Weeding your garden is a real chore. But what if I told you that a common weed you probably see in your garden shouldn’t be pulled from the ground? You’ll be happy to know that this weed has a ton of benefits and a pretty interesting story too.
According to the Sackville Community Garden Facebook group, this easily recognizable weed is called broadleaf plantain or broadleaf plantain. It thrives in poor, rocky soil and is often seen growing in driveways and next to dandelion. This plant was introduced to North America in the 1600s, and was once called “white man’s foot” by Native Americans who observed that where Europeans disturbed the soil, the plantain would begin to grow.
The Sackville Community Garden also explains that for years, plantain has been a favorite remedy for hikers attacked by mosquitoes. The plant has astringent qualities and helps draw out toxins from bee stings, insect bites, acne, glass shards and rashes when crushed and applied as a poultice.
Apparently, plantain is also very beneficial for our digestive system. The leaves and seeds have a healing effect on the digestive system, which is ideal for people whose digestive system is upset by anti-inflammatory drugs or antibiotics. The plant’s leaves can be brewed as a tea, added to soups, stirred into stir-fries or dried in the oven (like kale chips).
Plantain is also rich in silica, making it beneficial for people with lung problems, coughs and colds. Overall, this unsuspecting little herb offers many health benefits, from digestive issues to skin problems to menstrual cramps. The next time you see this little plant, don’t weed it or throw it away. Pick the leaves and use them to your advantage instead! Thanks to the Sackville Community Garden for sharing this awesome information.
