Plantain, a weed that cures?

A simple plant, abundant and some consider a nuisance and weed is actually considered a ‘cure-all’ by
THE HISTORY
One of the few “gifts” English colonists brought to Native Americans was plantain, a favorite medicinal herb back in Europe
Like many other plants deemed “weeds” by modern Americans, plantain is loaded with nutrients and is one of the most powerful medicines on Earth.
Luckily, no matter how hard we try to eradicate it, it keeps growing where “civilized” humans need it most, through cracks in city streets and sidewalks and all over suburban yards.
From bee stings, snake bites and sunburns, to bronchitis, arthritis and cancer, this plant is revered among practitioners of folk medicine for its ability to cure just about anything.
MEDICIAL PROPERTIES
General medicinal properties of plantain:
- Antibacterial – kills bacteria or prevents bacterial growth
- Antidote – combats toxins
- Astringent – stops bleeding and contracts tissues
- Anti-inflammatory – reduces inflammation
- Antiseptic – kills
of prevents microbial growth Antitussive – relieves coughing- Cardiac – strengthens the heart
- Demulcent – soothes and protects
mucus membranes - Diuretic – removes excess water
- Expectorant – loosens mucus and aids its expulsion
Haemostatic – stops bleeding (external)- Laxative – relieves constipation
- Ophthalmic – relieves eye conditions
- Poultice – draws infection from a wound
- Refrigerant – cools the body and reduces fever by inducing sweating
Vermifuge – kill parasitic worms
SPECIFIC USES:
First Aid/Topical Wound Healing
Plantain can be used as a poultice to draw toxins out of the body. Just chew or crush plantain leaves to release their juices and apply directly to insect bites, bee stings, snake bites, cuts, blisters, splinters, sunburns, poison ivy outbreaks, acne or rashes.
It can also be made into an antiseptic salve to prevent infection in burns and open wounds. The salve also acts as an insect repellent.
Digestion
Plantain leaves and seeds aid in digestion. They’ve been reported to have a soothing effect for people
Arthritis and muscle soreness
Loaded with calcium and magnesium, plantain
It’s also applied topically to swollen joints, sore muscles, sprains, and sore feet.
Congestion, respiratory infection
Plantain’s mucus loosening and cough relieving properties make it great for treating colds. Its anti-inflammatory, cooling and pain relieving properties provide relief for sore throats.
It is also widely used in the treatment of bronchitis and tuberculosis.
For more medicinal uses, check out the section on plantain in American