As an herbalist, I have a deep appreciation for the healing power of plants. One plant that I always have on hand in my herbal toolkit is plantain (Plantago spp.). Not only is it a common herb that grows throughout many regions of the world, but it also has a long history of use in traditional herbal medicine for its numerous health benefits.
Plantain leaves are incredibly versatile and can be used in a variety of different ways, from making teas to creating poultices and salves. One of my favorite ways to use plantain leaves is by making a salve.
To make a plantain salve, I start by collecting fresh plantain leaves from an area that is free from pollution and chemicals. I prefer to harvest my own plants, as this allows me to connect with the natural world and ensures that the leaves are of the highest quality.
Once I have collected the leaves, I thoroughly wash them and then chop them into small pieces. I then add them to a glass jar and cover them completely with a carrier oil such as olive oil or coconut oil. The oil helps to extract the beneficial properties of the plantain leaves and infuse them into the salve.
I then leave the jar in a sunny windowsill for several weeks, shaking it daily to help the infusion process. Once the oil has been infused with the plantain, I strain out the plant material using a cheesecloth or coffee filter.
The final step is to add beeswax to the infused oil to create a salve. Beeswax helps to solidify the salve and provides additional healing properties for the skin.
The result is a beautiful, healing plantain salve that can be used topically on cuts, bruises, burns, insect bites, and other skin irritations. Plantain leaves are known for their anti-inflammatory, astringent, and antimicrobial properties, making them a great choice for soothing and healing the skin.
As an herbalist, I believe that nature provides us with everything we need to support our health and wellbeing. Plantain is just one example of the amazing healing power of plants, and I feel grateful to have the opportunity to connect with this plant and use it to help others on their healing journeys.
