My Back Yard Friend, Plantain

Most of you have this "weed" growing in your  yard, but what you may not know is that it is also a very valuable and potent anti-toxin.    Yes.   Anti-toxin.  It's called plantain.

Photo from the WebMD.com

Let's start with this little guy, who is becoming more and more of a problem in here in the Southeast US.    The dreaded brown recluse, whose bite can cause months of pain and flesh loss that can leave quite a scar.    When a brown recluse leaves its bite, it doesn't get to the bloodstream immediately because it's mouth is too small.    As soon as you are bitten, chew some plantain leaves and apply them to the bite, then bandage over it.   Do these several times throughout the day to draw out the toxins.  You can also boil plantain into a strong tea and apply it like a poultice.   Double the benefit by drinking the plantain tea, with echinacea if you have it.   Drink the tea every hour to help your body expel the toxins from the inside.

Plantain can also sooth the itch of poison oak and poison ivy, or for that matter, can sooth any itch.  In addition to being an anti-toxin, plantain can help heal burns, stings, blisters and cuts, so it's a great herb to include in your healing salve recipes.   Plantain is a broad leaf weed which blooms with little white flowers.   You can identify it by the leaves, each of which has 5 ribs, as you can see in the photo below.   

The leaves are edible greens and make a great addition to your spring and summer salads.   Plantain is a great source of anti-oxidant vitamins, including A & C.  To the right is a plantain plant that is growing in the same space as some milk thistle.   Plantain is known to have skin-healing properties and soothe the pain of inflammation.  
Plantain is a great friend to have growing in your yard and now is a good time to harvest the leaves for tinctures and oils, or to dry for winter use.   Until next time, may you walk in beauty and grace.

FDA Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. They are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or condition. If you have a health concern or condition, consult a physician. Always consult a medical doctor before modifying your diet, using any new product, drug, supplement, or doing any new exercises.

No Walk for Maverick

It's a beautiful sunny day, and I thought we'd take the opportunity to get outside and enjoy it after all the rain.   I may be the only person in America with this problem.   Hehehe.    Love my Maverick!

Mullein Speaks

This year, I've committed to a deeper study of herbs, their actions, and how they can heal the body.   For the past month, I've been dieting mullein, and last night I finished my giveaway basket of teas and tinctures.  


Mullein has always been one of my favorite weeds, but as I study it in more detail, I'm discovering the many gifts it brings to us.   Not only does it help us with cough and to expectorate phlegm from the lungs, but it can also alleviate pain in the back, soothe inflammation, and help to strengthen the bladder.   
I believe there is a spiritual aspect to all plant healing.   Even if we do not ingest a plant, we can still be healed by its medicine, if we just take the time to learn about its life cycle.  

Mullein is a pioneer plant, which means it grows best where the grown has been disturbed.   As you can see in the photo above, mullein is trying to make its home in a yard pot, which already has a container inside it, and which also contains only a very small amount of earth.  To the left, mullein has taken hold where I had to repair a water line earlier this year.  

As a plant spirit, mullein teaches us, "Do not fear changes and transitions in life.  Even the smallest seed can take root and grow strong in unlikely places.   Breathe easy, and be at peace."

May you walk in beauty and grace.

Spirit Bear