Plantain, weed or healer?
I often see people out in their yard pulling and spraying their “weeds” and it breaks my heart. I want to run over and say “stop!” Did you know that you are killing a great healer among plants?” Plantain is such a versatile plant and healer. It is among the top “weeds” used in North America and Europe. There are several types of plantain. Among them are broad leaf, narrow leaf and common plantain. Plantain is a perennial growing 6-18 in. tall with ribbed leaves. The leaves, flowers, seeds and roots are used in medicine making, and can be used internally and externally. It is astringent, diuretic, styptic, hemostatic, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, anti-microbial, and expectorant. Plantain is best known as a wound healer and is number one when used for a blood poisoning treatment. When used as a styptic externally, it ca be chewed and applied to a wound to stop bleeding. It is an excellent choice for bites and stings and used as an anti-venomous herb for snake bites. I use plantain in my anti-itch salves and soaps. It can be found in the cracks of driveways and sidewalks, in the yard or just about anywhere you look. I make sure I always have it on hand.
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