Herb Presentation Oct 5, 2017 Antelope Garden Club
Valerie Phipps
Herbs and materials used in presentation:
Lemon Balm, Bee Balm, Artemisia, Rosemary, Yarrow, Sunflowers,
Larkspur, Blue Salvia, Chrysanthemum, Grape Vine, Plantain, Osha Root
Tinctures, elixir, oil, salve and syrup:
Echinacea Tincture Echinacea angustifolia Strengthens immune system, cold sores, respiratory infect- ions, yeast infections, urinary tract infections, cancer
Comfrey Tincture/Salve Symphytum officinale Leaves used as a poultice for bruises and sprains, arthritis, osteoarthritis, salve used for surface cuts, skin irritations, ulcers
Lemon Balm Tincture Melissa officinalis Woman’s tonic, calming, hyperthyroid conditions, sunburn, cold sores, anxiety, insect bites, nausea, childbirth
Monarda Elixir Monarda fistulosa/didyma Sore throats and cough
Mullein Oil Verbascum thapsus l. Used for earaches, pet ear pet problems, tincture of leaves for asthma
Osha Root Tincture Ligusticum porteri Sore throat, bronchitis and cough
Plantain Salve Plantago major/lanceolata Insect bites, scratches, minor cuts. Use in place of antibiotic salve
Supplies and directions to make a simple salve
· A good handful of Plantain leaves (or other herbs) must be moisture free
· 4 oz coconut oil
· ½ oz beeswax shaved or pellets
· 8 oz Heatproof jar
· Saucepan
Directions: Add Plantain to the Jar. Tear or chop the plantain leaves into smaller pieces and fill the jar half full. Pack the leaves in there tightly.
Add Coconut Oil Add the coconut oil on top of the leaves. Put the jar in a saucepan and fill the pan about halfway up the jar with water. Set the heat on a low simmer and let the oil infuse for about two hours. Or place jar in a small crockpot with hot water set on high.
Strain After the oil infuses for a couple of hours, strain out the plantain leaves. The oil will be a pretty light green. Put oil back into the jar.
Add the beeswax Add the beeswax to the infused oil and put the jar back into the saucepan until the beeswax melts. The beeswax will help keep the salve firm at room temperature. At this point, you could stir in a few drops of essential oil such as lavender for fragrance.
Pour into Jars or Tins Pour the oil mixture into tins or jars—this batch makes 6 oz. Let the salve cool. It will become opaque as it cools.
Use the salve on minor cuts and burns. The coconut oil and beeswax will help keep the skin moist and the plantain will promote healing. The salve is also great for healing chapped hands, feet, and sunburned skin. Use the salve on your pets too! It’s great on sore paws and noses.
Plantain salve is also great for bee and wasp stings, mosquito bites, poison ivy, eczema, psoriasis and diaper rash.
Always be sure of plant identification, especially if you gather in the wild. A wrong choice could be deadly.
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