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Plantain is a herb that I could not live without. It is abundant in our yard, so it’s used fresh in warm weather and dried and frozen for winter use. I make salvesUse it to soothe bug bites, rashes or burns.
What is plantain?
Plantain (or Plantago Major), is a common backyard herb with broad leafs. Although it is widely considered a weed in most cases, it can be a very useful herb. Mountain Rose Herbs states:
“Legend has it that Alexander the Great discovered it and brought it with him back to Europe in 327 BCE. It has been referred to as the Whiteman’s Foot by Native Americans, as wherever they went, it seemed to spring up. In some areas, it’s considered a noxious invasive weed. The plant is useful. Many cultures around the world have used it, and the Saxons regarded it as one of their nine holy herbs.
Early Christians regarded it as a symbol of the path that the devout followed. Today, many cultures refer to this plant as an “aphrodisiac”. The leaves are edible and can be used in salads or as greens. The older leaves tend to have a stronger flavor and are often stringy and tough. However, they can still be used for making tea.
Plantain contains a lot of vitamins C and A, as well as calcium. Native Americans used plantain as a remedy to soothe insect bites and bee stings. They also used it to stop the itching caused by poison ivy or other allergic rashes and promote healing. Plantain tea is also used as an expectorant and a mouthwash for healing and preventing sores. Most recently, plantain is being marketed as a stop smoking aid, adding one more use to the list of ways that this versatile herb is useful.”
“Plantain has been used as a panacea in some Native American cultures and with some very good reasons. Its active constituents have antibacterial, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. The leaves can be shredded or cheated to treat insect bites, animal bites, and other skin irritations. Their antibacterial and anti-inflammatory actions help relieve the pain and discomfort caused by the bites. Some research is being done to determine its effects on lowering blood glucose.
The Many Uses of Plantain:
Plantain leafThe tea can also be made into an infusion, tincture, or tincture to use internally. Practical Herbalism):
- Cholesterol levels can be brought down to a healthy level
- Aiding people with Diabetes
- Hemorrhoid relief
- To help relieve Irritable Bowel Syndrome
- To help calm the bowels during Constipation or Diarrhea
- Bladder infection and ITIs are treated. Children can use it safely
- In case of indigestion or ulcers
Plantain Leaf is also very soothing on external inflammation:
- Bites
- Stings
- Rashes
- Eczema
- Psoriasis
- Burns
- Cuts
- Yeast
- Varicose Veins
How to Use Plantain:
If fresh plantain grows in your yard, you can make sure it has not been sprayed by pesticides or pets and use in teas or the young leaves in salads.
For stings and bites, make a poultice of fresh plantain leaf and bentonite clay with water to form a paste. When applied to the bite or sting, it will immediately relieve the pain. If you don’t have the other ingredients nearby, just chew up a leaf of plantain and spit on the bite. This sounds disgusting but it relieves pain.
A strong plantain tea or infusion (fresh or dry) can be sprayed directly on the sunburn to cool it down and ease the pain. This can also be used to soothe reactions and rashes caused by Poison Ivy or Oak. For an even stronger remedy steep the leaves in a solution of diluted vinegar. Plantain Leaf(fresh or dry) in apple vinegar for a couple of weeks, then strain. The vinegar will quickly soothe itching, pain and burning on the skin.
Plantain leaves, whether fresh or dried, can soothe indigestion or IBS. All digestive disorders are soothed by it. It can also be used for UTIs or bladder infections.
I make a salve out of PlantainOther herbs can be used to speed up the healing process of wounds, and in lieu of antibiotic cream. Coming soon: Recipe.
Pre-made items are also available. Plantain tincture, TeaIf you want to know more about a specific topic, please click on the link. Healing salve to have in your purse or first aid kit when needed.
NOTE: Plantain, while generally safe, should be used with caution if there is a medical condition. Consult your doctor first. It shouldn’t be used to replace medical attention.
Other Backyard Foods
Plantain is a plant that you may have used before. You may have seen it growing in your yard, but thought it was an invasive weed. Please share your photos!
