As you probably know, essential oils are concentrated oils. They are taken from various natural plants. There are many types of popular essential oils you might hear about often, such as tea tree oil or lavender oil. However, there are also a lot of potentially beneficial essential oils that are lesser-known. One that is not talked about as much in mainstream society but should be is plantain oil. Here at Branru Farm, we use plantain essential oil in our Derma Balm because of its many potential skin benefits. Here's a little more about what plantain oil has to offer.
Plantain the Plant Versus Plantain the Fruit Tree
Plantain (also called plantain weed) is a certain type of plant. However, is not the same as the tropical tree that grows the plantain fruits known for closely resembling bananas. Plantain weed is a plant that grows almost anywhere. That's one reason it is called plantain weed. It can pop up any place from a backyard garden to a school playground.
Plantain essential oil is simply an essential oil that is extracted from the leaves of that plant, which is technically an herb. Some people consider it to be an annoying plant similar to dandelion. However, both dandelion and plantain weed have a lot of great uses. Plantain weed has many medicinal purposes, in fact.
Plantain Extract for Internal Health
There have been several studies on the effects of plantain extract on internal health. Specifically, its effects relating to cancer and liver health have been looked at extensively. Indications are that it can lower cancer risks and reduce liver inflammation. However, it is not a valid stand-alone treatment for such ailments.
Plantain Weed and Digestion
Another potential benefit of plantain weed itself is better digestive health. Both the seeds and the leaves of the plantain weed plant are rich in a certain type of fiber. That fiber helps to regulate digestion. One study also found that plantain extract could improve digestion by treating stomach ulcers. Although, that study was conducted on rats, not people.
Plantain Essential Oil for Skincare
One reason we include plantain extract in our Derma Balm skin lotion here at Branru Farm is that it is rich in vitamins. Many vitamins help to promote skin health. In the case of Plantago major, which is also called broadleaf plantain. The top vitamins are:
Vitamin B
Vitamin C
Vitamin K
Plantain oil can also be beneficial for skin health because it has components that assist with healing small wounds. That's one reason many people use natural tinctures containing plantain oil to treat minor skin cuts. It can also be used to help minor sores on the inside of the mouth to heal faster.
Plantain Oil for Treatment of Insect Stings and Bites
Another way plantain oil is commonly used is in the treatment of insect stings and bites. In fact, plantain poultices were used for several centuries for that purpose. Today, a lot of people prefer such natural insect bite treatments instead of man-made, chemical-filled alternatives. In fact, there are many multi-oil recipes for treatment of bug bites available online. Of course, our Derma Balm and other lotions here at Branru farm are primarily designed to help keep your skin feeling fantastic whether you have bug bites to soothe or not.
Plantain Weed for a Healthier Immune System
Several studies have shown that plantain weed has the power to boost a person's immune system and help stave off certain types of infections. One of the best ways to use plantain weed for that purpose is not the application of a lotion or balm externally, though. Instead, it's to chop leaves from the plant and boil them in water. That creates an immune system-boosting tea you can drink. Many people add honey to plantain weed tea, both for flavor and because the honey itself has a lot of great medicinal benefits .
Benefits of Plantain Weed Don't Stop There
From its potential to lower cholesterol to its potential to reduce the risk of kidney stones, the possible benefits just keep coming. There have even been studies that showed it promotes better dental health by reducing bacteria growth in the mouth. So, we at Branru Farm hope you'll take the time to better understand and appreciate this often overlooked “weed” that is really an amazingly versatile herb.