The Medicinal Properties of Plantain

Plantain is one of the most common herbs found growing in North America. It can literally be seen growing out of the cracks of sidewalks and roads, found on the majority of homeowners lawns, cultivated or waste ground and even in places where there is little sun. Not only is this plant (as we like to call it) abundant everywhere, it is present for good reason. There is an old saying that plants grow where they are needed most. In the case of plantain, it is clear that this plant is greatly needed in the urban societies we live in today, as we suffer from many illnesses in which this plant can offer help. The plantain is a clumped perennial herb which grows to about 10cm in height. These plants form dense, slender, 3-30 cm long spikes, with conspicuous yellow stamens that stick out, blooming from May to September. There are two types of plantain; a) common plantain (as seen in the diagram) and narrow-leaved plantain which have narrower leaves with several prominent ribs. Generally speaking, these plants can be found growing nearly everywhere in Canada. The following are some of the plants common food and medicinal uses.