Forest Shield Balm: Bug & Tick Repellent

Simple Protection, Rooted in Nature

The balm’s soft green hue comes from wild plantain leaves—no dyes, just wildcrafted potency.

Forest Shield Balm is a wildcrafted, chemical-free bug repellent designed for those who prefer the wisdom of plants over synthetic sprays. Made with slow-infused plantain oil (hand-harvested in the Kootenay meadows), grass-fed tallow, and a potent blend of citronella, peppermint, lavender, and eucalyptus, this balm creates a subtle barrier against mosquitoes, black flies, and ticks—while nourishing skin with every application.

Unlike conventional repellents (which often contain DEET or permethrin, compounds linked to skin irritation and environmental harm), this balm relies on botanical oils proven to deter bugs without disrupting your body’s natural balance. It’s especially suited for sensitive skin, thanks to plantain’s soothing, wound-healing properties and tallow’s skin-identical fats.

Apply to pulse points before hikes, garden time, or evenings outdoors. Note: For heavy tick areas, reapply every 2 hours and pair with protective clothing.

The Science & Story Behind the Balm (Deeper Dive for the Curious)

Why Essential Oils Work (And Which Bugs They Deter)

Research shows that certain plant compounds overwhelm insects’ scent receptors, masking your attractants (like CO2 and lactic acid). This blend targets:

• Mosquitoes: Citronella and eucalyptus are CDC-recognized deterrents.
• Black Flies: Peppermint and lavender disrupt their landing behavior.
• Ticks: A 2020 study in Ticks and Tick-Borne Diseases found rosemary and eucalyptus oils reduced tick attachment by 60–80%. (Our rosemary-infused oil adds this layer of protection.)

The Problem With Conventional Repellents

Many commercial sprays use DEET, which can degrade synthetic fabrics, irritate skin, and—in rare cases—cause neurological side effects with overuse. Plant-based oils offer a gentler, biodegradable alternative that’s safer for children, pregnant women, and ecosystems.

The Star Ingredient: Kootenay-Harvested Plantain Oil

Plantain (Plantago major), often dismissed as a "weed," is a powerful skin ally. Traditionally used by Indigenous peoples and herbalists for:

• Bug bites: Its anti-inflammatory compounds reduce swelling and itch.
• Wound healing: Allantoin accelerates cell repair (ideal for post-bite care).
• Synergy with tallow: Plantain’s mucilage pairs with tallow’s fatty acids to calm skin while sealing in moisture.

Our wildcrafting process:

• Seasonal harvest: Plantain is gathered in early spring from unsprayed Kootenay meadows, when its leaves are richest in active compounds.
• Slow infusion: Leaves are harvested fresh and steeped in organic oil for 4–6 weeks to extract full benefits.

Why Tallow & Beeswax?

• Grass-fed tallow mimics human skin lipids, enhancing absorption without clogging pores.

• Beeswax creates a protective, water-resistant layer that extends the oils’ repellent effects.