PLANTAIN
(Plantago major)
common plantain, broad-leaved plantain, greater plantain, way bread

Description: A common perennial weed. Once identified, it is easy to remember. Leaves, broadly ovate, entire or toothed, characterized by a thick, channeled footstalk. Flower stalks are 6-8 in., tipped with long, slender spikes of greenish-white flowers but overshadowed by the brown sepals and bracts. The leaves of P. lanceolata are lance leafed, more grass-like, darker green, stems tipped by a short spike of tiny white flowers. Both, common around the world in moist waste places, lawns, stream beds in mountians.

Medicinal: Astringent, demulcent, diuretic, expectorant, hemostatic. Leaves of the fresh plant makes an excellent poultice for insect bites. Chew to make a bolus and place on bite. Leaf tea for thrush in children, hemorrhage, heavy menstruation, parasites, sore eyes, edema, bladder, lung, stomachache, stomach ulcers, skin problems, ringworm, toothache, dysentery, hemorrhoids, stimulates healing process. Steep 1 tsp. fresh or dried leaves in 1/2 cup water. Take 1-1 1/2 cups a day, mouthful at a time.

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