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Plantago

Tue, 07/08/2008 - 13:06 — kitchenwitch
Botanical Name:

Plantago major

Zones:
3-10
Other Names:
plantain, greater plantain, common plantain, Soldier's herb, White man's footprint, Cart track plant, dooryard plant, healing blade, hen plant, lambs foot, roadweed, roundleaf plantain, waybread, wayside plantain, white man's foot

Plantago major is often called plantain, not to be confused with the banana-like plantain which is delicious fried.

Propagation:

Plantago likes full sun. Other than that, it's not very picky.

History and Folklore:

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.

Harvesting & Storage:

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.

Household Use:

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.

Magical Attributes:

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.

Healing Attributes:

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.

Culinary Use:

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.

Practical Kitchen Witchery:

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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