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Plantain |
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Plantain seeds have high mucilage content and are often used to treat constipation and irritable bowel syndrome. Pour a cup of boiling water over 1 teaspoon of plantain seeds. Cool and drink before bed. Use plantain leaves in a relaxing tea for treating coughs due to colds and flu. Plantain tea not only soothes sore throat and coughing, but also acts as a gentle expectorant to help clear phlegm from the lungs and nasal passages. Plantain is also useful in the treatment of asthma, allergies, and hay fever. Plantain is a good addition to lotions, ointments, and poultices. Use for skin inflammation, sores, bee stings, burns, hemorrhoids, and slow-healing wounds. Plantain may also be used in gargles and mouth washes. Use regularly to treat gum inflammation, mouth sores, and fever blisters. For added strength add a pinch of myrrh powder or a couple drops of tea tree essential oil. Plantain leaves were once used to prevent diaper rash. Fresh leaves were crushed and put in baby’s diaper. Plantains are rich in mucilage, oils, protein, and starch and may be used as a food source when cooked like turnip greens. The seeds may be eaten fresh off the stalk. Native Americans make good use of the plantain or “life medicine.” Medical research confirms that the plant is good for many of life’s ailments including emphysema, bladder problems, bronchitis, fever, hypertension, rheumatism, dysentery, gastritis, peptic ulcers, and diabetes. Plantain can stop blood flow and encourages repair of damaged tissue when applied to external wounds. It has natural antibacterial properties that kill germs. Leaves may be used as a poultice on wounds, skin ulcers, and snake bites. Plantain poultices may also be applied to draw out splinters and thorns. Use of plantain can help reduce scarring when used regularly. Plantain ointment is easy to make. Mix one cup of plantain leaves with a quarter cup of olive oil and heat in a small, enameled pan over low heat until mushy. Stir in two teaspoons of grated bees wax (until melted). Strain and store in a tightly covered container. Use within a couple of days or store in refrigerator for longer shelf life. Plantain grows wild in the North Georgia area and is usually considered a weed. Plantain grows in most soils and prefers full sun. The leaves form a rosette of large, dark green leaves that grow up to 10 inches long. The flower stalks are tall and slender with tiny brown seeds maturing in late summer and early fall. Harvest young leaves to use as a spring tonic. Gather seeds and leaves in late summer to dry for winter use. *Always consult with a healthcare professional before using any herbal remedy especially when pregnant, nursing, or taking other medicine. |
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Janice Boling © 2010 - 2012 By Janice Boling - All Rights Reserved
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Plantain is used in herbal medicine to treat sluggish bowels, to heal wounds, to fight skin infections, to reduce phlegm, to soothe urinary tract infections, and to ease dry coughs.