🌿 How to Make Plantain Glycerite (and Why Your Skin Will Thank You)

Plantain might just be the most powerful little plant you’ve walked past a thousand times. No, not the banana—I'm talking about the wild green herb that grows in pavement cracks, garden corners and open fields: Plantago major or Plantago lanceolata.

If you're into gentle, effective herbal remedies—especially for your skin and gut—plantain glycerite should be on your radar. It’s sweet, alcohol-free, soothing, and surprisingly easy to make at home.

Let’s dig in.

Plantain major leaves

✨ Why Plantain?

Plantain is packed with mucilage (a naturally soothing, gel-like compound), anti-inflammatory compounds, and tannins that help tighten and tone skin.Traditionally, it’s been used for:

• Red, inflamed, or acne-prone skin

• Itchy rashes, bites, and minor wounds

• Sore throats and dry coughs

• Gut irritation and mild digestive inflammation

• Allergy support and histamine regulation

  
  

It's a true all-rounder—and when made into a glycerite, not only can you add it to your skincare but it has myriad other uses too. It is gentle, sweet-tasting, and perfect for both kids and adults.

🧪 Plantain's Herbal Properties

A mighty 'weed' packed with healing goodness.

Here is a breakdown of the key herbal actions plantain offers (with explanations so you know what some of the more technical herbal words actually mean):

• Demulcent – This means it's rich in mucilage (a gel-like substance) that soothes, coats, and protects irritated tissues. Think sore throats, upset stomachs, or dry, itchy skin.

• Anti-inflammatory – Plantain helps reduce redness, swelling, and irritation, both inside the body (like in the gut or lungs) and on the skin. Perfect for flare-ups and sensitive reactions.

• Astringent – Astringents tighten and tone tissues, which can help shrink pores, reduce excess oil, and even stop minor bleeding. Plantain is gentle, so it’s great for skin that needs calming—not stripping. A great 'magical' balm when your children fall over - so much more fun than savlon!

• Vulnerary – A vulnerary is an herb that supports wound healing. Plantain encourages tissue repair, making it ideal for cuts, scrapes, bug bites, or acne spots.

• Antimicrobial – Plantain naturally helps fight bacteria and minor infections, which is part of why it's often used on wounds or acne-prone skin.

• Expectorant – This means it helps the body loosen and clear out mucus, making it useful for dry coughs or irritated lungs.

• Lymphatic (mildly) – Lymphatic herbs support the body’s detox system by helping move fluid through the lymph nodes. This gently encourages clearer skin and less internal stagnation.

  
  

  .... I know - pretty amazing right?

  

  My shredded Plantain soaking in pure vegetable glycerine

  
  

💧 What Is a Glycerite?

A glycerite is an herbal extract made with vegetable glycerin instead of alcohol. It pulls out many of the same medicinal compounds as alcohol-based tinctures, but it’s:

• Alcohol-free

• Sweet and easy to take

• Gentle on the gut and mucous membranes

• Safe for children and pets

• Long-lasting (shelf stable for 1+ year)

🧪 How to Make Plantain Glycerite (Simple DIY Recipe)

You’ll need:

• Fresh or dried plantain leaves (clean and chopped)

• Vegetable glycerin (food grade)

• Distilled water

• A clean glass jar with a lid

• Cheesecloth or fine strainer

• A dark glass bottle for storage

🌿 Top tip - use only the newest, freshest, softest leaves - your glycerite will get much more from them than the old leathery leaves.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Fill your jar halfway with chopped fresh (or ¼ full if using dried) plantain leaves.

2. If you are using dried herbs, in a separate container, mix 3 parts glycerin to 1 part distilled water. If you are using fresh herbs you can use pure vegetable glycerine.

3. Pour the mixture over the plantain, making sure the herbs are fully submerged.

4. Label the jar with the date and contents.

5. Store in a cool, dark place for 4–6 weeks, shaking it daily.

6. Strain using cheesecloth or a fine mesh strainer.

7. Pour into a clean, steralised dropper bottle, label it, and store it in a cool, dark cupboard.

   

🌼 How to Use Plantain Glycerite

This is one of those remedies that fits easily into everyday life:

For Skincare:

• Add a few drops to your toner or serum (always do a patch test first!)

• Use on minor skin irritations, bug bites, or dry patches

• Dab directly on blemishes to calm redness

  
  

Internally:

• Take 1–2 droppers in a little water or tea, up to 3x a day

• Use at the first sign of a sore throat or seasonal allergies

• Support gentle detox and lymph movement (especially during skin flare-ups)

• Help soothe digestive irritation or leaky gut symptoms

  
  

For Kids:

• A sweet, safe option for coughs or rashes

• Combine with other gentle herbs like chamomile or lemon balm

🌟 Final Thoughts

Plantain glycerite is one of those simple but powerful remedies—easy to make, incredibly versatile, and safe enough for daily use. Whether you're dealing with breakouts, dryness, or an unhappy gut, this humble little plant might just have the answer.

You can turn most herbs into glycerites following the same method as above. Let me know how you get on.

So there you go. I hope this brings a little hedgerow magic into your kitchen.

Love

Polly x

ps. Have you tried working with plantain before? Let me know in the comments