Yuma Herb and Spice Shop

Plantain works well infused in teas and herbal blends. As a tea, plantain’s taste is pleasant, but its flavor improves when blended with other herbs such as peppermint, spearmint, or lemon balm. For an herbal tea, steep 1 tsp. of dried leaf in hot water for 10 to 15 minutes.

Plantain has traditionally been used as digestive and respiratory support. Plantain can be infused in oil for use in making soaps, lotions, salves and other skin care products, or tinctured for topical use. Infused syrups and tinctures can be used to target the throat. It has also been used as a poultice to soothe bug bites and stings, and as a drawing agent for thorns and splinters,

Plantago leaves can be eaten raw, and are commonly added to salad. The leaf is naturally abundant in vitamins and minerals. The seeds are edible, too, and contain small amounts of protein, minerals. They have a nutty flavor when eaten. Their primary value, however, is in their high mucilage content and soluble fiber. They act much like psyllium husks. Plantago major, as shown, is also known as Greater Plantain, Englishman’s Foot, Ripple Grass, and Snakeweed. Plantago lanceolata is known as lanceleaf plantain, narrowleaf plantain, ribwort, English plantain, buckhorn, or lamb’s tongue.