This all natural version of the Band-Aid comes in a variety of sizes and widths – and it’s edible! (Prior to using of course.)
Your first step is to obtain a kombucha SCOBY (Symbiotic Colony of Bacteria and Yeast). These are simple to grow if you have access to store-bought kombucha. (See How to Grow Your Own SCOBY.)
If you have a friend who makes kombucha no doubt he or she will be more than willing to share. SCOBYs reproduce rapidly and no one wants to throw away a perfectly good SCOBY.
How to make this natural band aid
Your next step is to dehydrate the SCOBY. It requires approximately 4 hours in the dehydrator or a bit more time if dried in the sun.
Once the SCOBY is dried it will feel like leather. It’s quite sturdy! I’ve seen jackets made with kombucha SCOBYs.
Cut to desired shape and place on an area of need. Ā I would not suggest this for a deep wound, but it works great for simple scratches, cuts, irritations and rashes. Think of all those beneficial microbes protecting you from airborne pathogens! (Moisten each end to get the band-aid to stick. You can also add the first-aid tape if needed.)
My greatest success with the Incredible Edible Band-Aid was a recent lesion on my foot. I purchased my first pair of Earth Runners (a healthy alternative to traditional running shoes), and because of an extreme toe strap sensitivity I encountered an immediate problem. I continued to break them in while allowing time for the big toe area to heal. I tried the dried SCOBY and wrapped it around the strap. It worked like a charm!
How do these Incredible Edible Band-Aids taste? Well, they’re a little “tough” but virtually tasteless. Our dog Tebow loves dried or raw SCOBY.
Oh, and did I mention that used Incredible Edible Band-Aids are 100% biodegradable?
What are your thoughts on the Incredible Edible Band-Aid? I’d love to hear!
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Once you start making kombucha, you'll find yourself with more than you need. Or it goes too long and turns to vinegar. What can you do besides throw the excess away? Ā 10 Alternative Uses for Kombucha FOOD I find that I can easily substitute kombucha for whey in virtually any… - 36
Would you like to start making your own kombucha but want to bypass an online purchase? You can easily grow your own kombucha SCOBY (Symbiotic Colony of Bacteria and Yeast) using store-bought kombucha! For my SCOBY, I purchased kombucha commonly found in health food stores as well as popular grocery…
I think it’s an awesome idea, Andrea!
I’ve used SCOBYs for my cuts, scrapes, rashes, etc. Never thought to dry them first, though, so thanks for the idea!
š
They do work well when they’re not dried too. I should mention that in the post. Thanks Angela (as always)!
I have so many extra SCOBYs all of the time and have been meaning to try this. I’m glad it worked for you!
Wow! I’ve never thought to use my Scobys for this! The way my 2 year old triplets go through band-aids for their “owies”, though…I am going to try this! š
Imagine how your triplets will brag to their friends when they’re older, Jennifer.
“Look what my mom gives us when we get an owie!” š
Well, you learn something new every day. Haha. Now I know what to do with all the scobys (or is it ‘scobies?’) I’ve been storing. š
SCOBIES looks better. I say SCOBYs but now I’m thinking twice about it. š
Technically since SCOBY is an acronym, the plural is not scobies. Though I’m not sure if SCOBYs is right or not but it’s what I would use. Maybe it’s already plural like “deer” is
SCOBIES still looks better. But I agree more than likely SCOBYs. š
That’s amazing! I admit I’m both a little grossed out and a lot of intrigued. I have yet to brew my kombucha starter kit because I’m afraid of the darn things..!
I was very daunted by them too, Shary. Once you’re over the hurdle you start to see the SCOBYs as your friend. š
filing this under “neatest ideas ever!!”
š Thanks, Heather.
This is an amazing idea! Plus then I will not have band-aid wrappers all over the floor when my little ones need a band-aid…:)
This is fascinating to me! Definitely pinning and sharing for later as I’ve not made my own Kombucha yet!
You’re going to love kombucha! So much fun to make and you’ll already have a plan for your extra SCOBYs. š
I love this idea bc we use essential oils for boo boos and never have anything to cover up the wound that won’t be affected by the oils. Thanks for the idea š
True about the oils, Heather!
Why didn’t I even consider there’d be a natural solution for this! LOVE. Coolest thing ever š
Thanks Gina. š
I do have a question, how long does a dried SCOBY last? I would love to use these band aids but Im not sure how to store them hehehehe since Im sure they are not going to be of any use if I have to dry it first….
thanks for the information! My sister-in-law showed me the article and I so glad she did!
Diana,
These last indefinitely when dried. All microbes are contained and “dormant” – only water would bring back their activity. This makes it a positive thing if it gets wet while wearing it. Good healing microbes š
Maybe I missed this part but when the SCOBY is dried, how does it stay in place on the skin for the ‘band-aid?’
Great question, Jessica! I will add to the post. I moisten the end and it sticks to the other end or use first aid tape to help hold it in place. Depends on the nature of the wound. Most of the time moistening it has helped.
Me again!
Wondering how to dry a SCOBY if I don’t have a dehydrator. I put it on a plate, but it dried to the plate. I had to wet it again to get it off.
Any suggestions?
Thanks Andrea!
Leslie
A tad late for a response, I realize, but try using parchment paper, or if you don’t have any, wax paper.
I prefer parchment paper as it has not been treated with paraffin wax.
Anyway, parchment paper, like wax paper, acts as a release paper for food, so I do all my baking on it, and I have dehydrated many things as well. Works like a charm. Cookies and dried foods peel right off.
Just curious…Iām trying a fresh (wet) SCOBY as a bandage on poison ivy using sedan wrap to hold it on. How long should I leave it there?
I don’t think you can overdo this. I think you’ll know, but I definitely have not tried it so I have no direct experience.
How do you make those into dried dog treats? We have a lab and I would like to make some for her.
I just put the SCOBY in the dehydrator (can be dried in the sun) and break it up. Tebow loves them!
Yea! Now I have something useful to do with my abundance of SCOBY,s. Thanks a bunch!
My doctor (environmental) is afraid of fermented foods, saying its too easy for them to mold.
I’ve been on this path for only a year and my gut is still unstable.
I have been making my own coconut yogurt and kefir and fermented a lovely apple chutney, as well as a couple of forays into sauerkraut.
Have you had monarchs mold? Is it safe while I am still on the Candida diet?
As I understand it, Kahm’s yeast is normal and often shows up on beet kvass. I’ve not seen any mold on my ferments. I’m super careful to use an airlock for sauerkraut and kimchi. It sounds like you tolerate the ferments quite well. I would listen to your instincts and be attuned to your body’s needs – which sounds like you are doing.