Plantain (officially Plantago major) is a weed commonly found in the wild and (much to suburbanites’ chagrin) the lawns of almost everyone living in temperate climates. Just think, here’s a weed probably found in your yard that you used to kill, and now, after reading this, you will want to harvest! There are over 200 species. You can find it quickly when you see the green, nubby spikes, which stick up out of a cluster of round leaves.
In North America, Native Americans learned to use plantain to treat bites of all kinds. In fact, plantain was formerly used to heal the bites of “mad dogs, snakes, and venomous creatures.” A colonial American slave could win his freedom by teaching his master, at an urgent time, how to use plantain to cure rattlesnake bite. In 1710 an article was published, listing the many benefits of plantain leaf benefits. The list sounded like it could have been written by a traveling medicine doctor as a promo for his elixir!
In Europe they encourage the use of plantain as a treatment for bronchitis, sore throat, and cold symptoms. Take a few fresh leaves, crush or chew them, and apply them to a bleeding wound or to the inflammation caused by bites or stings or to a toothache. This can also be used on skin disorders like dandruff, eczema, or sunburn. Plantain is like a universal treatment growing in the lawn! Do you have a problem with indigestion? A cup of strong plantain tea will very likely calm it.
In more recent times, plantain has been acclaimed for its ability to relieve bee stings, insect and spider bites, and rashes from an unfortunate encounter with Poison Ivy or Stinging Nettles. Dr. Christopher called Plantain, Jewelweed, and Hound’s Tongue “Nature’s erasers.” He said, “Stand anywhere within sight of Poison Ivy, and look about. You will always see at least one of these plants, placed by the hand of God to come to your aid, if you should need it.” Plantain will protect the body against tumors and help resist damage to the liver from chemotherapy drugs. The fiber and mucilage from the seeds of the Plantago species are the primary fiber supplement for millions of people around the world.
Many commercial cosmetic creams and lotions list as an active ingredient a substance called allantoin that is found in plantain leaves. It speeds wound healing, kills germs, and stimulates the growth of new skin cells.
Plantain heals on contact. Therefore it is essential for emergency situations such as stopping itching and/or bleeding, reducing inflammation, killing infection, etc. Along with cayenne, and comfrey, plantain should be kept close at hand in case of physical injuries.
Try this: make a simple ointment with olive oil, extract of fresh plantain, and a little beeswax. Apply this to skin ailments, including diaper rash. You can rub fresh plantain leaves right onto the skin to treat bug bites, eczema, poison ivy, or other minor skin irritations. Another method is to make a soothing poultice of fresh, mashed leaves and a little cool water. This will sooth sunburn. You can purchase plantain as a liquid extract and in capsule form also. For bronchial symptoms the usual dosage is one teaspoon of liquid extract three times a day, or six grams in capsules per day.
The good news is that plantain is not only good for you, but it is also safe to take. Though consuming extremely large amounts could cause diarrhea, skin rash, or other allergic reaction, there have been no toxic reactions reported with the normal use of plantain. However, it is very critical to store plantain in a dark, dry, and cool place. Refrigerating or freezing it is recommended but not necessary. By keeping it cool, you will delay the decay of its highly valued properties.
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hi, im from indonesia, nice to read your post
Good post. It’s nice to know that you can also take this plaintain leaf aside from its external use. You can already make an herbal tea out of this plaintain leaf. It should be taken moderately to prevent allergic reactions. Tava Tea also has healthful benefits such as cancer prevention aside from helping to lose weight.
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