From Weeds to Medicine: Plantain Salve

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!
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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)

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