Greater Plantain!
Also known as English mans foot and gets that name from the Native Americans. Where ever Settlers arrived in the US the greater plantains would follow in their foot steps. The Native Americans would see the presence of this plant as a strong indication that the British had been there. They also became very fond of this plant as they realised the power and medicinal quality’s it contained.
Plantain is a superb addition to the medicine cabinet being an antihistamine, antifungal, antioxidant, analgesic and even a mild antibiotic. It works wonders for the skin and is used to treat wounds, the leaves contain a mucilaginous sap that was used to treat sore feet. Also great for soothing mosquitoe bites and netttle stings!
The whole plant is edible but does have a bitter flavour and is most highly regarded for it’s medicinal quality’s.
You will find it growing all over the place, from concrete to grassland. It’s one tough little plant!
Happy foraging!!
Scientific name: Plantago major
Greater Plantain
