This is one powerful salve. Dense in substance and energy. I use it sparingly when I need to draw out something “nasty”. Post treatment after removing ticks, splinters of glass or wood. To speed the healing of spider bites, boils, or a closed wound that is a risk for getting infected. I probably would not use it on puncture wounds due to its oiliness and thickness. There are probably better choices if you want something specifically to fight bacteria. It should not be applied to areas of broken skin or to something that is obviously infected. This salve is difficult to remove and it will stain clothing and skin.
Drawing Salve
1/2 cup of calendula oil
1/2 cup of plantain or comfrey oil
2/3 cup of castor oil
1/3 cup of lavender infused honey
2/3 cup of betonite clay
2/3 cup of activated charcoal
2/3 cup of beeswax pellets
5 tsp of shea butter
Melt the shea butter and beeswax pellets in a double broiler
Add in your oils and honey, whip
Add in your dry ingredients, continue to whip until smooth and fluffy.
Spoon into small jars or tins.
To use, slab enough of the Drawing Salve to create a thick paste on the spot that you want it to work on. Cover it with a bandage to keep it on and to keep it from staining your clothing. Reapply as needed. For external use only.
Plantago is a perennial characterized by a basal rosette of several leaves with ribbed/parallel venation. Each terminates in a thick channeled stalk where they attach to a round stem. Leaves can be broad/ovate or narrow/lance shaped. Sometimes margins are toothed. A single, dense ,cylinder shaped, cluster/spike, of greenish white tiny flowers grows on a tall (6-18 inch) erect stem . These have brown sepals and bracts. Plantain is found along paths and roadsides, in meadows and lawns or in wastelands. If cultivating this plant, it likes sun or partial shade but really prefers a moist soil.
Plantago should be your top choice for a first aid remedy. Externally plantain is thought to be helpful for broken bones, wounds, burns, bruises, injuries, boils, acne, shingles, sunburn, eczema fungal infections, sore feet, and plantar fasciitis, . It can draw venom, poison, dirt, splinters, pus, and infection out of insect stings, animal bites, or wounds. It relieves irritation and pain when one has been exposed to irritating plants like nettles or poison ivy. Like nettle is supports the body to release antihistamine for relief when suffering from allergies, hayfever, and asthma. Historically this herb has been used to treat ulcers, bronchitis, coughs, sore throats, lung damage, inflammation in the digestive tract, irritated tissues/organs, hemorrhoids, varicose veins, toothache, fever, mastitis, earache, sore throat, urinary tract infections and internal bleeding. It is known to clear heat and inflammation. The seeds are edible and have been used to make flour or as a thickener. They are also a good source of fiber and may prevent constipation.
Family: Plantaginacea
Parts Used-leaves, seeds, root
Energetics-sweet, salty, bitter, cool, dry
Element-earth
Spiritual and Emotional Uses: Settling a mind that is restless, overactive, irritable or “addicted” to something stimulating.
Contraindications: soak or cook seeds before use.
Blackbird's Backyard Pharmacy 