you’ve got to hate it when
you find out that you went to a lot of trouble to kill a weed in your
yard only to learn it was a goldmine of healing powers! Plantain is just
such a weed. Unless it is winter, it is probably growing in your lawn
right now. There are 200 species of plantain. You will recognize it by
its cluster of rounded leaves with nubby spikes rising vertically from
the midst.
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. The list sounded like it could have been written by a traveling medicine doctor as a promo for his elixir!
How did they apply it? They took a few fresh leaves, crushed or chewed them, and applied them to a bleeding wound. Or they would use it to alleviate the pain and inflammation of bites and stings. Plantain can also be used this way to treat a wide range of skin disorders, including eczema, dandruff, or sunburn. Plantain is like a First Aid ointment growing right in your lawn! The leaf will also relieve the pain of a toothache by chewing on it. A cup of strong plantain tea will calm indigestion. In Europe they have confirmed that plantain is a valid treatment for sore throat, bronchitis, and cold symptoms.
An unfortunate encounter with Poison Ivy or Stinging Nettles will make you glad for plantain nearby. It will relieve inflammation caused by bee stings, insect and spider bites, and rashes. Dr. Christopher called Plantain, Jewelweed, and Hound’s Tongue “Nature’s erasers.” He further stated, “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 help resist damage to the liver from chemotherapy drugs as well as protect the body against tumors. Millions of people around the world count on the fiber and mucilage from the seeds of the Plantago species to be their primary fiber supplement.
Plantain leaf contains an anti-inflammatory substance called allantoin. This stimulates the growth of new skin cells, kills germs, and speeds wound healing. Many commercial cosmetic creams and lotions list it as an active ingredient.
Plantain is a contact healer. As such, it is essential for emergency situations to stop itching and/or bleeding, reduce inflammation, kill infection, etc. Basically, along with cayenne, and comfrey, plantain is a must in case of physical injuries.
Plantain is also available as a supplement in liquid extract and capsule form. The usual dosage for, say, bronchial symptoms is 6 grams in capsules or one teaspoon of liquid extract three times a day. A simple ointment can be made using olive oil, extract of fresh plantain, and a little beeswax. Apply this to skin ailments, including diaper rash. Or rub fresh plantain leaves on the skin to soothe poison ivy, bug bites, eczema or other minor skin irritations. You can also make a soothing poultice of fresh, mashed leaves mixed in a little cool water. Apply it to sunburns.
Plantain is both good for you and safe. Though some reaction to excessive amounts has been reported, there are no known reactions to normal use. Just remember to keep it cool or frozen to preserve its value.
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. The list sounded like it could have been written by a traveling medicine doctor as a promo for his elixir!
How did they apply it? They took a few fresh leaves, crushed or chewed them, and applied them to a bleeding wound. Or they would use it to alleviate the pain and inflammation of bites and stings. Plantain can also be used this way to treat a wide range of skin disorders, including eczema, dandruff, or sunburn. Plantain is like a First Aid ointment growing right in your lawn! The leaf will also relieve the pain of a toothache by chewing on it. A cup of strong plantain tea will calm indigestion. In Europe they have confirmed that plantain is a valid treatment for sore throat, bronchitis, and cold symptoms.
An unfortunate encounter with Poison Ivy or Stinging Nettles will make you glad for plantain nearby. It will relieve inflammation caused by bee stings, insect and spider bites, and rashes. Dr. Christopher called Plantain, Jewelweed, and Hound’s Tongue “Nature’s erasers.” He further stated, “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 help resist damage to the liver from chemotherapy drugs as well as protect the body against tumors. Millions of people around the world count on the fiber and mucilage from the seeds of the Plantago species to be their primary fiber supplement.
Plantain leaf contains an anti-inflammatory substance called allantoin. This stimulates the growth of new skin cells, kills germs, and speeds wound healing. Many commercial cosmetic creams and lotions list it as an active ingredient.
Plantain is a contact healer. As such, it is essential for emergency situations to stop itching and/or bleeding, reduce inflammation, kill infection, etc. Basically, along with cayenne, and comfrey, plantain is a must in case of physical injuries.
Plantain is also available as a supplement in liquid extract and capsule form. The usual dosage for, say, bronchial symptoms is 6 grams in capsules or one teaspoon of liquid extract three times a day. A simple ointment can be made using olive oil, extract of fresh plantain, and a little beeswax. Apply this to skin ailments, including diaper rash. Or rub fresh plantain leaves on the skin to soothe poison ivy, bug bites, eczema or other minor skin irritations. You can also make a soothing poultice of fresh, mashed leaves mixed in a little cool water. Apply it to sunburns.
Plantain is both good for you and safe. Though some reaction to excessive amounts has been reported, there are no known reactions to normal use. Just remember to keep it cool or frozen to preserve its value.
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