Speak of plantain, and most people think of a banana-like fruit. An herbalist knows that a weed called plantain is an herbal plant that brings people health benefits. The Native Americans called it “snakeweed” because they applied it to rattlesnake wounds. Plantain has its medicinal benefits and nutritional value.

Personal Story

I recently read that plantain can easily grow in a container, and that it is best to do so, since it is a weed that spreads quickly. It does well in a pot on a sunny patio or beside a driveway. It may even work as a year around indoor plant. I would like to plant this herb indoors and see how it does.

Medicinal Benefits

The parts of plantain that are used in herbal medicine are the dried or fresh parts that grow above-ground. These are harvested when they flower so that remedies can be prepared from them.

Internal uses:

1. Congestion of the respiratory tract
2. Inflammatory changes of the oral and pharyngeal mucosa
3. Respiratory infections
4. Allergies and/or irritated, sore throats
5. Cystitis/Urinary tract infection
6. Hematuria/the presence of blood in urine
7. Interstitial cystitis/painful bladder syndrome

Plantain pulls toxicity out from the body. It has been a remedy for blood poisoning and is a blood purifier. It can even pull out slivers from a body part.

Another medicinal use of plantain is the healing of gastric and intestinal inflammation:  

• Skin eruptions
• Poor digestion
• Hepatitis/inflammation of the liver

Plantain can also help check bleeding, especially when combined with other herbs such as nettle and yarrow.

Externally, plantain can be used for Inflammatory reactions of the skin:

• abrasions
• bumps
• redness
• swelling

An herbal product that contains plantain can be used for a topical application on skin wounds. Another method of using plantain for skin wounds at home is to make a poultice by mashing or chopping it, wrapping the herb in a cloth, and pressing it against the skin. Leave on for 30 to 45 minutes, changing the wrap, as necessary.

Nutritional Value

Plantain has protein, starch, B vitamins, vitamin c, vitamin K, and other constituents. It can be eaten like a vegetable.

Safety

Plantain is a class 1 herb, which means there are no adverse effects expected in pregnancy or lactation.

Action

Look for plantain when you take a walk. You might find some!

May God bless your healthful endeavors!

Joni

P.S. Have you ever made a poultice of plantain?