Comfrey Plantain Salve: Tutorial

One of the most common uses of Comfrey extract is as a skin treatment. The plant contains the small organic molecule allantoin, which is thought to stimulate cell growth and repair while simultaneously depressing inflammation. Scientists and physicians agree that the use of Comfrey should be restricted to topical use.

Plantain salves are used as moisturizers and to treat a host of skin conditions ranging from eczema to stretch marks. Plantain is an astringent herb, so it is topically used to treat bee stings, insect bites, scratches, burns and sores.

I like to combine comfrey and plantain into one beautiful, green salve. Together, they work to reduce a variety of skin irritations and encourage cell growth. The balm made from these two plants offers a remedy for stubborn diaper rashes, eczema, burns, and psoriasis.

Comfrey Plantain Salve

Ingredients:
2 oz Comfrey leaves, dried
2 oz Plantain leaves, dried
2 oz Chickweed, dried (optional)
2 oz Chamomile, dried (optional)
Vitamin E
Olive Oil
Beeswax

Directions:
1. Combine herbs in a glass mason jar.
2. Pour enough olive oil to cover the herbs, leaving 1/2 inch head space.
3. Leave on the counter to infuse for 4-6 weeks.
4. Strain oil through a cheesecloth. Reserve the herb-infused oil and compost the plant material. Repeat steps 1-4 two to three times for a double or triple infusion.
5. In a double boiler over very low heat, add the herbal oil and beeswax. Depending on how hard you’d like your salve, add 1-2 oz of beeswax per 8 oz of oil.
6. Add Vitamin E and stir.
7. Once melted, pour the mixture into small containers.

An herbal salve prepared in this fashion should keep in a cool, dark place for up to 5 years.