Herbology & Lore: Plantain Plant (Plantago)
- Sylvia Rose
- Sep 4, 2023
- 3 min read
Updated: Feb 18
Plantain (Plantago) is a genus of low-growing plants with tall seed heads and narrow to broad green leaves. Part of history and folk medicine of Europe and the Americas, plantain prospers in clearings and open spaces.
A true survivor, it's one of the first plants to appear and repopulate vacant lots, burnt forests and barren grounds. Plantain is easy to recognize and readily available in the wild.
Unaware of its connection to healing and lore, it's often seen as a weed. Plantain is sometimes identified with the nefarious Irrwurz of European and American German folklore.
It's Irrwurz in Germany (Astray Root, also called Mad Root) and herbe d'égarement (Herb of Madness) in France. In folklore this plant can cause confusion, temporary insanity and loss of direction if stepped on or over.
Among the Pennsylvania Germans the rattlesnake plantain of the genus Goodyera, a type of orchid, is identified with Irrwurz. Downy rattlesnake plantain needs some shade, well-drained slightly acidic soil with sand and organic matter like peat or humus.
Types of Plaintain
Over two hundred species are known. Broadleaf plantain (Plantago major) is native to Europe and parts of Asia. The blackseed plantain (Plantago rugelii) is native to eastern Canada and east central USA.
It's also called American plantain or Rugel's plantain. Plantago lanceolata, aka narrowleaf plantain or ribwort, is introduced to the Americas from Eurasia.
Settlers such as forerunners of the Pennsylvania Germans, other Europeans, and Asians traveling to Canada and the US bring the broadleaf plantain with them.
Plantain as Food
Since prehistoric times, people have foraged for, cooked and eaten the nutritious plantain plant. Leaves and seeds are edible. As a leaf vegetable, the broad-leaved plantain can be eaten raw or cooked in soup, salads, sauces and stews.
Plantain leaves are high in vitamins A and C. Tender young plantain leaves are palatable in raw form and should be picked in early spring.
Older leaves can be blanched and cooked to reduce bitterness. The large grainy seeds form in abundance on spiky heads and can be cooked like rice or cereal.
Plantain Medicinal Uses
As an herbal remedy plantain is used for several abilities.
astringent - to treat bleeding
anti-toxic - to fight toxins
antimicrobial - to protect against microorganisms ie bacteria, fungus
anti-inflammatory - to relieve inflammation
antihistamine - to treat symptoms of allergies
clear phlegm from the throat and chest
diuretic - to reduce fluid buildup in the body
Poultice made from leaves is used to treat skin ailments such as insect bites, poison ivy rash, sores and boils. Desert tribes in America use local plantains to cure snakebite.
In Romania, Russia, Serbia and Bulgaria, leaves from Plantago major are used as folk medicine. Their antiseptic properties work to prevent infection. In Slovenia and Central Europe, the leaves were traditionally used to cure friction blisters.
Extract of leaves is taken as a tea or syrup for cough, bronchitis and diarrhea. When wet, the seed husks especially of Plantago psyllium (sand plantain) expand and soften to become mucilaginous.
It's used in such bulk laxatives and fiber supplements as Metamucil. P. psyllium seeds are also effective for constipation, irritable bowel syndrome, a dietary fiber supplement, and to treat diverticular disease.
Supplements are usually in powder form and taken with water or juice. They're considered to help manage high cholesterol. Psyllium is also a component of some ready-to-eat cereals.
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