Plantain, a Weed for All Reasons

Fall is the time of year when most of the insect and animal kingdoms in the northern hemisphere are preparing for the long cold times ahead . We humans seem to be the exception to this natural rule of things and believe the shelves will always be fully stocked and we'll continue to have what we want at a price we can afford. If that doesn't change, OK, if it does, it's a good idea to have a backup plan.

Why spend money on chemicals that do harm to humans and beneficial items, including insects that help eradicate other insect pests, plus cost money that's better spent elsewhere. If you've been spraying plantain (Plantago, various species) in your garden, this would be a good time to give that practice a second thought.

Recently, while talking about the summer's garden successes, a friend told my wife she'd rather not have any corn if she had to have plantain in her garden. Plantain has been proven to have a synergistic relationship with corn. Most people can't or don't want to believe it because of longstanding beliefs. "We've been doing it (and thinking about it) this way for years and we're not going to change now."

One species of plantain is where psyllium seed comes from. If you've been going to the health food store and buying psyllium seed to stay regular, and spraying plantain in your garden, you've been trying to kill the goose that lays the golden egg. While we're in that general area, plantain as a poultice can be applied to a hemorrhoid for relief.

Since fall is the time when insects begin looking for a winter home, it's not uncommon to get stung while rummaging around in your shed or garage. If the happens, find some broad leaf plantain, be sure you haven't sprayed it, chew some of the leaves to a pulp and put it on the sting. Be sure you've removed the stinger before application. The same procedure is true when dealing with poison ivy, poison oak or poison sumac.

Colds are more common when the temperature begins to cool and we spend more hours cooped up indoors. Sore throat, laryngitis, bronchitis and coughs can all be treated with that &^$() obnoxious weed. Commission E, the German commission that evaluates herbs for effectiveness, states plantain is an effective, safe, sore throat treatment plus it has antibacterial and astringent properties. The recommended dosage is one teaspoon of leaf per cup of boiling water, steep until cool and drink slowly, allowing it to sit in the mouth and trickle down the throat.

Got dandruff? Double or triple the recommended dosage for sore throat and use it as a hair rinse after shampooing. It not only helps control dandruff, it can make your hair shinier, smoother and more manageable.

Crushed to a pulp and applied to a cut it can stop the bleeding. I've only used it on minor cuts but have seen and heard of it being effective on major cuts and abrasions. Next time you have a toothache, try this. Crush some leaves into a pulp, place them between the cheek and the affected tooth and hold it in place with your hand.

Plantain has been used for centuries to treat burns of all kinds. The juice from the leaves can be applied to the burn for almost instant relief. If getting in some sun before the weather turns cold and you get a sunburn, look to plantain for effective pain relief. The active ingredient allintoin, also found in comfrey, is a proven healer of damaged skin cells. Prepare by crushing or chewing to a pulp and apply to the affected area. Combined with fresh aloe, the pain of burns and sunburn will soon be a memory.