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Plantain is a common weed that has many medicinal properties. (Image: Ila Bonczek/Vision Times)
While plantain may not be much to look at, and is usually trampled on, this common weed is worthy of respect and recognition as a multipurpose medicinal, as well as a nutritious wild edible. Learn how to make the most of this herbal powerhouse and you may find yourself looking at it with appreciation rather than resentment.
What is plantain?
First let’s be clear: We are not talking about the starchy fruit related to the banana here; we are talking about a leafy perennial herb. This plantain can be identified by its rosette growth pattern of robust, green leaves. Depending on the species, the leaves may be long and thin or large and rounded, but both will have a parallel vein structure and non serrated leaf margin.
Plantain is a tough plant that can take poor soils and foot traffic. (Image: Ila Bonczek/Vision Times)
The flowers are far-from showy, but they yield several prominent seed stalks, which account for its widespread propagation. Plantain grows readily in lawns, gardens, meadows, disturbed areas, and even the cracks between sidewalks.
Plantago lanceolata (Image: Eugene Zelenko via Commons Wikimedia CC BY-SA 4.0)
Broadleaf plantain (Plantago major) is native to North America, while narrowleaf plantain (Plantago lanceolata) was introduced from Eurasia. Although they differ in appearance, they share the same noteworthy medicinal and nutritional qualities. Because of its ability to make itself at home almost anywhere, plantain is usually considered a weed, but here we will attempt to sway you to think otherwise.
Common remedy for insect bites
Aside from its weedy reputation, plantain is probably best known for its ability to soothe insect bites quickly and naturally. Because of its anti-inflammatory properties and soothing allantoin, plantain offers effective relief from bee stings, mosquito bites and plant irritants.
Since you are usually outside when such incidents occur, your remedy is likely within a few yards. Happily, you don’t need to go to any trouble beyond finding a leaf and chewing it up a bit. Press the macerated leaf directly onto the skin until you feel relief. For stubborn stings, you can secure it with a bandage and replace it periodically.
Beneficial properties of plantain
The benefits of plantain go far beyond soothing stings, however. Plantain contains flavonoids, terpenoids and tannins that help reduce the inflammation associated with various ailments; as well as important fibers for regulating the digestive system.
The seeds contain psyllium, a fiber that acts as a natural laxative, while the leaves contain mucilage, a viscous, soluble fiber which helps treat diarrhea and also serves as a mild laxative.
Iridoid glycosides in plantain have antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties that promote healing, as well as antioxidants to boost immunity.
Traditional uses
Historically, plantain was widely known for its powerful medicinal properties. Ancient Persians and Arabians favored the herb for regulating bowel movements. Pedanius Dioscorides, a physician for the Roman Empire, relied on plantain for soothing and healing soldiers in the army.
Across Europe, wounds, rabid dog bites, venomous spider bites, parasites, kidney disorders and headaches were all tackled with plantain.
Traditional Chinese medicine recognizes plantain as an important reproductive herb, useful in promoting healthy childbirth.
Native Americans used the herb against bruises and boils, hemorrhages, rheumatic pain and toothaches, while the Maori, natives of New Zealand, used plantain to heal ulcers, scalds and burns.
Plantain’s healing properties were largely forgotten with the emergence of modern medicine, but herbalists remind us that this plant is much more than just a prolific weed.
Home remedies worth trying
While plantain supplements may come with mild side-effects, the whole herb is considered generally safe for both external use and consumption. You should be able to find it just about anywhere, but be careful not to harvest from contaminated sites, lawns sprayed with herbicides, or areas frequented by pets. Remember to wash your plantain before consuming it.
Plantain tea
A simple tea can be prepared with fresh or dried leaves. Pour one cup boiling water over one tablespoon dried or two tablespoons fresh plantain leaves. Steep for 10-15 minutes and strain.
Immune-boosting tea: Taken at the onset of a cold or flu, plantain can help fight infection and protect against bacterial and viral pathogens.
Regenerative wash: Plantain’s anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and healing qualities, combined with its astringent, soothing and moisturizing properties make it an effective skin cleanser and toner. The infusion can be applied by spritzing, soaking a cloth, or simply splashing it on the face or body.
Digestive tonic: Drinking one cup of plantain tea daily can promote regular bowel movements and ease the symptoms of indigestion, irritable bowel syndrome and heartburn.
Liver tonic: Two cups of plantain leaf tea daily can improve liver function.
Oral health: Cooled, plantain tea can be used as an oral rinse to treat inflammation or sores in the mouth and protect against dental decay. Gargled, it also helps soothe sore throats.
Plantain poultice
A poultice is simply a fresh herb mashed up to release its juices. In this form, plantain is a potent soother and healer.
Healing: Apply directly to acne, eczema, cuts and wounds for quick relief and healing.
Soothing: Apply to itchy and painful stings, bites, poison ivy and rashes.
Drawing: A plantain poultice can help draw out stings, splinters and infection to promote fast healing.
Dried plantain
Drying is a practical way to preserve plantain for the winter months. Dried plantain can be used to make tea and other remedies.
Plantain infused oil: This is a soothing remedy in itself, but it can also be used to make balms and salves. Infuse dried plantain leaves in a neutral oil (olive, almond, coconut, avocado) for three to four weeks, shaking occasionally. Strain into amber bottles and use on rough, dry hands, weary feet, sun-damaged skin, etc.
Drawing ointment: Dried plantain can be ground into a powder and combined with bentonite clay to make the perfect drawing formula. Mix a small amount of powder with water to form a paste and spread over splinters, bee stingers or inflammation to draw out the offenders.
Plantain Tincture or extract
dy reputation, plantain is probably best known for its ability to soothe insect bites quickly and naturally. Because of its anti-inflammatory properties and soothing allantoin, plantain offers effective relief from bee stings, mosquito bites and plant irritants.
Since you are usually outside when such incidents occur, your remedy is likely within a few yards. Happily, you don’t need to go to any trouble beyond finding a leaf and chewing it up a bit. Press the macerated leaf directly onto the skin until you feel relief. For stubborn stings, you can secure it with a bandage and replace it periodically.
Beneficial properties of plantain
The benefits of plantain go far beyond soothing stings, however. Plantain contains flavonoids, terpenoids and tannins that help reduce the inflammation associated with various ailments; as well as important fibers for regulating the digestive system.
The seeds contain psyllium, a fiber that acts as a natural laxative, while the leaves contain mucilage, a viscous, soluble fiber which helps treat diarrhea and also serves as a mild laxative.
Iridoid glycosides in plantain have antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties that promote healing, as well as antioxidants to boost immunity.
Traditional uses
Historically, plantain was widely known for its powerful medicinal properties. Ancient Persians and Arabians favored the herb for regulating bowel movements. Pedanius Dioscorides, a physician for the Roman Empire, relied on plantain for soothing and healing soldiers in the army.
Across Europe, wounds, rabid dog bites, venomous spider bites, parasites, kidney disorders and headaches were all tackled with plantain.
Traditional Chinese medicine recognizes plantain as an important reproductive herb, useful in promoting healthy childbirth.
Native Americans used the herb against bruises and boils, hemorrhages, rheumatic pain and toothaches, while the Maori, natives of New Zealand, used plantain to heal ulcers, scalds and burns.
Plantain’s healing properties were largely forgotten with the emergence of modern medicine, but herbalists remind us that this plant is much more than just a prolific weed.
Home remedies worth trying
While plantain supplements may come with mild side-effects, the whole herb is considered generally safe for both external use and consumption. You should be able to find it just about anywhere, but be careful not to harvest from contaminated sites, lawns sprayed with herbicides, or areas frequented by pets. Remember to wash your plantain before consuming it.
Nutritious edible
Plantain leaves are also highly nutritious, providing a good amount of vitamins A and C, as well as minerals like calcium, magnesium, manganese, potassium and zinc. Adding plantain to your diet is a simple way to get a regular dose of its many benefits. Larger leaves are best cooked in soups, as they can become slightly tough and bitter, but young leaves can be used much like spinach.
Broadleaf plantain seeds are borne on stalks, much like a head of wheat. The seeds can be used like flax seed, as they share similar properties. (Image: Ila Bonczek/Vision Times)
Now that you know dozens of ways to use plantain, perhaps the next time you encounter this rugged herb, you’ll put it to work — or at least think twice before destroying it.
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