This Plant is one of the Most Useful Medicines on the Planet
Mar 29, 2018

Marguerite Little
Core Spirit member since Dec 24, 2020
Reading time less than 1 minute

You’ve stepped on it, ignored it, and tried to eradicate it from your lawn. However, this innocuous little weed is one of the most useful medicines on the planet, just begging to be harvested.

There are two major types of plantain in BC, Canada: Lance and Broadleaf.

Plantain

Generally, all 200-plus varieties of plantain yield the same results. 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 absorbable fibre, 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!


Leave your comments / questions for this practitioner

To write a comment please
or
Services
Category filter
Concern filter
Type filter
Sort
 

All categories

Herbal Medicine (Herbalism)
$20 USD
consultation
Winter wellness advice

This is a short consultation, intended to provide you with generalised advice that does not require the amount of information I typically gather during a 1-hour consultation.

I can provide advice around supporting your body to get through winter feeling strong, calm, uplifted and protected against sniffles. If you or your child has come down with something, I can provide more specific advice around herbal and nutritional approaches that may be of benefit to help you feel better sooner.

Emma Hickey
Herbal Medicine (Herbalism)
$25 USD
consultation
Natural transition

I am a nonbinary individual, and as such, I want to fall somewhere in the middle of male and female with my gender expression. This can be problematic for the medical system, as it views transition as either "ftm" or "mtf."

Likewise, seeking HRT or other gender affirming care can be expensive and inaccessible.

I'm here to provide you with the information you need to get around these barriers, naturally.

When you come to me as a client, rest assured you will receive:

  • Thorough research into the concerns you have
  • An empathetic listener
  • Fast turnaround of information (such as links, articles) or anything else you might need

With my help, you'll find more euphoria in yourself and the peace of mind that comes with using methods born from Mother Earth.

Please book only on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays!

Yarrow Brown
Herbal Medicine (Herbalism)
$60 USD
consultation
Herbalism

Start your journey to health and wellbeing by connecting with me for an online naturopathy consultation TODAY.
Herbs continue to be the foundation of much of modern medicine.
Herbal medicine supports holistic treatment, with prevention of disease being as important as the treatment of a particular illness such as:
Upset stomachs,
common Cold and Flu,
Headaches,
Menstrual problems,
Sore muscles,
Skin rashes,
Digestive disorders,
Rheumatic and Arthritic Conditions,
Chronic skin problems,
Anxiety and tension related stress,
Bronchitis and other respiratory conditions,
Hypertension,
allergies, and so forth.

Helena Szollosy
Herbal Medicine (Herbalism)
$85 USD
consultation
Aromatherapy and Herbalism

When we are trying to grow a plant, it is important that the soil is moist and properly fertilized. When the roots are happy, the plant will flourish, producing fruit, flowers, oxygen and life! We can take the same approach to our own bodies. If our soil or living environment isn't habitable or the nutrients we are feeding ourselves aren't nourishing enough, we grow weak, unstable and sometimes it can lead to chronic conditions and disease.

This consultation will walk us through your medical history, diet, exercise and daily life so I can determine what areas we need to focus on. We will discover what kind of constitution you have as to identify which herbs and esscenses are the best fit for your body. We will then come up with a plan on how to overcome the issue or issues at hand.

Jody Pesapane

Related Articles

View All
Registered individuals enjoy all the possibilities of Core Spirit.