Plantain grows along paths, in lawns and in fields, almost everywhere in the world. This humble wild plant has long been familiar to herbalists and gardeners. Today, it is best known as plantain macerate, a plant oil infused with its leaves and valued for caring for dry and sensitive skin.
In this article, you will discover:
- Where plantain comes from and how to recognize it
- What an oil macerate is and how it is made
- A simple recipe to make your own macerate at home
- How to add it to your dry skin care routine
Plantain, a well-travelled wild plant
Broadleaf plantain (Plantago major) and ribwort plantain (Plantago lanceolata) are among the most widespread plants on the planet. Native to Eurasia, broadleaf plantain followed European settlers to North America, so much so that some Indigenous peoples reportedly nicknamed it “white man’s footprint”, because it seemed to spring up wherever the newcomers went.
You can recognize it by its broad oval leaves with parallel veins, growing in a rosette close to the ground. It thrives in compacted soil, along trails and in lawns. Its leaves are rich in mucilage, which gives its macerate a soft, pleasant texture on the skin.
What is an oil macerate?
An oil macerate is a plant oil in which a herb is left to infuse for several weeks. Little by little, the oil takes on the plant compounds that dissolve in fats, along with its colour and scent.
For plantain macerate, olive oil is the usual choice, valued for its richness and good shelf life, though lighter oils such as sunflower or sweet almond also work well. The result is a green, silky oil that can be used on its own or added to homemade preparations.
How to make your own plantain macerate
Enjoy making your own skincare? Plantain macerate is simple and inexpensive to prepare.
What you need
- Plantain leaves (fresh or dried), picked away from roads and treated areas
- Plant oil (olive, sunflower, sweet almond or jojoba)
- 1 clean glass jar
- 1 fine strainer
- 1 opaque bottle
- (optional) Vitamin E, to help preserve the oil
Steps
- Clean and dry the leaves, then let them wilt for 1 to 2 days to reduce their water content.
- Fill the jar two-thirds full with leaves, then cover them completely with oil.
- Leave to macerate at room temperature for 3 to 6 weeks.
- Shake the jar regularly.
- Strain and pour into a tinted bottle.
- Store away from light and heat.
Shelf life: 6 to 12 months. If the oil changes in smell or appearance, stop using it.
Plantain macerate in your skincare routine
Gentle and nourishing, plantain macerate fits easily into a care routine for dry and sensitive skin.
Nourish dry skin
Applied to dry or rough areas such as elbows, knees or legs, it nourishes the skin and helps keep it supple.
Soothe the tight feeling of dry skin
After a shower or in cold weather, a few drops massaged into the skin soothe the tight feeling of dry skin.
Soften your hands
In winter, a little macerate on your hands and cuticles leaves them soft and comfortable.
Enrich your skincare
Add a few drops to your moisturizer, or use it as the base of a homemade balm with beeswax.
For massage
Its smooth glide makes it a pleasant base for a nourishing massage.
Precautions
As with any product applied to the skin, plantain macerate calls for a few precautions.
- Do a patch test in the crease of the elbow and wait 24 hours before first use.
- For external use only.
- Avoid contact with the eyes.
- Do not apply to broken skin.
- Store away from light and heat, in a tinted bottle.
- For use on young children or during pregnancy, ask a health professional for advice.
In short
A simple wild plant, plantain makes a gentle, nourishing macerate that is ideal for caring for dry and sensitive skin. Whether you like to make it yourself or prefer a ready-to-use product like our plantain macerate, it deserves a place in your wellness routine.
Take care of your skin, naturally
