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Ah, the humble plantain…this is a plant that seems to be able to thrive almost everywhere, much to the chagrin of those who feel that it is merely an intrusive weed. Those that think that way are losing out on a lot of healing in a small package, that’s for sure. If you do a lot of hiking, or your family is outside a lot, please take the time and effort to learn to identify plantain, as it is a jewel in an herb user’s first aid kit!! Generally speaking, there are two species that we are concerned with in this article: P. lanceolata, which has narrow, lance-like leaves, and P. major, which has much broader leaves. While they are interchangeable medicinally, I tend to prefer the broad leaved P. major when I can find it. Plantain is so common, this is one plant you may not need to cultivate…but if you would like to grow it, it is a very simple and forgiving plant. It is a light dependent germinator, so you must simply press the seeds onto the surface of coolish soil, and keep moist. They are fine in sun or shade, but prefer a moist soil and lots of compost, if you have it.
Chemical Compounds Key Actions Plantain is best known for its external applications, but it can do a world of good inside, as well, particularly in the treatment of mild urinary tract infections. It is soothing, and specifically aids in the secretion of uric acid from the kidneys. It is also useful in conjunction with other herbs when a person is suffering from dysentery caused by bacterium. When one uses plantain externally to treat wounds, bites, and stings, it is a good idea to add it to whatever internal formula you are using at the same time. We use an infusion based on Aviva Jill Romm’s Skin Infection Formula, both as an internal tea and an external skin wash. Skin Infection Tea Decoct these as a standard decoction 1 part plantain Infuse these as a standard infusion. Mix the decoction and the infusion, and apply topically as needed. In addition, drink one cup three times a day as the condition persists. (This is a standard adult dosage) This is especially useful when the area is inflamed or infected. Using this infusion as a topical wash is one way to use plantain externally, but there are a myriad of other uses for this healing plant. Applying a poultice of plantain to venomous stings or bites, or to cuts and scrapes, is a common first aid treatment, either on its own, if you are comfortable with that, or as a stop gap procedure to get you to the doctor or hospital. Plantain’s astringent qualities are useful in stopping bleeding, and the plant encourages the healing of wounds. There are many different ways to make a poultice, but I am most familiar with two. The first, some may think is a little, well, gross, but it is extremely simple and quick, and can provide much needed relief when you are outside. This is known as a “spit poultice.” Yep, spit. Take a few leaves of the plant, pop them in your mouth, and chew, chew, chew, until they are soft and mushy. Apply to the affected area, and start chewing some more so you can apply more as needed. Obviously, you would NEVER do this, unless you are absolutely sure of your plant identification!! The second method is more conventional, and is nice when you have the time and resources to do it. Plantain (or whatever plant you are
using) Poultice There are two ways to do this that I personally use. The first is to put the water in a pot on the stove, add the plantain, and heat slowly. Let simmer just a few minutes to get the plantain soft and mushy, then remove from heat and let cool. The second way is to toss it all in the blender and give it a whirl, and then apply. I feel more comfortable using boiled, then cooled, water when doing the blender method, but perhaps that is just me. Apply either directly to the area, or place a piece of thin cotton material or cheesecloth over the area, then the plantain, then a heavier cloth to hold in the heat. When the mixture cools, it is to remove it and apply a new poultice as necessary. Plantain seems to have an almost legendary ability to draw out infection and/or foreign objects from wounds. I have heard so many stories about this, from insect stingers coming to the surface, to pieces of glass working their way out of a wound, to splinters being drawn out of an animal’s paw (I bet that lion wishes that he had used a plantain poultice instead of having to count on the mouse to get the thorn out of his paw!!) Scientific evidence may be lacking, but the wisdom of the ages seems to back up this use for plantain. (Obviously, for treating serious wounds, or anything that is beyond your comfort level, see a doctor or head to the hospital if necessary.) So the next time you are out in the yard and get stung, scratched or scraped, grab a handful of plantain, and start chewing!!!
~ Khadijah Lacina
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