Mosquitos & Plantain

Those pesky mosquitos! We get it, we know the bites are itchy. But, do you know there are actually benefits to those mosquitos?

1- they are a food source for bats, birds, fish, other insects, amphibians, etc.

2- they remove waste & feed plants. The larvae eat parasite, algae, fungi, etc. When they remove this waste, they produce their own waste, Frass, which is nutritious for plant health.

3- they are pollinators, enough said!

4- they are protectors of natural habitats. Studies have shown that caribou will be so irritated by swarms of mosquitos on the tundra they change their routes allowing plant life to growth and spread for another season.

If there is one thing I have learned about plant medicine and my time in nature, it is that if there is an ouch or illness factor, the 'antidote' is also nearby. Meet common plantain!

This plant has many subspecies. It has a low growth habitat so is often found in rocky, sandy soil locations. Young leaves of the plant can be used in salads. Historically, the older stronger plants were used for fishing line & rope.

This plant is amazing to help with the 'stings'. Here you see a poultice used on a mosquito bite. To make the poultice, you pick fresh clean leaves, chew lightly and then apply to the bite area. It works well on things like wasp bites and stinging nettle too.

disclaimer, we are not experts. We recommend consulting field guides for proper identification and safety related data.