Plantain Ointment

The photos below show the results of using an ointment made from Plantago major. I started by simmering fresh plantain leaves, which I picked from my yard, in olive oil over a very low heat, for the better part of a day. I then added Lanolin for a luxuriously soothing texture, and finally thickened the oil with bees wax. If kept refrigerated, this ointment will remain effective for quite a while. I use it on insect bites and stings, as well as all manner of cuts, scrapes, and skin ailments. The reason I use Plantago ointment rather than Comfrey ointment is because Comfrey heals much too fast. Now that statement may sound counter intuitive, but it makes sense when you think about it logically. Comfrey heals so quickly, that it heals from the outside in. This can be a bad thing if the would was not properly cleaned, in that it can seal impurities and infection into the cut. Plantago on the other hand also heals quickly, but it does so from the inside out, thus greatly reducing the chances of infection.

Plantago contains a compound called Allantoin, which is a natural cell regenerator. Plantago also contains the glycoside Aucubin. This compound is the plants natural defense against being eaten. You see if eaten, the Aucubin in Plantago prevents the cells of an herbivore from splitting and growing. Meaning they receive no nutritive value from eating this plant. While I cannot prove it, I believe this Aucubin is the reason why, for centuries, Plantago has been used as a natural antibiotic and antimicrobial. Viruses and bacteria often times have a relatively short life span; their virulence comes from their ability to replicate themselves quickly. If you can remove their ability to replicate you greatly reduce their virulence, and ultimately the length of an illness. Plantago has also been shown to be a superior antitoxin, and anti-venom. Many native Americans carried dried plantain as a remedy for snakebite. It is for these reasons that I turn to Plantago in either the fresh, or ointment form, whenever I have to treat an insect bite or sting.

I would highly recommend making it for yourself, and keeping it handy. If your and your family are anything like me and mine, you will turn to it quite often.

Plantain Ointment Recipe

• 2 oz fresh Plantain leaves (or 1 oz dried)
• 6 ounces grape seed oil
• 1 tbsp Pure Lanolin
• 1 ounce beeswax to thicken to desired consistency.

Instructions for making the infused oil:
Crock Pot Method: (My favorite)
Add the plant material and the oil to a crock pot. Mix thoroughly, set the dial to its lowest setting, and allow to heat uncovered for 12 hours. After this time has elapsed, place the cover on the crock pot and turn the switch to off. Allow the pot to sit covered until the following morning. Then turn the crock pot once again to its lowest setting, remove the cover, and allow to heat uncovered for an additional 12 hours. Once this time has elapsed, allow the oil to cool enough that you can touch it without burning yourself, and then strain the plant material out. Now place the strained infused oil into a pint-sized mason jar and store it in the refrigerator until needed.

Stove-top Double Boiler Method:
Fill a large pot halfway full of hot water. Place the pot on the stove and bring to a boil and then reduce to low to simmer. Place a large glass or stainless steel bowl over the pot opening. Add the plant material and the oil to the bowl over the pot of water. Mix thoroughly and allow to heat uncovered for 12 hours. Make sure to periodically check the water level and add more as needed. After this time has elapsed, place the pan cover or large plate over the bowl of oil amd plant material. Allow the pot and bowl to sit covered until the following morning. The next morning remove the bowl from the pot and once again fill the pot half full with water, bring to a boil, and then reduce heat to low and replace the bowl back on the pot, and allow to heat uncovered for an additional 12 hours. Once this time has elapsed, allow the oil to cool enough that you can touch it without burning yourself, and then strain the plant material out. Now place the strained infused oil into a pint-sized mason jar and store it in the refrigerator until needed.

When straining my infused oils, I place a coffee filter into a fine metal sieve, and set the sieve over a glass bowl. I then pour the mixture into the strainer, and let it sit until all the oil has drained. Once it appears that it has completely drained, you will notice that there is much less than the 6 ounces of oil you started with. I usually take a large wooded spoon, or something else heavy, and pack the mixture into the strainer. I am always surprised how much oil is still released from the plant material. You can expect to yield just over 5 ounces by weight of your infused oil

Instructions for turning the oil into an ointment:
I have found a 5:1 ration by weight of infused oil to bees wax yields the best consistency of ointment. In a medium saucepan, heat 5 ounces, by weight, of your previously prepared infused oil over low heat. When the oil is hot enough, stir in 1 ounce of grated bees wax. When the wax is completely dissolved, dip the back of a clean cold spoon into the mixture. Allow it to cool and solidify. If you find the ointment is too hard, add a little more oil, if you find it is too soft, add a little more bees wax, until you reach your desired consistency. To make an even more luxurious feeling ointment, before it cools, try adding 1 tablespoon of lanolin to your ointments. If you are anything like me, you will love the luxurious texture, and soothing effect it has on your skin.

This ointment is highly effective for insect bites or stings, blisters, cuts, scrapes, or just about any skin ailments. I have yet to find a better remedy for insect bites or stings.