Unobtrusive and simple, yet possessing great healing power in secret
The deep-rooted ribwort plantain grows up to 40 centimeters tall. Its leaves form a basal rosette. The inconspicuous flowers appear from April to September, initially forming spherical, later cylindrical spikes from which the yellowish-white stamens protrude conspicuously long. The flowers are scentless and nectarless, relying on wind pollination. Ribwort plantain was highly regarded in the medicine of classical antiquity and was prescribed by Greek and Roman physicians for a wide range of ailments. It also features prominently in medieval herbal medicine literature. During the World Wars, salads made from wild-growing ribwort plantain were a popular substitute for lettuce. Its medicinal properties: Ribwort plantain tea can be prepared to treat coughs and respiratory illnesses, as plantain leaves loosen mucus and soothe inflammation. Dried leaves or the entire herb are used for this purpose. Pour 150ml of hot water over 3g of the herb and strain after 10 minutes. The tea can also be used for inflammatory conditions of the oral and pharyngeal mucosa. Due to their high vitamin C content and digestive benefits, the fresh young leaves, which should be harvested before flowering, are also used as a vegetable or in wild herb salads. And after insect bites or minor injuries, crushed ribwort plantain applied to the affected area has a cooling and pain-relieving effect.
Natural Habitat: Ribwort plantain was originally native only to Europe. It is now found worldwide.
