Plantain Leaf

A common perennial weed. Once identified, it is easy to remember. The leaves are broadly ovate, entire or toothed, characterized by a thick, channeled footstalk. The flower stalks are 6-8 inches, tipped with long, slender spikes of greenish-white flowers but overshadowed by the brown sepals and bracts. The leaves of P. lanceolata are lance leafed, more grass-like and darker green. The stems are tipped by a short spike of tiny white flowers. Both are common around the world in moist waste places, lawns and stream beds in mountains. It is a astringent, demulcent, diuretic, expectorant, andhemostatic. Leaves of the fresh plant makes an excellent poultice for insect bites. Chew to make a bolus and place on bite. Steep 1 teaspoon of the fresh or dried leaves in 1/2 cup water.Take 1-1 1/2 cups a day, mouthful at a time. UPC: 084783015147. Origin(s): Albania, Bulgaria, Chile, China, Croatia, Poland. Latin Name(s): Plantago major. Also known as: Waybread, round-leaved plantain, Englishman's fo