This herb is considered by many herbalists to be the best healing herb. Many consider it a weed, but the Plantain has many more uses.
They can be used to heal wounds, cure fevers, and draw out toxins from stings and bites, including snake bites. The older mature leaves are higher in phytochemicals and are better suited for medicinal use. The uses range from mosquito bites and rashes to kidney problems Ann’s gastrointestinal diseases. I’ll include some preparations below.
Broadleaf Plantain is also edible. The young tender leaves can be eaten fresh in a salad, but older leaves should be cooked.
-How to make a poultice-
Take a few leaves and crush them up in your palm or use a rock.
-Plantain tea-
Fresh plantain leaves – 1 cup
Water – 2 cups
Heat-proof bowl with fitting lid
Wash the plantain leaves thoroughly and keep it in a bowl with lid.
Boil the water and pour over the leaves in the bowl, cover with the lid and let them steep until the bowl is cold to touch.
Strain out the tea and store in the refrigerator for up to two weeks
-Plantain tincture-
Plantain leaves washed and dried of excess moisture –
1 cup100 proof vodka or brandy –
1 pintGlass jar with tight-fitting lid
Put the leaves into a jar and pour the alcohol over it so that it completely covers the leaves and fills the jar. Use a glass rod to stir the mixture well. Put the lid on and place the jar in a dark place, giving it a good shake every few days. After 6-8 weeks, decant into clean bottles and store in a dark place
The tincture made with plantain leaves and 100% alcohol can last for two to three years without losing its potency.
It is a very potent remedy for cold, respiratory infections and ailments of the stomach. Use 10 drops under the tongue and hold for 30 seconds before swallowing. You can add 10 drops of the tincture into a glass of water and drink slowly. For external use, put a drop on boils and sores
Burns – Apply a poultice immediately and apply a bandage with leaves. Follow it up with a plantain salve.
Cuts and open sores – Stop bleeding from fresh cuts by applying crushed plantain leaves. Wash with plantain tea or diluted tincture (1 tbsp to a glass of water) to prevent infections and promote healing.
Boils and acne – Touch with a drop of tincture or apply salve
For mouth ulcers – Swish 2-3 Tbsp plantain tea in the mouth 3-4 times a day. You can use 1 tbsp of tincture diluted with a cup of water too.
For throat pain/infection – Gargle with plantain tea or diluted tincture. Take 5-10 drops of tincture under the tongue and ingest it slowly.
Dandruff and other scalp problems – Apply plantain tea or oil infusion to the scalp and wash off after an hour.
For poison ivy/sumac/oak – Apply a poultice immediately, and then wash the area with plantain tea. Apply plantain sludge (more details at the end of this article) until the stinging pain is gone
For sunburn – Apply fresh poultice or plantain sludge liberally. Wash the area with the tea and then apply the salve.
To improve liver and kidney function – Drink 1-2 glasses of plantain tea every day.
For relief from gastrointestinal inflammation – Take the tincture under the tongue or drink plantain tea.
For cold, flu, and respiratory infections – Take the tincture under the tongue or drink freshly brewed warm tea with honey
Always be positive your identifying plants properly.
Much love & many blessings!
-Jason