Plantain is an incredibly versatile herb that you can find almost anywhere. It’s known as a “healing herb” in many cultures due to its remarkable medicinal properties. Despite being considered a weed by many, plantain is prolific and can grow just about anywhere. Instead of discarding it, you can use its leaves to make a first aid salve.

Identifying Plantain
There are two common types of plantain you might find in your yard: Plantago major, commonly known as broadleaf plantain, and Plantago lanceolata, or narrowleaf plantain. Narrowleaf plantain tends to be more common in my garden. Both types have several leaves that surround the flowers and stem at the base, similar to flower petals.

When harvesting plantain, ensure that you collect it from areas free of chemical treatments.

Supplies:
– A handful of plantain leaves (washed and dried)
– 4 oz coconut oil
– ½ oz beeswax (pellets or shaved)
– 8 oz heatproof jar
– Saucepan

Directions:
1. Add Plantain to the Jar
Tear the plantain leaves into smaller pieces and fill the jar halfway, packing the leaves tightly.

2. Add Coconut Oil
Pour the coconut oil over the leaves. Place the jar in a saucepan and fill the pan with water until it reaches about halfway up the jar. Simmer on low heat for about two hours to let the oil infuse.

3. Strain
After the infusion, strain out the plantain leaves. The oil will have a light green color.

4. Add Beeswax
Add the beeswax to the infused oil and return the mixture to the saucepan. Heat until the beeswax melts, which will help keep the salve firm at room temperature.

5. Pour into Jars or Tins
Pour the oil mixture into jars or tins—this batch should make about 6 oz. Let the salve cool; it will become opaque as it sets.

6. Add it to Your First Aid Kit
Use the salve on minor cuts and burns. The coconut oil and beeswax keep the skin moist, while the plantain promotes healing. It’s also excellent for chapped hands, sunburned skin, bee and wasp stings, mosquito bites, poison ivy, eczema, psoriasis, and diaper rash. You can even use it on your pets for sore paws.

Plantain is a wonderful addition to any natural first aid kit, offering a range of healing benefits for both you and your pets.