North Carolina Prepper Network

Broad Leaf Plantain

Narrow Leaf Plantain

Plantain

Native Americans called Plantain Englishman’s foot because it sprang up in the footsteps of white settlers. You will find plantain growing anywhere the ground has been compacted, along paths, in yards, on playgrounds. There are two types of plantain, broad leaf and narrow leaf and they grow everywhere.

Plantain is the weed to have around for stings, itch and general boo-boos. It grows everywhere making it easy to find when needed. It has been used for centuries as an all around drawing heal all.

The variety that grows in South America is cultivated for its seed husks and sold under the name of Metamucil. The seeds from the common broadleaf plantain can be used in the same way. The seeds can be cooked in cereal and breads to relieve constipation. They are rich in omega-3 fatty acids and can be used in place of flax seed.

Plantain is well known for its drawing ability. It will draw infectious materials from a wound as well as stingers and venom from insects. I can personally attest to its drawing ability when used on an abscessed tooth. It is said to be helpful for bronchial infections and pneumonia because of its expectorant ability.

To use on bee stings, insect bites and minor cuts, scrapes and bruises simply chew the leaf well and spit on the wound. If you’d rather not chew you can pound it between stones to release the juices, but chewing, mixed with your spit gives it more staying power.

You can make an infused oil or salve using chopped fresh plantain leaves for later use but it isn’t as effective as fresh chewed leaves. The oil or salve does have an advantage, say, in the workplace when you don’t want a green glop of chewed leaves on your nose where a bee has just stung you! The oil or salve can also be used for sun burn to draw the burn from the area.

The young tender leaves can be used as another green in your salad. They contain both vitamin B and C. The seeds as stated above can be used in place of flax seed due to their rich content of omega-3 fatty acids.