Plantain

Species Name: Plantago major.

Also known as: Cuckoo’s Bread, Waybread, Broad-leaved Plantain, Snakeweed, Rub Grass, Dooryard Plantain, Slan-lus, White man’s foot.

Plantain is a plant that was brought to the United States and New Zealand by settlers from Europe.

It is believed that these settlers left the plant everywhere that they traveled, which is how it first began spreading throughout the land.

The leaves can be used in salads but they have to be harvest when they are young so they will not be too tough to eat. Even the flower stalks can be eaten if they are taken before they mature.

What is Plantain: Plantain is a persistent weed type plant that grows abundantly in North America and Europe. In fact, it can be found almost everywhere, even in your backyard.

This herb is believed to be native to Eurasia. It can grow in either the bright sunlight or in shady areas because it adapts very well to its environment. This herb spreads by its seeds which is why it is believed to be found in such large quantities.

This herb is so beneficial that it is even suggested that you grow it yourself. It contains high levels of calcium, beta carotene, vitamin K and ascorbic acid. It also provides a great home for small creatures like butterflies and caterpillars.

This short bulb plant has egg-shaped short-stemmed leaves and long straight yellowish roots. The leaves almost look like decorations with long slim spikes that are covered heavily with flowers.

They can grow up to six inches in length and four inches across. The flowers are purplish-green and bear fruit. The drugs that are made from this herb have no odor. The leaves have a salty, bitter taste and the root has a salty sweet taste.

Home remedies using Plantain:

Benefits of Plantain:

Some of the benefits of this herb include soothing cuts and scrapes, relieving the irritation from rashes and sunburns. It is beneficial if used for asthma or bronchitis.

In the past it was used for a wide variety of problems such as jaundice, bites, ulcers, ringworm and epilepsy. In fact, it was considered to be very beneficial for many different conditions.

Uses of Plantain:

  • Asthma
  • Bites
  • Cuts and scrapes
  • Rashes
  • Sunburn
  • Herbal tea
  • Ointment

Side Effects of Plantain:

As long as plantain is used correctly there are no known side effects. It is believed to be completely safe although, it is possible to have a reaction to the pollen if you suffer from allergies.