Plantain (Plantago major / Plantago lanceolata)

Sidewalk savior. Bug bite balm. Medicine underfoot.

What It Is

Plantain is a hardy, low-growing plant that thrives in lawns, cracks, and trailside soils. Its broad or narrow leaves grow in a rosette and can be eaten or applied topically. A longtime ally for stings, wounds, and digestive support, plantain is one of the most useful “weeds” underfoot.

Use It Like This

Leaves

• Add young greens to soups or stir-fries.

• Blend with lemon juice and honey for a soothing syrup.

• Simmer into tea for digestive irritation.

Seeds

• Collect late-season seeds as a natural fiber aid.

• Stir into oats or stews for extra bulk.

Tip: Chew a fresh leaf and apply directly to a mosquito bite — quick relief within minutes.

Harvest Notes

• Harvest young leaves; older ones become stringy and bitter.

• Found almost everywhere — but avoid sprayed lawns, heavy foot traffic, or roadside edges.

• Look for distinct parallel veins and a smooth, elastic leaf texture.

Wild Pantry Snapshot

Plantain is humble, healing, and always nearby. From first-aid poultices to nourishing greens, this plant is worth knowing well.