One of my favorite spring and summer herbs is Plantain. No, I’m not talking about the banana looking fruit you see at the grocery store under the same name. Plantain or by its scientific name, Plantago major, is an herb that probably grows in your backyard. It’s one of the most common plants in the world, and we in the United States typically regard it as a weed.
Plantain is made into an infusion (tea) or used in whole leaf form., depending on what you’re using it for. Helpful properties include anti-inflammatory, astringent, diuretic, alterative (blood purifiers) and aperient (gentle laxative). Typically plantain affects the bladder, small intestines, and gallbladder. The primary uses include for urinary tract infections, wounds, insect bites or stings, and hepatitis.
Plantain will help stop bleeding, help clean the wound, and promote healing. Some people have also experienced relief of mild wound or sting pain from using fresh plantain leaves. You can pick a fresh leaf and bruise the leaf so that the juices are released and then put the leaf directly on the leaf
Personally, I’ve used strong plantain for wounds, insect bites and poison ivy with good results.
Plantain is also known as Englishman’s foot, Ribwort, and Greater Plantain.
