Plantain Leaf (Plantago Major)

The wound weed — skin healing, respiratory soothing, and gut repair from the humble pavement plant with extraordinary medicinal power.

Plantain leaf (Plantago major) is one of the most common ‘weeds’ found growing through pavement cracks across Britain — and one of the most medicinally versatile herbs in European folk medicine. Rich in aucubin, allantoin, and mucilage, it heals wounds and insect bites topically, soothes inflamed respiratory passages and dry coughs internally, and calms gut inflammation and diarrhoea with remarkable gentleness. The Anglo-Saxons listed it as one of their nine sacred herbs — and with good reason.

Key Benefits
Wound & skin healing (topical) · Respiratory soothing & cough · Gut inflammation & diarrhoea · Antibacterial · Anti-inflammatory · Urinary tract support

How to Use
Steep 1–2 tsp dried plantain leaf in 250ml hot water for 5–10 mins. Drink 2–3 cups daily for internal use. Mild, slightly earthy, grassy flavour. For skin: brew a strong infusion, cool, and apply as a compress or wash to wounds, insect bites, or irritated skin.

When to Expect Results
Wound & skin healing (topical): 2–5 days · Respiratory & cough soothing: 3–7 days · Gut inflammation & diarrhoea: 3–7 days.

Who It's For
• Skin wounds, insect bites & irritation
• Coughs, bronchitis & mucus
• Gut inflammation, diarrhoea & IBS
• Urinary tract infections
• General anti-inflammatory support

Who Should Avoid
• Plantaginaceae family allergy — rare but possible
• On anticoagulants — contains vitamin K; consult GP
• Pregnant — generally considered safe; consult GP for therapeutic use
• On lithium — diuretic properties may interact

Storage
Store in an airtight container in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Best used within 12–18 months.

Organically grown · Third-party tested · Free from pesticides & contaminants.