The main species of plantain
In Germany, three types of plantain are common:
- Ribwort plantain (Plantago lanceolata)
- Plantain (Plantago major)
- Middle plantain (Plantago media)
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Properties of the ribwort
It mainly grows in lush meadows. Its leaves are narrow and tapered to a point. The short flower spike is brown to black and surrounded by a bright wreath of stamens. Ribwort plantain does not smell. Pollination takes place via insects.
Properties of the common plantain
This plantain species is particularly robust and even grows in small cracks. Common plantain occurs on footpaths. It forms small rosettes that lie close to the ground. The leaves are much wider than those of the ribwort and do not stand tall. The flower spike is also black or brown. The light wreath is missing in this species.
Properties of the middle plantain
From a purely visual point of view, the Middle Plantain seems to be a mixture of Pointed and Broad Plantain. Its leaves are not quite as narrow as those of the ribwort. The flower spike is longer and has a wreath of white, sometimes pink stamens. The flower of the middle plantain exudes a lovely scent as the only representative of the plantain.
Plantain - an ancient medicinal plant
Plantain is an ancient medicinal plant that has been used for centuries and its effectiveness has been scientifically researched. It contains mucilage, sulfur, tannins and mineral salts as active ingredients. It is used internally as a tea and externally as a tincture.
Plantain has proven itself in diseases such as:
- Respiratory problems
- Eye diseases
- diarrhea
- Nosebleeds
- Phlebitis
- Wounds
- Insect bites
The plant parts of all three types are used: roots, leaves, fruits and plant sap. Plantain should be consumed as soon as possible after being collected. If this is not possible, the plant parts are immediately dried gently.
Tips
The ribwort was named Medicinal Plant of the Year 2014 due to its medicinal properties. Even today it is the best-known representative of the plantain species.
