Plantain: Wild herb with healing properties

Plantain trees can be found at every roadside. But the herb with the healing properties is often underestimated. We show what the plantain has to offer.

Only last year there was the plantain (Plantago) to buy again as a herb in some supermarkets. But what makes this plant so special, which, if you take a closer look, thrives on every meadow, on every roadside and in almost every country in the world?

Plantain: origin and characteristics

The genus of the plantain (Plantago) is large and diverse and yet only a few notice the small, inconspicuous plants. In doing so, they practically follow people every step of the way. The German name "plantain" probably comes from the fact that plantain trees often grow along paths. One American indigenous population group even calls the plantain “the footsteps of the white man”, as it has been found on the American continent since the appearance of Europeans. And even the scientific name

Plantago probably derives from the Latin "planta", which means something like the sole of the foot.

Plantains can be very different. They are available both as an herb and as a shrub. What they all have in common, however, are their special leaves, the veins of which are always parallel to each other instead of being networked, as is usual with many plants. The most important species of Middle Plantain in Germany (Plantago media), Ribwort plantain (Plantago lanceolata) and Plantain (Plantago major) can be easily recognized by the fact that all the leaves are arranged in a rosette directly on the floor. Plantain trees are found in different species around the world. We present the most important ones below.

Plantain species

Although there are probably around 190 species of plantain, we mainly know of two types: the ribwort and the common plantain. Both species originate from Europe or Eurasia and are distributed worldwide today. For most Europeans at least, these two are the epitome of a plantain: the two species are extremely adaptable and robust. In Europe, however, there are a few other species such as the Middle Plantain or specialists such as the Beach Plantain (Plantago maritima) and the mountain plantain (Plantago atrata). All over the world, however, there are all sorts of plantain species, including in Asia, America and Africa.

Ribwort plantain

Ribwort plantain is a valuable medicinal herb that can be very useful on the go, for example in the case of insect or nettle stings. It grows along many paths around the world and can make walking on those paths much easier. The ribwort provides relief from blisters and injuries to the foot. You can find out more about this wonderful medicinal plant here Experienced.

Plantain

The common plantain is a close relative of the ribwort. The very step-tolerant plant has the same beneficial properties as this one. But the two plants are also very similar in appearance. You will find out how you can tell the difference between the two plantain species and what else there is to know about the common plantain here.

Grow plantain

Both Norway plantain and broad-leaved plantain are very robust plants. No wonder, because their habitat is along paths where they are not only literally trampled on. Both species love a sunny location and slightly acidic soil. After the plants have grown sufficiently, they can be harvested. You can find more information about the cultivation of plantain in our variety articles Ribwort plantain and Plantain.

Propagate plantain

Plantain usually reproduces quite well on its own if it likes the location. If you want to establish it successfully, it is best to collect the ripe seeds of the plantain and sow them. Older plantains also reproduce via cuttings, one or two of which you can use to establish your plantain cultivation. You can find out exactly how this is done in the respective variety articles.

Maintain plantain

Norway plantain and broad-leaved plantain are extremely successful. You have managed to conquer the world and spread over it. This fact alone shows how undemanding and adaptable both species are. So rest, because the plantain takes care of itself for the most part.

Harvest and store plantain

You can gradually harvest the leaves of the plantain, sometimes a leaf here, sometimes a leaf. But the radical variant is also possible, namely simply cutting it back completely. Don't worry, it will sprout fresh and reward the courage to cut back with young, tender leaves. When harvesting the leaves, be careful not to pick old leaves. These are usually tough and not very pleasant to eat. You can store the leaves dried or processed. After flowering, you can also harvest the ripe seeds and even the roots in autumn.

Plantain: Ingredients and Uses

The two medicinal plants of Norway plantain and common plantain have been known for a long time. The contained mucous substances help with attacked mucous membranes and the silica strengthens the tissue. The also contained aucubin has an anti-inflammatory and anti-irritant effect.

Together, all of these ingredients make the perfect mix and have made the Norway plantain and the common plantain two very versatile medicinal plants. Both species have the same effect and use, but the medicinal properties of the ribwort plantain are slightly greater than that of the common plantain. You can also find out more about their use in kitchen and medicine in our articles Ribwort plantain and Plantain.