“King of the Way” – the plantain lives up to this name. The plant, of which there are over 200 species, is found along roadsides, in meadows and fields. Even frequent walking doesn't bother her much. Three types of plantain play a particularly important role in Germany.
What types of plantain are there in Germany?
There are mainly three plantain species common in Germany: ribwort plantain (Plantago lanceolata), broad plantain (Plantago major) and medium plantain (Plantago media). All have characteristic leaf and flower characteristics and can be used as medicinal plants.
The most important types of plantain
There are three types of plantain that are particularly common in Germany:
- Ribwort Plantain (Plantago lanceolata)
- Broad plantain (Plantago major)
- Medium plantain (Plantago media)
Properties of the ribwort plantain
It mainly grows in lush meadows. Its leaves are narrow and tapered. The short flower spike is brown to black and surrounded by a light wreath of stamens. Ribwort plantain has no scent. Pollination occurs via insects.
Characteristics of the broad plantain
This type of plantain is particularly robust and even grows in small cracks. Widespread plantain is often found on footpaths. It forms small rosettes that lie close to the ground. The leaves are much wider than those of the ribwort plantain and do not stick up. The flower spike is also black or brown. The light wreath is missing in this species.
Properties of the Middle Plantain
Purely visually, the medium plantain appears to be a mixture of ribwort and broad plantain. Its leaves are not quite as narrow as those of ribwort plantain. The flower spike is longer and has a wreath of white, sometimes pink, stamens. The flower of the middle plantain is the only representative of the plantain that exudes a lovely scent.
Plantain – an ancient medicinal plant
Plantain is an ancient medicinal plant that has been used for centuries and whose effectiveness has been scientifically studied. It contains mucilage, sulfur, tannins and mineral s alts as active ingredients. It is used internally as a tea and externally as a tincture.
Plantain has proven itself useful for diseases such as:
- Respiratory problems
- Eye diseases
- Diarrhea
- Nosebleed
- phlebitis
- Wounds
- insect bites
The plant parts of all three types are used: roots, leaves, fruits and plant sap. Plantain must be consumed as soon as possible after collection. If this is not possible, the plant parts are immediately gently dried.
Tip
Due to its medicinal properties, ribwort plantain was named medicinal plant of the year 2014. It is still the best-known representative of the plantain species today.
