It probably won't be a "cure" for someone who's allergic, but it sure
helps to know how to identify Plantains. They grow *everywhere* , so most of the time you can just reach down and pick up the clump you're standing on.

http://www.ipm. ucdavis.edu/ PMG/WEEDS/ broadleaf_ plantain. html
http://ipm.ppws. vt.edu/scott/ weed_id/plama. htm
http://2bnthewild. com/plants/ H150.htm

For external stings (bee, wasp, hornet, musquito, etc), chew the leaf
into a pulp/paste and then smear it over the sting/bite while squeezing
to release as much of the juice as possible. It normally takes 30
seconds or so to completely counteract the affects of a sting. Works
great for stinging nettles 'bites' too. Internally, you'd probably want
to do the same thing, chew thoroughly and swallow or gargle the juice
so as to get as much as possible over the affected area.

Another great one is burdock. That's the same plant that gives off the
burrs that stick to your clothes/hair in the fall.

http://www.florahea lth.com/flora/ home/Canada/ HealthInformatio n/Encyclopedias/ BurdockRoot. htm
http://ontariowildf lowers.com/ mondaygarden/ article.php? id=166


The leaves of burdock are usually huge and look very similar to
rhubarb. They are quite delicate, so you shouldn't need to chew
them for external use. Just rub a piece about 2" square in the
palm of your hand until the juice starts to leak out, then rub
it over the bite/sting while sqeezing so the juice goes over the
affected area. For internal use, chew and gargle/swallow just the
same as with plantain.

The only caveat is that you should always do a test application
externally (with any herb) before injesting it, just in case you're
one of those very rare people who has an allergy. My God daughter
is the only person I've ever heard of who's actually allergic to
burdock (she uses plantian instead), but it still pays to be careful.
They taste quite bitter, but are totally harmless for the vast
majority of people (roots are also an excellent liver/kidney tonic).

Anyway, these plants are unbelievably abundant throughout ontario,
even in the downtown core of the city. It shouldn't be at all hard
to find one or the other in under a minute or two of looking around
people's lawns, sides of fences, bushes, or cracks in the sidewalk.
Lastly, the above while very useful is only a fraction of what these
plants are good for. I've completely lost count the number of times
I've used both of these plants for this purpose. Works like lightening
every time!