How To Make a Plantain Salve
You can find plantain almost anywhere and its a great plant for wounds, cuts, scrapes, infections, and more!
Plantain, a common herb found in many gardens and yards, boasts remarkable topical properties. Plantain can be used to draw out toxins like from a spider bite or sting from a bee as well as slivers. Plantain has amazing antiinflammatory properties and can be used for cuts, scrapes, and wounds and can also help stop bleeding (Gladstar, 2012).
Plantain Salve Recipe
Salve Ingredients:
1/2 cup plantain infused oil
2 tablespoons beeswax
Infused Oil Ingredients:
1/2 cup chopped fresh plantain leaves
1/2 cup avocado oil or oil of choice (olive oil, fractionated coconut oil, jojoba oil, etc)
Plantain Infused Oil Instructions:
Gather fresh plantain leaves from a safe area that is free from pesticide use
Chop the plantain leaves and add them to a small pot
Pour oil into the pot to cover the plantain leaves
Turn stove to low and allow to simmer but not rapidly otherwise infusion will get too hot (95-110 degrees is ideal)
Allow mixture to infuse for 30-60 minutes until it turns dark in color
Strain oil using a cheesecloth or strainer into a meauring cup or other small glass cup
Follow Plantain Salve Instructions below to make your Plantain Salve
Plantain Salve Instructions:
Prepare a Double Boiler: Fill the bottom pot of a double boiler with water and place it on the stove over medium heat. If you don’t have a double boiler, you can use a heat-safe bowl placed over a pot of simmering water.
Melt the Beeswax: Add the 2 tablespoons of beeswax to the top pot or bowl. Allow it to melt completely, stirring occasionally. This may take about 5-10 minutes.
Combine Ingredients: Once the beeswax has melted, slowly pour in the 1/2 cup of plantain infused oil you made earlier. Stir gently to mix the oil and beeswax together until they are fully combined.
Check Consistency: To test the consistency of the salve, take a small amount and let it cool on a plate. If it’s too soft, you can add a bit more beeswax and melt it down again, or if it’s too hard, add more plantain infused oil.
Pour into Containers: Once you’re satisfied with the consistency, carefully pour the mixture into clean, dry jars or tins. Be cautious, as the mixture will be hot.
Cool and Store: Allow the salve to cool completely at room temperature. Once cooled, cap the containers and store them in a cool, dry place.
Usage: Apply the plantain salve to soothe and hydrate dry, irritated skin. Perfect for cuts, scrapes, and dry patches, this salve can be a wonderful addition to your natural skincare routine!
References
Gladstar, R. (2012). Medicinal Herbs: A Beginners Guide. Story Publishing. North Adams, MA.
