Plantains are quite plentiful, growing all over the world in a variety of habitats, including lawns and yards in urban landscapes in mainly sunny areas. This plant was actually cultivated and harvested in early European culture. In fact, Native Americans named the plant “white man’s footprint” because it seemed to follow the European settlers wherever they traveled. The leaves of the plantain can be eaten raw or cooked, which benefits older leaves which are more bitter and fibrous, but entirely edible. One can also eat young flower shoots, which have been described to taste nutty and somewhat like asparagus and are excellent pan-fried in olive oil. One can also put a mature shoot in their mouth and clench the teeth, quickly pulling out the stem, to eat the plantain seeds. Nutritionally, plantain has a profile similar to dandelions, being loaded with iron and important vitamins and minerals like vitamin A, B6, and C.
Plantain has been used as an herbal remedy since prehistory. This is a go-to plant for issues with the skin, such as scrapes, rashes, minor burns, and insect bites and stings. Plantain is considered to be astringent, anti-toxic, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, expectorant, anti-histamine, diuretic, demulcent (relieves minor pain and inflammation of mucous membranes), and anti-hemorrhagic. It is also considered to be hemostatic (stops bleeding) and can be used somewhat like an emergency Band-Aid for minor lacerations. To do so, simply lick a leaf and stick it over the affected area. Furthermore, it can also be ground in a mortar and pestle and used as a poultice by placing the ground herb on the affected area and wrapping it with gauze. A tea can also be made from the plant that helps soothe acid reflux, ulcers, sore throat, and bronchitis. Plantain is also useful in reducing mucous congestion, soothing hemorrhoids, reducing the absorption of fat by the intestines, reducing serum cholesterol levels, satiating the appetite, and ridding the body of poisons and excess fluids.
To make your own cough syrup, crush 3 cups of fresh plantain leaves in a food processor, drain, and squeeze in a cheesecloth. Combine one cup of this green juice with one cup pure liquid honey. Simmer this mixture on low for about ten minutes, stirring regularly. Let this mixture cool and pour it into an opaque medicine bottle. This nectar can be taken one teaspoonful at a time for cough, sore throat, fatigue, eczema, or anemia, though not more than three times daily.
So remember, try and eat one wild food every day! If you have any questions or comments, please email [email protected].