Common plantain leaves are an effective poultice for infections and skin abrasions. Interior Native peoples made a poultice from plantain leaves to soothe cuts, sores, burns and bee stings. They knew it as “frog-leaf”. Placing plantain leaves in your boots before a long trip may help prevent blisters and relieve foot pain. The mature seed heads of plantain may be hung in bundles as food for caged birds.