Herbalists swear by fresh leaf poultices for relieving insect stings and bites and superficial wounds. They call the plant “backyard Band-Aid.” This remedy uses the leaves of a plantain (Plantago species), a weed found in most fields
The plantain leaf provides an immediate outdoor remedy. It contains substances that are soothing, pain-relieving, and astringent. A 2012 test-tube study showed that leaf extracts help heal scratches in a layer of cells taken from the mouth. (This test, called a scratch assay, mimics wound closure.)
What You Need
- 5 to 10 plantain leaves
Preparation And Use
1Tear the leaves in half and mash them between your fingers to create a pulp and release the tannin juices.
2Apply the pulp and juice to the sting area for about 30 seconds.
3Repeat as needed.
Yield
1 Application