Plantago major

The name ‘Plantago’ comes from Latin planta meaning “foot print.” ‘Major’ being big.* Common Names = Plantain Herb / Greater Plantain / Broadleaf Plantain / Che Qian Zi* Species is hermaphrodite / self-fertile / pollinated by wind* Does well in compacted or disturbed soils* Plant produces 20,000 seeds annually – can be ground into a flour substitute* Leaves are boiled or steeped for salads and teas – high in calcium and carotene* A wet dressing is made from the leaves for wounds / swelling / bleeding* Consumed to treat diarrhea / ulcers / bronchitis* Pliable & tough fibers from mature plants are used in survival situations ( cords / sutures / braids / fishing line )* Very hardy and drought tolerantYoung plantain leaves are edible raw in salad or cooked as a pot herb, they are very rich in vitamin B1 and riboflavin. Often blanched to make more tender. Most often used as flavor/nutrition addition to mixed salads.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.A distilled water made from the plant makes an excellent eye lotion.Seeds can be eaten raw or cooked or ground as flour addition. Considered a great fiber source, 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 decoction of the roots is used in the treatment of a wide range of complaints including diarrhoea, dysentery, gastritis, peptic ulcers, irritable bowel syndrome, hemorrhage, hemorrhoids, 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. Common plantain is a perennial herb that grows to a height of about 18 inches when in bloom.It grows in full sun to part shade with average to moist soils.Grows in zones 3a to 9b.

The name ‘Plantago’ comes from Latin planta meaning “foot print.” ‘Major’ being big.* Common Names = Plantain Herb / Greater Plantain / Broadleaf Plantain / Che Qian Zi* Species is hermaphrodite / self-fertile / pollinated by wind* Does well in compacted or disturbed soils* Plant produces 20,000 seeds annually – can be ground into a flour substitute* Leaves are boiled or steeped for salads and teas – high in calcium and carotene* A wet dressing is made from the leaves for wounds / swelling / bleeding* Consumed to treat diarrhea / ulcers / bronchitis* Pliable & tough fibers from mature plants are used in survival situations ( cords / sutures / braids / fishing line )* Very hardy and drought tolerantYoung plantain leaves are edible raw in salad or cooked as a pot herb, they are very rich in vitamin B1 and riboflavin. Often blanched to make more tender. Most often used as flavor/nutrition addition to mixed salads.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.A distilled water made from the plant makes an excellent eye lotion.Seeds can be eaten raw or cooked or ground as flour addition. Considered a great fiber source, 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 decoction of the roots is used in the treatment of a wide range of complaints including diarrhoea, dysentery, gastritis, peptic ulcers, irritable bowel syndrome, hemorrhage, hemorrhoids, 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. Common plantain is a perennial herb that grows to a height of about 18 inches when in bloom.It grows in full sun to part shade with average to moist soils.Grows in zones 3a to 9b.