A simple salve made from dried plantain leaf, a herbal first aid hero to soothe a range of minor skin complaints such as cuts and scrapes, insect bites and stings, slivers/splinters, and hot, dry or irritated skin.
Does plantain help with bee stings?
Plantain (Plantago spp.) is a common weedy plant found growing throughout the world, in urban and rural areas alike. Plantain is also edible and has a long history of use as a medicinal plant — including treating bee and wasp stings.
Is plantain good for insect bites?
Plantain has long been considered by herbalists to be a useful remedy for cough, wounds, inflamed skin or dermatitis, and insect bites. Plantain has long been considered by herbalists to be a useful remedy for insect bites.
What can plantain salve be used for?
What do you use Plantain Salve for?
- Flea, horsefly or mosquito bites.
- Stinging nettle stings.
- Spider bites.
- Dry, chapped skin.
- Grazes, scratches and small cuts.
- Rough or cracked skin.
- Rashes and inflamed skin.
- Softens and heals scabs.
What ointment is good for bee stings?
Apply hydrocortisone cream or calamine lotion to ease redness, itching or swelling. If itching or swelling is bothersome, take an oral antihistamine that contains diphenhydramine (Benadryl) or chlorpheniramine.
Does plantain draw out venom?
Plantain can draw out the poison, so for stings and bites, make a poultice of fresh plantain leaf. You can enhance the drawing power by mixing plantain with a little water and activated charcoal or bentonite clay to form a paste.
How do you use plantain for bee stings?
The quickest way to treat a sting with plantain is to grab a couple leaves and start mashing them in your mouth. (This makes a poultice of the leaves.) Take the mashed up bits and plaster them over the sting. They will actually draw out the venom of the stinger and help to alleviate symptoms quickly.
Does plantain draw out infection?
It can draw out and close up pus and infection from dirty wounds and soothes irritated membranes. Plantain is also helpful in bronchial infections and pneumonia.
Does plantain stop itching?
Broadleaf plantain (Plantago major) can be used to make an salve that takes the itch off of mosquito bites.
Are plantains anti-inflammatory?
The major constituents in plantain are mucilage, iridoid glycosides (particularly aucubin), and tannins. Together these constituents are thought to give plantain mild anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antihemorrhagic, and expectorant actions.
How do you use plantain for healing?
Using plantain herb for common ailments
Drink three cups of tea a day made with 1/2 tsp of dried plantain leaves steeped in a cup of water. Burns. Plantain’s anti-inflammatory properties aid repair of damaged tissue. Apply a whole plantain leaf directly to the burn as a poultice.
How long does plantain salve last?
about 1 year
Once the wax is melted, stir to ensure it’s evenly distributed, and then pour the plantain salve into salve tins (or small mason jars). Homemade herbal salves are usually considered effective for about 1 year, as a general rule.
Can plantain salve be used on dogs?
Plantain is known as a demulcent for its ability to produce mucilage. It forms a soothing film over mucous membranes. So if there are ulcerations, inflammation or infections within your dog’s digestive system, plantain can soothe and promote healing. Plantain functions much the same way as slippery elm.
What is the fastest way to cure a bee sting?
To treat a sting from a bee, wasp, or hornet, dermatologists recommend the following tips:
- Stay calm.
- Remove the stinger.
- Wash the sting with soap and water.
- Apply a cold pack to reduce swelling.
- Consider taking over-the-counter pain medication.
What reduces swelling from a bee sting?
Treatment
- Remove the stinger using tweezers or some other object with a hard surface, such as a credit card.
- Thoroughly wash the affected area using soap and water.
- Apply a cold compress to help reduce swelling.
- Take over-the-counter (OTC) anti-inflammatory medication, such as ibuprofen (Advil).
- Contact a pharmacist.
How long does a bee sting stay swollen?
Severe pain or burning at the site lasts 1 to 2 hours. Normal swelling from venom can increase for 48 hours after the sting. The redness can last 3 days. The swelling can last 7 days.
How do you make a poultice for a bee sting?
Many people also use it for bee stings:
- Mix 1 teaspoon water with enough baking soda to make a thick paste.
- Rub the paste over the affected area.
- Leave on for 10 minutes.
- Rinse off.
Which plant is used to cure itching and insect bites?
Rub tulsi or basil leaves
Basil leaves have a chemical that can bring relief to itchy skin. Tulsi plants or holy basil plants are available in many homes now you can chop fresh leaves and rub them on the mosquito bite.
How do you make a plantain poultice?
Get dried plantain to the consistency needed for a poultice.
1a. Depending on how much surface area of skin you need to cover, make a tea with 1-2 tablespoons of dried cut plantain leaves/root and about 1 -1 1/2 cups of boiling distilled water. Pour the boiling water over the plantain, cover and steep 15 minutes.
Does plantain work on spider bites?
Plantain leaf is a natural remedy for a poisonous bite of any kind. It works remarkably, drawing out the poison and relieving itch. It will antidote brown recluse and even black widow spider bites instantly.
Does plantain help with swelling?
Great plantain contains substances which might help decrease pain and swelling (inflammation), decrease mucous (phlegm) production, and open airways. It might also be able to kill bacteria and fungi.
Lorraine Wade is all about natural food. She loves to cook and bake, and she’s always experimenting with new recipes. Her friends and family are the lucky beneficiaries of her culinary skills! Lorraine also enjoys hiking and exploring nature. She’s a friendly person who loves to chat with others, and she’s always looking for ways to help out in her community.