Plantain (Plantago lanceolota) – leaf
• Antihistamine – good for insect bites, hay fever tea
• vulnerary (wound healer) used as a poultice for clearing heat and inflammation, varicose veins and varicose eczema
• purifying quality – used as a poultice to draw out dirt from wounds
• relieves toothache and inflammation in gums
• soothes mucous membranes of digestive tract – good for stomach ulcers and IBS, useful in healing and strengthening digestive system
• expectorant – useful for stubborn coughs and chronic bronchitis, also good for dry coughs
• greater plantain (hoary or major as otherwise known) good for relieving tired feet
Used as tea, tincture and succus, as well as for poulticing.
*Note: only anti-bacterial when used fresh.
