Plantain is a common garden weed with edible leaves and seeds. It may offer health benefits, such as improved digestion, enhanced wound healing, and lower inflammation.
Known for growing everywhere from parking lots to playgrounds, plantain weed is often dismissed as a pervasive garden pest.
However, it’s not only edible and readily available but also has been used for centuries in traditional medicine.
In fact, plantain weed contains plant compounds that may reduce inflammation, improve digestion, and promote wound healing.
This article explores the benefits, side effects, and uses of plantain weed.
Plantain, also known as broadleaf plantain (Plantago major), is native to Europe and certain parts of Asia. This perennial plant produces greenish flowers and has large, oval-shaped leaves that can be eaten raw or cooked.
Despite sharing its name, plantain weed is unrelated to plantain fruit, which is a type of banana.
Notably, several types of edible plantain weeds belong to the same family as broadleaf plantain. These include:
- narrowleaf plantain (Plantago lanceolata)
- blackseed plantain (Plantago rugelii)
- blond plantain (Plantago ovata)
- bracted plantain (Plantago aristata)
- Chinese plantain (Plantago asiatica)
- buck’s-horn plantain (Plantago coronopus)
- woolly plantain (Plantago patagonica)
Although often considered weeds, these plants all have edible leaves and seeds that have been used medicinally for centuries.
Preliminary studies indicate that plantain weed may have several health benefits, though more research is needed.
May decrease inflammation
While low levels of inflammation are part of your body’s healthy response to injury, chronic inflammation can lead to various illnesses.
Studies show that plantain weed may help reduce inflammation.
In particular, the leaves contain several anti-inflammatory compounds, including:
- flavonoids
- terpenoids
- glycosides
- tannins
A 2015 study in rats found that administering plantain weed extract decreased several markers of inflammation caused by liver injury.
Another animal study observed similar findings, reporting that plantain weed extract significantly decreased inflammation and reduced liver enzymes to protect against liver damage.
What’s more, a
That said, plantain weed should not be considered a cancer remedy. Human studies are necessary to evaluate this plant’s anti-inflammatory effects.
May promote wound healing
A
Similarly, a 2019 animal study found that topically applied aloe vera and plantain weed improved wound healing and enhanced tissue repair.
All the same, it’s difficult to determine plantain’s exact effects since these studies also used aloe vera.
However, an early
Still, further research is necessary.
May support digestive health
Several compounds in plantain weed’s seeds and leaves have been shown to alleviate certain digestive issues.
In particular, plantain seeds contain psyllium, a type of fiber often used as a natural laxative because it absorbs water as it moves through the digestive tract.
According to a 2018 study, plantain leaves may also slow the movement of your digestive tract, which may promote bowel regularity and help treat diarrhea.
An early
In addition, a 2016 animal study suggests that plantain weed’s anti-inflammatory properties may aid digestive issues like inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which can cause symptoms like stomach pain, bloating, and diarrhea.
Most healthy adults can safely eat plantain weed’s leaves either raw or cooked.
However, plantain supplements may cause mild symptoms like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, bloating, and skin reactions. High doses may trigger more serious side effects, including anaphylaxis — a severe and potentially life threatening allergic reaction.
Fiber supplements derived from plantain seeds, such as psyllium, may also cause digestive issues, including gas, bloating, and uncomfortable fullness.
To minimize any potential side effects, start with a low dosage, increase your intake slowly, and use only as directed.
If you experience an allergic reaction, discontinue use immediately and talk with a medical professional.
Plantain weed is available both as a supplement and edible vegetable.
Supplements
You can find plantain weed in capsule, tincture, and tea form at numerous health stores and pharmacies.
The standard dosage for infusions or teas is around 5 ounces (150 mL), three to four times daily. In powdered form, the typical dosage ranges from 3 to 5 grams per day.
Be sure you don’t exceed the dosage listed on the product.
It’s important to talk with a doctor before taking any supplements, especially if you have any underlying health conditions or are taking any medications.
Fresh leaves
If you can find plantain weeds in your yard, you can also enjoy the leaves in a variety of dishes.
After careful rinsing, young leaves can be eaten raw or cooked. Because older leaves tend to be tougher, they may be better suited for cooked dishes, such as soups, stews, and stir-fries.
For topical use, try drying the leaves and infusing them into your choice of oil, such as coconut, sunflower, olive, or almond oil.
Dried plantain weed can also be added to natural skin care products, including lip balms, lotions, and ointments.
If you harvest plantain weed from your yard, try to avoid plants that have been treated with pesticides, are growing near the road, or are located in areas frequented by pets.
Despite being considered a weed, the common garden plantain has edible leaves and seeds.
It may even provide health benefits, such as improved digestion, enhanced wound healing, and lower inflammation.
Furthermore, plantain weed is widely available in the form of supplements, teas, and skin care products.
