The Benefits of the Use of Plantain in Herbal Preparations

My first introduction to plantain came around 6-7 years ago. Yes, it was as a weed. I had taken over the lawn care and found these strange, new-to- me, plants growing in the back where the gray water from the washer comes out. Since I did not and do not use herbicides I began my eradication process by mowing. That didn’t work, most of the flower stalks just bent over and then popped back up when I passed on by. Next, I began picking the flower stalks and putting them in the garbage. This kept the plant from spreading. But it was already taking up a good sized chunk of lawn.

The next year the plants were right back. In the battle of this strange new weed it was a tie. The third year I won but not because of anything I did. The drought worsened and I watered my lawn only once a month. We also cut back how often we used the washer. Although we saved waste water from the kitchen sink and the bathtub to use on plants and to flush the toilet, watering those “weeds” wasn’t on my list of priorities. A few years later I learned what I was missing out on. Plantain has not regrown in my yard. Guess I will have to hunt some up and transplant them where they will get some extra water and this time loving attention from me.

Last year I had some extra dried plantain that needed to be used. My friend, Verna, took it and made plantain tea which she froze in ice cube trays for use as needed. One day her sister-in-law called up and asked her advice. Her son had stepped on something that stung him, the bottom of his foot was swelling and a red line was moving up his leg. Verna rushed some plantain ice cubes over and then forgot about it. Later the sister-in-law mentioned how well it had worked. The red line receded and the swelling disappeared. Another victory for plantain.

I also use plantain as a hair rinse. I make a strong tea and add some apple cider vinegar and any needed water. It works wonderfully and is simple and quick. The plantain tones down the smell of vinegar so people don’t look at me with that strange expression on their face.

I also use strong plantain tea as a soak in the tub. It is wonderful, especially, if you have any itchy spots. I usually add an essential oil or extract that will synergize with my tea for what I need. For example, sometimes I use calendula to assist with skin problems; rosemary for circulation, aches and pains; or juniper for bone and joints as well as the urinary tract. Then I am occasionally in the mood for citrus or ylang ylang! It is easy and simple to make bath time not only a pleasure but also something that will help you medically.

Living on a farm I keep plantain handy. A few years ago one of my horses was seriously cut on their chest. It was during the heat of summer which meant dealing with infections from insects as well as the normal germs and bacteria. This horse did not appreciate being cared for! I had learned that from previous experiences with her. Of course, she was always the one getting hurt! Since I do not have someone easily available to help I needed a plan that I could carry out.

My niece suggested feeding the horse dried plantain. I grabbed a bag of it and mixed a couple of handfuls with rolled grain and molasses. The horse gobbled it down (grain was a rare treat). While the horse was busy with that I would take a swipe at the open wound with Dr. Christopher’s Plantain Ointment that I had softened in my hand. One swipe was all the horse would allow but usually that was enough. The cut healed without infection and no visible scarring.

Plantain ointment is also handy for those many bee and wasp stings young people seem to attract who work for me. Each summer we go through one or more jars. I can’t wait for plantain plants of my own! Just yesterday a neighbor boy was helping me in the garden. He came over and showed me his hand. It already had a large swollen boil type spot. He asked if I had any of that plantain. I quickly got some and put on a generous amount, lightly bandaged it since we were still working. I never heard or saw evidence of any more pain from that sting. The plantain fame is spreading in my small town.