Plantain Leaf Tea

Rizzie Mysliwiec
Apr 14, 2022
2 min read

Updated: Jan 12, 2023

My family LOVES Plantain. It is a natural tick, mosquito, flea, and chigger repellent. Stops the sting of wasps and other bugs in seconds. And readily populates the yard easily! I found this breakdown below and wanted to pass it along!

"It grows especially well in poor, rocky soil (such as driveways) and is often seen alongside dandelion. More often than not, you will see plantain growing in gravel pits and construction sites as nature seeks to regenerate the soil.

Introduced to North America in the 1600s, it was once called “White Man’s Foot” by the Native Americans who witnessed that where the Europeans tread and disrupted the soil, plantain sprung up.

Plantain has often been the go-to remedy for hikers plagued by mosquitos. Because it draws toxins from the body with its astringent nature, plantain may be crushed (or chewed) and placed as a poultice directly over the site of bee stings, bug bites, acne, slivers, glass splinters, or rashes. Bandage the area and allow the plantain to work its magic for 4-12 hours.

Plantain may also be used to create a balm for emergency kits, or an infusion used as a skin or general wash. It is also a notable, soothing remedy for hemorrhoids.

"Plantain is renowned for its healing effect on the digestive system. "

This is especially useful for anyone who has been damaged by antibiotics, anti-inflammatory or pain medications, food allergies, or Celiac disease.

Both leaves and seeds specifically target the digestive system for healing. The leaves may be steeped as tea, added to soups, or dried with a sauce similar to kale chips. The seeds – a type of psyllium – can be ground or soaked for bulk mucilage or absorbance fiber, which, consumed before meals, may help with weight loss.

Because plantain is a gentle expectorant and high in silica, an infusion can be helpful for lung problems, coughs, and colds.

Plantain is almost a panacea for the human body, treating everything from all menstrual difficulties, all digestive issues, to nearly all skin complaints, and even arthritis.

Add to salads, chew to ease thirst, or enjoy in stir fries. This versatile wild vegetable will keep you in good health for years to come!"

Now you can understand Why this plant (Which grows prolifically!) is GOLD in our home!

Every Spring we take our family out and Harvest Plantain from our yard. We harvest all year, especially on an "As needed" basis. But Spring time is special for us, because It's usually our first big harvest of the year. getting our hands in the soil, playing with the plants. Especially after such a Long White Winter!