Plantain (Plantago major)
Plantain has been used by indigenous peoples all over the world from time immemorial.
Plantain or Plantago can be easily found growing in any green grassy area and is easily identifiable. It is astringent, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antihistamine, demulcent, expectorant, styptic and diuretic.
Summer time in North America is the time to harvest this herb, though be sure to harvest it from an area that is not treaded on nor an area that is close to a road where car fumes may hinder the safety of it due to chemical exposure.
What is it used for?
Externally it is used as a poultice to treat:
Insect bites
poison-ivy rash
minor sores
To create a poultice you can chew the leaves of the fresh plantain and apply the chewed herb as a poultice to bites, stings or poison ivy rash. You should not however use chewed plantain on open cuts because of the high bacterial content in the mouth.
Another way to make the poultice is to put the fresh plantain leaves in a blender with enough water to create a mush. Apply poultice to a sterile cotton gauze and place over affected area. This mixture will keep in the fridge for a few days.
Internally it is used as a tea or tincture to treat:
coughs/bronchitis
stomach upset including constipation & IBS
To make tea from plantain steep a couple of leaves in boiled water or about 20 minutes, this tea can help with constipation, cough sore throat and mucus congestion.
Plantain can be picked NOW washed and thoroughly dried by placing out to dry in a clean dry space and then by storing in a glass container to be used during winter months. It shrinks so get lots.
Here is another look at plantain:
