Plantain, The Bandaid Plant With Many Health Benefits

Plantain (Plantago major) also known as broad-leaf plantain is another valuable medicinal “weed” that is found growing abundantly in yards and gardens. This little gem is

the love of herbalists and a bane to lawn lovers. There are 2 species that are common you can use, Plantago major and P. lanceolata also known as ribwort narrow leaf  plantain. Called the band-aid plant, this remarkable plant stops itching and even intense itching.

Gather young plantain leaves in the spring to eat raw like spinach. Plantain leaves are a good source of vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin K and magnesium. They are also high in fiber. All parts of this plant are medicine, the roots, seeds and leaves. Gather young tender leaves in the spring or early fall to put in salads. The roots are dried, ground and drank as a coffee substitute. The leaves are  infused in oil and made into a salve.

Plantain has antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor properties. It also boosts the immune system and helps to treat ulcers, diarrhea and fatigue.

Heals Damaged Skin

You can use the leaf as a poultice or salve for slivers, flea bites and bug bites such as mosquitoes, black flies, fire ants and chiggers. To make a poultice, pick a leaf and chew it then apply the leaf to the bite, cut or scrape. It takes the pain away quickly and speeds healing. Apply the leaf poultice immediately to fire ant bites to prevent blisters from forming.

Healthy Digestion

The seeds are similar to psyllium, which is a type of soluble fiber that can bulk up stools and help them move through your digestive tract. It can help with diarrhea and keep your bowel movements regular.

Respiratory Health

One of the most popular traditional uses for this herb was to support lung health. The leaves are rich in mucilage, which provides  protective and demulcent activity on the respiratory tract. It moistens and coats the airways with a protective layer of mucus which relieves discomfort and reduces irritation that causes a dry cough.

Plantain Tea Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 cup fresh plantain leaves
• 2 cups water
• Heat-proof bowl with fitting lid

Directions

• Wash the plantain leaves thoroughly and keep it in a bowl with lid.
• Boil the water and pour over the leaves in the bowl
• Cover with the lid and let them steep until the bowl is cold to the  touch.
• Strain out the tea and store in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.

Tea Benefits

Drink 1-2 cups of this tea a day to control diarrhea or to get relief from the symptoms of cold and fever. You can drink it plain or add honey for taste. It brings relief to people who have stomach ulcers, IBS or other inflammatory diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. Plantain tea is a general tonic too.

Use plantain tea topically to wash wounds, boils and skin damaged by sunburn, rashes, eczema etc.

Plantain tea helps heal mouth ulcers just swish 2-3 tbsp of the tea in your mouth 3-4 times a day. Also 1 tbsp of tincture diluted in a cup of water also works.

Gargle with plantain tea or diluted tincture for throat pain or infection. Take 5-10 drops of tincture diluted in water.