Plantain Anti-Itch Salve
Plantain leaf (not the banana!) is a powerful drawing herb for insect stings, poison ivy, and allergic rashes. Fast-acting relief.
Benefits
Ingredients
- Fresh or dried plantain leaves (Plantago major) — 50g
- Coconut oil — 100ml
- Beeswax — 12g
- Tea tree essential oil — 15 drops
- Peppermint essential oil — 10 drops
Instructions
- Infuse plantain in coconut oil using low heat for 2–4 hours.
- Strain and measure oil.
- Melt beeswax and combine with infused oil.
- Cool to 50°C; add essential oils.
- Pour into tins and allow to set fully before capping.
Interactions & contraindications
Fresh or dried plantain leaves (Plantago major)
Full profile- Significant kidney impairment — diuretic herbs may worsen renal function
No herb-specific pregnancy/child safety research is documented for Fresh or dried plantain leaves (Plantago major) in our references — the guidance below is based on its general effect category, not research on Fresh or dried plantain leaves (Plantago major) itself. Always confirm with a midwife, doctor, or pediatrician.
Pregnancy
Insufficient DataNo specific pregnancy safety research is documented for this herb in our references. This doesn't mean it's unsafe — it means it hasn't been well studied. Treat as unstudied and avoid unless a midwife or doctor familiar with your pregnancy advises otherwise.
Breastfeeding
Insufficient DataNo specific breastfeeding safety research is documented for this herb in our references. Treat as unstudied and consult a lactation consultant, midwife, or doctor before use.
Children
Insufficient DataNo specific pediatric safety/dosage research is documented for this herb in our references. Treat as unstudied and consult a pediatrician or pediatric herbalist before giving to a child.
No specific drug or herb interactions are documented for Fresh or dried plantain leaves (Plantago major) in our references. This doesn’t mean none exist — always check with a pharmacist or doctor before combining any new herb with prescription medication.
Coconut oil
Full profile- Autoimmune conditions (lupus, MS, RA) — may overstimulate immune response
No herb-specific pregnancy/child safety research is documented for Coconut oil in our references — the guidance below is based on its general effect category, not research on Coconut oil itself. Always confirm with a midwife, doctor, or pediatrician.
Pregnancy
Insufficient DataNo specific pregnancy safety research is documented for this herb in our references. This doesn't mean it's unsafe — it means it hasn't been well studied. Treat as unstudied and avoid unless a midwife or doctor familiar with your pregnancy advises otherwise.
Breastfeeding
Insufficient DataNo specific breastfeeding safety research is documented for this herb in our references. Treat as unstudied and consult a lactation consultant, midwife, or doctor before use.
Children
Insufficient DataNo specific pediatric safety/dosage research is documented for this herb in our references. Treat as unstudied and consult a pediatrician or pediatric herbalist before giving to a child.
No specific drug or herb interactions are documented for Coconut oil in our references. This doesn’t mean none exist — always check with a pharmacist or doctor before combining any new herb with prescription medication.
Beeswax
No herb-specific pregnancy/child safety research is documented for Beeswax in our references — the guidance below is based on its general effect category, not research on Beeswax itself. Always confirm with a midwife, doctor, or pediatrician.
Pregnancy
Insufficient DataNo specific pregnancy safety research is documented for this herb in our references. This doesn't mean it's unsafe — it means it hasn't been well studied. Treat as unstudied and avoid unless a midwife or doctor familiar with your pregnancy advises otherwise.
Breastfeeding
Insufficient DataNo specific breastfeeding safety research is documented for this herb in our references. Treat as unstudied and consult a lactation consultant, midwife, or doctor before use.
Children
Insufficient DataNo specific pediatric safety/dosage research is documented for this herb in our references. Treat as unstudied and consult a pediatrician or pediatric herbalist before giving to a child.
No specific drug or herb interactions are documented for Beeswax in our references. This doesn’t mean none exist — always check with a pharmacist or doctor before combining any new herb with prescription medication.
Tea tree essential oil
Full profileNo herb-specific pregnancy/child safety research is documented for Tea tree essential oil in our references — the guidance below is based on its general effect category, not research on Tea tree essential oil itself. Always confirm with a midwife, doctor, or pediatrician.
Pregnancy
Insufficient DataNo specific pregnancy safety research is documented for this herb in our references. This doesn't mean it's unsafe — it means it hasn't been well studied. Treat as unstudied and avoid unless a midwife or doctor familiar with your pregnancy advises otherwise.
Breastfeeding
Insufficient DataNo specific breastfeeding safety research is documented for this herb in our references. Treat as unstudied and consult a lactation consultant, midwife, or doctor before use.
Children
Insufficient DataNo specific pediatric safety/dosage research is documented for this herb in our references. Treat as unstudied and consult a pediatrician or pediatric herbalist before giving to a child.
No specific drug or herb interactions are documented for Tea tree essential oil in our references. This doesn’t mean none exist — always check with a pharmacist or doctor before combining any new herb with prescription medication.
Peppermint essential oil
Full profilePregnancy
Use CautionPeppermint tea is commonly used for pregnancy-related nausea, but peppermint oil (internal, concentrated) can relax the lower esophageal sphincter and worsen reflux, and some traditions caution against it in early pregnancy due to a mild emmenagogue reputation — tea in normal amounts is generally considered fine.
Breastfeeding
Use CautionLarge amounts or concentrated peppermint oil are traditionally said to reduce milk supply; occasional tea is unlikely to be an issue but is best kept moderate while establishing supply.
Children
Use CautionDiluted tea is commonly used for children's upset stomach, but peppermint oil/menthol should never be applied to or near the face of infants and toddlers — it can trigger dangerous breathing spasms (laryngospasm).
GERD/reflux medications
Relaxes the lower oesophageal sphincter and can worsen acid reflux.
Cyclosporine and other CYP3A4-metabolized drugs
May alter blood levels of some medications.