Often mistaken for an annoying garden weed, plantain turns out to be a very beneficial herb for your home remedy kit and it is probably growing in your back yard right now. Here’s what you should know about plantain.
Plantain Herb Health Benefits
This herb has been used since prehistoric times as a natural remedy. Plantain is very high in beta carotene and calcium. It also provides ascorbic acid, and vitamin K.
It’s medicinal properties include: astringent, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, anti-histamine, demulcent, expectorant, styptic and diuretic.
The broad leaf variety can be eaten raw and fresh in salads. The leaves is useful for insect bites, poison-ivy rashes, minor sores, and boils. Internally, it is used for coughs and bronchitis, as a tea, tincture, or syrup.
Cough, Bronchitis and Other Respiratory Issues
Plantain herb is an excellent remedy for cough and upper respiratory issues. (source). Just simply make tea out of it! (See below for the how to’s.)
Plantain Herbal Tea
1 TBS dry or fresh whole Plantain (find it here)
1 cup boiling water
Optional: 1tsp Manuka honey (to sweeten)
Directions
Add the dry or fresh plantain to boiling water. Steep 10 min. Strain. You may choose to sweeten the tea, I like Manuka honey for the added health benefits. Drink through the day.
