Mother Nature's Wonder Weed, Plantain

For an apothecary plantain is a must have herb and has many different uses, both medicinal and magical.

Plantain leaves are high in vitamins A and C to boost the immune system, and the high tannin content gives it astringent properties that reduce inflammation and combats infection.

Plantains (not the banana kind) are weeds that grow pretty much anywhere.  You probably have it growing on your property or close by.  If you use herbicides or pesticides on your property, you probably don’t want to use weeds growing on your property and can wild harvest them in other places such as pastures, parks and open spaces as long as you have permission to be there, or it’s public property. You don’t want to pick weeds growing close to roads either because you don’t know what might have been applied or spilled near the road. 

There are two Plantain weeds that I use on a regular basis.  Plantago Major and Plantago lanceolata also known as Plantain Rib Wort

Plantain Major

Plantain Ribwort

 Medicinal uses:

• Plantain weeds are used to take the heat out of the body.  If you get a sting or bug bite and can find plantain growing nearby, take a few leaves, chew on it, then place the chewed herb on the wound to reduce the pain and swelling.  Your saliva will activate the plantain’s healing abilities.

• Plantain can also provide relief from the itch of eczema, inflamed skin or dermatitis.

• Plantain contains vitamin K to support collagen production, which helps repair skin damage from all types of minor wounds.

• It can be used on blisters, so the next time you’re hiking and start to get a blister look for the plantain and pick a few leaves to chew up and apply to the sore area.

• Plantain is an ideal herb for your gut.  It works as a vulnerary herb, healing, soothing and coating the digestive tract. 

• It also contains anti-inflammatory properties that can reduce inflammation within the body. ·        

• It supports lung health by easing irritation and dryness as well as thick mucus, gently moisturizing while also helping to dry, tighten, and tone the mucus lining.  For lung or throat irritation I recommend making a strong tea infusion with plantain and mint leaves.·        

• Because of the anti-inflammatory effects of Plantain, it may be beneficial for some people with chronic UTIs as a preventative in a tea or tincture.

• Plantain has strong drawing abilities, in addition to being an anti-inflammatory so it works well on splinters and slivers.

Check out my Black Magic Drawing Salve - it has plantain in the formula to help with the drawing abilities of the salves, along with charcoal and other natural ingredients.

At this time I am in the process of making a salve for hot spots on pets and it should be available on my website within a few weeks.  But I guarantee it will contain plantain infused oil.

Smudge and aromatic benefits:

• Cleansing·        

• Protection from evil and jealousy.

Magic – Essence:

• Releases mental blocks and draws off negativity.·        

• Used to bring protection to the home and car. ·          

• Give strength to magical workings.

Culinary uses:

• It can be infused in oil cooking. ·        

• Try it in your soups and stews or saute it. ·        

• Make a pesto with it.