Plantain salve
Plantain is a weed that is beneficial for the skin. This healing skin salve is a must to make for insect bites, scrapes and bruises. Especially when you like outdoors, they are my go-to herb for mosquito, spider bites and bee stings. All you have to do is wash or make sure they are clean, make a poultice and apply it to the area.
Plantain
Plantain (Plantago major, p. minor, p. lanceolata. P. maritima, P. afra and P. ovata or psyllium)
You will see them growing in your yard, known to herbalists as a powerful aid as food and medicine. Plantain leaves can be steamed or used fresh in a salad. Roots can be chewed to help with toothache and the seeds can be added like a grain for a protein substitute or as a laxative. Plantago ovata called psyllium is the ingredient for the laxative Metamucil. The seeds contain 30% mucilage which can help absorb toxins in the digestive tract and ease elimination. This attribute can also be added to soups as a thickener.
Other benefits
Plantain leaves is rich in potassium, the seeds are a source of protein carbohydrates, fatty acids, amino acids, allantoin and other minerals. It is a diuretic, an expectorant, antiseptic, antibacterial, antihelminthic and an astringent. A research in India showed that it helps with colds and cough and reduces the pain and wheezing in bronchial issues.
It has a dual action for skin healing. It draws out toxins and tones tissues, while alkalizing the site by changing the pH. Other studies also showed that plantain is a natural cleanser for diseases by inhibiting the growth of E. coli, Streptococcus pneumonia and giardia.
Plantain salve
Equipment
- Heat proof glass
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Thermometer
- Container or jar
Materials
Phase A
- 1 3/4 tbsp Beeswax
- 2 1/2 tbsp Cocoa butter
Phase B
- 1 1/2 tbsp Shea butter
- 1 tbsp Sunflower oil
- 5 tbsp Olive oil infused with dry plantain and comfrey leaves
Phase C
- 1 cap Vitamin E oil
- 40 drops Peppermint essential oil
- 10 drops Tea tree essential oil
- 7 drops Frankincense essential oil
Instructions
- 1. Prepare and measure ingredients.
- 2. In a heat proof container, slowly melt Phase A. Note : Beeswax will change color if heat is >180 F.
- 3. Slowly melt Shea butter in another container and slowly add the oils in Phase B.4. Check temperature of both Phase A and B.5. When both temperature of Phase A and B are the same, ideally 120F, stir Phase B to create a vortex and add Phase A.
- 6. Add Phase C. Mix well.
- 7. Place in heat proof jar or can. Label and date.
Notes
Resources :
1. American Herb Association, Keville K.. Complete Book of Herbs.,1997
2. Duke, J., The Green Pharmacy, 1997
3. Blair, K., The Wild Wisdom of Weeds, 2014
