Lance-Leaf Plantain - The Miracle Weed

*Note* This article first appeared in The Future of Health Now in 2013. It took on viral status before FOHN shut down, and has been plagiarized, copied, and changed by other authors. This is the original.

You’ve stepped on it, ignored it, and tried to eradicate it from your lawn. However, this innocuous little weed is one of the most useful medicines on the planet, just begging to be harvested.

There are two major types of plantain  in BC, Canada: Lance-leaf (Plantago lanceolata) and Broad-leaf (Plantago major). Generally, all 200-plus varieties of plantain yield the same results. It grows especially well in poor, rocky soil (such as driveways) and is often seen alongside dandelion. More often than not, you will see plantain growing in gravel pits and construction sites as nature seeks to regenerate the soil. Introduced to North America in the 1600s, it was once called “White Man’s Foot” by the Native Americans who witnessed that where the Europeans tread and disrupted the soil, plantain sprung up.

Plantain has often been the go-to remedy for hikers plagued by mosquitos. Because it draws toxins from the body with its astringent nature, plantain may be crushed (or chewed) and placed as a poultice directly over the site of bee stings, spider and bug bites, acne, slivers, glass splinters, or rashes.  Bandage the area and allow the plantain to work its magic for 4-12 hours. The crushed leaves can also be used alongside comfrey leaf and douglas-fir needles for infected wounds - the plantain draws out infection while the comfrey speeds healing and douglas fir provides antiseptic properties (be sure no plant matter actually enters the wound by either squeezing the juice on the bandage, or layering gauze between the crushed leaves and the wound). This is especially useful if you are stranded without medical care, and may be used alongside other wound care programs if you inform or consult your healthcare professional. Plantain may also be used to create a balm for emergency kits, or an infusion used as a skin or general wash. It is also a notable, soothing remedy for hemorrhoids.

Plantain is renowned for its healing effect on the digestive system. This is especially useful for anyone who has been damaged by antibiotics, anti-inflammatory or pain medications, food allergies, or Celiac disease. Both leaves and seeds specifically target the digestive system for healing. The leaves may be steeped as tea, added to soups, or dried with a sauce similar to kale chips. For digestive repair, the plant appears to work best raw dried or raw, not heated above 105F, and can be added to almost any food (try avocado pudding for kids). The seeds – a type of psyllium – can be ground or soaked for bulk mucilage or absorbable fibre, which, consumed before meals, may help with weight loss.

Because plantain is a gentle expectorant and high in silica, an infusion can be helpful for lung problems, coughs, and colds.

Plantain is almost a panacea for the human body, treating everything from all menstrual difficulties, all digestive issues, to nearly all skin complaints, and even arthritis. Add to salads, chew to ease thirst, or enjoy in stir fries. This versatile wild vegetable will keep you in good health for years to come!

*Please always consult a healthcare professional of your choosing if you are on medication or have a health condition before beginning any herbal regime*

Resources:

- Prescription for Herbal Healing: 2nd Edition – Phyllis A. Balch, CNC

- Hygieia: A Woman’s Herbal – Jeannine Parvati

- Healing Secrets of the Native Americans – Porter Shimer

- The New Age Herbalist – Richard Mabey