How To Use Broadleaf Plantain In Your Home Apothecary

Plantain (the weed, not the tropical fruit!), might just be one of the most healing weeds that you can find in your yard. It’s one of those weeds that you can find just about anywhere, if you know what to look for. There are several types of plantain weeds, but plantago major is the most common type, and is the variety that we will go over in this post.

Plantain is one of the first plants that I began to work with when I was beginning to learn how to heal with plants. I had learned so much about plantains from the various books and podcasts that I’d been consuming, that when I finally learned how to identify it, I was overcome with joy! I started to see it everywhere I went, and I was so excited to harvest it to make tea and salves.

History of Plantain

Some of the first written records of its use can be found in the works of Greek physician, pharmacologist, and botanist Dioscorides (40-90 AD), but scientists believe that this incredible plant has been used to treat a wide range of ailments dating back about 4000 years.

Dioscorides, a prominent pharmacologist and author whose books influenced pharmacology for millennia, documented the many uses of plantago major. He noted its ability to treat various ailments including healing wounds, relieving itching skin, treating syphilis, and helping the body recover from diarrhea, and kidney and bladder problems. Modern science has proven his claims to be true, and many newer studies have found even more uses for this amazing plant.

Did you know?

Broadleaf plantain is native to Europe and Asia, but it has become naturalized globally following European colonization. Its nickname “white man’s footprint,” came from its prevalence around European settlements, where it grew prolifically in disturbed and compacted soil. A truly hardy plant, it can withstand repeated trampling and continue to thrive. 

After its introduction to North America, native tribes began to utilize plantain to heal wounds and treat various illnesses, and it has since become a major healing superpower.

How to identify plantago major

The broadleaf plantain is a relatively simple plant to identify, and with no poisonous look alikes, it’s a great plant to start with when you are just getting into foraging for wild medicines.

Identifying characteristics:

• Irregular, rounded oval leaves with ribs that run the length of the leaf
• Grows from a basal rosette (a rose shaped pattern)
• Leaves emerge from the rosette very close to the ground (no stem)
• Flowers spike heads grow on leafless stalks from the centre of the rosette

Notice how the leaves and flower stalk all grow from the centre of the plantain.

What are the benefits of plantain?

Broadleaf plantain can be used to treat a wide range of common ailments, so if you are just beginning to create your own herbal apothecary, this wonderful plant is a great place to start!

Herbal actions of plantain: Anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, anti-microbial, anti-histamine, alterative, lymphatic, emollient, demulcent, expectorant, astringent, diuretic, tonic, vulnerary

Respiratory health

Plantain is rich in mucilage, which can help to relieve respiratory irritation by coating the airways with a protective layer and encouraging the production of mucus. Plantain leaf tea can help to soothe the lungs and ease coughs and sore throats. It has also been used to treat chronic bronchitis.

Wound and skin healing

Plantain is a powerful vulnerary, which can help to stop bleeding and heal wounds. It is rich in allantoin, a bioactive component that can aid in skin regeneration to promote quicker healing of skin. It is anti-microbial and anti-bacterial which can help keep wounds clean and prevent infections. It also has strong drawing properties, which can help to pull out toxins and poisons from bug bites, stings, and scrapes, and can even help to draw out splinters. 

Both of my kids know that if they are out in the bush and get stung by something to make a spit poultice (more details below) with plantain leaves to help reduce pain, disinfect wounds and promote healing.

Digestive Health

The mucilage found in plantain can also help to protect the mucus membranes and absorb toxins in the bowel, which can provide relief from digestive upset and encourage more regular bowel movements. It is can also reduce inflammation and promote healing within the gut and digestive system.

Some studies suggest that it can also help to treat chronic colitis, acute gastritis, and enteritis.

Fighting infections

The anti-microbial properties and the presence of polysaccharides in plantain may help to fight off bacteria, fungi, and viruses, in addition to being an excellent treatment for the common flu.  As a tea or tincture, plantain offers strong anti-bacterial properties that can support our bodies and support overall immune health.

Mouth health

Some studies suggest that gargling with a plantain decoction can help to provide relief from toothaches, oral lesions, mouth sores and gingivitis.

Ear ache

It is said that applying warm plantain leaves to the affected ear can help provide relief from the pain of ear aches.

For more information on the medicinal benefits of plantain, you can check out this article from Pub Med: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5878035/#:~:text=Plantago%20major%20is%20advised%20for,2%2C%2012%2C%2013).

How to use plantain

1. Tea - perhaps the most simple way to enjoy plantain's many benefits is to brew up a cup of plantain tea, using around 1 tablespoon of dried leaves or a handful of freshly chopped leaves per cup of boiling water. Steep for 15 minutes to extract the medicinal properties that help with digestive issues, respiratory irritations and overall well-being. Add honey for extra throat soothing benefits.
2. Tincture - for a more potent dose of plantains medicinal properties, try a plantain tincture. 2-3 ml per day will help to promote a healthy digestive system and provide relief from respiratory infections.
3. Decoction - similar to a tea, a decoction is made by extracting medicinal properties out of a plant with water, except it is usually brewed for at least 24 hours. Starting with boiling water, the extraction is left to sit at room temperature or placed in the fridge for a more potent product.
4. Poultice - to treat bug bites and skin irritations, a simple spit poultice can be made without any special ingredients or equipment. Simply chew a few plantain leaves and apply to the affected area to help disinfect wounds, pull out toxins and provide relief from pain and irritation.
5. Salve - plantain salve is an excellent choice to provide relief from a wide range of skin irritations including cuts, scrapes, burns and bruises
6. Cooking - plantain leaves can be added into salads, sautéed like spinach, or added into soups and stews

Magical uses of plantain

It is said that plantain can help to protect us from evil spirits, and can promote healing, strength and protection. It is a feminine herb, of the planet Venus and the element of Earth. Try hanging plantain leaves in your car to ward off negative energies.

Are there any negative side effects of plantain?

There are no known negative side effects of plantago major. Large doses of it may produce a laxative effect, but other than that it is safe to consume.

Have you spotted plantain in the wild? What is your favourite way to use plantain? Feel free to comment and share your experiences, I always love hearing about people’s experience with medicinal herbs!

Much love <3