Ribwort Plantain

Plantago lanceolata

Plantains are found almost anywhere there’s soil to be had: beside trails, in meadows, and even between sidewalk cracks. The two most common species are broadleaf plantain (Plantago major) with wide, oval leaves and narrowleaf plantain (Plantago lanceolata) with long, lance-shaped leaves. Both are perennial herbs with smooth green leaves with parallel veins and upright flowering spikes brimming with tiny seeds.

The seed husks of Plantago major contain large quantities of mucilage. This substance absorbs water and forms a gelatinous coating that is soothing to the mucous membranes of the gut. For this reason, plantain seed husks are traditionally used to support digestive function and regularity, as well as mild digestive tract irritation [1][2].

Fresh plantain leaves are a popular “first-aid” herb. When crushed and applied directly to insect bites, bee stings, or small wounds, the leaves help quell itching and draw out irritation [3]. They can also be consumed raw or cooked, although their fibrous texture makes them a less pleasant edible, and they are best used in teas, tinctures, or poultices.

Plantain is a popular herb in herbalism due to its cooling, anti-inflammatory, and demulcent properties [4]. It can help to heal tissues both on the outside and inside of the body. Despite being called a weed, plantain is one of the most useful and readily available herbs for everyday healing needs: humble, unassuming, and always within reach.

[1] Majeed, A., S. Akram, G. Muhammad, M. R. Raza, R. Badar, and M. Mushtaq. “Optimizing Mucilage Extraction from Plantago major Seeds Using Response Surface Methodology for Enhanced Functional Characteristics.” Journal of Food Measurement and Characterization 19 (2025): 6470–6487. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11694-025-03387-3

[2] Drugs.com. “Plantago Uses, Benefits & Dosage – Plantain.” https://www.drugs.com/npp/plantain.html

[3] PeaceHealth. “Plantain (Plantago major) – Health Information Library.” https://www.peacehealth.org/medical-topics/id/hn-2148003

[4] Healthy & Natural World. “Plantain – Why It’s an Herb and Not a Weed.” https://www.healthyandnaturalworld.com/plantain-herb/