The Healing Power of Plantain

When we hear the word Plantain, many of us immediately think of the starchy banana-like fruit used in cooking across the tropics. But there is another plantain - a humble green weed often found growing in gardens, grass verges and meadows - that has been treasured for centuries for its potent healing properties. In the UK, there are 2 different varieties of this powerful plant.

1. Plantago major - commonly known as common plantain or broadleaf plantain.

2. Plantago lanceolata - known by the common names ribwort plantain, narrowleaf plantain, English plantain, ribleaf, lamb's tongue, and buckhorn.

Plantain may be growing unnoticed under your feet, but it’s a powerful herbal ally for health and healing. From skin support to digestive relief, this unassuming herb has earned its place in traditional medicine and deserves a spot in your home remedy toolkit! Whether you’re a seasoned herbalist or just starting your journey into natural wellness, please don’t overlook the potent power of plantain.

Health Benefits of Plantain

Often dismissed as a weed, plantain is a hidden gem in the world of natural medicine, offering anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Plantain contains several beneficial plant compounds that contribute to its effectiveness in reducing inflammation and supporting the body’s natural defences.

1. Respiratory Relief

Plantain has demulcent (soothing) and expectorant properties that make it ideal for coughs, colds, and bronchitis. It helps calm irritated tissues in the throat and lungs, loosen mucus, and reduce inflammation. To benefit from this, it is best to either drink plantain tea (made from dried leaves) or use a plantain infused glycerite for relief from respiratory discomfort.

2. Digestive Support

Plantain leaves can calm the digestive tract, relieve inflammation, and support healing from internal ulcers and gastritis. Its mucilage content forms a soothing gel that protects the gut lining. In this case, a plantain tea or tincture may help with indigestion, stomach ulcers, or mild gastrointestinal irritation.

3. Natural Detoxifier

Plantain supports liver function and acts as a mild diuretic, helping to flush toxins from the body and support urinary health. It has also been used traditionally to help with bladder infections and to cleanse the blood.

4. Wound Healing and Skin Soothing

One of the most important uses of plantain is as a healing remedy for wounds and skin irritations. When applied topically, plantain acts as a natural wound healer, helping treat:

• Cuts and scrapes

• Insect bites and stings

• Burns and rashes

• Eczema and acne

The leaves contain allantoin, a natural compound that promotes skin regeneration. The anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties help reduce swelling, fight infection, and speed healing. Fresh leaves can either be crushed (or chewed) into a poultice and applied directly to the affected area or infused into an oil to create a salve for application to the skin.

How to make your own plantain salve

You will need:

• A large handful of plantain leaves - washed and towel dried

• 200ml of carrier oil of your choice (I use avocado and coconut oils)

• 18g beeswax pellets

• 20 drops of an essential oil of your choice (I use peppermint)

• Half a teaspoon of Vitamin E oil

Step 1: Forage for fresh plantain

Make sure that you are fully aware of the characteristics of the plants you forage and that you have correctly identified either Broadleaf or Ribwort Plantain before proceeding. You can use leaves from either variety but, if in doubt, please use a reference book or App to double check!

Step 2: Infuse a carrier oil of your choice with the fresh plantain leaves

The choice of oil is entirely up to you, for example jojoba oil, olive oil or argan oil are all popular choices. Personally, I use a 50/50 mix of avocado oil and coconut oil. The avocado oil is moisturising and hydrating while the coconut oil has collagen boosting properties and also creates a thicker texture in the final salve.

• Place the fresh leaves into a double boiler - I use a glass bowl over a pan of boiling water - and add 200ml of the chosen carrier oil.

• Simmer gently for about 30 minutes to release the active compounds from the leaves but be careful not to let the oil boil.

• Allow to cool slightly then strain the leaves from the infused oil mixture.

Step 3: Prepare your healing salve

It is important to now switch from measuring in ml to measuring in grams to ensure the correct ratio of oil to wax in your salve.

• Melt 18g of beeswax pellets (I prefer to use white beeswax) in a double boiler.

• Add 120g of your infused plantain oil and mix thoroughly.

• Remove from the heat before adding half a teaspoon of Vitamin E oil and mixing thoroughly - although this is not a preservative, it is an antioxidant. This extends the shelf life of your salve by preventing the oils from becoming rancid and losing their quality.

Step 4: Add essential oils

Many essential oils offer skin friendly therapeutic benefits and are therefore good additions for salves, creams and ointments. By adding essential oils to your salve, you not only create a beautiful perfume but can enhance the anti-inflammatory and regenerative effects of the active ingredients from the plantain. However, be careful which oil you choose as some (mainly citrus based) can be irritants and are not recommended. Frankinsence, lavender, geranium and rose are popular additions and I also often use peppermint.

• Add 20 drops of your chosen essential oil and mix thoroughly.

• Pour into clean (preferably sterilised) containers and allow to set.

For a harder consistency, and a longer shelf life, keep your salve in the fridge but please remember that your salve does not have a preservative and will therefore become contaiminated with bacteria every time you open it and especially when you stick your fingers in it! I would recommend no more than 2 weeks (refrigerated) before making a fresh batch.

Fresh Plantain Salve