Antiseptic Herbal Soaps
Useful for keeping hands bacteria-free and for washing wounds, antiseptic soaps reduce the chance for illness to spread and for wounds to become infected.
Common Plantain Soap
Broadleaf plantain (Plantago major) is a familiar and prolific weed. You have probably pulled it from your yard or garden, for it has become naturalized throughout the world. When freshly gathered and mashed, it offers a juice that is second to none as a wound-healer; it helps stanch blood flow and fights bacteria and inflammation.
Ingredients
• A handful of fresh plantain leaves
(Substitute 2 tablespoons plantain oil–available in natural food stores–for the above mixture if fresh leaves are unavailable.)
• 1/4 cup liquid glycerin (available in pharmacies)
• 1/8 cup water
• 2 cups glycerin soap base
Blend the leaves with the liquid glycerin and water. Strain through a cheesecloth. Combine the mixture or the plantain oil with the soap base. Stir until blended, pour into molds, and cool.
For cuts: After washing a wound with Common Plantain Soap, prepare a poultice to apply to the wound. Take fresh, mashed plantain leaves and warm them by adding enough boiling water to make a paste. Apply the poultice and hold it in place with a bandage. You’ll be pleased with how quickly your wound heals!
Read the original article: How to Make Homemade Herbal Soaps.
