Plantain, a common weed, is one of nature’s healing superstars
(Health Secrets) A common nuisance plant that you probably poison or pull out every summer is turning out to be a healing superstar. This medicinally powerful plant is known as plantain, and it is one of the most medicinally powerful plants around.
Plantain’s lush green leaves and petite, stalk-like buds conceal a unique nutritive potential for overcoming menstrual difficulties, clearing up skin blemishes, and even taking pain out of arthritis. Before it was pushed out of the way by pharmaceutical drugs, plantain was repeatedly used for centuries as one of nature’s most powerful medicines.
Plantain can be used topically to heal wounds
One of the uses of plantain is as an astringent for wounds and bug bites. Simply chewing plantain leaf or crushing and grinding it makes an effective poultice to draw out poisons from the skin and prevent infections and scarring.
“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, bug bites, acne, slivers, glass splinters, or rashes,” explains Life Advancer.
Plantain helps digestion
If you suffer from constant digestive problems due to antibiotics, food allergies or genetically modified organisms (GMOs), plantain may be a simple cure. The leaves and seeds of the plant have been reported to aid in reducing inflammation and help repair damage to the gut lining.
The seeds of plantain are also useful in maintaining a clean digestive tract, acting similarly to psyllium husk in absorbing toxins and creating firmer stools. When steeped, plantain leaves can be turned into an extract for use as a gut healer.
Plantain helps congestions and respiratory problems
Since it is rich in the mineral silica, plantain also makes an excellent expectorant. This means that it helps clear up congestion and mucus, effectively treating coughs, colds and various other respiratory ailments.
“Plantain acts as a gentle expectorant while soothing inflamed and sore membranes, making it ideal for coughs and mild bronchitis,” wrote David Hoffmann, FNIMH, AHG, in his book Medical Herbalism: The Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine.
Plantain helps hemorrhoids
The same astringent properties that make plantain an effective wound-healer also make it an effective remedy for hemorrhoids. When processed and turned into a lotion or ointment, plantain can be applied to hemorrhoids to stop the flow of blood, which is also useful in the treatment of cystitis accompanied by bleeding.
“Plantain is one of Western herbalism’s primary topical healing agents, used as a lotion, ointment, compress, or poultice for cuts and bruises,” adds Hoffmann in his book. “It may be applied topically for hemorrhoids and skin ulcerations.”
Plantain treats blood diseases and most other diseases
There seems to be very few health conditions that plantain cannot effectively treat. According to The American Materia Medica, Therapeutics and Pharmacognosy, written by Dr. Finley Ellingwood, MD, in 1919, plantain is effective against virtually all blood diseases, many glandular diseases, mercury poisoning, diarrheal conditions, female disorders, and injuries, bites and rashes on the skin.
“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,” adds Life Advancer about the amazing healing potential of plantain.
“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!”
To learn more, be sure to read Dr. Ellingworth’s plantain entry as it was published in his 1919 book:
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