Plantago major
Plantago major is often called plantain, not to be confused with the banana-like plantain which is delicious fried. Plantago is an Eurasian plant that is naturalized throughout much of the United States and considered to be an annoying weed by most who come across it. It grows well in compacted soils so it often appears along trails, between stepping stones and in cracks in sidewalks.
It has a basal rosette of oval leaves with prominent veination, raised quite a bit on the underside of the leaf. It is hairless with a smooth margin. The flowers are inconspicuous. They are very small and greenish brown with purple stamen and they cluster densly around a central spike.
Varities
There are several cultivars that are more attractive than the wildtype including
Plantago major var. atropurpurea or Purple Plantain, which is quite a bit larger. The leaves turn purple in the fall.
Plantago lanceolata is a similar species with longer, thinner leaves.
Plantago ovata, Plantago arenaria and Plantago psyllium are the source of psyllium seeds and psyllium husks which are common additions to fiber suppliments.
Plantago seeds are often found in grain seeds and that is how they have spread all over the world. It was called "White man's footprint" by Native Americans because it sprouted up wherever European settlers had spent any amount of time. It was also called "Soldier's herb" due to its use as a field dressing.
The "waybread" mentioned in the Nine Herbs Charm of Wodin or Odin is believed to be plantago.
Plantago likes full sun. Other than that, it's not very picky.
Leaves should be used fresh if at all possible. Select young, tender leaves whether you are using fresh or drying for tea. If you're cooking it, you may wish to remove the sinewy veins.
Plantago is feminine in nature and resonates with the planet Venus and the element Earth. It is used in spells related to strength, healing and protection and as a charm against snakebites.
It can also be used in any working to enhance the affect of other herbs.
The sinews in the veins pull out cleanly and are strong and pliable. They could be used for crafts. When I was a child I used to pull these out and braid them when I was sitting outside bored. They become hard and brittle when dry though.
Comfrey has traditionally been used to prevent excessive bleeding after childbirth by douching with the infusioni. It has also been used as a field dressing. Indeed it is a potent coagulant and can be used to stop bleeding. Ground (or chewed in the case of an emergency) fresh leaves can be applied to cuts, scrapes and insect bites to ease pain and stop bleeding.
Plantago is also rumored to have an expectorant affect on the lungs and the tea is recommended for people who are trying to quit smoking as well as for people suffering from lung complaints.
People who take blood thinners or who are at risk for blood clots should never take plantago internally, not as a vegetable or a tea, but can use it externally.
The leaves are edible, but tough and stringy. Young leaves are preferred as they are more tender. They may be prepared like spinach. Dried, they make a good tea.
Plantago may be used in place of comfrey in all herbal preparations. It is a safer alternative and has similar healing properties.
Some people get contact dermatitis from plantago, so use caution.
As plantago is a coagulant, those who are taking blood thinners or who are at risk for blood clot should not use it internally.
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