Plantain is a useful herb that is often considered a weed by most people.
It is native to Europe and parts of Asia, but was said to have been introduced to North America when the settlers came from Europe. Its scientific name is Plantago Major, and it likely grows in your yard.
Plantains have a long history of being used as food plants and healing herbs in many diverse cultures around the world. The Native Americans used it to heal wounds, cure fever, and to draw out toxins from stings and bites, including snakebites.
The plantain leaves can be eaten raw or added to salads. Their anti-inflammatory properties soothe pain and itching due to skin issues, poison ivy rashes, boils, insect bites, and minor sores. You can also use them to prepare a syrup, tinctures, or tea.
Plantain has a nutritional profile similar to dandelion — that is, loaded with iron and other important vitamins and minerals. The leaves are tastiest when small and tender, usually in the spring but whenever new shoots appear after being cut back by a lawnmower. Bigger leaves are edible but bitter and fibrous.
Young leaves can be eaten raw or cooked. They are somewhat bitter and tedious to prepare because it’s generally preferable (though not required) to remove the fibrous strands before use. Many people blanch the leaves in boiling water before using them in salads in order to make them tenderer. Once blanched, plantain can be frozen then used later in a sauté, soup or stew.
Namely, the demulcent properties of plantain are similar to the ones of glycerin and pectin, which are common in cough syrups and throat drops. Demulcents soothe minor irritations and discomfort by forming a soothing film over the affected mucous membrane.
The experimental research confirmed its beneficial properties, which can help reduce the irritation of lung tissues that cause discomfort. It can also help to stimulate the immune system. They recommend the plantain plant for moderate chronic irritative cough, especially for children.
This versatile wild vegetable can be used to maintain your overall health. It can be added to your salads, stir fries, and various other recipes. You can also chew it to quench thirst.
Plantain Herbal Tea- recipe
- 1 tablespoon fresh or dry, whole Plantain plant
- 1 cup of boiling water
You should add the whole Plantain plant, the seeds, roots, and leaves, to the boiling water. Leave it for 10 minutes.For a sweater taste you can add some good quality honey.