A low-growing plant with tall seed heads and narrow to broad green leaves, plantain is found in the history, lore and herbal medicine of Europe and the Americas. Plantain grows vigorously in open urban spaces, meadows and rural forests.
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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, many people today see it as a weed. Plantain is sometimes identified with the nefarious Irrwurz of European folklore.
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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, was introduced to the Americas from Eurasia.
Through trade and immigration, settlers such as forefathers of the Pennsylvania Germans, and other Europeans and Asians traveling to Canada and the US, the broadleaf plantain and others soon thrived in North America. Along with them came traditional herbal lore, medical benefits and mythical associations.
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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.
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Plantain Medicinal Uses
Throughout the ages people took advantage of the many medical uses of Plantago. As an herbal remedy plantain has qualities such as
astringent - treats bleeding
anti-toxic - fights toxins
antimicrobial - protects against microorganisms ie bacteria, fungus
anti-inflammatory - relieves inflammation
anti-histamine - treats symptoms of allergies
clears phlegm from the throat and chest
diuretic - reduce fluid buildup in the body
Poultice made from leaves can treat skin ailments such as insect bites, poison ivy rash, sores and boils. The Dakota Indian tribe used local plantains to cure snakebite.
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Extract of leaves can be 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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In Romania, Russia, Serbia and Bulgaria, the 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.
Plantain Folklore
In European myth, a treacherous plant identifies with plantain or some ferns. Known as Irrwurz in Germany and herbe d'égarement in France, in folklore this plant can cause confusion 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.
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