Bulk Herbs: Plantain Leaf
The common plantain grows throughout the US * very probably in your garden. In most places, it is seen as a noxious, invasive weed. It is, however, a useful little plant. The leaves are edible, often used raw in salads and cooked as greens. Older leaves have a stronger, sometimes objectionable flavor, and can be tough and stringy, but can be used to make tea. Plantain is very high in vitamins A and C and in calcium.Medicinally, plantain leaves have been used to relieve the pain of bee stings and insect bites, stop the itching of poison ivy and other allergic rashes, and promote healing in sores and bruises. Plantain tea can be used as a mouthwash to help heal and prevent sores in the mouth, and as an expectorant.Most recently, plantain is being marketed as a stop smoking aid, adding one more use to the list of ways that this versatile herb is useful.In magick, Plantain is ruled by the Planet Venus and the element of Earth.  It has been used in healing magick, due to its versatility and for protection.  It is said to be a strong herb to protect from evil spirits - add a little plantain herbal sachet to your car to keep yourself safe!