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.