A Simple Plantain Poultice

Plantain was one of the first herbs my mama ever exposed me to, via a bee sting. This experience included saliva, a kiss and something that resulted in a green mushy paste. Like her, it was one of the first herbs that I exposed my little girl to.

It grows just about everywhere and is a 'foundation' herb in my home apothecary. During the season's of growth, I pick it early in the morning, before the sun has warmed the leaves to hot. Or in the evening, when the leaves have cooled to chill. Most of the time I dry them by laying them out flat after a quick rinsing bath.

When the harvest is dry, my herbal canvas is ready... then comes a cultivation of color in hues of green and oil. Nutrient dense, known for the ability to draw and to purify, powerful in standing alone or being supportive in teamwork.

For a Plantain Poultice:

You will need a handful of fresh, young plantain leaves. Or whatever amount is needed to cover the area where the poultice will be applied. Mush them. Unless it's very close family members, please do not put them in your mouth and chew them up to use... this should be reserved only for those mama's needing to deal with an issue quickly.

Trust me.

Next - apply this green mush to the affected area... and cover with a cloth wrap or bandage. After roughly thirty minutes, remove and repeat. Use as needed. I often buy cotton sheets from the thrift stores and wash them really well, dry them in the sun and then rip them into strips for this very use. 

Please Note: I do not treat, diagnose, nor imply disease/illness prevention. I am an herbalist and not a physician, my statements have not been approved nor evaluated by the FDA. I have received formal education from Vintage Remedies, and am currently saving my dimes to pay for my next learning experience.

The Making of Dandelion and Plantain Salve

Dandelions have so many uses, besides being perfect for bees and other pollinators. A simple google search gives us plenty of ideas for creativity and education. However be wise and use discernment when picking a gleaning location, please stay away from areas with pesticide use and along side the road ways.

But Why Dandelion? {Taraxacum officinale}

Besides being widespread and easy to identify, Dandelions are easy to grow and semi easy to harvest. A win win for the beginner and the expert. All parts of the plant can be used, the root for things like - stimulating bile production and as a liver tonic, the leaf for things like - water retention and kidney problems. The flowers can be saute`d for dinner additions or in our case... used in a balm for sore muscles, chapped skin and stiff joints.

And Plantain? {Plantago major}

Again, plantain is wide spread, easy to identify and comes with multiple uses as well. Dandelion and Plantain are great herbs for children to learn basic salve making skills with as well as botanical identification. Plantain is my - most used - go to - for skin issues, because of it's ability to effectively nurture the skin as a whole. From fighting infection to drawing out skin toxins and soothing scrapes, bites and stings. Plantain is priceless. Together - they are gift to be reckoned with.

"Plantain also has styptic and hemostatic properties, meaning that it can help check bleeding." - Rosemary Gladstar, Medicinal Herbs - A Beginner's Guide, page 189

How To Harvest Dandelions & Prepare Them for Salve Making:

I simply walk around my foraging area and snap the flower heads off and put them in a bowl or basket. When I get back home, I rinse them quickly and then spread them out on paper or cloth towel for a couple of days. This allows them to dry out just a bit, as Dandelions are very 'wet' in nature and I don't want my salve to turn rancid because of the excess moisture.

Once the Dandelions are semi dry - they are ready to be used. I prefer the solar infusion method, but in a pinch I will use the oven or crock pot to create the heat I need. I fill a quart sized jar half to two thirds full of the herbs I am using. For this balm {or salve} I am using Dandelions and Plantain. The Plantain has already been completely dried.

Then cover the dried herbs with your oil of choice, such as; olive oil or almond... sunflower oil even. Next set the jar in a sunny location and allow the infusion to happen - please see the links below for more method details. After the desired time has passed to allow for the botanical benefits to transfer from the herbs to the oil, drain and remove the spent herbs. Reserving the medicinal oil for your balm or salve creation.

Basic Recipe Ratio's for Balm/Salve Making: Mix together the desired 'parts' of the medicinal oil to beeswax. Make sure both items are warm, this will help with the blending and thus create a smoother consistency. While in the warm, melted stage, pour the balm into the containers of your choice. Let your balm cool and set, then label and date with the ingredients. I also like to add what the salve, or balm is used for too, especially if I am gifting it.

1 Part Beeswax to 3 Parts Medicinal Oil = firm salve
1 Part Beeswax to 4 Parts Medicinal Oil = soft balm/salve

I am looking forward to using this balm on my - very dry - garden hands and reaping the benefits of Dandelion and Plantain. Go ahead, and give it a try! However, if you are not up for making it yourself or have a desire to support small businesses, please keep us in mind.

 


Recommended Resources:

• The Efficacy of Dandelion Root - Study Article
• DIY Dandelion Balm for Sore Muscles - Joybilee Farm
• How to Make Dandelion Infused Oil -  Homestead Garden
• How to Make a Medicinal Oil - Strangers and Pilgrims on Earth
• How to Make a Healing Salve -  The Herbal Academy

Winnies Wonder Udder Balm Recipe

Meet Winnie, She is not my goat. However, she and I are rather close these days as I have the honor of milking her twice a day right now. Her owner just had a baby... oh my goodness, he is so handsome. He was born right at home, with mama, papa, and midwife.

Winnie is the first goat I have had the privilege to milk, and again I am divinely blessed with the personality of hooves for this milking adventure. By that I mean she is very well trained, doesn't show too much apprehension for a new full-time milker and gives me a consistent volume in quarts.

It was for her, that I created this lovely natural and nurturing udder balm. It's simple in ingredients and easy to whip up in a hurry, that is if you have everything on hand : other wise known as a well stocked apothecary.

The Recipe: very adjustable for personal size requirements

1/4 cup plantain & dandelion infused olive oil
1/2 cup shea butter - warmed
8 drops of melaleuca essential oil
8 drops of lavender essential oil

To Make: simply add the ingredients to an appropriate sized bowl and whip with a hand mixer. Once the udder balm has reached your desired consistency, package and label.

To Use: apply in quarter sized amounts to the udder after each milking, then gently massage over the entire surface area. Personally, I rub it all over my hands then apply it the udder.

Creating this balm in small batches may seem like extra work, however doing this allows for your herbal remedies effective integrity to be maintained. Giving you and your goats a quality product.