I bet you have barely noticed it amidst the other meadow grasses and flowers. As it matures, its basal rosette of leaves will throw up grass-like flower heads, which then produce a halo of white anthers. It is one of those old medicinal plants that we wrench out of our lawns or tread upon with impunity blithely ignoring its existence
Who would know from this general disregard that this little herb has some really useful medicinal properties? The 17th Century herbalist Nicholas Culpeper advocated plantain for ulceration of the bowel, any obstruction of the liver and kidneys, and conditions of bladder. It was also used as a herb for internal haemorrhage, catarrh, excess menstruation, as well as dropsy and jaundice. Topically it was used for earache.
It's modern medical applications are not so different from those of Culpeper's day and it is still used widely by medical herbalists. Its anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and vulnerary (wound healing) properties are useful in many conditions, particularly where mucous membranes may be inflamed. It is gastro-protective and can help with gastric and intestinal inflammatory conditions, such as ulcers, gastritis and mild colitis. Similarly it can be useful for the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract. It is anti-allergic and antibacterial, which makes it a good choice for helping with sinusitis. It is used as a soother and for its expectorant actions in bronchitis. Again its soothing and antibacterial properties can help with the pain and discomfort of cystitis and other minor infections of the urinary tract Moreover, it can be useful as a topical application, as it is somewhat analgesic, to relieve the pain of insect stings and bites.
It is quite a nutritious plant, its young leaves can be cooked and eaten like spinach and they are a good source of vitamins C and K and zinc and potassium - make sure you have the right plant though, a good botany book will help you out.
So there you are - no end to its talents! Look out for the plain plantain and appreciate its quiet usefulness
This information is meant for educational purposes only and not intended as a guide to self-treatment. You should always seek professional advice. Remember that herbs can interact with other drugs and may be contra-indicated if you have certain medical conditions, are pregnant or lactating. Don't take too much of anything for too long and discontinue immediately if you have any ill effects. . Take care when using wild plants or any herbs, that you have the correct species from a reliable source.
References
Kuhn M, Winston D. Herbal Therapy and Supplements: A Scientific and Traditional Approach. Philadelphia, Pa: Lippincott; 2001
Catherine Schofield BSc MNIMH Herbalist Cheshire Herbs and Herbal Medicine