Herbal Fire Starters for Your Braai or Indoor Fire

Herbal Fire Starters

Add a beautiful woody, herbal scent to your braai or indoor fire with simple, handmade fire starters using dried botanicals and leftover candle wax.

Two ways to make herbal fire starters

There are two main options:

• Dried botanical bundles made into little bunches and tied with string or raffia.
• Wax-based fire starters using leftover candle wax to revitalise and reuse wax that would otherwise go to waste.

What you will need

Dried botanical bundles

• Lots of dried twigs, small branches, nut shells, seed pods, leaves and flowers
• Fragrant herbs such as rosemary, lavender, thyme, lemongrass, lemon verbena, rose petals, etc.
• Twine, strong string or raffia for tying the bundles

Wax-based herbal fire starters

• Baby pine cones and larger pine cones
• Star anise, cardamom pods and cinnamon sticks (optional but beautifully fragrant)
• Dried botanicals, cut into small pieces, for cupcake-style firelighters
• Twine, strong string or raffia
• Candle wax, preferably recycled:
  • Beeswax
  • Second-hand paraffin wax from old candles
• Wick (optional, for easier lighting)
• A melting pot or small stainless steel pot
• Cupcake papers and a cupcake pan
• Tongs or a spoon for dipping

Directions

Option 1: Dried botanical bundles

1. Gather your dried twigs, small branches, leaves, petals and seed pods.
2. Make small bunches of dried botanicals, wrapping petals and smaller leaves inside the twigs so they are held securely.
3. Secure each bunch by winding raffia or strong twine firmly around the stems. Tie a neat knot or bow.
4. Allow the bundles to dry completely if they feel at all damp.
5. Pack the finished bundles into a pretty display box or basket as a gift, or keep them ready next to your braai or fireplace.

Option 2: Wax-dipped pine cones

1. Melt the leftover wax gently in a stainless steel pot or melting pot. Use low heat and never leave it unattended.
2. Using tongs or a spoon, dip a small pine cone into the heated wax until it is covered.
3. Safety note: Do not touch the hot wax with your hands; it will burn you.
4. Once covered with wax, place the pine cone on a tile or other clean, heat-resistant surface to dry. It is messy, so choose a surface that can be easily cleaned.
5. If you would like to add a wick, secure it to the top of the cone with a small drop of glue before dipping it into the wax.

Option 3: Cupcake-style firelighters

1. Place cupcake papers into the cupcake tin so they hold their shape.
2. For pine cone cupcakes, fill a cupcake paper halfway with melted, repurposed wax, then gently press a small pine cone into the centre while the wax is still hot and soft. You can add a wick to the pine cone beforehand if you wish.
3. For herbal cupcakes, add finely cut dried botanicals and small pine cones to the empty cupcake papers.
4. Carefully pour the melted wax into the cupcake papers over the dried botanicals, allowing the wax to soak through and bind everything together.
5. Leave the cupcakes to cool and harden completely before handling.
6. Pack the finished herbal firelighter cupcakes into a cake box, just like real cupcakes, to give as a thoughtful and beautifully scented host gift.

 

How to use your herbal fire starters

• Place one dried botanical bundle or wax firelighter at the base of your braai coals or stacked wood in your fireplace.
• Light the wick (if you added one) or the edges of the bundle or cupcake.
• Allow the fire starter to catch and begin burning before adding more wood or charcoal.
• Enjoy the gentle, woody and herbal aroma as your fire gets going.

Good to know

• Use only in open braais, fireplaces or properly ventilated indoor fireplaces.
• Keep all fire starters away from children and pets until ready to use.
• Store finished fire starters in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and open flames.
• Never leave a burning fire unattended.

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These simple herbal fire starters turn everyday dried botanicals and leftover wax into something cosy, beautiful and useful. They are lovely to keep on hand for your own braai nights and make heartfelt, handmade gifts for the people you share fires with.