medicinal herbs
Hoary Plantain
Plantago media
Herb: Hoary Plantain
Latin name: Plantago media
Family: Plantaginaceae (Plantain Family)
Medicinal use of Hoary Plantain:
The leaves, flowering stems and roots are somewhat astringent, deobstruent, depurative, diuretic, expectorant, haemostatic, refrigerant and vulnerary. They are applied externally to skin inflammations, malignant ulcers, cuts etc. A mouthwash made from the leaves helps to relieve toothache and a distilled water is a good eyewash. The seeds are demulcent and laxative. Plantain seeds contain up to 30% mucilage which swells up in the gut, acting as a bulk laxative and soothing irritated membranes. Sometimes the seed husks are used without the seeds.Description of the plant:
Plant:
PerennialHeight:
10 cm(4 inches)
Flowering:
May toAugust
Scent:
ScentedPerennial
Habitat of the herb:
Fields, meadows and lawns. A common weed of lawns and cultivated land, especially on dry or calcareous soils.Edible parts of Hoary Plantain:
Young leaves - raw or cooked. The very young leaves have a fairly mild flavour but with a slight bitterness. Used in salads before they become tough. The inflorescence is sweet and is sucked by children.Other uses of the herb:
The leaves are a cure for blight on fruit trees.Propagation of Hoary Plantain:
Seed - sow spring in a cold frame. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out in early summer. A sowing can be made outdoors in situ in mid to late spring if you have enough seeds.Cultivation of the herb:
Fields, meadows and lawns. A common weed of lawns and cultivated land, especially on dry or calcareous soils.Known hazards of Plantago media:
None knownPlant information taken from the Plants For A Future.