Plantain Leaves for Cuts

Plantago major

The plantain plant classified as plantago major is different from the large bananas known as plantains. (Plantain bananas, like ordinary bananas, are from the genus Musa.) The plantain plant known as Plantago major is a plant often viewed as a weed. It grows all over North America and Europe. Plantago major is also sometimes also called broadleaf plantain, lanceleaf plantain, ribwort, and snakeweed. Plantain leaves have a long history of use to treat skin irritations, including burns, insect bites and stings, and wounds. The Menominee of North America used warm plantain leaves to reduce swelling. The Chippewa used plantain leaves as one ingredient in their poultices. Plantain leaves are fairly effective at stopping bleeding and encouraging the repair of damaged skin.

Using Plantain Leaves to Treat Cuts

Method

• Bruised or crushed leaves can be applied directly to the cut.
• A poultice can be made by soaking a pad in plantain tincture.
• The poultice can then be applied directly to the cut or to other skin irritations. An infusion of the leaves can be used to make a wash for cuts, scratches, and wounds.

Why It Works

Plantains contain several substances that help guard against infection. For example, plantains contain polysaccharides, which have been found to prevent pneumococcal infection in mice. Plantain leaves also contain mucilage, iridoid glycosides, and tannins. Mucilage is soothing and anti-inflammatory, iridoid glycosides are anti-microbial, and tannins will help stop bleeding.

Precautions

Plantain has no known side effects, but you should be sure to wash the leaves before using them on an open cut.

More Remedies

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