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:
- Incredible benefits of plantain for skin
- How to use plantain leaves
- Easy 3 steps on how to make plantain oil and video
- 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.

If you used dried plantain leaves and sterilized jars and store it in a dark and cold place the plantain-infused oil should last up to 1 year.
I suggest you select plantain oil of organic quality and my trusted source is Mountain rose herbs.
10 SECRET USES OF PLANTAIN OIL
- use it as a base to make a body cream with shea butter and essential oils
- use it as a body oil if your skin is seriously dry.
- 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.
- plantain oil with coconut oil makes an ideal cuticle oil that you rub into cuticles to make them easier to cut or push back
- Make this plantain leaf healing balm that stops bleeding and heals wounds and treats skin inflammations such as impetigo, ecthyma or eczema.
- Burn relief - First aid for mild burns
- to treat your Insect bite stings used on its own or combined with tea tree essential oil.
- Massage oil - use on its own or combine with other essential oils
- The healing power of plantain together with the moisturizing effect of coconut oil makes a perfect oil to use for diaper rash cream
- 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?
Plantain oil

This plantain oil is an excellent soothing, emollient and nourishing oil that can be used for bruises, wounds, eczema or other skin inflammations.
Materials
Tools
Instructions
- Fill your strilized jar about halfway with ribwort plantain leaves.
- Pour coconut oil into the jar until it’s just about full. Make sure that herbs are covered completely with oil, if some oil evaporates just add more to cover them.
- Close the jar with a lid and set it in a sunny place
- Shake occasionally to redistribute the jar’s contents.
- After 4-6 weeks, pour the jar’s contents through a small strainer or a muslin bag in a jar with lid which is dry and clean. Don't forget to squeeze a muslin bag before discarding as every drop of this valuable oil is counted.
- label well and store
Notes
To faster the process use 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.
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Collection of infusion oils you might want to try
Collection of infusion oils you might want to try
DIY rose oil for skin and hair
This highly scented and effective rose oil is a must have item in your household. Our DIY rose infused oil goes a little bit further with ultra rich grape seed oil and petals from Rose Damascena.
How to make nettle oil
This mineral-rich nettle oil is a powerful remedy with a wide spectrum of uses from easing stiff joints to scalp and hair treatment. Made of nettle leaves this effective oil might help with skin irritations or baldness.
Scented Lavender infused oil
Infusion Lavender oil soothes minor skin irritations and eczema. It is also suitable for mild burns, yeast infections or for insect bites.
DIY Dandelion oil to heal your cracked hands
Dandelion oil is used in salves, lotions, and lip balms to soothe dry and cracked skin. Thanks to its capability to speed up the healing process of scars and calm down skin irritations dandelion oil is also efficient in acne treatment.
Uses and benefits of Calendula oil
Calendula (Calendula Officinalis, a.k.a. “Pot Marigold”) has its well-defined place in the herbal world. It’s not only the bright color and sweet smell that distinguish this plant from the others. But mainly it’s healing power and capability to cleanse wound made it internal as well as external number one choice of herbal healer.
How to make & use red clover oil
purple blossoms of the red clover make an outstanding nourishing oil that, by increasing collagen production, improves the elasticity of your skin and reduces wrinkles. Its anti-inflammatory properties can also help with eczema or psoriasis.
Powerful Elderflower infusion oil to soften your skin
Elderflower infusion oil has a powerful soothing effect on the skin, improves skin complexion and is especially useful for older skin. However, it is also very effective in treating acne or sunburns. It's anti-inflammatory and anti-wrinkle properties made the elderflower infusion oil very popular in the cosmetic industry.
How to make Rosehip oil to heal your skin
Packed with antioxidants and fatty acids, rosehip oil is a natural versatile moisturizer that will heal your hair, nails and skin from bruises, acne and wrinkles.
How to make Violet oil and its uses
Extracted from leaves and flowers of wild violets this violet oil possesses many benefits for skin and hair and might be also able to help with insomnia or rheumatic pain.
How to make chamomile oil
This soothing chamomile oil extracted from chamomile flowers deeply nourishes and restores the skin. Its healing properties can be used in wound healing, diaper rash, or eczema.
Cucumber oil recipe for skin and hair
Deeply moisturizing and nourishing cucumber oil soothes and protects dry skin and hair adding softness and hydration.
How to make lemon balm oil + 10 ways to use it
This soothing lemon balm oil moisturizes and promotes skin healing. Lemon balm oil’s healing properties may help with cold sores.
Chelsea Duffy says
I love plantain, but I had no idea it was good for impetigo! I have a friend that will be very happy to hear this! I also love making flower oils, but I have never tried making an herbal oil. Now I plan to harvest the plantain from my yard this summer and make an oil. What a great idea. Thank you!
Emily M says
Oh this sounds wonderful! This is my first year really getting into foraging, and a friend showed me exactly what the plantain looks like - though I don't think we have the ribwort kind. I'm excited to try this! Adding the oil into the bath sounds wonderful!! Thanks so much for sharing this!
Emily M says
I actually meant to ask... We have dogs and they go to the bathroom pretty much wherever. If I wash the plantain, is it safe to use in case one of the dogs peed on it?
Simplybeyondherbs says
I usually recommend avoiding places where dogs or other animals go to the bathroom. But I understand it's hard to find. I think you can wash it off, depends on your feeling.
Mary says
I presume the coconut oil needs to be melted in order to pour over the leaves.
Unless we are in the middle of summer here, the coconut oil with thicken, with a lower temperature.
Will the leaves infuse the same in solid coconut oil?
Simplybeyondherbs says
Hi Mary, thanks for reaching out! I used fractionated coconut oil also called “liquid coconut oil. It had the long-chain fatty acids removed via hydrolysis and steam distillation. Just this one change makes the oil liquid at room temperature and extends the product’s shelf life. It also doesn't clock the pores and easily penetrate the skin. They have it Amazon https://amzn.to/31rhFUZ.
Moksha Lifestyle Blogs says
Excellent post and wonderful blog, this sort of interesting posts I really like, keep it up...
Blogs on essential oils
Essential oils
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Pattie Whitehurst says
You didn’t specify in the recipe dry or fresh herb. Also there was no link to the list of oils.
Simplybeyondherbs says
Hi Pattie,
thank you, the missing link has been added. You can use both fresh or dried plantain leaves, more is written in the paragraph "fresh or dry plantain leaves?
Marina says
How long time can i have this oil without use it?