ribwort, plantain, English plantain, Lamb's tongue, buckhorn, waybread, and mother of herbs

Various species of plantain enjoy a reputation for healing and magick. In my local area, three primary species grow wild in great abundance. The European imports Broadleaf plantain and lanceleaf plantain, and the native American plantain. It enjoys disturbed areas, including gardens and other areas of cultivation. It thrives in all but the most acidic of soils and is tolerant of both dry and wet soils and enjoys full sun exposure to part shade.

Plantain History and Folkore

Plantago species have a long history of human association. It is listed as one of the herbs in the Anglo-Saxon Nigon Wyrta Galdor or Nine Plants Incantation, (commonly referred to as Nine Herbs Charm) recorded in the 10th century C.E. In it, plantain, called Waybread, is called the mother of herbs and praised for its resilience and ability to withstand various types of trampling.

It is said that Romans wore plantain in sandals on long marches to sooth inflamed soles and blisters.

Plantain in the Garden

A common weed in North America, plantains enjoy disturbed areas, including gardens and other areas of cultivation, alongside roads and areas where the movements of animals and vehicles turn up the soil. It thrives in all but the most acidic of soils and is tolerant of both dry and wet soils and enjoys full sun exposure to part shade. Some species are considered invasive in both the United States and Australia where it proves a troublesome weed.

Lanceleaf plantain grows from a basal rosette with long, lance-shaped leaves with prominent veining. The flowers stalks are smooth and stiff, arising from the center of the rosette and terminating in a dense inflorescence of tiny, unremarkable flowers.  They are often frequented by bumble bees and other pollinators, though it also pollinates via wind pollination which can contribute to seasonal allergy problems for those susceptible.

Broadleaf plantain Plantago major is also a veiny basil rosette, but the leaves are ovular. The flowers appear all along a dense center spike, from top to bottom. They are tiny and greenish brown with pale purple stamens.

American plantain Plantago rugelii Looks very similar to its European cousin broadleaf plantain, and I have found them growing side by side quite often. American plantain has red staining along the petioles and the flowers are usually closer to white rather than pale purple. I have found the American plantain is slightly less juicy than the broadleaf plantain and I think it tastes better, but it’s a near thing.

Plantain prefer disturbed, impacted soil and full sun

Plantago grows well in disturbed or compacted soils. I find mine growing in my garden paths quite often and it handles the traffic quite well.  It prefers full sun, but can grow in part shade. The plants may be a bit smaller in the shade.

Plantain in the Kitchen

The entire plant is edible and very nutritious. The leaves are more tender when they are very young and can be added to salads. Mature leaves are best cooked. They are nice in soups as they hold up to boiling.  The inflorescence can be used to add a bit of umami flavor to a vegetable stock. The seeds can be added to baked goods as a high fiber flour extender.

Livestock rarely graze on plantain, though rabbits will eat it and it is considered a safe option for baby domestic rabbits first foods to prevent scours.

The seeds, which form from the flowers in clusters atop the long flower stalk, are eaten by birds and are used in fiber supplements. Buckeye and fritillary butterflies and tiger moths use plantago as host species.

Plantago spp for Healing

Plantain is soothing to the skin and mucus membranes. Externally, it is useful for minor skin issues and injuries. Its drawing action makes it useful for splinters and insect bites and its antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties lend themselves to the treatment of minor abrasions and dermatitis.

Internally, it is soothing to the digestive system and helpful as an expectorant for those recovering from respiratory infections.

For best potency, harvest the leaves before the plant has flowered. Harvest all parts early in the day after the dew has dried but before the full strength of the sun. The leaves can then be dried in a well-ventilated area until crisp and then stored for later use.

Plantain Simples

Poultice

A fresh leaf poultice may be applied to skin abrasions, bug bites, splinters and rashes. Crush the leaves using whatever tool you have on hand until the juices are released and then apply the mashed leaves to the affected area and let it sit there for 30 minutes. This will help sooth pain and itch, its astringent properties will help draw out splinters, stingers, nettle needles, thorns, etc,, and its antiseptic properties reduce the chances of infection. It may also help relieve pain associated with bruising and muscle strain. For bruising, lay a cool damp cloth over the poultice. For muscle pain, use a warm damp cloth.

A spit poultice is a good field dressing for insect bites and splinters. Simply chew up the leaves and apply to the affected area.

Infusion

Steep dried plantain 1-2 tsp per cup of boiling water for 10-15 minutes and strain.

This infusion may be drunk up to 3 times a day to help treat coughs as an expectorant, to sooth sore throats and to help settle digestive upset.

It can also be used externally to gently sooth irritated and inflamed skin. I use a spray bottle or pour it gently over severely inflamed skin.

You can also use this infusion to make a hot or cold compress for conditions calling for such treatment to add plantains astringent and anti-inflammatory properties to the compress.

Tincture

Submerge fresh or dried plantain leaves under high proof alcohol in a sealed jar. Let rest in a cool, dark place for 4-6 weeks, shaking every few days.

Add 20-40 drops to a glass of water and drink 3 times daily for upper respiratory infections or dabbed on insect bites and pimples.

Salve or Ointment

Infuse dried plantain leaves into the carrier oil of your choice. I like to use coconut for this. Use about 1 part dried leaves to 5 parts oil.  Warm it gently for 2-3 hours in the old electric cauldron on the “warm” setting or use a double boiler. Stir it every 20 minutes or so. When you’re done, strain it well and put the oil back into your double boiler. Add some beeswax at about 1 part beeswax to 4 parts oil and then stir it until the wax is melted and well incorporated into the oil. Then pour it into containers for use later.

Apply to minor skin wounds and abrasions 2-3 times a day to help protect the wound and encourage healing. Massage over sore muscles and joints to help relieve pain.

vulnerary, expectorant, demulcent, anti-inflammatory, astringent, diuretic, and antimicrobial.

Plantain Magick

American, Lanceleaf and Broadleaf Plantago correspond to the element Water and the planet Venus.

Slip a plantain leaf into your shoe for protection while traveling.

Plantain is a tough and resilient plant that serves to help rejuvenate disturbed areas and impacted soils. As such, its energy is that of strength, thriving despite overwhelming odds and toxicity, and building something great from nothing.

Learn More Online

Holistic Farming Substack https://holisticfarming.substack.com/p/living-plant-wisdom-profile-plantain

Wild Edible https://www.wildedible.com/wild-food-guide/plantain

Herbal Reality https://www.herbalreality.com/herb/plantain/

Purchase Online

Strictly Medicinal Seeds https://strictlymedicinalseeds.com/product/plantain-broadleaf-plantago-major-packet-of-100-seeds-organic/

Mountain Rose Herbs https://mountainroseherbs.com/plantain-leaf