10 Remedies You Can Make Using Plantain

Plantain is a common, broad-leafed herb from the Plantago genus. The most common species is Plantago lanceolata and Plantago major. Both are considered a weedy invader in many states, but they have some well researched medicinal properties.

Plantain has the unusual ability to both increase mucus in the throat, as well as dry out and clear sinuses and the nasal passage. It can significantly reduce the abundance of certain bacteria and fungi, especially e. coli due to its anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties. It is also a good anti-inflammatory, provides mild pain relief, and increases circulation. It can produce a cooling effect when applied to the skin and has anti-histamine properties.

Plantain is slightly bitter-tasting, so it’s best combined with other herbs when consumed. For all of the remedies listed below, fresh plantain leaves are the best choice but dried also works well.

1.  Plantain Tea for Coughs and Sinus Issues

Plantain has the unusual ability to both increase mucus in the throat, as well as dry out and clear sinuses and the nasal passage. A tea (or decoction) made from plantain and a few other helpful herbs is an easy remedy.

• Place 1 sliced marshmallow root in a pot and bring it to a boil.
• Simmer for 5 minutes.
• Add a small handful of plantain leaves.
• Cover the pot and remove from heat. Brew for 5 minutes.
• Add either mint, peppermint, or pine needles and brew for another 3 minutes.
• Strain and serve with honey.

2. Plantain Tea for Digestion and Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)

Plantain can significantly reduce the abundance of certain bacteria, especially e. coli due to its anti-bacterial properties. The tea described below is not only good for a healthy gut and aiding digestion, but by adding a few other common herbs, you can also prevent UTIs.

Marshmallow stimulates mucus which can soothe the intestinal tract, while parsley and chamomile have mild diuretic properties that help the urinary tract flush out any bacteria through increased urination. Thyme and chamomile are high in antioxidants and are also anti-bacterial.

• Place 1 sliced marshmallow root in a pot and bring it to a boil.
• Simmer for 5 minutes.
• Add a small handful of plantain leaves, chamomile flowers, thyme, and parsley.
• Cover the pot and remove from heat. Brew for 10 minutes.
• Strain and serve.

3. Plantain Infused Oil for Cooking and a Base Ingredient

You can reap some of the benefits of plantain by infusing it with olive or sunflower oil and either using it for cooking and salad dressing, or storing it in the cupboard to use as a base to make other medicinal herbal blends later.

In the summertime, you can infuse the oil by putting some plantain in a glass jar, covering it with olive oil, and leaving it out in the sun for 4 weeks. Otherwise, you can put the plantain and oil in a pot over very low heat for a few hours. Strain the oil, label the jar, and store it for your next herbal remedy.

4. Plantain Salve for Healing Cuts and treating Varicose Veins

In addition to its anti-bacterial properties, plantain is also a good anti-inflammatory and provides mild pain relief as well as increasing circulation.

You can make a powerful salve for healing small wounds and reducing varicose veins by heating the plantain infused olive oil in remedy number 3 in a double boiler, and then slowly adding beeswax until the consistency is right.

Adding yarrow flowers and leaves (or essential oil) to this remedy harnesses the healing properties of both herbs.

5. Plantain Compress to Relieve a Rash

Plantain makes a great all-round treatment for most rashes and skin conditions because of its anti-bacterial and anti-fungal abilities. It also has a cooling effect, so a plantain cold compress or wet wrap is ideal for people suffering from a rash.

• Boil a pot of water, add a handful of plantain, cover, and brew it until it is cool.
• Strain and soak bandages in the tea, then wrap them around the affected area.
• For an extra cold compress put the tea and bandages in the fridge first, until they have chilled.

6. Plantain Body Spray to Relieve Sunburn

Plantain has the ability to reduce heat, so it makes a soothing, cooling body spray to apply to mild sunburn.

Simply pour boiling water over some plantain leaves, cover and brew until cool. Strain the tea into a spray bottle and store in the fridge.

By adding a teabag, lavender flowers, calendula flowers, chamomile flowers, comfrey leaves, rose petals and/or mint/peppermint, then you can make an effective remedy to soothe sunburn.

7. Plantain Tincture for Allergies and Hay Fever

A plantain tincture is made by soaking it in high proof alcohol which draws out the medicinal properties. It needs to soak for at least 4 weeks in a dark place, so it requires some preparation time.

Plantain has anti-histamine properties, so incorporating it into your routine is beneficial for people who suffer from allergies and hay fever. This can be achieved by drinking a glass of water with a few drops of tincture in it. You can also use this plantain tincture and water solution as a mouth wash.

8. Plantain Poultice to Relieve Insect Bites and Itching

There are many herbs that can reduce the itch and swelling of insect bites, and plantain is yet another one thanks to its anti-inflammatory, anti-histamine, anti-bacterial and anti-fungal capabilities.

The quickest way to make a poultice is to chew up some leaves to make a paste, and then “spit” it onto the affected area (this works well when you’re outdoors, otherwise you can use a mortar and pestle). Then cover the paste with a bandage or plaster.

9. Plantain Juice to Relieve Stomach Ulcers

The anti-inflammatory and mild pain-relieving properties of plantain make a juice that can reduce the symptoms of stomach ulcers. Its leaves are slightly bitter tasting but they go well with other herbs and plants that also provide some relief from stomach ulcers.

A proven way to treat stomach ulcers is with a high fiber diet. One variety of plantain (Plantago ovata) is the source of psyllium, the key component of Metamucil, which is a recommended method of increasing the amount of fiber in your diet.

To make a healthy juice that will relieve stomach ulcers, blend plantain leaves with some water, turmeric, licorice root, cabbage, honey, psyllium, and some fruits of your choice. All of these ingredients have been studied and found to be an effective way to reduce the risk and severity of stomach ulcers.

If you have high blood pressure or a history of heart disease, then it’s recommended not to consume licorice root on a regular basis or over a long period.

10. Plantain Foot Soak for Healthy Feet

A simple way to help heal cracked soles and keep your feet healthy is to add a pouch of plantain to a foot bath. Its anti-bacterial and anti-fungal abilities cleanse your skin. By combining plantain with pine needles and lavender, you can create a homemade foot soak that also smells great and helps you to relax

.

• Fill a small cloth or linen pouch with plantain leaves, pine needles, and some lavender flowers.
• Tie the pouch up tightly so it acts like a teabag and keeps the leaves in.
• Add to a foot bath and soak for a while.

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