What Can You Do With The Plantain Weed

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 What is it we need to know about plantain?



 



I do not mean the banana. Plantain is a green wide leafed weed that grows in your yard more than likely you have seen it but didn’t know what it was. 
 
Latin name: Plantago major                                  Family: Plantaginaceae
Growing zone: 3-12. It is a perennial that is seen in disturbed areas such as yards and roadsides. Likes sandy, clay, loomy, moist soil, with a neutral  ph soil. Part shade to full sun. Stifles land erosion.


Identifiers:

Leaves: Thick medium to dark green in a rosette pattern. Each leaf is 3-8 inches long and 2-6 inches wide and ribbed with 5-7 stringy deep veins. They start at the stem of the leaf all the way to the tip. The age of the plant and time of the year will determine the color and size of the leaves. The leaves are oblong shaped. Waxy or rubbery looking.


Flowers:

Bloom in April- September and are green to white. Purple stamens grow on a densely packed stem. About 6-18 inches in height.



Seeds: Each capsule contains 6-15 seeds that are 1.0 - 1.5mm long. They are light to dark brown in color and are mostly flat and irregular oblong shaped.


Roots: Are fibrous and stringy.


Medicinal uses: This is a cooling plant. It is a diuretic that is good for the kidneys and bladder. It is good for the upset stomach, stifling diarrhea. When placed on cuts it helps stop bleeding. The leaves are cooling to burns, itching from insect bites, and stings. Plantain is a great source of vitamins A, C, K. Minerals such as calcium, zinc, potassium. and iron. This plant calms the esophagus and promotes healing from esophageal  damage from reflux. Calms discomfort from upper respiratory infections. 





Magikal:

Element: Earth/Water                                                                Planet: Venus



Energies: Earth and water. Has feminine qualities. Used in spells to provide strength, healing, and protection. Home and business blessings are a good use for plantain. Helping you strengthen your bond with people. Plantain is good to use with other herbs during rituals to strengthen the properties and magical abilities of the others in your workings. Great law of attraction herb. Protects from negative energies.


Best time to gather is during the last quarter moon. This is when its magikal properties are the highest.


You can make a moon essence with the leaves to produce a lunar feminine energy.



Just grab a few leaves and some water. Let the leaves sit within the water all night long and collect in the morning. You can then bottle and use it to spray on candles for good luck and protection during rituals. You can also spray your face for a boost of protective energy for the day. To keep your mind and body vibrations high and promote a deeper emotional healing.
Location: North Carolina, USA

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