More than a Weed- Plantain

Plantain growing in the yard. Note the purplish base of the stem and rubbery leaves. The leaves will "snap" when you pull them off the plant.

Plantain has been used medicinally since it arrived here in the United States back in the 1700s. Before that, it was used similarly in its native landscape in Europe and Asia. While it’s not considered invasive, it is not native to the United States.

Today it is primarily used as a natural bug bite treatment. People chew a leaf from the plant and apply it to the bite to ease pain and itching. We collected several buckets of the leaves and took them to a friend to press it into an oil. Some also use the plant as a digestive treatment and in combination with aloe, as a wound treatment. According to WebMD, plantain, like any plant, could cause an allergic reaction. It is advised to be used in small doses to ensure you don’t have a negative reaction. BE 100% SURE you are able to properly identify any plant, berry, nut or mushroom before foraging for it!

After decades of popping this plant out of my gardens and mowing over it, I was flabbergasted to learn it might be the most amazing plant on earth. That of course, is my opinion. As someone who overreacts to any kind of sting or bite, it has been a Godsend. While there are over the counter treatments for bug bites, they are expensive and many contain hydrocortisone which can potentially have a negative effect on the thyroid.

Audrey L Elder

Fourteen Acre Wood