Plantain: A First Aid Weed With Antibiotic, Antiviral, and Pain-Blocking Effects
Plantain is excellent for treating acute conditions (such as cuts, scrapes, and bee stings), is easy to administer, and has little risk of causing side effects.
In this series, we look at natural alternatives to modern first aid kits, which usually consist of medications made from synthetic chemicals. If you are looking for natural solutions for acute conditions, these herbs are safe, effective, and easily available.
Plantain (Plantago major or Plantago lanceolata) may share a name with the banana-like fruit found in grocery stores but it’s completely different. This plantain is the perennial herb often identified as a “weed” growing in backyards, in lawns, along driveways and hiking paths, and in gardens.
Plantain meets important requirements for inclusion in a herbal first-aid kit because it’s excellent for treating acute conditions (such as cuts, scrapes, and bee stings), is easy to administer, and has little risk of causing side effects.
The Easiest Medicine
My first experience with plantain was during a summer play date when my son was stung by a wasp at our home. He was crying in pain when I suddenly remembered hearing that plantain pulls toxins from the skin and alleviates pain.
