Plantago major is an angiosperm, perennial in the plantaginaceae family native to most of Europe and some of Asia. When Europeans settled in the Americas they brought along broadleaf plantains, now a widespread, common weed due to its hardiness, ability to grow relatively anywhere and survive being frequently trampled.
Broadleaf plantain has green, large, oval-shaped leaves that are edible raw when tender and young but are more palatable cooked when the leaves are larger, mature and more stringy/fibrous in texture. The seeds can also be consumed at different stages, requiring different techniques.
When the seed pod shoots are less than 4 inches long, still green and tender they can be lightly fried like fiddleheads. When they have fully developed into mature seeds they can be dried then ground and used as a flour extender.
It contains many compounds such as flavonoids, terpenoids, tannins, polysaccharides and more that have shown to reduce inflammation, improve digestion and promote wound healing. Loliolid and ursolic acid are terpenoids found in broadleaf plantains; both have shown evidence of anti-inflammatory properties.
Containing a similar nutritional profile as dandelion with notable amounts of calcium, iron, manganese and potassium, as well as vitamins A, C, K and several B vitamins. It can be consumed as a vegetable or supplemented orally via capsules, tinctures and teas. It has shown to be useful in topical applications also.
Broadleaf plantains grow in abundance in both urban and rural environments, often found in yards and parking lots. It is a phytoremediate and should only be foraged from locations you are confident have not been contaminated by pesticides and heavy metals as it has a high absorption rate for these compounds helping to remediate or rejuvenate the soil.
As with all foods and supplements there are always potential for negative side effects and/or synergistic effects with other things in your diet, medications or health conditions. Always consult your doctor and follow recommended dosing. #plantmedicine #urban #foraging #wild #cultivation #gardening #culinary #growyourownfood #survival #foods #terpenes
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