Plantain

Plantain was my gateway into the wonderful world of Plants.

Herbs found their way into my life around the same time as I became a mother. As my daughter grew so too did my interest in natural healing modalities. It was in searching for treatment for a mildly infected insect bite that I turned to plants. I started researching how to make a naturally anti-biotic salve, and that led me down the path of healing herbs. Much to my (absolute) joy, I learned about a few plants and set out to see what I could find growing near me. The first plant I identified was plantain. As it turns out, plantain was everywhere. If you go outside right now, I can almost guarantee that you can find plantain (unless there’s snow covering the ground!). Known as “nature’s bandaid”, plantain has wide-ranging antimicrobial properties besides being anti-inflammatory and analgesic. It can not only soothe insect bites and superficial wounds but prevent infections and accelerate healing. This ‘weed’ became the star ingredient in my Healing Balm found in the Herbal First Aid Kit. It is our go to for bee stings, and shown here, offers soothing relief for an accidental brush past Stinging Nettle. From the very first time I experienced the instant relief that this magical plant offers, something ancient inside of me was awakened

This photo was taken just after Ophelia experienced her first ‘sting’ from Nettle while running through a field during a photoshoot. Calmly, I scanned the ground and found exactly what I was looking for: Plantain. I placed my hand over the plant and asked for permission to pick some of their leaves to offer relief from the painful stinging spots forming on her little leg. I was granted permission, so I tenderly tore a few leaves and placed them in my mouth. I chewed them into a paste and rubbed it onto the spots. Within minutes she felt the soothing relief.

As I deepen my education of plants, everything I learn feels familiar, like I am being reminded of what I’ve known for lifetimes: Plants are powerful allies for us, here to help to support our body, mind and spirit into a state of wholeness. They mirror back to us wisdom, adaptability, resilience and magic. Ultimately, plants are here to facilitate a reconnection, for each of us, to the healer within.

My ever-present curiosity continues to fuel my exploration. That first herbal ointment I made all those years ago was the starting point for Earth + Air Medicines. With each potion I craft, I learn and refine, continuing to expand my relationship with the plants. Each time I sit with a plant, my experience and understanding of their medicine deepens. There is so much more to be learned than what you can read about them in a book. I’ve learned, most importantly, how to listen. As I tend to my gardens, I can hear the song of each plant. When I harvest their leaves, flowers and roots, they tell me how they would like to be shared. And in the quiet space of listening, I have also uncovered my own voice. Walking along this plant path, has lead me back to myself. When I am in the garden, wildcrafting herbs in the woods, or making potions in the kitchen, I am in complete alignment. It truly is work that never feels like work. It is such a thrilling moment to pass through the threshold of birthing this endeavour into the world. Earth + Air is just that: a sacred communion between me and Mother Earth. My heart and hands have medicine to make and share, and here it is.