The Medicinal Properties of Plantain

[Aaltrude]

Tuesday, March 27th 2012
Jordan & Kyla Miller

Plantain is one of the most common herbs found growing in North America. It can literally be seen growing out of the cracks of sidewalks and roads, found on the majority of homeowners lawns, cultivated or waste ground and even in places where there is little sun. Not only is this plant abundant everywhere, it is present for good reason. There is an old saying that plants grow where they are needed most. In the case of plantain, it is clear that this plant is greatly needed in the urban societies we live in today, as we suffer from many illnesses in which this plant can offer help.

Read more: http://www.greenmedinfo.com/blog/medicinal-properties-plantain

[StephenX]

The Native Americans called Plantago major "white mens' footsteps". I have used it as a pot green; and as a poultice for bites, cuts and burns. A valuable plant, indeed

[Aaltrude]

268My favourite fruit, the banana, is part of the plantain family.
http://www.grabemsnacks.com/what-is-a-plantain.html

[StephenX]

Aaltrude, my friend, I hate to break your bubble but the plants Plantago major and Plantago lanceolata are in the family Plantaginaceae and they are dicots. Bananas and plantains are in the family Musaceae, they are monocots. This is why we eggheads eschew common names and use scientific names. Most edible bananas are from the species Musa acuminata. Sorry, but five years of graduate school studying plants, fungi and slime molds have made me mouthy. :o

[Aaltrude]

Is the article I posted incorrect then?

[StephenX]

No, your article is spot on. Plantain is a common word used for both the useful little "weed" and a chewy, needs to be cooked, banana look alike. Just like "cattail" is used for a club flowered marsh plant and the posterior appendage of a kitteh (spelling thanks to Reesacat). No worries, keep on posting your usual good stuff. You are most appreciated. Hoka hey!

[Aaltrude]

The first comment is "Plantains are a member of the banana family" yet you are saying they are not. 269

[Islander]

No, Aaltrude. I'd say the Millers are at fault for the confusion in not specifying the botanical name of the plant they're discussing, Plantago major or common plantain. That's the trouble with common names; a variety of the banana (from the Musa genus, Stephen is correct) is also called plantain. The two are not the same! This issue came up again and again when I ran a garden center, because there are so many common names for the same flower, shrub or tree. DSomeone wanting Bridal Wreath came in one day asking for "Wedding Bouquet." And so it goes.

[Islander]

Jeepers, two of you posted while I was replying to Aaltrude!

ETA: I don't see comments!

[StephenX]

Plantains and bananas are in the family musaceae, the banana family. The plantain your article referred to is either the species Plantago major (common plantain) or Plantago lanceolata (commonly called narrow-leafed plantain) are in a totally different family (the Plantaginaceae). I reiterate, this is why common names can cause confusion.