How to Make Plantain Salve
Plantain salve is one of the simplest and most useful herbal remedies you can make at home. Made from the humble plantain leaf-often dismissed as a weed-this soothing salve has been used for generations to calm bug bites, minor cuts, and skin irritations.
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Servings: 10 Salves
Ingredients
- 1 cup dried crushed plantain
- 1½ cups carrier oil (grapeseed oil)
- 1 ounce beeswax pellets
- ½ ounce sheabutter
- 1 teaspoon vitamin E oil
- 10 drops essential oils (optional)
Instructions
- Add dried plantain leaves to a jar and pour grapeseed oil over them.
- Label the jar and date, then store it in a cool, dark location. Shake daily while the plantain infuses in the oil (4-6 weeks).
- Strain the infused oil through a fine-mesh strainer into a candle melting pot. Add beeswax and shea butter; stir over very low heat until completely melted.
- Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly. Stir in vitamin E and essential oils. Pour into tins and allow to harden before screwing on caps and labeling.
Fast Infusion Method
- Gently heat plantain in oil over very low heat. A small crock pot on the lowest setting works great for this. Infuse plantain for a few hours.
- Proceed with steps 3 and 4 as described above.
Notes
- You can chop the leaves finer or even blend them into a powder, but they will be harder to strain out, and your infused oil will be less clear, unless you use something like a coffee filter.
- To check consistency, place a small spoon in the freezer before preparing the salve. Dip the cold spoon into the still liquid salve, then remove it quickly. Add more oil or beeswax to achieve consistency.
- Just a teaspoon of vitamin E oil not only nourishes skin but also helps extend the shelf life of your salve.
- When straining your infused oil, do it while it’s still warm (but not hot) so it flows easily and leaves less mess behind in the cheesecloth or strainer.
- Try blending with other herbs, such as calendula or yarrow, for added skin-soothing benefits.
- Essential oils like lavender or tea tree add extra antimicrobial benefits.
- Don't forget to label your tins with the date and content. Your future self will thank you!
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