Ribwort plantain. Medicinal plant
There are almost 200 plantain species in total. But it is safe to say that the ribwort plantain is the best known of them all. "Rich" means king, which is why it, like its two brothers, the medium plantain and the broad plantain, is also known as the king of the paths. In 2014, ribwort plantain was named medicinal plant of the year, mainly due to its excellent healing effects on the respiratory tract, oral mucosa and wounds. Even though young people in particular no longer have such a good knowledge of plants, even children can often recognize ribwort plantain. It is also known as the Indian plaster, as it works wonders on skin injuries and has an antipruritic effect on mosquito or nettle bites. Simply rub or chew the leaves and apply the juice to the skin. Healing takes place without scarring.
Ribwort plantain is a so-called indicator plant, as it indicates nutrient-rich soil where it grows. It grows on all meadow paths and ravines, in ditches and damp wasteland and can be found practically all over the world.
Strengthens the immune system, helps with coughs, bronchitis, asthma, inflammations in the mouth, skin diseases, seeds against constipation.
Best cough syrup: Finely chop young leaves and crush with a rolling pin. Mix with real bee honey.
Ribwort plantain contains glycosides, flavonoids, mucilage polysaccharides, tannins, silicic acid and aucubin
Broad plantain
The common plantain is very well-known and frequently encountered. As the name suggests, the leaves of the broad plantain are broader than those of the ribwort plantain. Otherwise, however, it is very similar to ribwort plantain in terms of its appearance and ingredients.
It is used as a tea for headaches, toothache or earache, against bedwetting and diarrhea. The leaves are also used as a "first aid plaster" for blisters on the feet. Simply strip the leaf flat and place it on the sore area. Furthermore, the young and green fruit stalks (at the top of the plant) are nature's true power muesli bars.
Use in folk medicine
- Disease of the respiratory tract (phlegm, cough)
- as a tea for liver and bladder problems, e.g. urinary tract inflammation
- for smoking cessation (plant juice)
- it cleans little or bad blood
- Antiseptic and disinfectant for skin inflammations
- "Indian plaster" for children
Recipes with ribwort plantain
RIBWORT RISOTTO
about 25 ribwort flowers
1 onion
1 tbsp vegetable oil
3 tbsp cream
salt and pepper
Dice the onion and sauté in a pan with the vegetable oil. Add the flowers and sauté briefly. Pour in the cream and simmer briefly. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Cook the risotto according to the packet instructions and mix with the flowers.
COUGH SYRUP
Cut the young leaves into small pieces and crush with a pasta masher. Put them in a jar and pour real bee honey over them. Leave the jar to stand for a few days to make a delicious cough syrup.
RIBWORT HONEY
A very informative video explains how you can easily make this healing honey: see here
