Plantain (Plantago Major) is a plant that is often considered a weed in yards and destroyed, but this plant is actually a powerhouse when it comes to healing qualities. Plantain can be found nearly everywhere us best known for its use to give relief for stings and bites. A leaf chewed and placed on a sting will give almost immediate relief! Plantain grows low to the ground with broad, smooth egg shaped leaves that sprout from the ground in a couple rosette pattern. The leaves are easily identified by the vertical ribs going up them. If left to flower, plantain will put forth tall, thin spikes with tiny flowers on them.
Recipe:
In this salve I use fresh, dried plantain along with some other herbs and essential oils. •1.5 c. Olive oil or oil(s) of choice: coconut, sweet almond, grapeseed are all good choices •Large handful plantain leaves, washed and dried 2 Tbsp. Rosemary, dried 1 tsp. Oregano, dried 4 Tbsp. Beeswax pastilles 10 drops Grapefruit seed Extract 10 drops Lavender 10 drops Frankincense *When available, I also add dried calendula
Step 1:
Gather the fresh herbs, flowers that you will be using. Wash thoroughly; In a single, even layer, lay washed plants out on paper towel to dry. Cover with another layer of paper towel and leave to dry overnight or 8 hrs. You will know the plants are sufficiently dry when they are wilted in appearance. *This step is very important as fresh plants can introduce moisture into your salve that will cause bacteria such as botulism. Be sure to dry your fresh plants thoroughly before using and make sure that no water is ever introduce to your salve making process.
Step 2:
Once sufficient drying has taken place, put your dried herbs in a glass canning jar. Add oil, make sure your herbs are completely covered. Attach jar lid tightly.
Step 3:
Heat infusion method Place jar on top of a thick rag placed at the bottom of a crockpot. Carefully fill space in crockpot around jar with water until the level reaches 3/4 of the way up the sides of the jar. Water should rise above the lid of the jar. * Do not pour water over top of the jar Leaving crockpot cover off, turn on low and set time 8 hours. Check water level every few hours to be sure it remains at the proper level.
Step 4:
Once the infusion of oil has been completed, carefully remove jar from the water bath and remove the lid. Again, be sure no water is introduced into your infused oil. Using a rubberband, secure cheesecloth to mouth of a clean, dry container and gently pour oil through to strain. Do not squeeze your leaves, simply strain and discard used leaves.
Step 5:
Pour oil into a medium sized stockpot. Add beeswax and over low heat gently melt the beeswax into the oil. As soon as wax has melted, remove from heat and add grapefruit seed extract and essential oils. Stir gently. Pour into prepared tins or glass containers for storage. Let cool completely before securing lids.
Step 6:
Once tins have cooled, seal and label with name and date. Your salve will keep 6 mos. on the shelf, longer if refrigerated. * Chilled salve is especially relieving on burns and blisters.
You did it! You can feel good knowing you have helped your family by using a wonderful plant God has provided!
~ Brooke, the Healthy Naturalist
Comments