The Humble Wayside Herb That Earned My Respect

There are certain plants that become more than herbs.

They become part of your story.

For me, Plantain is one of those plants.

During the Covid years, when hand disinfectants became a constant part of daily life, many healthcare workers began experiencing severe skin reactions. I was one of them.

What started as tiny blisters quickly became something much worse.

The photographs below show the progression of the skin reaction I experienced during that period, from the early blister stage through to healing and skin peeling.

The itching was intense.

The pain was extraordinary.

My hands developed clusters of fluid-filled blisters that spread across my palms. As they healed, layers of skin peeled away, leaving raw, tender tissue underneath. Simple tasks became uncomfortable. Washing my hands became an ordeal.

Like many others, I sought conventional treatment. Steroid creams were prescribed and oral steroids were tried. Unfortunately, in my case, the problem persisted.

Desperate for relief, I began researching alternatives.

That search led me to a plant that had been growing quietly around me all along.

Plantain.

I gathered fresh Ribwort Plantain leaves from the cliffs near my home, returned to my kitchen and blended them with olive oil to form a simple green mash.

Then I immersed my hands in it.

The relief was almost immediate.

The burning eased.

The itching settled.

The pain diminished.

For the first time in weeks, my hands felt comfortable.

Over the following two weeks, my skin gradually healed.

Years later, I still remember that experience every time I see Plantain growing beside a path or pushing through a crack in the pavement.

Many people see a weed.

I see one of the most useful herbs I have ever encountered.

By Dr Catherine W Dunne MSc.D | M.H.I.T. | Registered Nurse

Meeting Plantain

Plantain belongs to the genus Plantago, with two species most commonly encountered in Ireland:

• Ribwort Plantain (Plantago lanceolata)
• Broadleaf Plantain (Plantago major)

Both produce distinctive leaf rosettes from ground level and send up flower spikes during the growing season.

Ribwort Plantain has narrow spear-shaped leaves with prominent parallel veins.   

Broadleaf Plantain produces larger oval leaves that lie close to the ground.

Once you learn to recognise them, you begin to notice them everywhere.

A Plant That Followed Humanity

Plantain has such a close relationship with people that some Native American tribes referred to it as “White Man’s Footprint” because it seemed to appear wherever European settlers travelled.

The seeds cling easily to footwear, animals and equipment, allowing the plant to spread naturally along pathways and roadsides.

Its success lies in its remarkable toughness.

While many plants struggle in compacted soil, Plantain often thrives.

It is a survivor.

Traditional Uses

For generations, Plantain has been valued as a household remedy.

Traditional herbal uses include:

• Minor cuts and scrapes
• Insect bites and stings
• Skin irritation
• Minor wounds
• Sore throats
• Coughs and respiratory discomfort

A freshly crushed leaf was often applied directly to the skin as a simple field remedy when nothing else was available.

Many country children learned this long before first-aid kits became commonplace.

What Modern Herbalists Appreciate

Modern herbalists continue to value Plantain for its gentle and versatile nature.

The leaves contain a variety of naturally occurring compounds including mucilage, tannins and iridoid glycosides.

Traditionally, Plantain has been used to:

• Support healthy skin
• Soothe irritated tissues
• Support respiratory comfort
• Provide gentle digestive support
• Calm minor irritation within the body

Its actions are generally regarded as soothing and restorative rather than stimulating.

Plantain does not force the body in a particular direction.

Instead, it offers support while the body’s own healing processes do the work.

Harvesting Plantain

The leaves are usually gathered during the growing season while young and healthy.

 Fresh leaves may be used immediately, tinctured, infused into oils or dried for later use.

In my own herbal preparations, Plantain is one of the plants I return to again and again.

It finds its way into infused oils, balms and herbal blends, earning its place through reliability rather than reputation.

Why I Grow It

The irony of Plantain is that most gardeners spend their time trying to remove it.

Meanwhile, herbalists are often quietly collecting it.

Perhaps that is part of its charm.

Plantain does not demand attention.

It does not produce spectacular flowers.

It simply grows where it is needed, surviving drought, foot traffic, poor soil and neglect.

Yet beneath this unassuming appearance lies one of the most respected herbs in traditional herbalism.

Sometimes the most valuable plants are the ones growing right beneath our feet.

Final Thought

Several years after my own experience, a patient showed me hands that looked remarkably similar to mine had during that period. She too had tried prescribed treatments with little success. I prepared a Plantain-based salve for her. Months later she returned, eager to show me the improvement. It was a reminder that sometimes the most overlooked plants can leave the deepest impression.

Do you have Ribwort Plantain or Broadleaf Plantain growing in your garden? Have you ever used it traditionally? I’d love to hear your experiences in the comments below.

I hope you feel inspired. Look after your body, and it will keep you healthy.

Catherine

CWD | 23 June 2026 | Ireland

Holistic Healthcare Wexford
Integrative · Mindful · Patient-Centred

About the Author

Dr Catherine W. Dunne MSc.D. is a Registered General Nurse with over 37 years of clinical experience in primary care in Ireland. Alongside her work in General Practice Nursing, she is the founder of Holistic Healthcare Wexford and co-founder of Aumvedas Academy.

With a background that bridges conventional medicine and holistic practice, Catherine has a particular interest in the area where patients are often told “everything is normal,” yet still feel unwell. Her work focuses on helping people understand what their body is communicating, especially in relation to energy, stress, metabolic function, and recovery.

Through a combination of clinical knowledge and holistic support, she works with individuals to restore balance, improve resilience, and support long-term wellbeing.

Based in Wexford, Ireland.

Disclaimer

This article is for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. It does not replace consultation with a qualified healthcare professional. Patients should always seek appropriate medical guidance regarding their individual health needs and before making changes to treatment or care.