Wild plantain, which grows almost all over Europe, Plantago lanceolata is also known under the names of narrow-leaved plantain and field tongues. Most often it can be found in meadows, fields, pastures and slopes. It is an undemanding plant, light and airy soils suit it best.Plantain lanceolate is wind-pollinated - it produces about 1000 seeds.The leaves are gathered in a rosette, and small spiky flowers appear from May to September.
The herbal raw material of plantain is the stems and long and narrow leaves, the healing power of which has already been appreciated in antiquity. They contain aucubin, mucilage substances, pectins, tannins (approx.6.5%), acids: fumaric, benzoic, cinnamic, vanilla, mineral s alts (including zinc s alts and silica) and flavonoids (baicalein, scoelarein).Young plantain leaves are edible, although a bit bitter in taste.
Let's just remember not to collect them from polluted sites, because they contain heavy metals there. Young plantain leaves are a tasty addition to salads and salads. It is also worthwhile to diversify them and other dishes to enrich our diet with valuable vitamins and minerals that will help us deal with spring colds.
Plantain leaves can be applied to small cuts and the wounds will close together, but the herbal material is also used to prepare infusions.The simplest recipe: pour a tablespoon of dried plantain leaves into a cup and pour boiling water over it, drink it three times a day.
Such a decoction is especially helpful in inflammation of the intestines and peptic ulcer problems, and also effectively cleans the respiratory tract. We can also wash wounds with it, although the young leaves that are freshly picked and rubbed in their hands are the most effective (they must release the juice).
Plantain lanceolate willingly inhabits not only agricultural crops, but also our carefully manicured lawns.To get rid of it, the plant should be uprooted. In case of strong weeds, only chemical treatments will help.
Medicine and witchcraft
The healing properties of plantain were known centuries ago. Pliny the Elder recommended its use in the treatment of as many as 24 diseases. The ancient Greek physician Dioscurides mixed the sap of this plant with honey to relieve those whose wounds were constantly festering. According to historical sources, the goby was also helpful with viper bites and scorpion stings.
In turn, medieval monks appreciated this wonderful plant for the fact that it quickly reduces fever, helps with digestive problems, regulates intestinal function, has a diuretic effect and prevents anemia.Interestingly, plantain lanceolate was also an indispensable component of magical rituals.It was believed that adding a little bit of its dried leaves to the drink would ensure success in love and protect against evil spells.
