Salve for stings, bites, and slivers from Plantain

Plantain salve is a must have in your cottage apothecary or your camping gear. It will ease the pain and swelling of a wasp sting, provided you aren’t severely allergic. It will stop the itching and redness of mosquito bites, and it will help draw slivers and boils to a head, so they can be removed.

Of course if you have severe allergies you’ll need more than plantain salve to help you.

 4 tablespoons olive oil  2 tablespoons plantain leaves, dried and crushed  1 tablespoon beeswax (approx. 12 grams)

This can be applied immediately to bites and stings. Apply as often as needed to bring relief. If the patient has been stung by a honeybee the stinger should be scraped out of the sting using the side of a card. As long as the stinger is in the body, it continues to pump venom into the system. Removing the stinger minimizes the pain, swelling, and inflammation. Other herbs that can help with stings, bites, or slivers: Pine resin, arnica, lavender, nettles.