If you love simple, effective herbal remedies, this plantain salve recipe is about to become a staple in your natural first aid kit. Plantain (the backyard herb, not the banana) has been used for centuries to soothe bug bites, calm rashes, draw out splinters, and heal irritated skin. This DIY herbal salve is incredibly easy to make, requires only a few ingredients, and works fast — especially for summer skin annoyances.
Table of Contents
What Is Plantain and Why Does It Work?
Broadleaf plantain (Plantago major) is a common “weed” with powerful healing properties. It contains aucubin, allantoin, and tannins, which give it natural anti‑inflammatory, antimicrobial, and skin‑soothing benefits.
A homemade plantain healing salve is especially helpful for:
- Insect bites & bee stings
- Minor cuts & scrapes
- Rashes & irritated skin
- Dry, cracked areas
- Splinters (plantain helps draw them out)
- Eczema flare‑ups
Once you make your first batch, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it.
Benefits of Plantain Salve
- Reduces inflammation from bites, stings, and rashes
- Draws out impurities like splinters or embedded debris
- Soothes irritated skin quickly
- Moisturizes dry, cracked areas
- Naturally antimicrobial
- Safe for kids and sensitive skin
If you love soothing herbal skincare, you’ll also enjoy my DIY calendula salve recipe — it’s one of the best balms for calming irritated or inflamed skin.
What You’ll Need
Ingredients
- 1 cup fresh plantain leaves (or ½ cup dried)
- 1 cup carrier oil (olive, coconut, or sweet almond)
- ¼ cup beeswax pellets (or candelilla wax for vegan)
- 10–15 drops of essential oil (lavender or tea tree — optional)
- A few drops of vitamin E oil (optional natural preservative)
Equipment
- Clean jar
- Double boiler or saucepan
- Cheesecloth or fine strainer
- Small tins or glass jars
How to Make Plantain Salve
Step 1 – Harvest and Prepare Your Plantain
- Pick fresh plantain leaves from an area free of pesticides and pet traffic
- Rinse them well and pat completely dry — any moisture will spoil your oil
- Roughly chop or tear the leaves to help release their healing properties
Step 2 – Infuse the Oil (Choose Your Method)
Slow Method (Best Results):
- Place chopped leaves in a clean jar and cover completely with your carrier oil
- Seal the jar and leave it in a sunny windowsill for 4–6 weeks, shaking daily
- Strain through cheesecloth, pressing leaves firmly to extract every drop
Quick Method (Same Day):
- Combine leaves and oil in a small saucepan or double boiler
- Heat on the lowest setting for 2–3 hours — never let it boil
- Strain and cool before using
Step 3 – Make the Salve
- Pour your plantain-infused oil into a double boiler over low heat
- Add beeswax pellets and stir until fully melted
- Remove from heat and quickly stir in your essential oils and vitamin E if using
- Pour immediately into small tins or glass jars before it starts to set
- Let it cool completely at room temperature — don’t move it while it’s setting
Step 4 – Label and Store
- Label your jars with the date and ingredients
- Store in a cool, dark place — your natural healing balm will last up to 12 months
- If you used fresh leaves (not dried), use within 6 months to be safe
If you want to learn more about crafting herbal skincare, my full guide on how to make salves and balms walks you through the basics so every recipe turns out perfectly.
Tips for the Best Results
- Consistency check: If your salve is too soft, melt it down and add more beeswax. Too hard? Add more infused oil.
- Always use completely dry tools and jars — water is the enemy of homemade salves.
- The more plantain leaf you pack into the oil, the more potent your final product.
- This DIY plantain salve makes a wonderful gift — pour into small tins and add a handwritten label.
For a moisturizing balm that’s perfect for dry, cracked skin, check out my dandelion salve recipe — it’s gentle, nourishing, and ideal for everyday use.
How to Use Your Plantain Salve
Apply a small amount to the affected area and gently rub in. Use it on insect bites, minor burns, dry cracked skin, rashes, or cuts. It’s safe for kids and gentle enough for sensitive skin. Keep a tin in your first aid kit, your purse, or your hiking pack — trust us, you’ll reach for it constantly. If you need something stronger for splinters or deep‑set bites, try my drawing salve recipe — it’s a powerful herbal remedy that pulls out impurities fast.
Save This for Later!
Love this plantain salve recipe? Pin it to your Natural Remedies or Herbal DIY board on Pinterest so you can find it whenever you need it! And if you have a friend who loves all things natural and homemade, share this with them — they’ll thank you the next time a bug bite strikes. For deeper skin repair, try my easy comfrey salve recipe — comfrey is amazing for supporting skin regeneration.
