Joan Perry of Oregon Meadow Herb Company in Hillsboro Oregon recently posted an article on Plantain (Plantago major, P. lanceolata). Plantain is a very common herb in most places (other than the dry desert southwest) and most recognizable as a laxative. If you've taken the dry-stuff in a glass of water or juice, that was psyllium, the seeds from a relative. The leaves are a common ingredient in many healing salves and ointments.

As most articles posted online, I've got the full text of the article in the extended view in the highly likely event that the Hillsboro Argus News takes the information off line.

Herbal remedies Plantain: A common, yet uncommon plant
01/23/03
By Joan Perry
For The Argus

Editor's note: Herbal remedies might not be for everyone. It's always advisable to consult your doctor first.

You know the one I'm talking about. That large, oval-leafed weed growing in your lawn that just lays there and hugs the ground.

Several long veins stretch from the stem to the tip of each leaf. You can walk on it, stomp on it or even run a lawn mower over it. Nothing seems to faze it (except maybe toxic chemicals and rabbits). But, if you knew what this herb, plantain, had to offer, you might want to show it some respect.

Plantain, Plantago major, is one of the most common wild plants in the world. It could be considered the rabbit of the plant world. One little seed drops from a hikers boot, and germinates by the side of the trail. The next thing you know, plantain plants are flopped around everywhere. Sure, they aren't as cute as bunnies in your lawn, but they make up for it in medicinal ways.

Over 200 species of plantain thrive throughout the world. The two most common in the United States are broad leaved plantain, Plantago major, and lance leaved plantain, Plantago lanceolata. Both perennial herbs have similar properties.

Rich in vitamin A and calcium, the tender young leaves make a healthy addition to salads. Make sure you use young leaves, as older ones become stringy and bitter. And of course, don't harvest plants that grow in lawns treated with chemicals.

Even the seeds of the long, leafless stalks are useful. Soak on to two teaspoons seeds in two cups of water. This drink has a laxative effect, much like the seeds of its relative, Plantago arenaria, commonly known as psyllium. You may recognize psyllium as a major ingredient in over the counter laxatives, such as Metamucil.

As beneficial as plantain is internally, it is most appreciated for its external medicinal applications for both people and pets.

Many natural herbal salves contain soothing plantain for good reason. It has astringent, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, and wound healing properties. These attributes make it an effective balm for minor cuts, scrapes, rashes, blisters and burns. It is also beneficial in reducing swelling and relieving itching caused by bug bites and stings.

Another external method of using plantain is in tea form. A blend of one tablespoon each of plantain leaves, calendula flowers and grindelia leaves, with one quarter teaspoon goldenseal powder makes an external tea wash for hot spots (raw, itchy, painful sores) on dogs. Pour one pint boiling watr over one tablespoon of the tea blen, cover, and steep for 15 minutes. Chill in a spray bottle, and apply to inflammation.

Salves and teas are handy methods of administering plaintain, but they aren't imperative. Using freshly picked leaves is often all that is necessary. Bruise the leaves by mashing or chewing, and apply directly to the skin as a poultice. Wrap the poultice with a gauze bandage to keep it in place.

Fortunately, for many people, this wonderful natural remedy is as close as their own back yard.

Joan Perry owns Oregon meadow Herb Company, 238 SE Second Avenue, Hillsboro, OR 97123 503-693-3540 email: joanperry@oregonmeadowherbs.com