Often trampled underfoot, ignored or even pulled out like a ‘weed’, the lanceolate plantain (Plantago lanceolata) is nevertheless one of the most useful and accessible wild plants in our regions. Discreet but hardy, this plant grows almost everywhere... and can be very useful in the garden, in the kitchen or in your natural first-aid kit.
Where can you find lance-leaved plantain?
Spear-leaved plantain grows abundantly throughout French-speaking Switzerland, Europe and beyond. It likes meadows, pathsides, lawns, clearings, waste ground and even roadsides. Unlike its cousin, the greater plantain, which has broad, oval leaves, the lance-leaved plant can be recognised by its narrow, spear-like leaves, hence its name.
Here's a little clue: crumple up a leaf and look at the very pronounced veins, which stay together even when torn. It's a good sign of identification. And don't worry: plantain has no toxic look-alikes.
How should it be eaten and used?
Plantain is entirely edible and has many medicinal properties. Here are a few practical uses:
🌿 As an infusion
Fresh or dried leaves make an excellent expectorant tea. In the event of a cough, cold, sore throat or bronchitis, plantain helps to clear the respiratory tract thanks to its mucilage and anti-inflammatory properties. One to two cups a day are enough.
🥗 In the kitchen
Young leaves can be added raw to salads, or cooked like spinach. They have a discreet, slightly herbaceous flavour. They are rich in vitamin C, calcium and potassium.
🧴 For external use
This is probably the most spectacular use: plantain is a ‘bandage’ plant. In the event of an insect bite, burn, small cut, blister or inflammation, simply crush a fresh leaf between your fingers and rub it into the affected area.
This emergency remedy immediately calms the itching, soothes the skin and promotes healing. There's even talk of an effect comparable to that of aloe vera!
What are its benefits?
Lance-leaved plantain is a small pharmacy in itself:
- Anti-inflammatory: useful for joint pain, irritation or inflammation of the respiratory tract.
- Astringent: helps tighten tissues, ideal for minor injuries.
- Natural antihistamine: relieves stings, itching and skin allergies.
- Antibacterial: reduces the risk of infection in minor wounds.
- Mild depurative: eaten regularly, it helps detoxify the body.
How should it be harvested and stored?
Pick plantain in a place away from roads and treated areas, preferably in dry weather. Choose young, tender, green leaves.
You can then :
- Dry them flat in a dry, airy place, in the shade, for herbal teas.
- Freeze them to preserve their culinary freshness.
- Prepare an oily macerate for external use in case of stings or irritations.
A wild plant to rediscover
Free, resilient and versatile, lanceolate plantain is a perfect example of those wild treasures that deserve a place in our daily lives. Whether you're a beginner gatherer or a lover of natural remedies, this little herb is a faithful ally.
So the next time you go for a walk, take a good look under your feet... This little “nothing” could well become an indispensable part of your natural life.