Plantain

Plantain, Ribwort
Plantago major
Plantaginaceae

Plantian grows in yards, roadsides, disturbed areas. It is an important medicinal plant introduced from Europe. It grows best on hard, compacted ground which makes it a signature as a powerful drawing agent; its' roots have the ability to draw water and nutrients out of tough soil. It’s best to collect plantain fresh and juice the leaves for internal and external use. Pick young leaves before the plant flowers, or collect during the growing season as needed. You can also dry the leaves to use in the winter months.
Historical Notes:
Mucilage from the leaves was used in France to stiffen muslin. Sheep are fond of it. Plantain has a long history of medicinal use in many cultures.

Plantain is bitter with an earthen taste; it is cool, moistening, and astringent. Plantain acts as a gentle expectorant as well as soothing irritated mucous membranes. A specific use for this plant is an irritated, unproductive cough, that starts with a tickle like a hair in the back of the throat. It is useful in respiratory illnesses, bringing out deep phlegm. Plantain is astringent and useful in diarrhea, hemorrhoids and cystitis. Plantain acts as a nourishing kidney diuretic. It is a powerful drawing agent for insect, snake, and spider bites; if needed harvest fresh leaves, chew, and place directly on the sting. It has the ability to draw dirt and pus out of wounds. The leaf looks like a tongue and has an affinity for the mouth. Plantain can draw infections out of gums while toning the tissues; use juice or tincture in water as a mouthwash. Plantain is an expectorant, antispasmodic, carminative, diaphoretic, nutritive, and demulcent.

References
A Modern Herbal by Mrs. M. Grieve, The New Holistic Herbal by David Hoffmann, The Yoga of herbs by Dr. David Frawley and Dr. Vasant Lad, The Book of Herbal Wisdom, The Earthwise Herbal , The Book of Herbal Wisdom by Matthew Wood