Last Updated on September 14, 2025 by Nico
Commonly considered a weed, plantain can help reduce skin inflammation, soothe bug bites, and even heal minor burns. This plantain salve recipe is easy to make and makes a great addition to your summer herbal remedies.
What is plantain and where does it grow?
Plantain (Plantago lanceolata and Plantago major) is one of those plants that has gotten the bad rep of being a weed. It grows easily in backyards, along roadsides, and in fields across North America and Europe. We have it growing in abundance in our local public parks!
Plantain has oval-shaped leaves with veining that runs from the top to the bottom. The leaves normally grow close to the ground. And it has a central flower stem with brown-green flower buds. and has broad or narrow leaves with visible veins.
Historical use of plantain in herbal medicine
Plantain leaves have long been used to treat minor skin irritation, including burns. Historically, they have been used as a spit poultice to treat wounds, burns, and insect bites and Native American and European herbalists used plantain in salves to pull out toxins from the body. The plant has compounds called iridoids, which are anti-inflammatory and calming.
Benefits of plantain salve
Anti-inflammatory properties – Plantain has the compound aucubin, which can reduce swelling and redness.
Soothes bug bites and stings – Plantain has natural antihistamines, which can help relieve itching and inflammation from mosquito bites, poison ivy, and bee stings.
Speeds up wound healing – The tannins and allantoin in plantain can help with tissue repair, which makes the salve great for minor cuts, burns, and scrapes.
Moisturises dry skin – Combined with coconut oil and beeswax, this salve helps to lock in moisture and soothe chapped skin.
How to make simple plantain salve
Tools
- Double boiler – I make my own by using a beeswax-dedicated glass bowl on top of a small saucepan
- A glass jar for storing the salve – I like these ones
- Muslin cloth, fine mesh strainer, or cheesecloth – I like these unbleached ones
- A spoon or a spatula for mixing
- Amber glass salve container (or whatever shallow glass container you have on hand) – I like these ones
NOTE – I recommend going to the thrift store and buying a set of these supplies that you use for this recipe and any future recipes you make using beeswax. It’s very hard to fully clean melted beeswax from jars, bowls, and spoons, so I have a set of supplies that I use to make all of my beeswax-based body products.
Supplies
- Fresh or dried plantain leaves – Here’s an organic source
- Olive oil, fractionated coconut oil, or jojoba oil
- Beeswax pellets (for thickening)
- Lavender oil or tea tree oil (optional, for added antimicrobial benefits and to make it smell nice!)
- Vitamin E oil (optional, helps extend the shelf life)
For complete measurements, see the printable recipe card below.
Instructions
If using fresh plantain leaves, chop them into small pieces. You can use a knife, mortar and pestle, food processor, or whatever you have!
In a clean glass jar, add plantain leaves and cover them completely with your carrier oil.
Place the jar in a sunny windowsill for 4-6 weeks. Try to keep it out of direct sunlight. To make it easier, I tend to put all my infusions in the pantry and just leave them longer (around 8 weeks) so I don’t need to worry about moving them out of direct sun.
After 6 weeks, strain out the plant material using cheesecloth or a mesh strainer. Make sure to take time to squeeze out all the beautiful plantain-infused oil from the leaves.
Look at that beautiful green!
In a double boiler or crock pot, melt the beeswax pellets fully. Once everything is melted, add in the infused oil and whisk until everything is incorporated. This should only take a few minutes – turn off the heat right after things are melted together. You do not want to zap the essential oils in the infused oil. After the heat is off, you can add your essential oils or vitamin E oil.
Stir well, then pour the mixture into a small jar or tin and let it cool completely. Don’t add a lid until the salve is completely cool – I like to wait 24 hours. Make sure to date and label it!
How much plantain salve to use?
A little goes a long way! Apply a thin layer to affected areas as needed.
How long does plantain salve last?
Stored in a cool, dark place and away from direct sunlight, your homemade plantain salve should last 6-12 months. Adding a few drops of vitamin E oil can help extend its shelf life.
How to use plantain salve
- Apply the salve to bug bites, bee stings, and mosquito bites to reduce itching.
- Use on minor cuts, burns, and scrapes to help with faster healing.
- Massage onto dry skin or eczema patches for extra moisture.
Disclaimer – I’m not a medical professional and do not intend to offer medical or health advice in any content I create. I offer information for educational purposes and, as always, get your physician’s advice or the advice of your health care provider before trying a new herbal remedy. There are always possible unintended consequences of trying a new herbal remedy such as an allergic reaction or unexpected side effects like interactions with other medications.
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Easy Homemade Plantain Salve Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- If using fresh plantain leaves, chop them into small pieces. You can
use a knife, mortar and pestle, food processor, or whatever you have! - In a clean glass jar, add plantain leaves and cover them completely with your carrier oil. I usually use a pint mason jar and fill it 1/2 full with dried plantain.
- Place the jar in a sunny windowsill for 4-6 weeks. Try to keep it out of direct sunlight. To make it easier, I tend to put all my infusions in the pantry and just leave them longer (around 8 weeks) so I don’t need to worry about moving them out of direct sun.
- After 6 weeks, strain out the plant material using cheesecloth or a mesh strainer. Make sure to take time to squeeze out all the beautiful plantain-infused oil from the leaves.
- In a double boiler or crock pot, melt the beeswax pellets fully. Once everything is melted, add in the infused oil and whisk until everything is incorporated. This should only take a few minutes – turn off the heat right after things are melted together. You do not want to zap the essential oils in the infused oil. After the heat is off, you can add your essential oils or vitamin E oil.
- Stir well, then pour the mixture into a small jar or tin and let it cool completely. Don’t add a lid until the salve is completely cool – I like to wait 24 hours. Make sure to date and label it!
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