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Plantain is a useful herb that is often considered a weed by most people.
It is native to Europe and parts of Asia, but was said to have been introduced to North America when the settlers came from Europe. It’s scientific name is Plantago Major, and it likely grows in your yard.
The leaves are actually edible and somewhat similar to spinach, though slightly more bitter. They can be used in salads or other culinary uses.
We dry and freeze the leaf from our yard and I also order it in bulk from Mountain Rose Herbs.
Herbal Uses
The leaves can also be made into a tea or tincture, and this is said to help with indigestion, heartburn and ulcers when taking internally.
Externally, Plantain has been used for insect and snake bites, and as a remedy for rashes and cuts. I use it in making my Homemade Healing Salve, which we use as a natural antibiotic ointment on cuts and bruises.
Its natural antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties make it great for speeding recover of wounds, and for itching or pain associated with skin problems. A tea made from the leaf leaf can be sprayed on mosquito bites to ease the itch.
From Mountain Rose Herbs:
Plantain has been used as a panacea in some Native American cultures and with some very good reasons. Many of its active constituents show antibacterial and antimicrobial properties, as well as being anti-inflammatory and antitoxic. The leaves, shredded or chewed, are a traditional treatment for insect and animal bites and the antibacterial action helps prevent infection and the anti-inflammatory helps to relieve pain, burning, and itching. There is some investigation ongoing to study its affects on lowering blood sugar.
When we are bitten by mosquitos, stung by bees, or come in contact with spiders or other insects, I use a salve containing plantain leaf (or just chew the leaves and apply to the bite) to help ease the reaction. I also used a this salve and and a poultice of the leaves when my son was bitten by a brown recluse and continued this daily for about 2 weeks and his skin never decayed at the bite.
A tea, tincture or salve made with plantain also greatly eases the itch of poison ivy, oak, or sumac and I keep it on hand for this reason.
A tea or infusion of the leaf can be poured into the ear for ear infections (as long as the ear drum has not burst) to ease the pain and shorten duration of ear infections.
There is unconfirmed information that a strong tea of this herb, taken internally, can help protect the body from the effects of chemotherapy and that a strong infusion can improve blood sugar. While taking plantain in these situations would generally be considered safe, one should still check with an attending physician before doing so.
I also make a lotion with plantain, calendula and coconut oil and it is extremely helpful for any skin irritation, including mosquito bites, eczema, psoriasis, chicken pox, rashes and sores.
Where to Find
Most people are able to find this common herb in their own yards. If you live in an area where your yard is sprayed with chemicals or fertilizer, organic dried leaves can also be ordered online. If you prefer pre-made remedies, there are: plantain leaf first aid ointment for kids, plantain tincture, and plantain and goldenseal pre-made salve (natural Neosporin). If you can’t find Plantain in your area, you can actually order the seeds to plant Plantain (though your neighbors might think you are crazy!)
Plantain Precautions
Plantain is good for injuries because of its coagulating properties, but those with blood disorders or prone to blood clots should not use Plantain internally. If harvesting it yourself, make sure to get from an area that has not been sprayed with any chemicals or pesticides and make sure that you have correctly identified the plant before consuming.
Ever used plantain or another herb that grows in your back yard? Tell me about it below!
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I have been suffering from chronic hives for the past 2 years. Its horrible. I refused to take steroids and I have found that making a ‘tea’ out of plantain and spraying it using a spray bottle on my hives is THE best way to get rid of them temporarily.
I do have a question: How can I freeze the plantain so I can use it in the winter months? I live in Michigan so I want to harvest as much of it as I can so I won’t be in misery again this coming winter.
I’d just make the tea and freeze it
I get hives when I eat peanuts is it possible you have a food allergy? Try eliminating the foods you have a craving for.
I have used plantain for poison ivy for years. I’m not allergic to poison ivy myself but the kids were. My daughter’s best friend got poison ivy on her face the day before senior prom. She was hysterical ! I pulled up some plantain leaves, washed them and cut them up (that releases the juices in the leaves) You then apply the leaves to the affected area and cover with damp paper towels. If possible (on an arm or leg) wrap plastic wrap around the whole poultice and leave undisturbed for twenty four hours. There won’t be any evidence of the poison ivy when the poultice is removed. (In the case of Renee’s face, we had to cover the affected area and secure the plastic with some medical tape to keep it in place.)
I mainly need ideas and recipes for Poisen Ivy, rashes and how to make the oils and salve
I made some plantain oil and it smells sour, any idea why?
were your leaves dry? You should let them dry a couple days, then cut them up before putting them in the oil.
Yes, you always want your leaves completely dry when making oils because any moisture left in will cause the oil to go rancid.
My mom (who was the daughter of immigrant Polish farmers) used to put plantain on our bruises and scrapes. This was in the days before everybody poured chemicals onto their lawns. My dad kept the front yard weed-free by pulling weeds (except for dandelions, which my mom harvested young and fixed as “greens”), but the narrow side yard was allowed to grow whatever weeds wished to be there.
Also, if a mosquito bite is itching and you can’t get to any sort of salve or spray, put a little saliva on it (as long as the skin isn’t broken). My mom taught us to do this, but , even though it seemed to work, I always thought it was a silly notion…until I learned that our saliva has enzymes that help break down the protein int the saliva mosquitoes inject in order to keep our blood from clotting (so they can suck some out). The protein causes the mild allergic reaction when the body’s immune system sends out histamines to counter it. The histamines cause the swelling and itching. Not every old wives’ tale is true, but a lot have a scientific basis.
I make an amazing salve with Plantain, Comfrey, Olive Oil and Beeswax. Smells great too. 🙂
Could you please send me your recipe for your salve of plantain, comfrey, olive oil and beeswax.
I would greatly appreciate it. I have heard of it but need to know how to make it.
Thank you so much in advance.
Pat
Here you go: https://wellnessmama.com/3520/homemade-healing-salve/
Thanks for the info! I’ve been wanting to try plantain externally for the middle-aged, hormonal acne I’m plagued by.
As for other weeds I use for food / medicinal purposes, they are purple dead nettle, cleavers and dandelions. All of these grow in my yard and I don’t spray any pesticides or herbicides. Of course, my neighbors think I’m crazy, but I just don’t care. Lol
Plantain juice rubbed into a bee sting stops the pain.
how do you get plantain juice from the plant?
chew the leaf and spit the liquid/pulp onto the wound is what i have heard.
Jean Yes and your saliva has enzymes which is also good for the healing
You can pick bunches of the plantain wash dry and put in a food processor till juicy, use for a poultice or freeze for quick use.
ive been harvesting dandelion root in my yard for tea
can you explain the process for this? I am new to this .
Dandelion greens are good in salads or cooked like spinach. Use young plant. Once they bloom the greens are bitter. Enjoy them every spring to clean your blood stream. Very tasty and very good for you! You can also make jelly using the flowers. One of our favorite way to use the greens is in a pan gravy and served over smashed boiled potatoes. Wash the greens and chop them; set aside. To make the gravy, use any grease of your choice except olive oil; lard, coconut oil or butter is my choice. Ratio is 2 Tbsp grease to 1Tbsp flour. Gently cook over med/high heat, stirring constantly until caramel color, (Do not burn.) Slowly add 1 cup milk to each ratio and salt and pepper to taste; cook until thickened. Add the chopped greens into the hot gravy and stir to wilt the greens. Add 1-2 Tbsp of apple cider vinegar to taste. Add 2 hard boiled, chopped eggs to each ratio. Serve over mashed boiled potatoes on you plate. So yummy! I hope you all enjoy it as much as our family does.
I have Crohn’s Disease. Would this help taken internally? Our yard is covered with it.