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.