Edible Parts: The leaves of the plantago lanceolata can be consumed as a tea, or eaten both raw and cooked. The seeds can be eaten as well. Medicinal Uses: The consumption of the leaves is believed to treat a variety of aliments including cough, diarrhea, dysentery, and hematuria.
Is narrow leaf plantain poisonous?
The leaves of the equally ubiquitous narrow-leaf plantain, or Plantago lanceolata, also are edible when young. The shoot is “edible” only with quotation marks. You can eat the seeds should you have the patience to collect hundreds of plants for the handful of seeds you’d harvest.
What can broadleaf plantain be used for?
Apart from its antimicrobial and antioxidant attributes, broadleaf plantain has been documented to possess anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor properties. It also has been shown to boost the immune system and to help treat ulcers, diarrhea and fatigue.
What can common plantain be used for?
Plantain has long been considered by herbalists to be a useful remedy for cough , wounds , inflamed skin or dermatitis, and insect bites. Bruised or crushed leaves have been applied topically to treat insect bites and stings, eczema , and small wounds or cuts.
How can you tell if a plantain is narrow leaf?
Another way to distinguish the two weeds is to look at the brown fruits. Narrow-leaved plantain seeds are clustered closer to the tip of the stem while broad-leaved plantain seeds are much further down the stem. The plantains tend not to have a standard tap-root like the other flat-weeds.
How do you make tea from plantain leaves?
Directions: Pour boiling water over the leaves and allow them to infuse for 10 minutes. Next, strain out the leaves and sweeten with honey, maple syrup, or another sweetener if desired.
Is narrow leaf plantain medicinal?
Primary Uses
The seeds can be eaten as well. Medicinal Uses: The consumption of the leaves is believed to treat a variety of aliments including cough, diarrhea, dysentery, and hematuria. Additionally, the leaves are believed to function as bronchodilators, helping treat throat colds.
How do you eat broadleaf plantain?
The broadleaf plantain weeds that you find in your yard can be eaten entirely, but the young leaves are the tastiest. Use these raw in any way you would spinach, such as in salads and sandwiches. You can also use the older leaves raw, but they tend to be more bitter and stringy.
Is broadleaf plantain poisonous?
Not only is this a vital wild edible plant for overall good health, this wild weed can be used to treat chronic diarrhea as well as digestive tract disorders. Broadleaf plantain is packed with nutrients and is safe to ingest.
How do you make medicine out of plantains?
Simply crush or chew your plantain leaf, place it over the area with the sliver, bandage and leave overnight. In the morning the sliver should easily pop out. You can use fresh plantain juice to treat poison ivy, sunburn and other skin irritations, but infused oil or salve is easier to apply.
How do you make plantain leaf chips?
Place a sheet of parchment paper on a baking sheet. Individually,place the plantain leaves on the sheet. Bake 5 -15 minutes until they are crispy. The size and thickness of the leaves will determine baking time.
What can I do with wild plantains?
Plantain leaves are highly effective at helping to heal minor wounds, cuts, and scrapes. They are a perfect addition to homemade salves and balms such as this Plantain Salve or my Herbal Healing Salve. You could also make this dreamy Lavender Plantain Lotion (apply on dry skin just before bedtime for best results).
What are the side effects of eating plantain?
Great plantain seems to be safe when taken by mouth by most adults. But it may cause some side effects including diarrhea and low blood pressure. It might be UNSAFE to apply great plantain to the skin. It can cause allergic skin reactions.
How do I use fresh plantain leaves?
Fresh leaves
For topical use, try drying the leaves and infusing them into your choice of oil, such as coconut, sunflower, olive, or almond oil. Dried plantain weed can also be added to natural skin care products, including lip balms, lotions, and ointments.
What parts of plantain are edible?
Plantain is not related to the fruit called plantain, which is a type of banana. Plantain is a highly nutritious wild edible, that is high in calcium and vitamins A, C, and K. The young, tender leaves can be eaten raw, and the older, stringier leaves can be boiled in stews and eaten. The seeds are also edible.
Can you smoke plantain leaves?
Can you smoke plantain leaves? The North American wild herb, plantain (Plantago major), helps reduce cravings for cigarettes. That could be one of the main reasons it is being used in many commercial smoking cessation products. For long-term storage, use fresh or dry leaves to create an infused herbal oil.
Are all types of plantain edible?
There are over 200 species of plantain within the genus Plantago, and, as far as I know, all are edible.
How do you use plantain for bug bites?
Plantain is safe for children of all ages in getting relief from insect bites and soothing skin rashes. You can simply pick few clean plantain leaves, chew them and apply chewed leaves on a wound or itchy area. Of course plantain oil is easier to apply, and no chewing required!
What are the benefits of drinking plantain tea?
Plantain’s Internal Use
The tea is particularly useful for calming gastrointestinal inflammation and supporting restoration of damaged mucosa, and, because it has both astringent and demulcent properties, plantain is also useful for helping to ease diarrhea.
Can you drink plantain tea?
Plantain tea can soothe internal, inflamed intestinal conditions such as inflammatory bowel issues and peptic ulcers because of its anti-inflammatory effects and tissue-healing properties. Drink a tea made from 1/2 tsp of dried plantain leaves steeped in a cup of water.
Does plantain draw out infection?
It can draw out and close up pus and infection from dirty wounds and soothes irritated membranes. Plantain is also helpful in bronchial infections and pneumonia.
Elvira Bowen is a food expert who has dedicated her life to understanding the science of cooking. She has worked in some of the world’s most prestigious kitchens, and has published several cookbooks that have become bestsellers. Elvira is known for her creative approach to cuisine, and her passion for teaching others about the culinary arts.