At the end of fall, Grade 3 students began a unique land-based learning project: crafting a natural herbal salve using a plant they could find growing right outside their classroom: Frog Leaf. This hands-on project connected students with Indigenous teachings, environmental stewardship, and the healing power of plants and has become a memorable part of their year.

Frog Leaf, also known as Broad-leaved Plantain or pipehomá:lews in Halq’eméylem, is a plant that grows in lawns, gardens, and roadsides across British Columbia and beyond. Though often mistaken for a common weed, it has a long history of use in traditional medicine. Originally native to Europe and parts of Asia, Frog Leaf was introduced to North America and is now widespread across the continent. It is one of the many plants used in Indigenous and Métis medicine-making, valued for its healing and anti-inflammatory properties.

Frog Leaf can be applied topically to soothe bug bites, stings, rashes, cuts and even dry or irritated skin. “It’s kind of like lip balm,” Madeline explained. “It helps with dryness because it’s creamy. If you have a rash or a mosquito bite, it helps it go away.”

Students began the project in the fall by gathering Frog Leaf around the campground and garden area of the school, following Indigenous protocols and the principles of the Honourable Harvest. “We found a huge patch near the campground,” said Madeline. “It was fun picking them and finding where they grow.” After drying the leaves in December, they were placed into jars of olive oil and left to infuse through January. “I was excited about the leaves drying,” said Eddie. “I kept checking on them to see when they would dry.” In February, with guidance from Mrs. Banack, students strained the infused oil and began the salve-making process. They grated beeswax and used a double boiler to melt it into the warm infused oil. “My favourite part was grating the beeswax,” said Mheera. “It felt so satisfying and smooth and smelled good!” Sajen shared, “My favourite part was mixing the Frog Leaf oil with the beeswax.” Once combined, the creamy salve mixture was poured into moulds to set.
 

The students didn’t just learn about the process; they also experienced the benefits firsthand.

“I used it on a dry patch on my ankle, and it helped me moisturize it,” said Mheera. “My dad had some itchy rashes,” Eddie shared. “I put the salve on him, and after one hour, he said the rashes were gone, and the itchiness was too!” Eileen reflected, “I didn’t know it could be used for medicine.” Foyeke shared, “I’ve seen Frog Leaf a lot. It’s everywhere you look, and I didn’t know it was so special or could be used for many things to heal.”

While the students took their salves home, the remaining ones will be shared with Indigenous guest speakers and volunteers as a thank-you gift to honour the teachings shared and the time they put towards supporting Indigenous initiatives. This project marked the first time this salve-making experience has been done at Meadowridge, but it won’t be the last. Ms. Morris and her class hope to grow and harvest medicinal plants, such as tobacco, in the future. This salve project will also be showcased at the Indigenous Peoples Day celebration in June.

The knowledge of the Frog Leaf Plant and its properties came from Cease Wyss. She and her daughter Senaqwila Wyss. Both have been guests to Meadowridge and are well-known Indigenous ethnobotanists.