We are discussing the plantain, an herb that is frequently confused with a weed. You would have disregarded what you saw in your yard. It's possible that you even removed it entirely from your garden.
However, there is an astonishing truth behind this little weed. It is, in fact, a herb that is native to Asia and Europe.
There are two variants of Plantain – Broadleaf, and Lance. The leaves of this herb are edible, and you can use it in your salads or cook it. It is normally seen growing in the rocky, poor soil alongside the dandelions.
Hailed once as the “White Man’s Foot”, the goodness and medicinal values of plantains are being unrevealed now.
It had once been the on-the-go solution for the hikers, who were highly susceptible to mosquito bites. This astringent nature of this herb enables it to suck away the toxins from the human body.
Crush the leaves and just place it as a poultice atop the site of the bites or bee stings for immediate relief.
You can also use it as a natural cure for rashes, acne, slivers, and glass splinters. Once you apply the poultice, cover the area with a clean and soft cotton cloth and leave on four to twelve hours for the healing to take place.
You can easily incorporate these weeds in your DIY natural emergency kits to prepare the insect repellent balms.
You can also use it as an ingredient in your homemade skin wash. It is also an effective solution for hemorrhoids.
The leaves and seeds of Plantain have a positive impact on the human digestive system. It has a soothing and healing effect, especially for those whose digestive system is affected by the prolonged use of anti-inflammatory, analgesic, or antibiotics drugs.
Plantain is also beneficial for those who have Celiac disease or food allergies.
While leaves can be used in the form of tea or prepared into soup, seeds are either used in-ground or soaked form. The ground seeds of this astonishing herb bulk up the absorbable fiber, mucilage. Consuming this before meals are known to aid in weight loss.
Plantain is a good source of silica and is a gentle natural expectorant. These properties make it an ideal natural formula for colds, coughs, and lung disorders.
The natural diuretic properties of this herb transform it into a powerful solution for various kidney disorders.
Plantain helps soothe menstruation by slowing down the blood flow. As a styptic, you can use it topically to ease the bleeding from wounds.
It is also beneficial for healing various types of skin disorders.
From the digestive issues to skin disorders, menstruation troubles to arthritis, plantain is a one-stop solution for various troubles affecting the humans. Include it in your diet as a salad leaf or chew it to quench your thirst. This versatile herb is sure to bestow you with goodness throughout your life.
References:
- Project.Nsearch: Most Useful Medicines on the Planet
- Wikipedia: Plantago Major
- 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