Description: Lance-leaf plantain is a perennial plant that inhabits meadows, road- sides, agricultural lands, and dooryards in the eastern and Pacific coastal states of the U.S., and in Canada and Europe. The erect, hairy, lanceolate leaves grow from the rootstock on margined petioles in a basal rosette. Several grooved flower stalks may grow from 6 to 30 inches high, tipped by a short spike of tiny white flowers whose brownish sepals and bracts give the spike its predominantly dark color.Â
Flowering time is from April to November.Â
Properties and Uses: Astringent, demulcent, expectorant, hemostatic. Lance-leaf plantain is a useful remedy for cough irritations and hoarseness and for gastritis and enteritis. It is good for all respiratory problems, especially those involving mucous congestion. A decoction of the dried leaves promotes the coagulation of blood. The fresh juice, pressed from the whole plant, is helpful for chronic catarrhal problems, gastro-intestinal ailments, and worms. Externally, the fresh leaves are crushed for application to wounds, sores, cuts, scratches, insect bites, and even hemorrhoids.
