 Plantain Habitat
Plantain is a perennial
herb, thought to be of Eurasian origin and now naturalized throughout the world. Plantain is
considered a common and noxious weed by some and a miracle plant by others.
Plantain Cultivation:
Plantain is very easy to cultivate, it succeeds in any soil and prefers a sunny position,
some forms have been selected for their ornamental value. It is an important food plant
for the caterpillars of many species of butterflies. Plantain grows from a short, tough rootstock
or rhizome, which has a large number of long, straight, yellowish roots, is a basal,
rosette of large, broadly oval, dark green, leaves. The 4 to 10 inch long smooth, thick,
strong and fibrous leaves have 3 to 7 or more ribbed veins, abruptly contracting into a
long, petiole (leaf stalk) which is reddish at the base. The leaf margin is of
Plantain is entire, or
unevenly toothed. The flower stalks, are erect, long, slender, densely-flowered spikes.
Each tiny flower is brownish and bell-shaped with four stamens and purple anthers. Flowers
bloom most of the summer. The fruit is a two-celled capsule and containing four to sixteen
seeds. Harvest fresh young edible leaves in spring. Gather Plantain after flower spike
forms, dry for later herb use.
Plantain Medicinal Properties and Herbal
Use
Plantain is edible and
medicinal, the young leaves are edible raw in salad or cooked as a pot herb, they are very
rich in vitamin B1 and riboflavin. The herb has a long history of use as an alternative medicine
dating back to ancient times. Being used as a panacea (medicinal for everything) in some
cultures, one American Indian name for the plant translates to "life medicine."
And recent research indicates that this name may not be far from true! The chemical
analysis of Plantgo Major reveals the remarkable glycoside Aucubin. Acubin has been
reported in the Journal Of Toxicology as a powerful anti-toxin. There are many more highly
effective constituents in this plant including Ascorbic-acid, Apigenin, Baicalein, Benzoic-acid,
Chlorogenic-acid, Citric-acid, Ferulic-acid, Oleanolic-acid, Salicylic-acid, and Ursolic-acid. The leaves and the seed are
medicinal used as an antibacterial, antidote, astringent, antiinflammatory, antiseptic,
antitussive, cardiac, demulcent, diuretic, expectorant, haemostatic, laxative, ophthalmic,
poultice, refrigerant, and vermifuge. Medical
evidence exists to confirm uses as an alternative medicine for asthma, emphysema, bladder problems, bronchitis, fever, hypertension,
rheumatism and blood sugar control. A decoction of the roots is used in the treatment of a wide range
of complaints including diarrhoea, dysentery, gastritis, peptic ulcers, irritable bowel
syndrome, haemorrhage, haemorrhoids, cystitis, bronchitis, catarrh, sinusitis, coughs,
asthma and hay fever. It also causes a natural aversion to tobacco and is currently being
used in stop smoking preparations. Extracts of the plant have antibacterial activity, it
is a safe and effective treatment for bleeding, it quickly stops blood flow and encourages
the repair of damaged tissue. The heated leaves are used as a wet dressing for wounds,
skin inflammations, malignant ulcers, cuts, stings and swellings and said to promote
healing without scars. Poultice of hot leaves is bound onto cuts and wounds to draw out
thorns, splinters and inflammation. The root is said to be used as an anti-venom for
rattlesnakes bites. Plantain seeds contain up to 30% mucilage which swells in the gut,
acting as a bulk laxative and soothing irritated membranes. The seeds are used in the
treatment of parasitic worms. A distilled water made from the plant makes an excellent eye
lotion.
Plantain Herbal Folklore and History
Native Americans carried powdered roots
of Plantain as protection against snakebites or to ward off snakes. Plantain was
called Englishman's Foot or White
Man's Foot as it was said to grow where ever their feet touched the ground - this is
referred to in Longfellow’s 'Hiawatha.'. Some old European lore states that
Plantain is
effective for the bites of mad dogs, epilepsy, and leprosy. In the United States the plant
was called 'Snake Weed,' from a belief in its efficacy in cases of bites from venomous
creatures.
Plantain Recipes
"Medicinal" herb tea: For colds and flu use 1 tbls. dry or
fresh whole Plantain (seed, root, and leaves) to 1 cup boiling water, steep 10 min. strain,
sweeten. Drink through the day.
Healing salve: In large non-metallic pan place 1lb. of
entire Plantain plant chopped, and 1 cup lard, cover, cook down on low heat till all is mushy and
green. Strain while hot, cool and use for burns, insect bites, rashes, and all sores.
Note: used as night cream for wrinkles.
Article by Deb Jackson & Karen
Bergeron
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