Make a First aid healing salve with Ribwort plantain

Some might think that bushcraft does not apply to out everyday lives but this is definety one example of something very practical I use everyday. Learn how to create a small pot of salve (ointment) that can be used for many small first aid situations for the skin. Ribwort Plantian

(Plantago lanceolata) or Greater plantain (Plantago major) can be use for this recipe as both have the same healing properties.

WHAT IS A SALVE?

A salve is an ointment used to promote healing of the skin or as protection

WHAT ARE ITS USES?

My favorite uses are for dry chapped hands and lips, especially as the weather gets colder and now being the mum of a 3 year old, I call it mummy medicine to my daughter and can be used on any little scratch, insect bite or rash on my little one. It has the benefit of no chemicals, easy to make and a plastic free alternative to over using plasters.

Here is a summary of its traditional uses as a salve:

·        Bee/wasp stings

·        Mosquito bites and other bug bites

·        Nettle stings

·        Eczema

·        Psoriasis

·        Sunburn

·        Nappy rash

·       Small cuts

·       Burns

HOW TO I MAKE A SALVE?

1.) Forage the ribwort or greater plantain. I would suggest collecting at least two cups of fresh herbs. Choose leaves that look nice and healthy and fresh green.

2.)  Pull off any parts that look sick or diseased and wash or brush off dirt with a cloth if needed. Arrange leaves in a single layer on a clean, dry surface (best lined with a towel and allow them to air dry for several days until the leaves are dry and crisp. Then you are ready to add them to the oil.

3.) Fill a jar about 2/3rds full with the dried leaves.  Cover with a neutral oil such as the ones suggested below and allow the herbs to infuse into the oil for about 4-6 weeks before straining.

Some suggested oils you can use in a salve

·        Olive oil

·        Sunflower oil

·        Grapeseed oil

·        Sweet almond oil

·        Jojoba oil 

·        Avocado oil

After the oil has infused you are ready for the next stage of making the salve.

TO MAKE YOUR SALVE YOU WILL NEED:

• Half a cup of infused oil

• 14gm of beeswax

• Essential oils if desired (10 drops of lavender oil per ½ cup oil)

• Small pots metal tins

METHOD:

1. Put the oil and beeswax into a pot.

2. Warm oil in double boiler. To do this you put the oil in a metal container such as a pot. Then sit this pot into a larger metal container such as a frying pan that will have water in it. The smaller pan then sits in the pan with water in it. This prevents the oil from burning as it warms up much slower. Please note do not get any water into the pot containing the oil as it will spoil quicker. To prevent this avoid putting too much water into the bottom pan.

3. Stir oil until the beeswax has melted and remove from the heat.

4. Add essential oils if preferred. Gentle oils are recommended such as lavender or chamomile.

5. Pour the still-warm salve into containers (old jam jars or small metal tins work well). If adding essential oils, do so now (only a few drops are need) and stir with a chopstick or another clean implement.

6. Put the cap on the containers, and store in a dark, cool place. Salves will last up to a year.