Sunday, May 27, 2012

Preparing Herbal Extracts for Insect Stings

Plantain Salve


Plantain leaves can be broken up and applied directly, or can be prepared into a salve.

1.  Finely chop Plantain leaves (lots of them).

2.  Slowly add warm water in very small amounts to begin making a gooey dark green salve.

This salve does not store well; it's best to prepare it fresh each time you use it.



Jewelweed Extract


1.  Collect a reasonable amount of fresh plant while it is in bloom (best May through October).

2.  Break up the plant and cover it with water in a pot.  Boil for approximately 20 minutes or until water has turned a murky-orange-red color.

3.  Strain the jewelweed plant from the liquid and pour into a jar.

Freeze if possible.  If not, prepare fresh batch each time used.



Lavender Oil


1.  Pour approximately 300 cc olive or other oil into jar.

2.  Stir in 8 tablespoons lavender flowers.

3.  Cover tightly and leave the mixtures for 48 hours on a sunny windowsill, shaking well every 12 hours.

4.  Lay piece of muslin over the bowl and strain the oil.

5.  Put oil back into the jar and add 8 tablespoons fresh lavender flowers.  Put back on windowsill in sun for 48 hours, shaking well every 12 hours.

6.  Repeat until you get a strong aroma from the oil.

7.  After the final strain, put the oil into a dark glass bottle for storage.

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