There are certain things in the world that get little attention, and this little weed is one of them. It pops up in construction sites, gravel pits, or in the cracks of your driveway, but it gets ignored or plucked and discarded. We are talking about the plantain leaf.
This unassuming weed is not to be confused with the banana-like fruit with the same name. Before we continue, plantain leaf is actually an herb, not a weed. Now that we’ve clarified that, we can proceed. Plantain is considered a folk medicine, commonly used by hikers to ward off mosquitos, but it has been used as an herbal remedy for the flu, dog bites, and fevers since the 1500s.
For Topical Use
As we mentioned before, plantain leaf can be rubbed on the skin as a natural mosquito repellent. You can also crush or chew it up and place it on bug bites, bee stings, acne, slivers, splinters or rashes because it is naturally astringent. Bandage the affected area with plantain and let the healing begin. Interesting fact: it is a beneficial remedy that helps soothe hemorrhoids.
For Internal Treatment
The digestive system is one of the most important systems in the body. If it doesn’t function properly, many things negative health problems can ensue. People who benefit most from plantain are those who have taken lots of antibiotics or pain medications. It has a natural healing effect in the body and can also help those with allergies or Celiac disease.
You can brew plantain leaf into a soothing tea, cook it in soups, or sauté it with greens like kale. Did you know that the seeds are great too? They are a great absorbable fiber that, when consumed before meals, can help promote weight loss.
Overall, this unassuming plant has a ton of benefits, and it is a true panacea. Whether you have skin irritations, arthritis, menstrual difficulties, or digestive issues, plantain leaf is an awesome remedy that can keep you healthy.
