Genus & Species (Latin name): Plantago major, P. lanceolata
Family: Plantaginaceae
Common Names: Plantain, ribwort, white-man's footprint, Englishman's foot, fleawort
Parts used: Leaves and seeds
Taste: Bland, slightly bitter, somewhat earthy and green
Energetics: cool, moist, and mildly tonifying
Properties/Actions: antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, astringent, demulcent, emollient, expectorant, hepatoprotective, vulnerary
Tissue State Affinities: Digestive system, mucous membranes, respiratory system, urinary tract, liver and skin
Warnings: Generally regarded as safe
Botanical Diversity: Around the world, there are around 200 species of plantain, with about 30 native and 5 introduced species in America.
Like most budding herbalists, I found myself getting to know plantain first as it is so readily available (right outside my back and front doors), and it seemed to nearly be a panacea for all the simple issues I was looking to address for myself and my family. This incredible herb has a special knack for soothing and healing. If you've got a bothersome rash? Let plantain come to the rescue! A pesky bug bite or sting? Plantain will be your trusty ally! Even those minor boo-boos that always seem to find us—they are no match for the powers of plantain.
But wait, there's more! If you frequently battle stomach aches, why not give plantain a try? Feeling the irritation in your eyes? Plantain might just do the trick. And those pesky stuffed sinuses that make life miserable? You guessed it—plantain may offer some relief there too.
Let's not forget about plantain seeds (aka psyllium). If you are sometimes irregular in the bathroom, psyllium seeds can work as a bulking agent (think Metamucil®) to aid in both mild constipation and diarrhea. Plantain seeds are mucilaginous and high in fiber. The seeds used for Metamucil® are collected from Plantago ovatum or P. psyllium. The seeds from Plantago major and P. lanceolata can be used similarly, but the harvesting of those tiny seeds is time-consuming, nevertheless, the seeds are edible and delicious and can be eaten raw or added to cooked foods, or whole plantain seed stalks can be steamed and eaten.
Plantain has got you covered from head to toe, inside and out. It's like having a dependable friend by your side, ready to lend a helping hand whenever you need it. This exceptional herb is a true vulnerary, known for its healing properties. It's safe and helpful for a wide range of needs. However, let's be realistic—it won't cure all that ails you. Even though plantain isn't the panacea I was hoping for, it remains undeniably amazing.
For centuries, herbalists have held plantain in high regard, considering it one of the most versatile medicinal plants out there. This reputation traveled across continents, with early colonial settlers bringing this valuable herb from Europe. Even with its impressive range of benefits, plantain remains a humble presence in nature. It quietly embraces the edges of well-trodden paths, refusing to flaunt itself or demand attention. You'll find it modestly nestled amidst the surrounding greenery as if playing a game of hide-and-seek with keen-eyed observers.
Plantain is like a loving grandmother, always giving and never asking for anything in return. Its selfless nature inspires me, and perhaps we could all benefit from being a little more like plantain—offering support, healing, and comfort without expecting anything in return.
Medicinal Applications
Plantain leaf possesses a remarkable and unique characteristic that sets it apart from many other herbs—the impressive drawing ability it exhibits. This special quality makes plantain a reliable ally when it comes to addressing a variety of skin-related issues. Plantain is a cooling herb, so it is best used for hot conditions. Areas that show signs of heat such as warm to the touch, redness, pain and/or swelling can benefit from plantain.
Topically, plantain can be used as an infused oil, salve, wound wash, poultice, tincture, or herbal salt.
For scrapes and cuts, a spit poultice or wound wash made from fresh leaves can work wonders. To make a spit poultice chew up a fresh leaf or two until it's chewed into gooey green mush. Place the poultice on the affected area and cover it with a whole leaf or a band-aid to keep the poultice in place. You can use a blender or mortar and pestle in place of chewing if those options are readily available. To make a wound wash, make a strong tea and allow it to cool to a comfortable temperature. It is often nice to also add some witch hazel or sea salt for the wash, depending on the situation. You can pour the wash over the affected area, or if possible, soak the area in the wash.
For stings, bites, and rashes, a plantain salve applied to the affected area provides comfort and relief. If you do not have a salve on hand, you can make a paste by blending plantain leaves with bentonite clay or baking soda. Put the herb and powder into a mill or grinder and blend to make a powder. Add water or witch hazel to the powder to create a paste to apply directly to the area of need. Allow the paste to dry and leave in place for 20-30 minutes and gently rinse off with cool water.
For splinters and beestings, you can put on a drop or two of plantain tincture and cover it with a band-aid or try soaking the area in a warm bath with sea salt and powdered plantain (it will become a salty plantain tea). Both should be able to coax the splinter out as plantain is good at drawing out and has antimicrobial properties.
For stuffed sinuses and a sore throat, gently rubbing plantain salve or infused oil over the eustachian tubes and the front of the throat can encourage drainage, promoting relief and comfort. Remember to rub lightly and with downward strokes as you apply the oil or salve.
For hemorrhoids and postpartum tears, you can create a soothing sitz bath using a combination of sea salt, chopped plantain leaves, and calendula or rose petals. This herbal salt blend, steeped in water, provides a comforting and healing experience for those in need.
For potential eye infections it is best to see a doctor, if possible, but when seeing a doctor is not an option, you can consider making a strong tea of plantain and echinacea to make a compress for the eye. Be sure to use a clean cloth with each compress application.
Not only does plantain excel as an external remedy, but it also shines in its internal applications. For individuals struggling with acne and other inflammatory skin conditions, plantain is one of the first herbal recommendations to consider. Whether taken as a tea, tincture or in other forms, plantain works from within to support the body's efforts in healing and reducing inflammation, resulting in clearer, healthier skin.
Internally, you can take plantain as a tea, or tincture, use the fresh spring leaves as salad greens, or powder dried leaves to blend into foods. The vulnerary and moistening actions of plantain are a great option for hot dry complaints of the digestive and respiratory tracts. A strong tea infusion made with 2 tsp of leaves (fresh if possible, dried if fresh not available) per cup of just-boiled water and allowed to steep overnight can help with the following ailments:
For inflamed mucosa of the respiratory or digestive tract
For thick, dry mucus
Dry hacking cough
For upset stomach
For acid reflux symptoms
For leaky gut symptoms
For canker sores in the mouth
You can also use plantain tea as a gargle to ease a sore throat, sore gums or even tonsilitis.
Given that plantain is generally regarded as safe, incorporating it into a daily routine as a tonic can be very beneficial for individuals susceptible to ailments concerning the liver, gall bladder, urinary tract, digestive health, or seasonal allergies.
Plantain blends well with calendula, rose petals, peppermint, spearmint, catnip, chamomile, fennel, marshmallow root, and chickweed.
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