Plantago major, All Regions, it is in the Plantaginaceae family originally this plant was found in Europe & Asia but was naturalized here in the U.S.A. in the 17th century.
This plant is highly fond of people and can be found in the areas where there is activity of humans. In actuality this plant spreads as people walk through areas and was dubbed "White Man's Foot" as Europeans traveled across the states and took it with them.
I am sure you have walked passed or stomped on this green "weed". Plantago major. also known as Broadleaf Plantain is abundant in our yard, between our sidewalks, and in the woods. . On a medicinal aspect this plant is very loving to the body. All of the parts of Plantain can be used from the spike to the root. They are most effective when dried fast but not in the sun as they will lose their potency if left to dry at a slow rate. The spike has fruit which holds the psyllium seeds and for ispaghula husks, which are most sought after in the natural food market. They are used as a fiber and can be found in any psyllium fiber supplement. The whole plant has mucilage and this mucilage aids in cleansing as it has astringent properties, which will clean anything to a squeaky-clean state yet still gentle enough to not harm as some astringents may do. It contains seven flavonoids, beta-carotene, crude fiber, dietary fiber, fat, protein, and carbohydrates.
Here are some of the vitamins and minerals found in Plantago major:
- A
- B1
- B2
- B3
- C
- K
- Calcium
- Chromium
- Iron
- Magnesium
- Manganese
- Phosphorus
- Potassium
- Selenium
- Zinc
Young leaves are easy to eat raw but when you want to eat the older leaves you will need to at least blanch them to make them tender as they have stringy fiber strands within them.
My favorite use for this plant is the first aid purposes when you are in the woods. If you get a cut, an insect bite, boil, bruise, burns, diarrhea, ringworm, scalded, scratch, stings, toothache, uterine infection, water retention, wounds, and worms. (Petersen, 2017, p. 46) The vitamin K within the weed stops bleeding with its styptic action. It has an anti-viral action glycoside acubin will help stop infection right away. It is said that the top of a leaf will draw while the bottom of the leaf will heal. It is an effective blood cleanser and antibiotic as well.
It is not to be used during pregnancy due to its uterine actions.
Citations
FoodData Central. (n.d.). https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/169226/nutrients
MomPrepares. "Broadleaf Plantain: Food & Medicine Beneath Your Feet." Mom Prepares, 20 Nov. 2015, momprepares.com/broadleaf-plantain-food-medicine-beneath-your-feet/ Accessed 15 June 2018.
Patterson, Susan. "Do Not Kill This Weed! It's One Of The Best Healing Herbs On The Planet (& It's Probably Growing Near You Right Now!)." Natural Living Ideas, 14 Mar. 2016, www.naturallivingideas.com/plantain-benefits-uses/ Accessed 15 June 2018.
+This information is not intended to treat or cure any illness or disease and you must see a physician if you have a medical issue. One final note on any of the medicinal weeds, never wild harvest unless you know which plant you are harvesting and never harvest from the side of a road as they absorb the toxic substances from vehicles such as lead and cadmium. +
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