Ribwort Plantain – Plantago lanceolata Use as a food The unopened flower heads can be eaten raw and have a taste reminiscent of raw button mushrooms. The leaves are edible, but are bitter and it is best to remove the thick veins.
Plantain belongs to a big family of plants called Plantaginaceae. Greater and lesser plantain is also known as common plantain and ribwort plantain respectively.Plantains are a versatile wild edibleand herbal remedy.

What is ribwort plantain good for?

Leaves are useful in diarrhea, gastritis, peptic ulcers, cystitis, bronchitis, sinusitis, asthma and hay fever. The external application of the leaves is also useful in various skin disorders. When used externally, the leaves are useful in treating skin inflammation, cuts, stings etc.

Is ribwort plantain medicinal?

MEDICINAL PROPERTIES Same as his relative Common Plantain, Ribwort Plantain is a safe and effective treatment for bleeding, it quickly staunches blood flow and, as an antimicrobial, encourages the repair of damaged tissue to promote faster healing.

Are all plantains edible?

I’m not talking about the banana-like fruit, fried Cuban-style. I’m talking about the edible weed that grows wild in your yard and garden and vacant lots throughout North America. There are over 200 species of plantain within the genus Plantago, and, as far as I know, all are edible.

How do you cook ribwort plantain?

Plantain-infused oil

1. harvest a bunch of leaves on a dry afternoon.
2. rip the leaves (or cut with scissors)
3. leave them to wilt overnight on a clean cloth.
4. add them to a glass jar.
5. fill with extra-virgin olive oil, or another oil of your choice.

What does Ribwort plantain taste like?

Ribwort Plantain Shoots: The shoots of the broadleaf plantain, when green and tender and no longer than about four inches, can be described as a poor man’s fiddlehead, with a nutty, asparagus-like taste. Pan-fry in olive oil for just a few seconds to bring out this taste.

How do you identify ribwort plantain?

Ribwort plantain has spear- shaped leaves that form a rosette at the base of the plant. Short stems grow from its leaves, with compact flower heads that display protruding white stamens. The flower heads gradually turn brown and seed.

What is Ribwort Herb?

Ribwort plantain is a perennial herb species flowering between April and August, pollinated by the wind, beetles and flies. The dark green leaves are tightly packed at ground level and have deep veins, which originated the name ‘ribwort’. It has small flowers grouped in a spike at the end of a long stem.

Is narrow leaf plantain edible?

What you’re eating are the plantain seeds. The leaves of the equally ubiquitous narrow-leaf plantain, or Plantago lanceolata, also are edible when young. You can eat the seeds should you have the patience to collect hundreds of plants for the handful of seeds you’d harvest.

Is narrow leaf plantain medicinal?

Leaves have bronchodilation properties and can be used for bronchitis and throat colds. Leaf poultice used for blisters, sores, ulcers, swelling, insect stings, earaches, and eye ailments. Seeds, like any plantain, may be ingested to reduce cholesterol levels. Rarely, contact may cause dermatitis.

Is broadleaf plantain poisonous?

Not only is this a vital wild edible plant for overall good health, this wild weed can be used to treat chronic diarrhea as well as digestive tract disorders. Broadleaf plantain is packed with nutrients and is safe to ingest.

What part of a plantain is edible?

Plantain is a highly nutritious wild edible, that is high in calcium and vitamins A, C, and K. The young, tender leaves can be eaten raw, and the older, stringier leaves can be boiled in stews and eaten. The seeds are also edible.

Does plantain have any poisonous look alikes?

Plantain has very few natural look-alikes, and the plants that do resemble Plantago are all non-toxic. Hostas, which are sometimes called plantain lilies, are similar in appearance and their leaves and shoots can also be eaten.

Are there different kinds of plantain?

There are two primary groups of plantains, French and Horn. There are subgroups of each depending on the particular variety that is mostly dependent on size or growing style.

How do you use medicinal plantain?

Plantain is usually applied directly to the burn to soothe pain and help repair damaged tissue. More. Calendula cream may be applied to minor burns to soothe pain and help promote tissue repair. It has been shown in animal studies to be anti-inflammatory and to aid repair of damaged tissues.