Plantago major is a perennial that is an adherent of family Plantaginaceae. It is an herbaceous flowering plant with broad leaves that have a diameter of about 6 to 12 inches, depicting a circular arrangement. They are oval-shaped with a smooth margin and an acute apex. It has small flowers with somewhat brownish-green petals and purple stamen. The height of the whole plant ranges from 24 to 36 inches whereas its rhizome can penetrate deep enough to reach 12 to 15-foot distance.
This has been living for nearly 4000 years and has been used as an ancient traditional medicine in Iran and Persia. Globally, plantain is used as a diuretic, astringent, anti-irritant, and anti-inflammatory agent. It is also helpful in treating wounds, burns, insect stings, skin problems, fever, constipation, and even cough too. In advanced phytotherapy, plantain is employed for the attenuation of irritation in the catarrh of the upper respiratory tract.
Plantain is rich in vitamin A and C, Calcium, flavonoids, polysaccharides, terpenoids, lipids, iridoid glycosides, and caffeic acid derivatives. These active ingredients, vitamins, and minerals are accountable for all the disorders it manages.
Its young tender leaves are edible and are oftentimes found in salads to tease your tooth. On the other hand, the older leaves can be cooked with stew to bring it in vogue.
Plantain leaves know all the secrets to popularize itself in medicinal and culinary disciplines.