| Wow I love plentiful plantain, lets take a closer look at your neighbor, that lives closer than you think. We mow it, we stomp on it, we ignore it and most of us will never know what it really does, has done and may do in the future. There are two, the (Plantago lanceolata) narrow-leaved or (P. major)the broad-leaved plantain . A very common plant, and coming to us from Europe, it is a wonderful medicine chest of remedies that is now freely growing on nearly every continent across the globe. Reminds me a little of the spinach leaf. This plant also provides us with psyllium seed and husk, used as a mucilage and mild laxative even by the early Anglo-Saxons. The Romans used plantain in recipes for boils and severe, blistering shingles. In fact, this herb is helpful for skin eruptions of all kinds, soothing itchy and inflamed outbreaks. Great in the outdoors for first-aid because it helps stop bleeding and prevent infections of cuts and scrapes - just chew the fresh leaf a bit to release the juices and place directly on a cut. Plantain is noted for its ability to draw out splinters, dirt, pus and infection out of areas of concern, venom out of bee stings, spider bites and snake bites. Quite a few herbs also this ability, but plantain is the most powerful in preventing and treating blood poisoning when used as a fresh poultice. Blood poisoning appears as heat, inflammation and pus along with a red line moving away from the wound toward the center of the body. In all cases, fresh poultices of plantain leaf applied to the wound, along with eating the leaf, can reverse the symptoms in several days. In this same regard, plantain can be used wadded up and crushed enough to release its juices, to deal with emergency tooth and gum infections. The tincture used in water makes a good mouthwash as a preventative measure to oral infections. The tea or tincture is especially helpful for chronic dry coughs, when there is not enough moisture to pull up the mucus trapped underneath, as plantain soothes the lungs removing excess mucus and lubricating tissue. It will also strengthen the lungs after a bout of illness, as it tends to strengthen all connective tissue. Growing it in your garden is easy more than likely it is already there. If you are worried about it spreading everywhere, then be sure to cut off the seed-stalks once they are up. Otherwise, dry a little plantain or make a fresh tincture and keep it on hand for emergency. Plantain is a tonic herb and is rich in nutrients, you can eat it as often as you wish and may add a bit to salads, soups or any other dish you enjoy. Plantain, a little wonder in itself! |
Earths Green Pharmacy Right In Your Own Backyard
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