Plantain is the plant totem associated with the Big Winds Moon which falls between February 19 and March 20. Plantain is a master healer plant. It can be used internally as a tea. You can also use it externally as a compress to cool, soothe, and heal. Plantain is known to be an excellent blood cleanser. This plant, also can help to alleviate pain. Some believe that plantain can reverse the effects of poisons. Used as a tea, compress, or in a bath; it can help heal sores, ulcers, and inflammation. It also helps heal kidney and bladder problems.
In case you are unfamiliar with the plantain, we are not talking about the one that looks like a banana. The plantain I am referring to is from the plantago major variety and looks more like a weed. Shown at the left.
Some research I found says that the plantain is not native to North America and was one of the first plants to reach this continent after the European settlers arrived. It was reported that the Native Americans actually called it “whiteman’s footprint” as it grew every where the settlers went. Fascinating that it would eventually become a birth totem.
A very important note about the use of plantain: People who are on blood thinners or people who suffer from blood clots should not use plantain internally.
A sign of spring, plantain is a reminder of the eternal promise of new life. Its deep roots make evident the importance of tenacity and stability and help to ground you in the earth.
~ Mitakuye Oyasin ~ We are all related