SARAH OUANO, ND

The Blog


  • HOME
  • ABOUT
  • SERVICES
    • TINY ORACLE
  • ETSY STORE
  • CONNECT

7/27/2018

From Weeds to Medicine: Plantain Salve

2 Comments

Read Now
 
Picture
Picture

A few days ago, my good friend, Dr. Jill Corey posted an ode to plantain on her Instagram. Admittedly, I had completely forgotten about how incredibly awesome this herb is, and was super inspired to get to know it a little bit better.

If you're unfamiliar with the herb, that's not surprising. The plantain I"m referring to isn't a banana (but those plantains are delicious), it's actually a prolific weed, common throughout the United States and really, the globe. In fact, you've probably got a decent amount of it growing in your backyard right now!

I definitely have a nice patch of plantain growing right outside of my door, and Dr. Jill's post reminded me of the many ways to turn weeds into medicine. Since I share everything with y'all, here it is: a post all about a humble powerhouse of a plant, Plantago major!

What's it good for?
​
Plantains are a sort of all-purpose herb, but are most known for being anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antimicrobial, vulnerary (wound healing), astringent (cleansing tissues/drying up mucus), and demulcent (soothing). Its leaves are edible and rich in calcium and Vitamin K, among other vitamins and minerals, and the sap from its stem is styptic, meaning it helps to stop bleeding.

Historically, it has proven to be a particularly useful plant over time. The Greek physician, pharmacologist, and botanist Pedanius Dioscorides recommended plantain for wound healing, dog bites and burns. Pliny the Roman referred to the plant as an infallible remedy for bites caused by wild animals. Clearly, a great herb to have on hand!
​

Today, we use the herb topically in warm compresses, in teas, in tinctures, or as an easy-to-take-along salve, which is what I've spent the last 24 hours doing. Hope this simple recipe inspires you to explore your plant neighbors, too!

Plantain Boo-Boo Sticks
​& Salve Mini-Pots


​Ingredients
  • Plantain leaves
  • Coconut oil
  • Beeswax
  • Essential oils (optional)
  • Containers to store your salve (recycled is best!)

Directions
  1. Collect a bowl full of plantain leaves (preferably around 2 cups worth)
  2. Wash and roughly chop
  3. Dehydrate, if desired (dehydrating reduces moisture and chances of rancidity)
  4. Place fresh or dehydrated leaves into mason jar
  5. Add 1.5 cups of coconut oil
  6. Place mason jar in small pot filled halfway with water
  7. Bring water to a low simmer, and leave on heat for one hour
  8. Turn off stove and carefully remove jar from simmering water
  9. Let stand until cool enough to touch (probably around 15 minutes) 
  10. Strain off leaves and collect the light green infused coconut oil in a small saucepan
  11. Heat coconut oil on the lowest setting and add equal parts beeswax pellets or shavings for a firmer salve
  12. Optional: add additional coconut oil or other soothing oil to create a softer salve
  13. Add drops of essential oil as desired and stir gently
  14. Pour into small tins or recycled lip balm tubes for easy-to-carry all-purpose salves
  15. Enjoy!

For herbal supplies that I can't pluck from my backyard, I love using Mountain Rose Herbals products. I have no affiliation with them, just love them!

References:
  • Foster, Steven & Hobbs, Christopher (2002). A Field Guide to Western Medicinal Plants and Herbs. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. p. 224.
  • Samuelsen, Anne Berit (July 2000). "The traditional uses, chemical constituents and biological activities of Plantago major L. A review". Journal of Ethnopharmacology. 77 (1–2)

Share

2 Comments
essay tiger reviews link
3/31/2019 11:54:40 pm

I really can't tell the difference between ordinary bananas and plantain. I only heard about plantain a few months ago. I am thirty six years old and I don't know these things. If there's something I really want right now, I just want to stop eating meat and just drink fruit shakes and vegetable juice. It's going to be good for my health. I am going to need all the bananas I can get hold of because it can remove the vegetables weird bitter taste.

Reply
custom essay service link
9/25/2019 10:39:33 pm

Plantains look like bananas. I wanted to appreciate bananas more but for some reason I don't feel like doing this today. I am not in the mood to like things just because everyone else does. Just like coffee, I won't drink it even if everyone else does. Not for all the bombs in China or North Carolina. I didn't know this is going to drain me as much as it does today. Nobody is forcing me to eat bananas or drink coffee but for some reason, I feel guilty refusing and it's draining. I am tired of every small thing.

Reply



Leave a Reply.

Details

    About the Author

    Sarah Ouano is a naturopathic doctor and writer.  A fierce advocate for health equity and rights of the marginalized, she frequently writes about the intersection of naturopathic medicine and public health, throwing in personal anecdotes and tasty (and practical) recipes along the way.  

    View my profile on LinkedIn

    Archives

    October 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    April 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    April 2017
    February 2017
    November 2016
    October 2016

    RSS Feed

Picture
(c) 2019
  • HOME
  • ABOUT
  • SERVICES
    • TINY ORACLE
  • ETSY STORE
  • CONNECT