Bulk Herbs: Plantain leaf - cut

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Excerpts from Practical Herbalism

Plantain was used by the ancients to heal the bites of “mad dogs, snakes, and venomous creatures.” Interestingly, Native Americans quickly learned to use Plantain in the same way, and the colonial assembly of South Carolina granted a handsome reward and freedom to an African slave who taught them how to use the plant to remedy the bite of rattlesnakes.

Maud Grieve quotes Salmon’s Herbal (1710), and gives the following list of other uses for Plantago: “The liquid juice clarified and drunk for several days helps distillation of rheum upon the throat, glands, lungs, etc. Doses, 3 to 8 spoonsful. An especial remedy against ulceration of the lungs and a vehement cough arising from same. It is said to be good against epilepsy, dropsy, jaundice and opens obstructions of the liver, spleen, and veins. It cools inflammations of the eyes and takes away the pin and web (so called) in them. Dropped into the ears, it eases their pains and restores hearing much decayed. Doses, 3 to 6 spoonfuls more or less, either alone or with some fit vehicle morning and night. The powdered root mixed with equal parts of powder of Pellitory of Spain and put into a hollow tooth is said to ease the pain thereof. Powdered seeds stop vomiting, epilepsy, lethargy, convulsions, dropsy, jaundice, strangury, obstruction of the liver, etc. The liniment made with the juice and oil of Roses eases headache caused by heat, and is good for lunatics. It gives great ease, being applied in all hot gouts, whether in hands or feet, especially in the beginning, to cool the heat and repress the humors. The distilled water with a little alum and honey dissolved in it is of good use for cleansing and healing a sore ulcerated mouth or throat.”

In more recent times, plantain has been acclaimed for its ability to relieve bee stings, insect and spider bites, and rashes from an unfortunate encounter with Poison Ivy or Stinging Nettles. Dr. Christopher referred to Plantain, along with Jewelweed, and Hound’s Tongue as "Nature’s erasers." "Stand anywhere within sight of Poison Ivy, and look about," he said. "You will always see at least one of these plants, placed by the hand of God to come to your aid, if you should need it." Contemporary research has confirmed the anti-inflammatory properties of Plantain, and has discovered elements that protect the body against tumors and help resist damage to the liver from chemotherapy drugs. The fiber and mucilage from the seeds of the Plantago species have gained prominence as the primary fiber supplement of choice for millions of people around the world.

Indicated Usages - Internal:

Cholesterol	Constipation
Diabetes	Diarrhea
Hemorrhoids	Indigestion
Irritable bowel	Kidney/bladder inflammation
Liver problems	Mouth ulcers, canker sores
Uterine tonic

Indicated Usages - External:

Bites, stings	Cuts, bleeding wounds
Eczema, psoriasis	Leukorrhea, yeast
Rashes, contact dermatitis	Toothache
Ulcers, old sores	Varicose veins

Notes:

Plantain is a first rate “First Aid” plant that is usually close-at-hand, wherever you may be. A few fresh leaves, crushed or chewed, can be used to quickly stop the bleeding of an open wound, stop the pain and inflammation of bites and stings, and relieve the itching from poison ivy. A cup of strong Plantain tea will quell the worst indigestion, and a small wad of chewed leaf placed next to the gum will quiet a painful toothache until it can be attended to.

A simple ointment, made with an olive oil extract of fresh Plantain and a little beeswax is a very good general purpose remedy for many skin ailments, and is especially helpful with diaper rash.

From Our Reading and/or Experience...

We use Plantain often in tea and tincture combinations for a wide variety of internal and external physical needs. Of course, it can be used in many other types of remedies. For instance, it can easily be made into powder, and used in capsules.
Plantain is a contact healer. As such, it is essential for emergency situations to stop itching and/or bleeding, reduce inflammation, kill infection, etc. Basically, along with Cayenne, and Comfrey, Plantain is a must in case of physical injuries.
It can be used to benefit anyone: men, women (including before, during or after pregnancy, and nursing), children and animals.
It can be used as often as you would like, and in any way you choose.
It is very critical to store Plantain in a dark, dry, and cool place. Refrigeration or freezing is highly recommended, but not necessary. Following these suggestions will delay the loss of its highly valued nutritional and medicinal properties.