Plantain; Plantago

The Plantain, not to be confused with the banana Plantain.  The younger, newer growth is preferred for use, such as the inner two leaves of the lower plant.

I did my first "herb walk" with an amazing herbalist named Robin in Viroqua, WI.  She showed us so much during that walk, it made me realize how empowering it is to discover the uses and benefits of the plants all around us.  Before that experience, I always thought you would have to go to places like Australia, the Mediterranean, and China to get medicinal plants.  I began to realize that right here in my neck of the woods grow some plants with amazing culinary and medicinal benefits.  One great example of extraordinary abundance and practical use is the Plantain.  This was the first plant Robin showed us, and we walked about two steps out of the barn before we stopped to take a look at it.  I thought to myself, wow, we are really going to stop and talk about this weed right here?  Robin said the Plantain is known as "Nature's Band-Aid," and can help treat minor cuts, scrapes, boils, and bites.  I asked, "why is this called Plantain...it's nothing like the banana Plantain."  Robin simply replied with a grin, "I have no idea!" 

Among the weeds, the Plantain doesn't initially stick out as a beneficial plant

The plantain typically grows well where the ground is disturbed; walking paths, driving paths, and mowed lawns are places you will find plenty.  After looking at the pictures, you can probably picture where you've seen some before.  To use the plantain for cuts and scrapes, you will take the inner, newer leaves of the plant, put them in your mouth and chew them up.  Form the chewed up mass into a wad in your mouth and take it out.  This is a poultice.  Now put that poultice on whatever area of the body needs help.  Plantain is reported to be astringent, anti-toxic, antimicrobial, and anti-histamine.  I use this is a natural Neosporin substitute, and so far, so good on the small cuts, scrapes, boils, and mosquito bites.  You can also make a tea or tincture in order to primarily help coughs or colds. 

You can use the leaves for salads or sandwich toppings as well.  You will want to stick with the younger leaves, but the outer, larger leaves aren't as bitter as the outer leaves of a dandelion.