How to make Plantain Salve & other goodies

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http://www.naturesgarden.ca/plantain_med.htm

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*Medicinal

Uses for Plantain*

*Botanical:

Plantago major (LINN.)

Family:

N.O. Plantaginaceae*

Wild

Plantain plant for medicinal uses

Plantain

is well known for its infection fighting abilities. It has the ability to

destroy a wide range of micro-organisms and is known to stimulate the healing

process.

***It

also causes a natural aversion to tobacco and is currently being used in stop

smoking preparations.

Medicinally

this plant is listed as alterative, astringent, diuretic and antiseptic.

The

seeds are high in mucilage.

Poultices

made from the fresh leaf are useful for treating many skin ailments such as

insect and snake bites, cuts, hemorrhoids, abscesses, nettle stings, leg ulcers

and sores.

Macerate fresh plantain leaves, place on the wound then cover with

a bandage.

For

relief from painful sores or bites, chew the plantain leaf and place the

resulting pulp on the sore or bite.

Fresh-squeezed

plantain juice is a traditional treatment for earaches. Taken internally, the

plant is reputed to eliminate bronchial congestion. The leaves and roots are

used in teas and tinctures for bronchial asthma.

For headaches

or arthritis pain in the feet, blending oil of roses with plantain juice and

apply by rubbing is suggested.

Plantain

seeds (sold commercially as Psyllium), absorb eight to fourteen times their

volume in water. The whole seeds can be soaked overnight and used as a drink in

the morning to relieve constipation.

The

seeds of all Plantago sp. have been shown to lower cholesterol.

The

roots were chewed by Indians for toothaches.

The

seeds are used in the treatment of parasitic worms. A distilled water made from

the plant makes an excellent eye lotion.

Wherever

stinging nettles are found, it is usually possible to find plantain nearby. The

green juice extracted from the plantain by crushing (or chewing and mixing with

saliva) rubbed on the affected area of the skin and is known to quickly ease

the discomfort of stinging nettles or mosquito bites.

NOTE:

Fresh plantain leaves are considered most effective and are recommended for use

whenever possible. For off-season use, prepare a supply of plantain salve and

plantain tincture. Plantain leaf has a short storage life and should be used

within three to six months. It can also be preserved with 25% vodka or ten

percent grain alcohol.

*

Caution*

Though

plantain is a soothing skin herb for most people, some individuals have been

known to be allergic to it. Use normal precautions, as when working with any

new substance.

Individuals

with bowel disorders should consult a physician before using whole psyllium

seed as a laxative.

*_

Plantain Plus Salve_*

1 pound

lard

3 cups

fresh plantain leaves, roots, and flowers

1 cup

fresh Yarrow leaves and flowers

1/2 cup

dry yellow dock root (optional)

2

ounces grated beeswax

3

droppers liquid vitamin E (or 18 vitamin E capsules that have been pierced

with a needle and squeezed)

 

 

Let

herbs rest for a few hours after picking so that excess water (which

could cause the salve to spoil) will evaporate.

Place

water in bottom half of double boiler. Bring to a boil.

In top

half of double boiler, melt lard by heat of the boiling water.

Add

plantain and other herbs. Heat gently until a color change takes place in the

liquid lard (about 30 minutes). This indicates the herbal properties have been

extracted.

Strain

herbs through a linen cloth and squeeze well. Return the strained fluid to top

of double boiler and stir in the beeswax until melted.

Remove

from heat and add vitamin E.

Pour

the strained liquids into clean wide-mouthed salve containers.

The

salve will thicken as it cools. (if the salve is not thick enough for your

liking, you can reheat the mixture and add extra beeswax. If desired, you can

add essential oil of eucalyptus for scent.)

Use the

salve on scratches, insect bites, hemorrhoids, and skin irritations; it is also

excellent for livestock cuts and abrasions.

NOTE:

Since high-quality lard is often difficult to obtain, it's best to obtain pork

fat from a butcher or farmer and then " render the lard " by heating in

the top of a double boiler.

Strain

and use in the recipe.

 

Radiating

UNCONDITIONAL LOVE & Truth

To

ALL who share our circle – our universe, our love, our trust.

May

I always be found worthy.

Gratitude

& Thankfulness to All of Us

a

SoaringHawk

 

Look at everything as though you were seeing it either for the

first or last time. Then your time on earth will be filled with joy &

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Thank you for YOU!