Insect Wax

Applying a small amount of soap to the hands, Jian Mo discovered that the medicinal liquid did not affect the soap's cleaning power, but the soap slightly affected the effectiveness of the medicinal liquid.

But that's okay, it's also great as a unique soap.

He's almost tired of regular soap. Using a cool, refreshing bar of soap in the summer would be more comfortable, and it also repels insects, making it very cost-effective.

Wu Jiong looked at the soap and thought it was pretty good.

However, since the soap couldn't be used properly as medicine, he went to the riverbank and cut a large basket of Spirit Cat Tail Grass to apply to Jian Mo.

Perhaps my physical condition improved after coming here, or perhaps the Spirit Cat Tail Grass is indeed very useful.

When Jian Mo woke up again, her arms and legs had returned to their fair color, the red marks were no longer visible, and there was no pain; the sunburn marks had completely disappeared.

Jian Mo couldn't bear to waste the remaining half basket of Spirit Cat Tail Grass, so she simply squeezed out all the juice, put it into an oil-free and water-free earthenware pot to concentrate it, and then added mild-tasting animal fat and stirred it to make medicinal oil.

The medicated oil is cool and refreshing, and comes in a small jar, making it very convenient to use.

Seeing that she couldn't finish the jars herself, Jian Mo gave one to each of Qing Kuo and the others.

When delivering it, Jian Mo specifically emphasized, "This is a medicinal oil used to treat insect bites and swelling. It cannot be used on other places, otherwise it may cause discomfort."

Everyone understood.

Qing Kuo chuckled, "We don't usually try strange things."

Jian Mo replied earnestly, "That would be perfect."

Min Dang sniffed the medicinal oil. "It smells nice, I like this herbal scent."

Jian Mo: "I originally wanted to make an ointment, but the summer temperature is too high, and the medicinal oil won't solidify. I also couldn't find any other materials, so I had to give up."

Qing Kuo: "Ointment?"

Jian Mo thought for a moment and described it, "We have a material where we live, a waxy substance, that, when added to oil, seems to turn the oil into a paste."

Jian Mo carefully described the texture of the wax, comparing it to beeswax.

Unfortunately, there were no bees here, and the Green Downy Insect nests we found earlier had nothing to do with beeswax.

Jian Mo said that, everyone agreed to keep an eye out for this kind of wax for him.

Jian Mo thought for a moment and said, "It would be best if we could find it. Actually, it doesn't matter whether it's ointment or medicated oil, but in winter, we should use wax to make lip balm, which should be more effective than lip balm made with medicated oil."

Last year they didn't make lipsticks, they only made lip oils.

Lip oils are not very effective; you have to keep reapplying them.

Most people don't have the patience, so almost everyone's lips are chapped in winter, especially babies.

People only use medicated oil as a temporary remedy when they are in pain, but it's not very effective.

Productivity is underdeveloped here, so people tend to endure minor problems, knowing they won't endanger their lives, only causing some discomfort and inconvenience.

After Jian Mo finished speaking, everyone promised even more earnestly that they would help him search.

Qing Kuo said, "These medicated soaps and oils are quite effective. Could we make a batch and exchange them with other tribes?"

Jian Mo: "Of course. The scent of Spirit Cat Tail Grass is quite distinct. If you want to change it, it's best to add some other ingredients when making it, otherwise other tribes will quickly figure out what these medicinal soaps and oils are made of."

Other tribes still don't know how they make their soap, since the saponification reaction between lye and oil is something that people can't guess based on their life experience.

It's much easier to guess the medicinal oils, Mengshui Tribe; they can be guessed very quickly.

Qing Kuo laughed, "Then let's find some fragrant ingredients to add. Can we use flowers?"

Jian Mo had a sudden inspiration. "Flowers can work, berries can work too. We can soak the skin of flowers or berries in oil to extract their fragrance."

Qing Kuo: "It can be like this?"

Jian Mo: "Theoretically, it's possible, but I haven't tried it. We can give it a shot. You see, the soap actually uses a lot of animal oil, but the smell of the medicinal liquid inside hasn't changed much."

Qing Kuo thought for a moment, "In that case, we just need to choose some fragrant flowers. The Red Sparrow Branch are blooming quite well lately, would you like to come with us to pick Red Sparrow Branch?"

Jian Mo had never heard of this flower before. "Have we never picked it before?"

Qing Kuo: "Yes, this flower isn't edible and it's not very pretty. People passing by won't give it a second glance, and I haven't told you about it. But if you want fragrance, the Red Sparrow Branch is quite good."

Ye Luo added from the side, "Red Sparrow Branch can also be used for dyeing, to a light red color that won't fade for a long time. However, when mixed with other flowers and plants, the red won't be very noticeable."

Jian Mo immediately said, "That's it then, let's go take a look."

There's also a jar of high-proof liquor upstairs in Jian Mo's house. If soaking it in oil doesn't work, he can try extracting it with alcohol.

However, the cost of obtaining alcohol is too high, so we'll have to weigh whether it's worthwhile.

If it's not worth it, then forget it.

Everyone chimed in with their own ideas, and soon they came up with a plan to go and collect Red Sparrow Branch.

Qing Kuo said, "It just so happens that every tribe has plenty of food this season, let's trade some good food back."

Every tribe has its own specialties, although sometimes they are just berries or stems, which are not very valuable. However, it is not difficult for them to make medicinal soaps and oils, and it would be best if they could exchange them to improve their lives.

Jian Mo was also looking forward to it. "Let's get more berries. If we can't finish them, we can make some preserves. We haven't had time to make any this year."

Qing Kuo readily agreed, "We'll exchange for berries first, then other supplies."

Chapter 105 Insect Wax

The branches of the Red Sparrow Branch are thin, with almost no leaves, and all the branches are covered with slender red flowers the size of a date pit.

Jian Mo broke off a branch and held it to her nose to smell it. A delicate fragrance wafted up, somewhat like the scent of plum blossoms, but more refreshing.

Jian Mo was surprised by the scent of the Red Sparrow Branch and exclaimed, "It smells wonderful!"