10 secret uses of Plantain Oil

This plantain oil makes an excellent soothing, emollient, and nourishing oil that can be used for bruises, wounds, eczema, or other skin inflammations.

Ribwort plantain (Plantago lanceolata) and Greater plantain (Plantago major) are growing abundantly. Many people have them in their gardens but don't know about their benefits. They are great healing agents that have been used in herbal medicine for centuries. 

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In this article you will learn:

1. Incredible benefits of plantain for skin
2. How to use plantain leaves
3. Easy 3 steps on how to make plantain oil and video
4. Uses of plantain oil

Plantain oil benefits

Due to substances called aucubin and tannins, plantain possesses astringent properties. These emollient and soothing mucilages create a protective layer on a wound or bruise, reducing pain and discomfort (1).

In addition, these substances have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties and are used to treat skin inflammations such as impetigo or eczema (2). 

Similar anti-inflammatory action also has nettle oil.

plantain for insect bites

Powerful antioxidant allantoin present in the plantain and responsible for cell growth also regenerates tissues. Ribwort plantain is thus effective in easing burns (3) insect bites and stings.

This burn gel with calendula and aloe vera comes in handy for someone who experienced mild burns or sunburns.

This burn gel with calendula and aloe vera comes in handy for someone who experienced mild burns or sunburns.

Plantain oil has been successfully used by herbalists to treat insect bites and stings

This calendula cream is also very effective against bug bites

Plantain leaf uses

During spring and summertime, you can enjoy the healing effect of plantain leaves and apply them directly to wounds or bruises. 

Herbalists recommend applying the wrinkled leaf of greater plantain first to clean the wound and remove pus (discharge). Only after the wrinkled leaf of ribwort plantain heals the wound.

Plantain poultice

Another widespread method to benefit from fresh plantain leaves is spit poultice, where one chews a few leaves, then applies this ‘spit poultice’ to the affected area.

During the process of drying the spit poultice create a drawing action and provide relief to blisters, stings or bug bites. You can re-apply again once the plantain poultice dries completely. 

plantain poultice for tooth infection

Similarly, you can use plantain poultice for tooth infections. Place the spit poultice directly on your sore tooth, which will provide relief. Together with an ice pack, you will feel immediate pain relief. 

This works great if you have access to the fresh leaves but what do you do when they aren't in season?

The plantain-infused oil is a great way of transferring valuable fresh herbal material into an apothecary formula that one can use later

HOW TO MAKE PLANTAIN OIL

There are 3 steps involved in the whole plantain infused oil process

START WITH THE HERB

So make sure you are confident that you collect the right plant, in our case, either ribwort plantain or greater plantain. They are easy to identify, and you will see them in every meadow, around your house, or along the pathways. Make sure that the place is free of pesticides or other chemicals. Don’t forget to watch for dogs or other animals whose excrements could spoil your desired plantain oil. You can collect leaves from early spring to fall.

SELECT THE CARRIER OIL

This seems easy, but make sure you select the right one for your skin. You should look out for certain aspects when it comes to your infused oil. 

How often and on which type of skin you will use it. 

plantain coconut oil 

I want to use this plantain oil to make moisturizing body butter. For this, coconut oil is just the perfect moisturizer that gives your skin a healthy, smooth, and even tone.  

Here is an exhaustive list of oils to choose from as per your skin type. I also like to choose them organically, locally, and preferably fair trade.

Select the infusion method

There are several ways to infuse plantain oil. I plan to use my oil in the winter when fresh ribwort plantain is out of reach. This means I have enough time to go for the traditional cold maceration method. I place my oil in a sunny place for four weeks and leave it to macerate. If you are in a hurry and want to have your oil ready as soon as possible, you better choose the double boiler method. Place your jar filled with carrier oil and plantain in a double boiler. Slowly heat the mixture to a maximum of 60 degrees Celsius. Simmer for at least 5 hours. After this time, you can fill the jar with the second batch of plantain leaves and repeat the process to make a double or triple infused oil. Strain the mixture with a soft cloth and you will get rich infused oil full of medicinal properties.

Fresh or dry plantain leaves?

If it’s flowers you want to infuse - dry them first. When it comes to thin leaves of plantain you can decide whether to use fresh leaves or dried ones. They are not too juicy to spoil your oil. Just make sure you never infuse freshly washed herbs into the oil as it will result in mold development and your oil will be spoiled. So wash them, let them dry and then infuse them. You can also not wash them if you don't want to. If you decide to go for dry herbs, dry them quickly at 50 degrees and make sure they are wrinkle-free as otherwise, they tend to turn dark in color. You want them to be green when dried. In general, infused oils made of dry herbs last longer than those made of fresh ones.

10 SECRET USES OF PLANTAIN OIL

1. use it as a base to make a body cream with shea butter and essential oils
2. use it as a body oil if your skin is seriously dry.
3. this Plantain salve makes a great addition to your first aid kit to heal wounds - abrasions, cuts, tears, and dog bites for their healing effects (these wounds tend to heal faster). It makes wonders in this black drawing salve.
4. plantain oil with coconut oil makes an ideal cuticle oil that you rub into cuticles to make them easier to cut or push back
5. Make this plantain leaf healing balm that stops bleeding and heals wounds and treats skin inflammations such as impetigo, ecthyma or eczema.
6. Burn relief - First aid for mild burns
7. to treat your Insect bite stings used on its own or combined with tea tree essential oil.
8. Massage oil - use on its own or combine with other essential oils
9. The healing power of plantain together with the moisturizing effect of coconut oil makes a perfect oil to use for diaper rash cream
10. Are you tired after a long day at work and need to unwind in a hot bath? Add your plantain oil in the bathtub together with ¼ cup of Epson salt and you will feel the difference.

What infused oil do you use the most?