Plantain
Plantago major
(Plantaginaceae)
Description:
At the base of each plantain is a large rosette of strongly
ribbed leaves; these leaves are broad, ovate, blunt, and abruptly contracted
at the base with winged petioles.
Beginning in the second year, each plant produces one to several cylindrical spikes, 1/2 to 1 foot (15 to 30 cm.) tall. These inflorescenses, leafless along the stem, bear many small, inconspicuous greenish-white flowers. Each flower has four overlapping, persistent sepals with dry membranous margins, a flat and circular corolla (that soon withers) over the capsule, four stamens, and a compound pistil with a long threadlike style. The stigma matures well before the stamens shed pollen, thus ensuring cross-pollination.
Plantain fruits, small ovoid capsules, contain eight to eighteen angular seeds with a netted surface pattern.
Distribution:
Plantain is found worldwide, on roadsides and in waste
places.
Constituents:
Plantago contains potash salts.
Medicinal uses:
Plantain leaves, roots, flower spikes and seeds are all
used medicinally.
Both the leaves and the roots manifest moderately diffuse and stimulating alterative effects within the circulatory system. These beneficially influence the glandular system, with marked healing to affected lymph and epidermal areas in scrofulous and skin diseases.
The fresh leaves, pounded into a paste, are used to check bleeding. The tea may be applied to skin irritations and diseases. For hemorrhoids, it has been injected or applied externally with a piece of gauze. Mashed green plantain leaves are applied as a poultice for bites, boils, carbuncles, and tumors. Plantain is an effective treatment for poisonous bites and stings, since the poison of fresh stings is extracted rapidly. It is very useful for easing pain and healing problems in the lower intestinal tract. (Christopher)
As an astringent, plantain contracts tissues and has been used for excessive flow in menstruation. It is used as a douche for leucorrhea and syphilis, and as a tea for diarrhea, kidney problems, and bladder trouble. It is mixed with sourdock as a wash for itching skin, ringworm, or running sores. A Barefoot Doctor's Manual lists it as diuretic and cooling.
Lucas tells us the Romans called this plant waybread. Dioscorides recommended it for leg ulcers; Pliny says a book was written on it. Saxons and Iroquois both bound crushed leaves around the head for headaches.
Culinary uses:
The very young leaves are packed with vitamins A and C and can be eaten
as a salad green or steamed as a cooked vegetable.
Copyright © 1987 by Eleanor G. Viereck