How to Make Plantain Salve | Natural Itch-Relief Balm for the Whole Family

What Is Plantain Salve and Why It’s Worth Making

If you’ve ever wondered how to make plantain salve at home, you’re in for a beautiful surprise – because the key ingredient probably grows right beneath your feet. Plantain (Plantago major or Plantago lanceolata) is one of the most common “weeds” in gardens and lawns, yet it’s one of nature’s most powerful skin soothers.

When the leaves are infused in oil and blended with a little beeswax, they create a natural itch-relief balm that can calm insect bites, soothe toddler scrapes, and ease dry or irritated skin. Unlike conventional creams, this balm contains no synthetic ingredients or perfumes – just a handful of gentle, nourishing elements that work in harmony with your skin.

Why Our Family Loves Plantain Salve

This salve is a staple in our natural first-aid kit, here are more items we make for it as well. I reach for it after garden days, summer walks, or when my toddler comes in with a mysterious red mark on his leg. Plantain helps draw out heat, reduce inflammation, and relieve itching within minutes. Olive or coconut oil provides deep moisture, and beeswax forms a breathable barrier that protects healing skin.

It’s pregnancy-safe, toddler-friendly, and simple enough to make in a quiet morning at home. It’s one of those recipes that quietly supports the rhythm of family life – slow, steady, and nurturing.

The Healing Properties of Plantain

Before learning exactly how to make plantain salve, it helps to understand why this humble leaf is so effective:

• Anti-inflammatory: Plantain contains natural compounds that calm redness and swelling.
• Cooling and soothing: It draws heat from bites and burns, giving immediate relief.
• Antibacterial: Helps prevent infection on small cuts or grazes.
• Tissue-repairing: The mucilage in the leaves supports gentle skin healing.

For centuries, people have crushed fresh plantain leaves on insect bites or bee stings for instant relief. Turning it into a balm simply makes that remedy portable and long-lasting.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make a small batch of plantain salve (about three 60 ml jars), gather the following ingredients:

• ½ cup dried or wilted plantain leaves (broadleaf or narrowleaf)
• ½ cup coconut oil (or another stable oil such as jojoba or olive)
• 2 tablespoons beeswax pellets
• Optional: 1 teaspoon vitamin E oil for longer shelf life

Tip: If you’re using fresh plantain, let the leaves wilt overnight so excess water evaporates. Too much moisture can cause your infused oil to spoil.

Step 1 – Infuse the Oil

Begin by creating your plantain-infused oil. There are two simple ways to do this, depending on how quickly you’d like your salve ready.

Sun-Infused Method

Place the chopped plantain leaves in a clean glass jar and cover completely with oil. Set the jar in a sunny window for two to three weeks, shaking gently every few days. When the oil has turned a rich green-gold colour, strain it through a muslin cloth and store it in a dark glass bottle. This slow method captures the gentle warmth of sunlight and fits beautifully within a seasonal home rhythm.

Quick Infusion (Instant Pot or Double Boiler)

Combine the chopped leaves and oil in a heatproof jar or bowl. Warm the mixture gently at approximately 40–50 °C (105–120 °F) for about two hours, either using the sous-vide function of an Instant Pot or a simple double boiler setup. Stir occasionally, ensuring the leaves stay submerged. Once finished, strain the warm oil through a cloth and allow it to cool completely before using.

Step 2 – Make the Salve

Once your oil is ready, measure out half a cup of the infused oil and combine it with two tablespoons of beeswax pellets in a heatproof jug or bowl. Place the jug in a double boiler and gently heat until the beeswax melts completely. Remove the mixture from the heat and, if you wish, stir in a teaspoon of vitamin E oil to extend the shelf life.

Carefully pour the warm liquid into small sterilized jars or tins. Allow them to cool fully before securing the lids. As the mixture cools, it will set into a smooth, creamy balm that softens beautifully upon contact with the skin.

Storage: Keep the jars in a cool, dark place. The salve will stay fresh for nine to twelve months.

Step 3 – How to Use Plantain Salve

Apply a small amount of the balm directly to itchy bites, mild rashes, dry patches, or toddler scrapes. The salve melts gently into the skin, forming a light protective layer that allows the area to breathe while it heals. Because it’s made only from pure, gentle ingredients, it’s suitable for both pregnancy and children’s delicate skin.

Everyday Uses in Our Family Rhythm

We keep one jar in the bathroom and another in the nappy bag so it’s always on hand. It’s the jar we reach for after outdoor play, before bedtime, or when the garden leaves a little reminder on someone’s arm. Making this balm has become a quiet ritual that blends easily into our weekly rhythm – another way of slowing down and caring for the people we love.

Other Natural Remedies to Keep on Hand

Alongside our plantain salve, we keep a few simple remedies in our natural first-aid kit:

• Manuka honey: antibacterial and perfect for burns or cuts.
• Garlic honey: immune support during cold season.
• Elderberry syrup: a sweet, antioxidant-rich immune tonic to support the family through cold and flu season.
• Fire cider: a spicy, invigorating tonic that boosts circulation and immunity through the colder months.
• Apple cider vinegar: cooling compress for stings or hot skin.
• Kawakawa balm: deeply nourishing for dry or inflamed areas.

A few handmade jars like these can replace dozens of store-bought products and keep family care beautifully simple.

Tips for Success When Making Plantain Salve

• Dry the leaves well; moisture shortens the shelf life of herbal oils.
• Warm the oil gently to preserve its healing properties.
• Label each jar with the date and ingredients.
• Make small batches so your balm is always fresh.
• Share it – it makes a lovely, thoughtful gift.

The Beauty of Slow Herbal Living

Each time I make a batch of this balm, I’m reminded how much quiet wisdom lives in ordinary plants. Learning how to make plantain salve is more than a recipe – it’s a simple act of connection: to your home, to the garden, and to the slow rhythm of caring for your family with nature’s help.