Stop the Itch! Make Your Own Mosquito Cream with Plantain

We’ve talked before about how mosquitoes LOVE the taste of Morgan blood. All five of us have suffered from the relentless biting this summer.

But as always, nature has the answer to this pesky problem—in the form of plantain. This wonder weed is known for its healing properties and its ability to relieve the symptoms of insect bites and stings. Luckily, it’s growing all over some of the terraces at our Quinta, so Chloe has created her own plantain balm using just three natural ingredients. We’ve found huge relief from itchy mozzie bites since using it, so we’re sharing the recipe here!

It’s super easy to make, and the main ingredient is completely free if you go out and forage your own. Plantain grows all across the UK and Europe during the summer months.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup plantain leaves (dried and crushed)

• 1 cup coconut oil

• 2 tablespoons melted beeswax

Here’s how it’s done:

Get out for a hike and forage around 30–40 plantain leaves.

String them up to dry for around 10–14 days (hang no more than 5 leaves together to prevent moulding)

Once dried, crumble the leaves.

In the meantime, melt 1 cup of coconut oil in a cooking pot.

Add the dried plantain leaves and leave to heat over a very low heat for 2–3 hours.

Strain the oil into another pot (the oil will now be a light green colour).

Add the beeswax and melt into the mixture, stirring gently.

Once fully dissolved, leave to cool, then pour into a clean jar.

Keep refrigerated for an extra soothing and cooling application.

Apply 3–4 times a day or as needed.

See? Super easy, inexpensive, and made entirely with natural, organic ingredients—no need for harsh chemical-based over-the-counter creams. A perfect remedy for bites and stings, straight from the land!