trust me, adventures make kids suddenly much hungrier than usual. Lots and lots of water. Lip balm, a reusable bag to hold all the trash, binoculars, gloves if it is cold, and 1,000 articles of clothing they decide to put on and take off throughout the day.
But the star of the show? Boo Boo Balm. It is an essential, and my kids ask for it regularly. For minor cuts, scrapes, scratches, stings, and all the little bumps that come with an active childhood, it is my go-to.
Why Does the Magic of Childhood Need Boo Boo Balm?
Boo Boo Balm is an infusion of herbs whose properties were specifically chosen to help heal the little owies life presents. The herbs are gently, slowly infused using a low heat method into pure, organic oil then strained leaving behind deep green, earthy smelling goodness. Why is Boo Boo Balm so amazing? Let’s take a look at the ingredients.
A Peek Into Boo Boo Balm’s Herbs
Comfrey Leaf – Revered for its healing powers, comfrey has been used for thousands of years to help slow bleeding, treat bruises, and help heal wounds. Based on this study, “The therapeutic properties of comfrey are based on its anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects. Comfrey also stimulates granulation and tissue regeneration, and supports callus formation.” (1)
Plantain Leaf - One of my absolute favorite plants though considered by some to be a common weed. You have probably seen this one growing in your yard or next to the sidewalk while out walking. Plantain has been used for centuries as a healing agent and is generally a staple for herbalists due it its effectiveness as a remedy for wounds, inflamed skin or dermatitis, and insect bites.
White Oak Bark - A powerhouse ingredient that is a potent antiseptic and has been used for thousands of years to help control and stop bleeding, bacterial invasion and infection, and helps to regenerate new tissue which is useful when treating burns, wounds, stings, and skin abrasions.
Calendula - Another of my favorite herbs due to its incredible versatility and usefulness. It is beneficial for any minor wound healing including cuts, blisters, bruises, insect bites, and burns as well as helping to treat poorly healing wounds, and those that are tender, red, and inflamed. Due to its antiseptic properties, Calendula also helps keep wounds clean and helps new tissue to grow. In this study, it was concluded that “C. Officinalis presented anti-inflammatory and antibacterial activities as well as angiogenic and fibroplastic properties acting in a positive way on the inflammatory and proliferative phases of the healing process. “(2)
Chickweed - Possibly one of the most understated, potent herbs and one of my absolute favorites to forage. From salads and tea to salves and balms, its versatility is something to sing for. Its antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, and antifungal properties can help treat a number of skin conditions like rashes, wounds, eczema, psoriasis, insect bites, minor burns, and sores. It can be also used to draw out splinters and relieve itching.
Goldenrod - Beautiful, golden flowers whose official name, Solidago, means to make whole. A nod in the direction of those who used it for wound healing in ancient times. Its antioxidant, astringent, anti-inflammatory properties help in reducing pain for sore muscles, injuries, and arthritis, as well help in the healing of wounds and burns.
Yarrow - An herb highly revered and used in many ancient cultures, Yarrow is known throughout history as The Battlefield Herb. It’s ability to stop blood flow by facilitating the coagulation of blood, as well as minimize the risk of infection by activating blood platelets in the affected area won its crown as a second to none essential. Its natural analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties are optimal for use on minor cuts and burns, while encouraging healing and pain relief.
Lavender Flowers - More than just an aromatic, beautiful flower, lavender is one of the most commonly known and used medicinal herbs. Its powerful antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and pain-relieving properties make it another top contender in treating burns, scrapes, and wounds, while helping the cells regenerate quickly, and helping to prevent scarring.
Phew! That was a lot to unpack. As you can see, the herbs picked for Boo Boo Balm definitely stand up to the challenge and deserve a seat front and center. Just as Boo Boo Balm deserves a place in every adventurer’s backpack.
So, where will you be headed on your next adventure and what will you be packing?
(1) Comfrey: A Clinical Overview (nih.gov)