Plantain

Broad Leaf Plantain Scientific Name: Plantago major Narrow Leaf Plantain Scientific Name: Plantago lanceolata

Broad Leaf Plantain Identification: Oval shaped leaves that grow in a rosette, with thick stems that will have strings when you pull them. Long green flowers grow from the base. Narrow Leaf Plantain Identification: Long narrow leaves that grow in a rosette that will have strings when you pull them. Long stemmed flowers with brown tops.

Benefits of both broad leaf and narrow leaf plantain are the same: Rich in calcium, and vitamin K. Great for helping with stings, even bleeding or open wounds. Aids in healing and soothing bronchitis or other throat colds. Can clean mouth bacteria when chewed.

There are two types of wild native plantain, broad leaf plantain, and narrow leaf plantain. And depending on what growing zone you’re in, you may have both, here in Ohio we have both in abundance. Plantain is my definite go to when it comes to cuts, scrapes, and stings, especially when we’re outdoors. Not to mention it’s pretty awesome to be able to readily identify beneficial herbs and plants. Being a beekeeper, plantain has come in handy quite a few times.

It grows just about anywhere, even right out of the cracks of sidewalks like dandelions. The leaves are used the most, and you can tell which are plantain by those long stringy veins that are very similar to celery. The whole plants is edible but its used mainly as a medicinal herb, it has minor extracting properties so for a sting it will help in removing any toxins under the skin, and protect the open wound on the surface of the skin. You can chew the plantain and make a poultice to use directly, you can also chew the leaves like gum to remove harmful bacteria from the mouth causing bad breath and other oral issues. If it’s ingested it’s commonly used in a tea or infusion.

Plantain is so versatile I love to make tinctures and salves. Since it’s really only available at best in spring and summer, I like to preserve as much as possible to have year round. Plantain is such a good detoxifier, it’s always good to dry at least a jar, to have for some tea. The large plantain sticks pictured below, is a hard salve I made that’s used like a chapstick on the skin, and great to have out hiking, camping or to just have in your first aid kit in general. You should definitely read up on natural first aid kits so that you know what you can forage and use if you’re ever in a survival situation, plantain is absolutely on that go to list.