Hugging the Ground

From the Druidcraft Tarot, the Nine of Wands; from the Druid Plant Oracle, "Plantain:"

          This older fellow looks like he's seen many a battle, and he manages to look tough even with his arm in a sling. Judging by those sharpened spears he's collected, he's been pretty successful at defending his territory. But now he waits, alert and ready, for the last push of his adversaries. Plantain is a tenacious plant. We have the narrow-leaved variety growing all around the ball field next door. It withstands foot traffic and frequent mowing by hugging the ground. Medicinally, it contains tannin (which can help stop bleeding) and allantoin (which promotes healing). As a result, it's been used for many years on stings, rashes, blisters, cuts and burns. Its growth habit reminds me to lay low and not go looking for trouble. This is not the time to poke and prod, but to heal before the final stand.