Hoary Plantain - Plantago media Hoary Plantain - Plantago media
Foto: botanika.wendys.cz

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:
Perennial


Height:
10 cm
(4 inches)

Flowering:
May to
August


Scent:
Scented
Perennial

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 known

Plant information taken from the Plants For A Future.