Systematics and appearance at a glance
It is as often revered as an effective medicinal plant as it is hated as a weed. Opinions differ on plantain. The following profile conveys outstanding attributes of the two-faced plant.
- Genus within the order of the mint family (Lamiales)
- Name of the species: Plantain (Plantago major)
- Herbaceous, perennial plant with a basal rosette of leaves
- Palm-sized, spoon-shaped leaves
- Heights of 3 to 25 cm
- Strong tap roots up to 80 cm deep
- Long, narrow, yellowish-white flower spikes from April / May to September / October
- Brown fruit capsules with up to 50 seeds
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Its outstanding feature is its robust resistance to loads of all kinds. The common plantain is one of the hard-wearing pointer plants for frequently used paths and lawns.
Traditional medicinal and useful plant - that's what broad plantain contains
Plantain sap contains valuable ingredients that have been used in folk medicine for generations. Consumed regularly as a tea, the plant supports smoking cessation and relieves toothache, headache and earache. For this, 2 tablespoons of the fresh leaves are brewed with half a liter of water and left to steep for a few minutes.
Plantago major is not only edible, but also rich in vitamins and minerals. The tender leaves in spring round off a fresh salad aromatically. The older leaves in summer are prepared into a very healthy vegetable - similar to sauerkraut. Plantain is traditionally an ingredient in Maundy Thursday soup, which is prepared exclusively from weeds.
Tips
Experienced hikers know broad plantain as a practical first aid plant. In the case of painful wasp stings, the plant immediately brings relief by chewing the leaves or grinding them with a stone and placing them on the puncture site. If the hiking boots pinch, plantain leaves get on the painful area and the rest of the trail is effortlessly covered.