One knows buckhorn from walks in wild meadows. We show that the supposed weed can also be used as a medicinal plant.
Many things that appear to be weeds are actually extremely useful. Plantain (Plantago lanceolata) is even deliberately cultivated by many a farmer. But why is this particular plant worth such an effort? The buckhorn is a constant companion on almost all of our meadows and in the grassland, if you just take a closer look. The plant is not only a promising medicinal plant, but also has a lot to offer in the kitchen. But read for yourself.
Plantain: origin and properties
Plantain comes from the Eurasian continent and its home is also here in Germany. From this continent it began its triumphal procession and conquered the whole world, so that it can be found almost everywhere today. The leaves of the native weed have veins that run parallel to one another and are long, pointed and lanceolate in shape. They are arranged in a rosette, from the center of which a long, glabrous stalk often protrudes with a short inflorescence at the end.
Buy ribwort
The herb of the plantain is cultivated extensively in agriculture. From time to time you can therefore buy fresh buckhorn in the shop. But it is also often available as a potted herb in the supermarket. However, if you own a garden with a meadow, you usually have enough plantain in your own garden to dig up young plants or harvest the seeds. Ribwort specimens from nature are more resilient and better adapted to local conditions than purchased plants anyway.
Plantain growing
Plantain loves the sun and warmth. He feels comfortable on fresh and humus-rich soil, especially if it is slightly acidic. You can sow the seeds before winter in August or September, or in the New Year between March and April. After sowing, cover the seeds with soil so that they are about 1.5 to 2 centimeters deep. After about 14 days you will be the firstto discover green. Can be harvested as soon as the plants are big enough. Pick some leaves every now and then. For use in larger quantities, for example in the kitchen, you can even cut off whole bunches in the summer. The buckhorn sprouts freshly after pruning with young leaves.
Propagating ribwort
The buckhorn multiplies all by itself in the meadow and along the way. Examine just one square meter of a meadow and you will be amazed at how many buckhorn plants you will discover. They multiply by forming new leaf rosettes, which gradually become independent. And at some point they are completely independent of the mother plant. Planted plantains also show this behavior. However, if this isn't fast enough for you, you can easily collect the seeds by snagging them off a plant's mature spikes and then sowing them where you want them.
Caring for plantain
Of course, the easiest way is to harvest your buckhorn as weed directly from the meadow. This makes maintenance superfluous. However, if you live in the city or have dog parks in the vicinity, you might prefer to grow buckhorn in beds, pots or balcony boxes. But even in this case, the buckhorn is quite uncomplicated. Planted out in the bed, rainwater and a little fresh compost or manure in spring are sufficient. In the pot, you should also water the plants regularly so that the soil never dries out. However, the plantain does not like waterlogging at all.
Harvest and store plantain
The buckhorn sprouts freshly after being cut back. In its thick root it has stored enough resources to dare a new start with a lot of energy. No wonder, because plantain is often found on pastures where it is regularly gnawed completely by cows, sheep or horses.
You should harvest the leaves of the plant while they are still young. Older leaves become tough and the leaf veins, arranged nicely parallel to each other, quickly become stubborn threads between the teeth. The leaves taste best when they are young and tender. If you don't want to use the leaves immediately, it's best to keep them cool and airtight. The leaves stay crisp longer in a paper bag, or even better, a plastic bag, than in the open air.
Is it aboutmore than a few days, you should of course choose other means of storage. One option is to dry the leaves for use as a tea. You can also use them to make pesto or even freeze them, for example if you feel the need for fresh plantain spinach in winter.
Plantain: use as a medicinal plant
The healing effects of buckhorn have been known for a long time. The good thing is that this incredibly useful plant grows pretty much anywhere. With the help of this wonderful plant, it has already been possible to remedy many a painful wasp or bee sting at the bathing lake. Usually the next buckhorn grows right next door. One or two leaves are enough and should be chewed lightly. The mass must then be applied directly to the sting and left there for a few minutes. And then the pain-relieving and healing effect of buckhorn unfolds. You can also do the same for wounds and inflammation. Aucubin is responsible for this, an ingredient in plantain that inhibits inflammation and reduces irritation.
The plantain also helps with coughs. The mucous substances contained in the leaves cover the attacked mucous membranes and protect and soothe them. Brew a fresh cough tea from six to seven fresh leaves or two tablespoons of dried leaves in one liter of water and let it steep for ten minutes. Incidentally, the tea not only helps against coughing, but is also said to purify the blood. Once cool, it can even be used to wash out irritated eyes.
Plantain honey is very tasty and he althy. Soak young plantain leaves in honey for three months. After removing the leaves you will get a wonderful spread that also strengthens the immune system.
Summary of plantain as a medicinal plant:
- For stings and inflammation
- Against coughs and irritated mucous membranes
- As a blood purifier
- To strengthen the immune system
- For preventing and relieving blisters (Read more in this plantain article)
Using ribwort in the kitchen
Narrow plantain is significantly faster growing than its closely related broad-leaved plantain. As a result, its he althy leaves are predestined for consumption. But of course you can also use the seeds and roots as in the articledescribed for the plantain use in the kitchen. The leaves of the buckhorn can be processed in a variety of ways. Of course, the aromatic pesto made from young leaves, as known from wild garlic, parsley and basil, is an obvious choice. Why not try something new and just use plantain.
Plantain also tastes very good mixed into a salad. If you want it a little more intense, there is of course also the pure form: buckhorn spinach. Simply overcooked with pure spinach or with a little cream, this dish tastes wonderful with potatoes and scrambled eggs.
We have also prepared more for you in this article about the close relative of the plantain, the plantain.