How To Make Plantain Tea

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Last Updated on October 14, 2024

For thousands of years, people have drunk tea and enjoyed the many benefits that come with it.  Some of the most popular varieties across the world include black, English breakfast, matcha, Earl Gray, Jasmine, and Chamomile. This post will share how to make plantain tea, which is not as common as other varieties but is great for incorporating into your diet.

Though many people consider it a weed, plantain has been used for medicinal purposes for centuries. It has many health benefits that go overlooked, as this weed is much more than a nuisance in your garden. It often grows in abundance, making it readily available to use for various ailments.

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What is Plantain Weed?

Plantain is a type of herb that grows as a weed in many areas, including playgrounds, parking lots, and gardens. Though it is often disregarded as a nuisance, it has also been used for medicinal purposes for a long time. Many times you will see it growing in the cracks of sidewalks and pavement.

Plantain comes in different varieties, with the most common including broadleaf plantain/greater plantain (Plantago major) and ribwort plantain (Plantago lanceolata). Oftentimes it has broad, oval leaves that are irregularly shaped, with three to 11 ribs that go down the length of the plant. It will also have long, fibrous stalks that can contain greenish-white flowers or seeds.

Benefits of Plantain Leaves

Though many people will rid their yard of plantain weeds, the leaves come with many benefits that shouldn’t be overlooked. The leaves and seeds of this common plant are both edible.

Plaintain leaves have the ability to reduce inflammation related to injury or illness. It can even help the process of healing a wound by not only reducing inflammation but also by blocking microbial growth and even relieving pain.

It even has the ability to aid in digestive health by slowing the movement of digestive health. In return, this can promote regular bowel movements and even help treat diarrhea.

Plantain can even help soothe bug bites and stings. In addition, it can even help treat scrapes, sunburns and potentially help with poison ivy. It also contains vitamin C and phenolic acids.

To treat bug bites, stings, scrapes, and sunburns, wash off a leaf and then mash it up to release the juices. Then, apply the mashed-up leaves to the affected area until the pain and itching subside. Though uncommon, some people may be allergic or experience irritation from the leaves.

What Does Plantain Tea Taste Like?

Plantain tea has a slightly earthy flavor with a subtle hint of fruit. It has a deep, smooth flavor and an overall pleasant taste with a slight hint of a honey background. Many people enjoy it with a sweetener such as honey, sugar, or maple syrup.

What You Need to Make Plantain Herb Tea

To make plantain tea, you will need:

Ingredients

• One cup boiling water
• 1 tablespoon dried plantain leaves or 2-3 tablespoons fresh plantain leaves

Equipment

• Kettle
• Mug
• Strainer

Step by Step Instructions

Step One: Boil Water

Using a kettle, bring water for the tea to a boil. Alternatively, you can also bring the water to a boil on the stovetop with a pot.

Step Two: Add the Water to the Tea

Add the plantain tea leaves to a mug and pour in one cup of hot water. Allow the tea leaves to steep for 10-15 minutes for the best flavor.

Step Three: Strain the Tea

After steeping for 10-15 minutes, strain the tea with a strainer to remove the leaves. Enjoy the tea warm or cold, by itself or with your sweetener of choice. After brewing, the tea will be caramel-like in color, with a slightly sweet smell.

Tips and Tricks

If using your leaves, be sure to thoroughly wash them prior to using them. You can use your leaves fresh or dried to make tea. To dry out the leaves, use a food dehydrator or dry them out in the sun, though this will take longer.

If you pick the leaves from your backyard, be sure to get them from somewhere that has not been chemically treated. Since plantains are weeds, many people will use weed killer on them, so be extra cautious when picking your own. You can grow them in a small patch in your garden to use them for medicinal purposes.

In addition to tea, plantain is also great to add to salads and stews. It will add a mild flavor, as well as provide many health benefits.

When first trying plantain, whether in tea or topically, be sure to start out with a small amount. This will help ensure that you won’t have an allergic reaction or experience any sensitivities to it. In some cases, it may cause nausea or vomiting; however, this is unlikely.

It is safe to eat the leaves raw or cooked. Just be sure to properly wash them off first for food safety reasons.

CELEBRATION HERBALS Plantain Leaf Organic

Servings and Preparation Times

Bake Time	Preparation Time	Servings
0 minutes	10-15 minutes	1

A Healthy Tea

Though plantain tea may not be common, it does come with several potential health benefits. Many people just remove it from their yards as it is a weed, but it has been used for hundreds of years to treat ailments. It can help with regulating bowel movements, treating diarrhea, and reducing inflammation.

In addition to its health benefits as a drink, it also has health benefits as a topical treatment as well. It can help wounds heal as well as treat insect bites, stings, sunburns, and scrapes. The leaves and seeds are both safe to eat, and the plantain leaf can be consumed raw or cooked.

The tea has an overall pleasant taste that is slightly earthy and sweet, with a subtle hint of honey. It can be enjoyed warm or cold and taste especially good with a sweetener such as honey or maple syrup.

Did you enjoy this tutorial on how to make plantain tea? If so, please share your thoughts on this healthy tea in the comment section below and share this post with your family and friends as well.

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