Plantain
(Plantago major)
common plantain, broad-leaved plantain, greater
plantain, way bread
Description:
A common perennial weed. Once identified, it is easy to remember.
The leaves are broadly ovate, entire or toothed, characterized
by a thick, channeled footstalk. The flower stalks are 6-8 inches,
tipped with long, slender spikes of greenish-white flowers but
overshadowed by the brown sepals and bracts. The leaves of P.
lanceolata are lance leafed, more grass-like and darker green.
The stems are tipped by a short spike of tiny white flowers.
Both are common around the world in moist waste places, lawns
and stream beds in mountains.
Medicinal:
It is a astringent, demulcent, diuretic, expectorant, and hemostatic.
Leaves of the fresh plant makes an excellent poultice for insect
bites. Chew to make a bolus and place on bite. The leaf tea
is used for thrush in children, hemorrhage, heavy menstruation,
parasites, sore eyes, edema, bladder, lung, stomachache, stomach
ulcers, skin problems, ringworm, toothache, dysentery, hemorrhoids,
and stimulates the healing process. Steep 1 teaspoon of the
fresh or dried leaves in 1/2 cup water.Take 1-1 1/2 cups a day,
mouthful at a time.
