- The seeds of this plant have laxative properties because they contain polysaccharides. Polysaccharides are hydrophilic. The seeds absorb water and increase the bulk of stool, stimulate peristalsis and facilitate bowel movements. The mucilage can also be used as supportive therapy for diarrhea. The seeds are also helpful in the treatment of parasitic worms.
- The leaves of Plantago lanceolata have a bitter taste and are astringent, astringent, slightly pungent and ophthalmic. When taken internally, they act as a detoxifier. Leaves are useful for diarrhea, gastritis, peptic ulcers, cystitis, bronchitis, sinusitis, asthma and hay fever.
- External application of the leaves is also useful in various skin disorders. When used externally, the leaves are useful in treating skin inflammation, cuts, stings etc. The heated leaves are used to dress swellings and wounds.
- The distilled water made from the plant serves as an excellent eye lotion.
- The cold infusion of the seeds in the dose of 30-40 ml helps to retain urine.
- The seeds are also used for culinary purposes and are used as sago. The seeds are powdered and made into flour in some countries.
- It is also used internally for catarrh of the respiratory tract and inflammatory lesions of the oral and pharyngeal mucosa. Traditionally, this plant has been used to strengthen the respiratory tract. This plant provides long-term relief in respiratory health. This is because of their mucilage content.
- It is a safe and effective treatment for bleeding and it quickly stops the blood flow and stimulates the repair of damaged tissue. The bleeding stops very quickly due to the astringent effect of tannins and demulcent mucilage components.
- Due to the presence of tannin, mucilage and silicic acid in the leaves, the extract of the leaves acts as an anti-bacterial. The leaves have a bitter and expectorant taste in nature.
- The roots of this plant are used as a cure for snakes, insect stings and bites. Apply the juice of the leaves on the affected area. It is particularly useful in treating children suffering from these injuries.
- The mucilage content of this plant provides an expected soothing action and the presence of tannin provides a soothing effect on the skin as well as the gut lining.
Excessive use of Plantago lanceolata seeds can cause dehydration.
The Appearance of Salvation
If you are new to foraging and just starting to increase your knowledge of plants and their characteristics, you could mix the leaves of Salvation with different species of domesticated lily. . Most lilies are toxic and should not be eaten, and plantains resemble them when neither flower. In particular, the lilies do not have the fibrous strings that are so characteristic of the Plantago genus, and a novice might not be aware of them. As I’ve said many times, and in our Basic Rules of Foraging Safely video, if you don’t have complete confidence in the identity of a plant, you’re not ready to eat it yet.
So, if you feel that you don’t have a good understanding of identifying plantains by the leaf alone this season, wait until the plants are in bloom. The flowers below are a sure way to distinguish plantains from any of the bright flowers of the lily family. Take plantain’s long growing season to get to know it and identify it in many locations, and you’ll be ready to harvest it in no time.
Cooking with Sea Salt
Sea health superfoods make your stir-fry great – throw it in at the last minute.
Its long thin leaves are perfect for rolling in the middle of wild sushi.
Leaves
When young and tender, you can eat the leaves in salads or soups or juices, but the older leaves are too tough and fibrous to enjoy. We personally don’t like to eat the leaves at any time, but some hunters seem to want to, so after you’ve positively identified your plantains, try a nibble and see what you think!
Plantains grow like roses from the ground, with all the leaves coming out of the same central spot. Broadleaf plantain leaves are roughly oval in shape, while narrow plantain leaves are thin and blade-like. Both types have between 5 and 7 long parallel veins running down them. The lines in each leaf run from top to bottom and are prominent and easy to see.
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