The Wild Wisdom of Plantain

Plantain is a veritable cure all full of wild wisdom to share with us. But first the word plantain needs to be clarified. When talking about herbalism it is important to differentiate the low growing herbal plant plantain and the banana-like relative plantain. The herb plantain comes from the genus Plantago. The most common species of Plantago used for healing is Plantago major, or broadleaf plantain, and Plantago lanceolata, or narrowleaf plantain. Narrowleaf plantain is also referred to as ribwort plantain due to the long ribs that run the length of the leaves. Both species can be used interchangeably in herbal medicine. The banana type plantain is from the genus Musa and is unrelated.

Many people new to botany and herbalism find scientific names confusing and overwhelming. But learning the scientific names of plants need not be daunting. Remembering the story or reason behind the name the often helps people to remember the scientific name. The genus name Plantago comes from the Latin word planta- meaning sole of the foot. Little plantain lines many footways across the temperate regions of the world. Some stories attribute this to the Goddess Demeter who transformed a forlorn maiden into the plant so that she could travel all the roadways of the world to find her lost lover.

One of plantain’s most important uses in herbal medicine is to draw toxicity away from the body and to stop bleeding. It is largely used as a poultice for wounds and bites. It also can be used with minor burns to help reduce pain and inflammation. However, the healing power of plantain goes beyond just wounds. Plantain works to help reduce mucus and can be taken during colds and flus. Plantain is very useful in helping to reduce upper respiratory infections and in strengthening the lungs.

Narrowleaf, or ribwort, plantain growing amongst the field grasses at Mossygoat Farm.

Plantain Salve*

Plantain is a general first-aid salve. A salve is a topical product consisting of herb infused oil, beeswax, and optional essential oils. Plantain is useful for almost all skin problems, including wounds, abrasions, bites, stings, acne, and boils. Plantain acts as a drawing agent to help draw out the infection away from the body. It is not advised to cover large and open injuries with a salve. For large open wounds, a poultice, tea, or watered-down tincture should be used instead. Large and open wounds need air to heal, and a salve can encourage bacterial growth.

There is no typical salve dosage. Apply a salve as needed but remember that a little salve goes a long way. Applying the salve one to four times daily to affected areas is appropriate. Salves have a shelf-life of about one year stored in a cool location. They tend to melt into a liquid at high room temperatures which is why storing in a cool location is necessary.

Plantain Tincture*

Plantain tincture is well known for helping as a cleanser and blood purifier due to its ability to draw infection out. Plantain is anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antihemorrhagic, and an expectorant This plantain tincture can help to relieve coughing and bronchitis. Swishing the tincture in the mouth can help reduce dental abscesses.

Tinctures are very strong herbal extracts made by infusing herbs in alcohol. Some tinctures are not recommended during pregnancy or lactation and may cause allergies. Tinctures are best taken under the tongue but due to their strong taste they also may be diluted in water or juice.

Tincture dosage depends on the herb, person and situation. In general, 1/4 – 1/2 teaspoon (15–30 drops, 1/2 – 1 dropperful) of tincture is used 3 times daily for chronic situations. For acute conditions, you want to take smaller and/or more frequent doses, such as 1/4 teaspoon every hour. Alcohol based herbal tinctures have a shelf life of about three years.

Plantain Flower Essence*

Flower essences capture the healing vibration of a plant. They work on a different level than tinctures or salves. Flower essences work on helping with emotions, traumas, and fears. They do not work on physical problems or disease although they can help with the underlying emotions behind a disease.

The Plantain Flower essence is about joyful exuberance. It helps with seeing the world with childlike innocence and simpleness. This essence can help ease bitterness about the past, especially from childhood memories. Plantain also supports us in learning how to slow down and helps us release mental blocks.

Typical flower essence dosage is four drops four times daily. You can take the drops directly under the tongue or place them in a glass of water that is slowly sipped. Take the flower essence remedy for two weeks, noting any changes in emotions.

Plantain Around the Web

Plantain: A Healing Herb in your Backyard by Wellness Mama

The Humble & Persistent Little Weed - Plantain by Celtic Earth Spirit

Foraging Plantain & Recipe for Plantain Leaf Chips by Leda Meridith

Plantain Salve Recipe - How to Make it and Why You’d Want To by The Hedgecombers

White Man’s Little Foot: Dwarf Plantain by Eat the Weeds

Are you interested in learning about the wild wisdom that each plant has to offer? Check out Wild Wisdom Botanicals Wild Wisdom Collections. Each herbal collection features a dried medicinal herb as well as a flower essence, tincture, and herbal salve. All plants used to make Wild Wisdom Botanicals are lovingly grown or sustainably foraged on our wild, happy and nourished homestead.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

This content is provided by informational and/or educational purposes only. This content is not meant to be a substitute for professional medical or health advice, and you should not accept it as such. If you need medical advice, evaluation, consulting, then you must seek help by a qualified physician or health care provider in your area. Do not ignore or delay your physician’s advice based on something you read on our site. Although every effort is made to ensure that this information is correct, use this information at your own risk.