Nature Walk: Plantain
- L.M.
- Dec 28, 2024
- 2 min read
Welcome to the Nature Walk blog series where commonly found medicinal herbs are briefly highlighted. Each featured plant is selected based on the Woven in Nature Healing Traditions team's outdoor walks. Today we are highlighting Plantain.
Plantain is one of Woven in Nature's favorite herbs to seek out in forestry areas. Its composition is very interesting - with elegantly flowing leaves and elongated stripes running from the base to tip; then from the plant's center, sturdy tendrils blossoming above, softly dusted with a white hue. This gem of a plant stands out once you find its habitat. On our Nature Walk ventures, we regularly encounter two common varieties; the Broadleaf and Narrow Leaf Plantain. Both are equally beneficial. From a medicinal perspective, Plantain is loaded with qualities that help promote overall wellness.
The Plantain herb is well known for its wound healing and inflammation reducing abilities. When used as an ointment, salve or compress, it can treat minor cuts, bruises and burns. Plantain's astringent, anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties are an added boost when it comes to skin care; providing extra protection, which can lead to a speedier recovery. Those same properties also translate into other medicinal benefits, such supporting the respiratory system when dry coughs exist as it helps to restore the lining of the bronchial tract. Plantain also serves as a digestive aide, and possesses anti-histamine qualities to support allergy relief.
Plantain is commonly found throughout North America, favors shady areas, and enjoys a long growing season spanning from Spring, and under optimal conditions, into early Autumn. Medicinally, Plantain leaves and roots can be used fresh or dried (dried will have a higher potency), and incorporated into either a healing recipe or used standalone. For compresses, opt for fresh plant leaves when possible as they will be tender to the skin and more manageable during application.
Similar to most herbs, Plantain can be utilized for multiple purposes. At Woven in Nature, Plantain tops the list for skin care due to its strength and effectiveness in that realm. We also use it as a companion herb in some of our custom blended teas. Plantain is an environmentally and medicinally resilient herb that we hope you experience and enjoy!
