There are several species but they are easily identified by the stringy spines that run through the leaves. Common plantain is often found between paving stones and has wider, squatter leaves than its wildchild cousin ribwort with the long, pointed leaves. Both were favourite additions for our ancestors in spring cleansing diets. Common plantain was known as ‘waybread’ by the Anglo-Saxons and was one of the nine sacred herbs given to mankind by Woden.

The Chinese used it increase fertility, nourish the liver and as an anti-rhuematic. Across the globe it has been used to stop bleeding, with Shakespeare even having Romeo give an endorsement.

This herb is an excellent blood tonic and helpful for digestive irritations whereas ribwort is considered more of an immune stimulant. Both plants make a good cold remedy as they encourage the coughing response.

Plantain contains allantoin, which heals injured skin cells, making it useful for sunburn, insect bites and stings. If dock isn’t handy when you get too close to nettles for comfort, try rubbing a fresh plantain leaf on the sting instead. Or, if the occasion demands it, try Culpeper’s recipe: “The juice mixed with oil of roses and the temples and forehead anointed therewith, easeth the pains of the head caused by heat, and helpeth lunatic and frantic persons; as also the biting of serpents or a mad dog.”

This information is purely for the interest of the reader and should not be taken as medical advice. If you wish to utilise herbal remedies, please consult a qualified herbalist before doing so.