(Plantago major)
Uses
Plantain is the ultimate ‘first aid’ herb. It grows in abundance (particularly in Australia), so is always on hand in an emergency.
Internally use 1 cup boiling water over 2 teaspoons dried herb. Take 3 times per day.
Finely chopped young leaves can be added to salad.
Chew up fresh leaf then place over bite, sting or on painful tooth to quickly relieve pain.
A decoction made from the leaves is a cleansing wash for irritated and inflamed skin, rashes and minor wounds.
Will bring relief from diarrhoea and the pain of haemorrhoids and soothes irritation from coughs and bronchitis.
It is also used internally for ulcers and to reduce fever and is a cooling herb for the sick.
It makes a particularly good poultice when used on stings, bites, minor punctures and wounds giving quick pain relief.
Know also to bring relief for toothache.
Parts Used
Leaves, seeds and root
Habbitat
Plantain grows almost everywhere. Anywhere there is grass, you’ll almost certainly find it. It will also grow on disturbed ground and even cracks in paths and walkways.
Properties
Astringent, demulcent, diuretic, expectorant, refrigerant, stimulant, laxative.
