Plantain – The Pavement “Weed”

Who remembers as a child, plucking one of these seeds and wrapping the long stem around the head and shooting it as far as you can?  Actually, I still do this, and my family will argue against me when I say that I am the winner!!  

Here in South Africa our species is called Plantago major or Narrowleaf Plantain and it grows in sun or shade, on pathways or pavements, usually where land has been disturbed.  When you need it, it is usually not far away.  It is the leaves that we harvest for medicine.

It can be used for all wound types as it has antimicrobial properties so it will prevent infection from setting in new wounds or cuts.  It has amazing drawing properties and will draw out debris and material out of wounds.  This is especially useful on a graze where sand might be lodged, a bee sting or a splinter.  Plantain has a styptic ability and therefore will stop bleeding.

It also has cooling tendencies which helps with inflammation due to stings and insect bites.  Plantain will soothe rashes or any painful, itchy, red, and irritated skin.

It is one of our main ingredients in the Drawing Balm but if you have none on hand and you are out in the bush, chew up a fresh leaf and place it on your skin as a poultice.

Internally it can be taken as a tea or tincture, it is particularly good for dry, hacking coughs and has a cool, moistening effect on the lungs.  Plantain helps to purify the blood, helping with liver issues and skin problems.

It is a very safe herb, with no known cautions for both internal and external use.