Plantago lanceolata

Plantago lanceolata

Plant Family

Plantaginaceae

Botanical Description

Ribwort Plantain is a perennial herb growing 10-40 cm tall with a basal rosette of narrow, lance-shaped leaves with 3-5 prominent parallel veins. Small brownish flowers appear in dense cylindrical spikes on long leafless stalks.

Cautions

Generally very safe. May rarely cause allergic reactions. May slightly lower blood pressure.

Habitat

Grasslands, lawns, roadsides, meadows, and disturbed ground.

Harvest Instructions

Leaves can be harvested throughout growing season. Best before flowering for culinary use.

Geographic Distribution

Native to Europe and Asia. Naturalized worldwide in temperate regions.

Growth Conditions

Tolerates wide range of conditions. Full sun to partial shade. Various soil types.

Plant Size

10-40 cm

Pests & Diseases

Generally pest and disease resistant.

Effects on the Body

Soothes irritated mucous membranes, loosens and expels mucus, promotes wound healing, reduces inflammation. Excellent for coughs, bronchitis, and skin wounds.

Active Constituents

Mucilage, iridoid glycosides (aucubin, catalpol), tannins, flavonoids, silicic acid.

Safety Information

Dosage

Tea: 2-4 g dried leaves in 150 ml boiling water, steep 10 minutes. Drink 3-4 times daily. Fresh leaf poultice applied directly to wounds.

Culinary Use

Young leaves eaten raw in salads or cooked as a vegetable. Mild, slightly bitter flavor.

Folklore & Historical Use

One of the nine sacred herbs of Anglo-Saxon tradition. Called 'white man's footprint' by Native Americans as it followed European settlers.

Scientific Research

European Medicines Agency approves for respiratory catarrh and mild inflammation of oral and pharyngeal mucosa. Clinical studies support demulcent and expectorant effects. German Commission E approves for catarrh of respiratory tract.