Plantain. Oh how I love thee!

Plantain.
Not the banana looking fruit you find in the grocery store,
Yeah, Not this - 

 

but this!

Wide Leaf Plantain

 This weed that grows prolific pretty much everywhere. 

Narrow Leaf Plantain

 

There are a few different varieties, no matter, they all have the same properties. We just so happen to have both! Wide leaf and Narrow leaf.

You may be asking yourself "what is this weed used for?", let me tell you!

• It is rich in Magnesium, vitamins A, C & K. And can be used in salads.

• The leaves when made into a poultice or lotion/salve are used for treating sunburns, stings, insect bites, snakebites, poison ivy, rashes, burns, skin conditions, blisters and cuts.

• Also, the leaves have also been heated and applied topically to swollen joints, sore muscles, sprains and sore feet.

• Studies have also shown that Plantain has anti-inflammatory effects, and it is also rich in Tannin (which helps draw tissues together to stop bleeding) and Allantoin (a compound that promotes healing of injured skin cells).

We mainly use our Plantain for bug bites/stings, skin rashes and dry skin. 

Got an itchy bug bite on my neck.
The picture on the right was taken a few hours after applying the Plantain infused oil.
GONE. Itchiness was GONE within minutes.
No joke.

 

Want to make your own now? Here's how!

• Gather some leaves, wash & pat dry.

• Set out to dry overnight or until dry & crispy (less moisture the better, it helps to prevent mold while infusing in oil). I prefer to dehydrate mine over night to make the process go faster.

• Place leaves into a container with a tightly fitting lid until about 3/4 full. Jars work really well for this! This time I used an old plastic Coconut Oil jar.

• Top your Plantain with your choice of carrier oil until completely covered. We use regular Coconut Oil. But you can use Olive Oil, Jojoba Oil, Almond Oil, Fractionated Coconut Oil, ect.

• Leave in sunny window for 4-6 weeks shaking the jar at once a day.

• After the infusion in done, strain and place into a clean jar/container. 

• It is now ready to use! You can use as is, or add some things to it for extra benefits: Essential Oils that promote healing (Lavender, Frankincense, Myrrh for example), Vitamin E, Shea Butter, Bees Wax (making it more solid) and so on, the possibilities are endless!

 The pictures below is what it looks like after 4 weeks of infusion. I plan to strain it and add Lavender Essential oil and maybe a bit of Myrrh at the beginning of July. Yay! Can't wait!

 

Store in a cool dark place. I keep mine in the fridge to solidify for easier application and longevity. If stored well, it will keep for a few years or more! If you notice it starting to smell bad or acquire a weird color or mold you know it's time to toss it and make a new batch!

I still have in my fridge an infusion of Plantain in Olive Oil that I've had for 2 years! It's still good and usable.

Plantain is SAFE for all ages.
**BUT!** If you plan on adding Essential oils, make sure to properly dilute if using on kids.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me.

 

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***Disclaimer: I am not a physician, nor do I have any formal training in any medical field. The information presented here is not meant to replace your Dr's advice or prescribed medications, but only to suggest additional options to explore, based on your conditions. Always seek the advice or your Doctor before using any oils or natural remedies. **These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.