Plantain is an herb I always like to have around. Luckily, it’s plentiful in our yard, so in the warmer months, I use it fresh, and I dry or freeze it for winter. It’s fantastic in salves for soothing bug bites, rashes, and burns.
Plantain, or Plantago Major, is a common herb with broad leaves often mistaken for a weed, but it’s incredibly useful. Historically, it’s said that Alexander the Great took it back to Europe in 327 BCE, and Native Americans called it the Whiteman’s Foot because it seemed to grow wherever settlers went. Though sometimes seen as an invasive weed, many cultures have valued plantain as a beneficial plant. The Saxons even considered it one of their sacred herbs. Early Christians saw it as a symbol of following a devout path, and some cultures use it as an aphrodisiac. The leaves are edible, great in salads or cooked; although older leaves can be tough, they’re still good for tea.
Rich in vitamins A, C, and calcium, plantain has long been used for its medicinal properties. Native Americans used it to soothe bee stings, insect bites, and irritating rashes like poison ivy, and to help heal sores and bruises. Plantain tea works as a mouthwash to heal sores and is also an expectorant. Lately, it’s even being marketed to help people stop smoking.
In some Native American cultures, plantain was seen as a cure-all, and its active ingredients have antibacterial, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and detoxifying properties. Chewed or shredded leaves can treat bites, as they prevent infection and reduce pain and itching. There’s ongoing research into its potential to lower blood sugar.
You can make plantain tea, tincture, or infusion to use internally. For external inflammation, it works wonders. If you have fresh plantain in your yard, ensure it’s pesticide-free, and you can use it in teas or salads. For bites and stings, make a poultice with plantain leaf and bentonite clay or, in a pinch, chew the leaf and apply it directly – it’s surprisingly effective.
For sunburn relief, spray a strong plantain tea on the affected area. It soothes rashes from Poison Ivy, Oak, or Sumac too. For a stronger remedy, steep plantain in apple cider vinegar, which quickly eases itching and pain on the skin. A cup of plantain tea is great for soothing digestion, heartburn, or IBS, and it can help with UTIs and bladder or kidney infections.
I also make a salve from plantain and other herbs for wound healing. You can find pre-made plantain tinctures, teas, or salves for your first aid kit. However, while generally safe, you should consult your doctor before using plantain if you have any medical conditions, and it shouldn’t replace necessary medical care.
Ever used plantain yourself? Spotted it in your yard thinking it was just a weed? Feel free to share your experiences!
