Imagine paying good money to get rid of a treasure chest in your yard! If you have thought of plantain as a nuisance weed, you might very well have done just that! Plantain, or Plantago major, is a weed that commonly grows in the yard in one of 200 varieties. You will recognize it by its broad, rounded cluster of leaves and nubby green spikes rising vertically from the midst.

In time last, plantain was used to heal the bites of “mad dogs, snakes, and venomous creatures.” In North America, Native Americans used plantain in the same way. For example, in colonial America a slave could win his freedom if he taught his master how to use plantain to cure rattlesnake bite. An article written in 1710 listed many plantain leaf benefits. Reading it, one wonders if this was not the medicine man’s secret brew that could heal anything!

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.

Many commercial cosmetic creams and lotions list as an active ingredient a substance called allantoin that is found in plantain herbs. 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.

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.

There have been no toxic reactions reported with the use of plantain though consuming extremely large amounts could cause diarrhea, skin rash, or other allergic reaction. It is very critical to store plantain in a dark, dry, and cool place. Refrigeration or freezing is highly recommended, but not necessary. By doing this you will delay the loss of its highly valued nutritional and medicinal properties.

Author Bio: Plantain Leaves provides quick healing from wounds, relief from bites and stings, calms indigestion and more health boosting benefits to those who use it regularly. To find out more about this and other bulk herbs, visit More Than Alive – a trusted resource for family health information.

Category: Medicines and Remedies
Keywords: plantain,plantain leaf,plantain leaves,plantain herb