plantain for infusing

[Guest guest]

Chris, I think I found plantain in my yard, I have been told it grows everywhere

and its a awesome thing to infuse in oil for healing. Below is what I copied

from archives on plantain.Marti

 

 

One of plantain's most common uses is as a poultice for stings, bites, scrapes

and rashes. The simplest way to harness plantain's healing powers is to crush a

few fresh leaves, and apply to the affected area. Replace fresh leaves as

necessary. The fresh plantain " juice " takes the pain away and seems to work

wonders at staunching blood flow and closing wound edges. It's also wonderfully

refreshing and soothing to sunburn.

 

Plantain infusion (tea) can also be used as a soothing wash for sunburn,

windburn, rashes, or wounds. To make a plantain infusion, simply add a small

handful of fresh plantain leaves to a cup or two of water, and bring to a gentle

boil. Turn off heat, and let steep, then strain out the leaves. The infusion is

best when fresh, although it can be stored in the refrigerator for a few days.

 

Our favorite way to use plantain is in a herbally infused oil. Gently fill a

container with fresh plantain leaves that have been lightly bruised or crushed.

(Dried plantain can be used - if you are using dried plant material, you only

need to fill the jar one-half full). Cover the leaves with oil - any vegetable

oil will do, cover the container, and let sit in the sun for a couple of weeks.

The will turn a beautiful dark green color. Strain out the leaves and you have a

lovely herbal oil to use. It's wonderful to soften, soothe and heal any manner

of skin conditions. We love to make a herbal salve from this oil - simply add

1-2 oz. melted beeswax to warmed infused oil. Stir over low heat until the

beeswax and oil are uniformly combined, and then pour into clean jars or tubs.

 

If you want to see a pic of plantain go here:

 

http://www.altnature.com/Herbs2003/pages/plantain7367.html

 

 

 

I found it growing abundantly in my side yard.