Table of Contents
- Edible Uses of Common Plantain
- Medicinal Uses of Common Plantain
- Alternative Uses of Ribgrass
- Growing Plantago Major
Common plantain syn. greater plantain (Plantago major) is often an initial edible and medicinal herb for beginner foragers and herbalists. It may seem mundane, but it’s powerful, and has been called the “Mother of Herbs”.
It has been called “soldier’s herb” hinting at its medicinal properties. I’m particularly found of the nickname “waybread”, which calls to mind Middle Earth. The “ribwort/ribgrass” nicknames are due to the stems and leaves being ribbed. We have a few types of plantain around Haliburton: English or narrow-leaved plantain (Plantago lanceolata) and the rare pale plantain (Plantago rugelii). A couple other plants are called plantain (rattlesnake, water) but are not in the same family.
Edible Uses of Common Plantain
The swiss chard-like earthy young leaves can be eaten as salad or cooked greens. Cook the tough older leaves, tossing the stringy ribs first. You don’t need to use much water, and can drink the resulting tea after to get all the nutritional value.

Some foragers recommend parching the seeds, drying, and grinding them to add to salads or bread. Roasting is optional. But even more intriguing, he mixes the partially dried crushed seeds with butter as a peanut butter substitute. I feel a wild nut and seed butter recipe coming!
High in vitamins A, C and K.
Medicinal Uses of Common Plantain
Common plantain is primarily said to support these body systems:
- Digestive
- Integumentary
- Respiratory
Medicinal tags include Antibacterial, Antiseptic, Astringent, Demulcent, Diuretic, Expectorant, and Anti-inflammatory. See Medicinal tag key for more information.
Common usage includes as a leaf poultice to soothe cuts, blisters, burns, and bites. This can be warmed to help with swelling and soreness. Rosemary Gladstar calls plantain “poultice herb supreme”.
It’s a common ingredient in healing skin balms. If you’ve yet to make a skin ointment, here’s a simple one: 1 c chopped plantain leaves covered with glycerin. Place in dark bottle, shake well. Let stand for 2 weeks. Then store in fridge for up to several months.
When the seeds are soaked in water they produce a mucilage substance that has been used in lotions for instance. The same is used to treat some coughs, and for laxative, upset stomach and diarrhea. There’s a cultivated variety “p. psylliuim” used for the seeds commercially.
Alternative Uses of Ribgrass
Strong veins from mature leaves can be used as thread or fishing line.
Growing Plantago Major
Till the soil and it will come. Its ability to grow where the soil is disturbed is why the nickname “white man’s footprint”. If you want to plant it on purpose, there is a native plantain, American plantain (plantago rugelii), sadly rare here while the introduced ones are widespread. I think it deserves its own feature here at some point. Ribwort will also be covered.
WARNINGS
Plantain may cause allergic reactions.
And the Usual Cautions:
1) Most medicinal herbs, if edible, are meant to be eaten in moderation, even sparingly. Some require extra preparation. Tannins are toxic if consumed in excess. Before taking any new supplements, you should consult with a healthcare professional.
2) A vast amount of these herbs are diuretic. (See the Medicinal tags above to check if this featured herb is one of them!) Diuretics are generally safe, but they can be risky for people with other medical conditions or who take certain medications. Please consult your doctor if you have any health conditions.
3) People can be allergic or sensitive to nearly any plant; try new herbs one at a time at your own risk. For instance, saponins commonly cause stomach upset.
4) For serious medicinal use, I must recommend receiving a diagnosis and working with a reputed health care provider. I generally do not post specific treatments and dosages because I think that is best between you and your health care provider, and ideally monitored.
5) Anyone pregnant, nursing, or taking prescription drugs should talk to a health care professional before adding new food items to their diet.
6) Many plants have look-a-likes, and sometimes they are poisonous.
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REFERENCES
My new favourite foraging book is Sam Thayer’s Field Guide to Edible Wild Plants: of Eastern and Central North America (The Sam Thayer’s Field Guides) Paperback – June 1, 2023 and this plant IS featured as one of the edible wild plants in this area. I highly recommend this guide for your bookshelves!
Plantago major Linnaeus – Database of Vascular Plants of Canada (VASCAN)
Forest Plants of Central Ontario
Search for Herbalism and Foraging Books on Amazon (Affiliate Link)
Ontario Wildflowers: 101 Wayside Flowers
The Path to Wild Food
The Forager’s Harvest: A Guide to Identifying, Harvesting, and Preparing Edible Wild Plants
Tom Brown’s Guide to Wild Edible and Medicinal Plants: The Key to Nature’s Most Useful Secrets
Edible and Medicinal Plants of Canada
Indian Herbalogy of North America: The Definitive Guide to Native Medicinal Plants and Their Uses
The Good Living Guide to Natural and Herbal Remedies: Simple Salves, Teas, Tinctures, and More
Field Guide to North American Edible Wild Plants (Out of Print)
Field Guide to Medicinal Wild Plants
How Indians Use Wild Plants for Food, Medicine & Crafts (Native American)
The Herb Book: The Most Complete Catalog of Herbs Ever Published (Dover Cookbooks)
Illustrated Encyclopedia of Herbs
The Herbal Medicine-Maker’s Handbook: A Home ManualRosemary Gladstar’s Medicinal Herbs: A Beginner’s Guide: 33 Healing Herbs to Know, Grow, and Use
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