Guest guest Posted September 7, 2004 Report Share Posted September 7, 2004 This week we shall discuss the herb plantain (Plantago lanceolata, Plantago major) - not the banana plantain I KNOW that C-M will have some input in this one, as it is one of her favorite herbs (and rightfully so!) *Smile* Chris (list mom) http://www.alittleolfactory.com Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 7, 2004 Report Share Posted September 7, 2004 Yes, I do love them plantagos... I collect the broadleaf for a salve I make that is wonderful to take out any itch from bugbites, children love it and it works like an antihistamine. For real bad bites, like blackflies or spider, I make a mash from the plant and keep it on the bite. This also works with dried plantain that I have reconstituted with boiling water. My teachers told me to also chew the plant when bitten , to get some of the benefits systemically. The broadleaf plantain is a standby for any cough syrups or tea's that I make for bronchial problems. I love the stuff and am so glad it's plentiful and easy to gather : It did not use to grow by my house, but over the years, I have gathered the seeds faithfully, where ever I saw them and now they grow plentiful around my house and the person who helps me now with my yard, knows to leave them and has found a great appreciation for plantain after using my famous green goop C-M Green Goop: 2 handfuls of chopped plantain 1 handful of chopped comfrey 1/2 handful of dried calendula Enough olive oil to cover all Low, low simmer in a double boiler until the oil looks dark green Filter and press out the herbs Add an ounce of infused St.John's Wort oil A few drops of teetree oil A few drops of lavender essential oil Enough beeswax to make a nice salve. Fill in Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 8, 2004 Report Share Posted September 8, 2004 Carol, I knew someone would ask me about the ratio of oil to beeswax... I am awful, never measure anything and just chunk off my beeswax from a large block.. an know by now about how much it takes. It makes a good solid consistency. I think it's about 10% of wax to oil... Someone, please rescue me? C-M Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 8, 2004 Report Share Posted September 8, 2004 I find all this plantain stiff absolutely facinating. Thank you everyone for posting all this good info... Now I have a question for Christa, Thanks first for posting the green goo recipe, You say to add enough beeswax to make a nice salve, I've never made one before, roughly how much / what consistancy would the salve be? I have tons of this stuff, more plantain than grass at the moment, and I'd love to hear more about your teas and cough syrups, would you have any recipes that you would like to share? Thanks Carol Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 8, 2004 Report Share Posted September 8, 2004 Salves are usually 3 to 1 3 oils to 1 part beeswax HTH, Jan S www.sweetprairiesoap.com jans ~new molds and cutters~ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 8, 2004 Report Share Posted September 8, 2004 LOL... thanks.. Carol > Someone, please rescue me? > C-M > > > > > Step By Step Instructions On Making Rose Petal Preserves: http://www.av-at.com/stuff/rosejam.html > > To adjust your group settings (i.e. go no mail) see the following link: /join > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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