Common Name

Standardized: plantain
Other: broad-leaf plantain, greater plantain

Botanical Name

Plantago lanceolata L.
Plant Family: Plantaginaceae

Overview

The common plantain is of Eurasian descent, but has since been naturalized around the world with particular prominence in the United States.

Plantain has been used by many cultures the world over, and the Saxons considered it one of their nine sacred herbs. It was considered an early Christian. Despite its usefulness, plantain is considered a noxious weed in some regions outside of its native range.

Parts Used

The whole leaf and some stem is acceptable.

Typical Preparations

Eaten raw and fresh in salads, as a tea, in tincture form and as an external compress.

Precautions

Specific: No known precautions.
General: We recommend that you consult with a qualified healthcare practitioner before using herbal products, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing, or on any medications.