10/22 Herbs and Wonder, Week 2

This week we will be discover herbs both through exploration with our hands, and through making a salve that is soothing for our skin.

To Do:

• Remember the calendula you took home last month? We’re going to be using it this week! If you forgot to infuse it, bring it to class anyway and we can infuse it into the oil with heat during class☺️
• Read Luke 10: 25-37, the Parable of the Good Samaritan. Alternatively, you can watch this Bible Video.
  • What did the Samaritan use to help the injured man?
  • How can you be like the Samaritan?
• Have you ever thought about how plants can help our bodies to heal? This week, we will explore how they can help our skin to heal, and how they can help us to feel safe and calm. See what you can learn about one of the following herbs, and come to class ready to share what you have learned:
  • calendula
  • lavender
  • chamomile
  • comfrey
• Sewing Project/Gather: You have two options here! Choose whichever is easiest for you!
  • Option 1: Sewing option:
    • Cut flannel fabric to desired size. A nice medium size would be 8″ X 10″ 
    • Fold in half, fuzzy sides together, and pin edges together.
    • Sew around 3 sides, continuing on to the last side but stopping before the last 5″ to leave an opening.
    • Turn inside out and bring to class!
  • Option 2: Find a large cotton sock that no longer needs to be used (try to avoid synthetic fabrics as this will be heated in the microwave). Bring this to class!
• Bring your infused calendula oil and sewn pocket/cotton sock to class this week!

What Will We Do at Vanguard This Week?

Did you know that herbal salves have been used for Millenia? The earliest recipes date back to 1500 BC. They were used when Christ was on the Earth. They were common in monasteries and apothecaries in Medieval Times. They laid the groundwork for modern skin-care and first-aid products today.

Today, we will be discussing the Good Samaritan and the herbs you researched at home. Then, we will take a field trip to my house to make calendula salve for our skin! BE SURE TO BRING YOU INFUSED OIL TO CLASS🥰

While the salve sets, we’ll use dried lavender and corn feed to make soothing heated corn pack. BE SURE TO BRING YOUR SEWN FLANNEL POCKET OR COTTON SOCK TO CLASS🥰

At the end of our class, we will make notes about our day in our herbalist books. You’ll be going home with a tin of calendula salve to soothe your hands as the dry winter months approach and a lavender corn pack to soothe any aches and worries.

Note for Moms:

• Summary of what to do at home:
  • Read Luke 10: 25-37
  • Learn about an herb (calendula, lavender, chamomile, or comfrey) and bring notes to class.
  • Either sew a pocket for our herb pack, or bring a large, cotton sock. Both options work! Bring to class.
  • Bring infused oil to class.
• Other fun activities you can do with your kids that continue on the theme of using our hands are found in the optional book Herbal Activities for Kids, chapter 4.
• I will send you my address so that you know where your child is.