Medicinal plant
Plantain
Plantago major
The go-to fresh poultice for bites and stings. Also called Broadleaf Plantain.
This is the common lawn/garden plantain (identify broadleaf Plantago major vs. narrowleaf Plantago lanceolata) — not the banana-like cooking fruit. A vulnerary and demulcent, traditionally valued in home herbalism for minor bites, stings, scrapes, and itchy or irritated skin, and an astringent that tones tissues.
Properties
Vulnerary — Supports healing of wounds or damaged tissue
Demulcent — Coats, moistens, and soothes irritated internal tissues
Astringent — Tightens and tones tissues; often drying
Energetics
Cooling Moistening Toning
Growing and using it
Life cycle
Herbaceous perennial.