The story is that Native Americans called this plant “White man’s footprint”. It is not native to the America’s but rather from Europe. When settlers made their homesteads, plantain became a sign of there having arrived. Plantain grows in lawns, cultivated beds, and walkways at the farm. It has a broad leaf and a long leaf variety. Both are edible. The plant has defined parallel veins running down the length of the entire leaf. These veins are stronger the older the plant making the young leaves the most palatable.
Nutrition- Plantain contains beta-carotene, calcium and lots of fiber.
Medicinal- Mucilage makes this plant helpful in reducing “bad” cholesterol (LDL). It is also an astringent and soothing. It can be applied externally to help mend cuts at the same time as it prevents infection. Tea is used to treat soar throats, gastritis, diarrhea, bronchitis, fevers, inflammation, kidney and bladder disorders.
Thank you to Joanna CastroShaffer for gathering and sharing this information with us!