Herb
Plantain Leaf
The soothing leaf of this common lawn plant has calmed bug bites, stings, and scrapes for generations of backyard first-aid.
🌱 What it is
Plantain leaf (broadleaf or ribwort plantain) is a common low-growing plant found in yards and along paths — not the banana-like cooking plantain. Its leaves are traditionally crushed for skin use or dried for tea.
✨ How it may help
- Traditionally applied to soothe bites and stings
- May help support the skin's natural comfort after a scrape
- Traditionally used as a tea to ease a cough
- Often used to support gentle digestive comfort
🥄 How to use it
For bites and stings, crush a clean fresh plantain leaf and hold it on the spot. As a tea, steep 1 teaspoon of dried leaf in hot water for 10 minutes. (This is broadleaf/ribwort plantain, not the banana-like cooking plantain.)
⚖️ Caution
Make sure leaves are clean and from an unsprayed area before using on skin, and seek medical care if a bite or sting brings spreading redness, swelling, or trouble breathing.
🍃 A note from nature
A plant most feet walk right over, yet tucked with a quiet gift for the very skin that steps on it.