Pesky Mosquitos and the Great Plantago

Hey there,

Is it just me or do the mosquitos nowadays constantly attack you? Or the spiders, and flies?  Isabella came home yesterday with about 5 bug bites in just one leg! Unbelievable. Luckily we use plantain leaf in our bug balm. To be technical and according to WikiPedia: Plantago Major also commonly known as Broadleaf Plantain "A poultice of the leaves can be applied to wounds, stings, and sores in order to facilitate healing and prevent infection. The active chemical constituents are aucubin (an anti-microbial agent), allantoin (which stimulates cellular growth and tissue regeneration), and mucilage (which reduces pain and discomfort). Plantain has astringent properties, and a tea made from the leaves can be ingested to treat diarrhea and soothe raw internal membranes.  Broadleaf plantain is also a highly nutritious wild edible, that is high in calcium and vitamins A, C, and K. The young, tender leaves can be eaten raw, and the older, stringier leaves can be boiled in stews and eaten."

As you can imagine, this is one of my favorite herbs. I "discovered" it many years ago in New Jersey and fell in love with it when Isabella stepped on a bee. Of course the poor bee stung her so we applied a poultice by chewing the leaves and applying it to the bottom of her foot after we removed the stinger. The next day there was absolutely no swelling or any tell-tale signs she had been stung! And that's just one of many times we've used it from mosquitos to spider bites. Amazing how nature works its wonders.

So, the next time you are at a park with the little ones, try to find Plantago. You never know if you will need its medicinal properties.

Have a blessed week,
Zamira

---