Skip to main content

9 Reasons To Not Kill Broadleaf Plantain

A Powerful Medicinal Herb



Did you know that one of the best healing herbs on the planet is growing in your backyard right now? It is called broad leaf banana. Some may think it's a weed, but it's actually a natural wonder, capable of treating various ailments, from reducing inflammation to supporting digestive health to slowing the growth of some cancer cells.


The best part is that you don't need to spend a fortune on supplements or prescriptions to enjoy its benefits. You can pick some fresh leaves from your garden, wash them well, and use them in salads, teas, or poultices. So, we will show you the amazing benefits of this amazing plant.


To the garden


1. The Weed Whisperer



Broadleaf plantain may look like an intruder in your garden, but it's secretly a weed control. Its deep roots break up compacted soil, making it easier for other plants to grow.


2. Natural mulch is the master



Those broad leaves make wonderful mulch. Chop them up, spread them around your garden, and watch them keep the soil moist and cool. Think of them as nature's version of a cozy blanket for your plants.


3. A bee feeder


Bees love the small, inconspicuous flowers of the banana. By inviting them, bananas make it easier to pollinate your garden.


4. Soil savior



Banana has an amazing ability to absorb and accumulate nutrients from deep in the soil. When you shred and discard those leaves, you're essentially recycling nutrients into your garden. It's like a composting superhero.


For human health


1. Healer of itching



Does a mosquito bite drive you crazy? Head to your garden, crush some banana leaves, slap them on, and let the natural anti-inflammatory properties soothe the itch. They are perfect first aid leaves.


2. Nature's Band-Aid



Plantain leaves are not just for show. They have natural antibacterial properties. Wrap one over a small cut or scrape and you've got a green, organic Band-Aid.


3. Digestive dynamo



If your stomach isn't happy, banana tea can help. It soothes stomach aches and even helps with diarrhea. Nothing is better for your gut.


4. Cough relief



Plantain leaves can come to the rescue when dealing with a bad cough. Its natural cough-suppressing properties provide sweet relief.


5. Detox Dynamo



Feeling like you need a detox? Bananas help flush out toxins from your body. This plant provides a little cleansing, so you don't need to struggle with strange foods.


Harvesting broad plantain


1. Identify mature leaves



Look for broad banana leaves that are mature and free of damage or disease. Mature leaves are usually large and have a rich green color.


2. Use clean hands or tools



Before harvesting, make sure your hands or garden tools are clean to prevent contamination. You can wear gloves if you want.


3. Method of hand picking



Pluck individual leaves: Gently pluck mature leaves from the plant with your fingers. Grasp the base of the leaf near the stem and pull.


Leave some growth: Be careful not to remove all the leaves from a plant. Leave some leaves to ensure the plant continues to thrive.


4. Scissor or scissor method


Trim the leaves: Use clean shears or garden shears to trim mature leaves. Cut off the leaves near the stem.


Cleaning tools: If you are using tools, it is essential to clean them before and after use to prevent the spread of potential diseases.


5. Collect in a container


Place the harvested leaves in a clean container such as a basket or bowl. Avoid over-cropping the leaves as this will cause them to wilt.


6. Rinse (optional)



If you plan to use the leaves immediately, you can gently rinse them under cool, running water to remove any dirt or insects. Dry them with a clean towel.

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Great Designs for Container Groupings

Once your single containers are ready to merge It's hard to fail with a group of containers. Any size group, from a simple couple to large multiples, can enhance any outdoor space. Open patios and decks become softer and more intimate when you place pots around them. A straight and simple outdoor path lined with containers can become a wave of sorts—a formal one with some plants or an informal path with others. You never know what you'll come up with by placing one pot next to another or a particular plant with others. Once you start experimenting, you'll notice many places where a container is grouped. 1. Combine bright colors This collection of colorful pots introduces the viewer to the vivid color scheme in the beds behind it, mainly blue flowers. However, to maintain exclusivity, pots get exclusive rights to colors like magenta, pink and chartreuse. 2. Formal lateralization A combination of papyrus and vases always looks elegant, but when placed side by sid...

Strategies for improving a small garden space

Prioritize functionality when every inch is precious When I started designing gardens 20 years ago, I was surprised to find that small spaces were more challenging to plan than large ones. In those early years, a small number of clients would come to me with detailed lists of items they must have, and I would struggle to fit everything in. Identifying specific features and details was a major breakthrough. A garden should be the final step in the process, not the first. Since then, every consultation I have with a new client begins with three questions I've nicknamed the "three W's." These prompts help my clients imagine interacting with their redesigned spaces, and while they're useful in remodeling gardens of all sizes, they're especially helpful when space is at a premium. When my husband and I recently moved into a new house with a small backyard, we had the opportunity to use the process for ourselves. Here's what we found. Three question...

Top 10 Early Spring Flowering Shrubs

Early Spring Flowering Shrubs Spring-blooming shrubs and bushes add color to backyards early in the season, attract pollinators and more. 1. Carnelian cherry dogwood Cornus mas, zones 4 to 8 Size: Up to 20 feet tall and wide Welcome spring with bright yellow flowers that appear earlier than those of forsythia. These spring-blooming shrubs prefer full sun or partial shade and prefer rich, moist, well-drained soil. Leaves turn purplish red in fall, and scaly bark adds winter interest. Why we love it: Red fruits are edible, but they're also made into preserves, jellies and slices. Or leave them for the birds to enjoy. 2. Dwarf Russian Almond Prunus tenella, zones 2 to 6 Size: 2 to 5 feet tall and wide This moderate-sized shrub records the growing season with showy rose-red flowers and yellow-orange fall color. It prefers full sun, tolerates a variety of soil types and is very drought tolerant. Ruth's 100 produces lots of flowers on a small plant. Why we love it: Flo...