| Plantago (Plantains)
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Plantago major
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| Scientific classification
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| Species
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P. coronopus - Buckshorn Plantain
P. indica - Branched Plantain
P. lanceolata - Ribwort Plantain
P. major - Greater Plantain
P. maritima - Sea Plantain
P. media - Hoary Plantain
P. psyllium - Sand Plantain
... and many more species
Ref: ITIS 32870 (http://www.itis.usda.gov/servlet/SingleRpt/SingleRpt?search_topic=TSN&search_value=32870)
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Plantago is a genus of plants commonly called plantains. Leaves are sessile, but have a narrow part near the stem which is a pseudo-petiole. They have three or five parallel veins that diverge in the wider part of the leaf. Leaves are broad or narrow, depending on the species. Inflorescences are borne on stalks and can be a short cone or a long spike. The plants are typically 5-40 cm tall.
Common species are P. major, P. lanceolata, and P. psyllium.
Medicinal Uses
The herb is astringent, antitoxic, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, as well as demulcent, expectorant and diuretic. Externally, a poultice of the leaves is useful for insect bites, poison ivy rashes, minor sores. In folklore it is even claimed to be able to cure snakebite (but at least for actually dangerous snakebites this is certainly untrue). Internally, it is used for coughs and broncitis, as a tea, tincture, or syrup. The Broad-leaved varieties are sometimes used for salads, Green Sauce, etc.
Plantain seed husks expand and become mucilaginous when wet, especially those of P. psyllium, which is used in common over-the-counter bulk laxative and fiber supplement products such as Metamucil. P. psyllium seed is useful for constipation, irritable bowel syndrome, dietary fiber supplementation, and diverticular disease. Recent research is also showing it to be promising in lowering cholesterol and controlling diabetes.
 Ribwort Plantain ( P. lanceolata) |
 Ribwort Plantain flower spike |
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