Can You Eat Plantain Weeds? Health Benefits, Uses, and Side Effects

Plantain weed is called broadleaf plantain and it is native to Europe and parts of Asia. Plantain has been used medicinally since ancient times to treat various illnesses, including cough, constipation, and wounds.

Plantain weed goes by the scientific name of Plantago major. It's also called broadleaf plantain. Plantain weed is native to Europe and parts of Asia. It is not related to the banana-like plantain fruit.

Plantain has been used medicinally since ancient times to treat various illnesses, including cough, constipation, and wounds. Although there isn't scientific evidence to support all of the traditional uses of plantain weed, there's no doubt it's nutritious and may have some health benefits.  

Plantain grows in yards and fields and along roadways. It grows almost anywhere that the soil has been disturbed or compacted. Native Americans called plantain weed "white man's footprint" because it was so common around European settlements. It has hardy roots that break up compacted soil. Its root system can help stop erosion in at-risk areas. 

Plantain weed is frequently a bane to homeowners because it spreads so easily. It's pollinated by the wind, with each plant producing up to 20,000 seeds for new offspring. Its low profile makes it resistant to lawnmowers as well. 

The leaves of plantain can be eaten raw when they are young and tender. If your plantain leaves are older and stringier, they won't be as good, but they can still be eaten boiled in dishes such as stews. The seeds of plantain are also edible, but eating too many may cause your blood pressure to drop. 

Plantain seeds grow on shoots that are one to two inches high and have a nutty flavor. The seed shoots are sometimes called "poor man's asparagus." Even if the shoots have already grown longer and turned brown, the seeds will remain edible. 

Plantain is very nutritious. It's high in: 

• Calcium
• Vitamin K
• Vitamin C
• Vitamin A 

Plantain is a perineal species that has large, oval-shaped leaves. Its leaves are arranged in spiral rosettes. The seeds grow on shoots that are one to two inches long, growing from tiny, yellowish-white flowers. 

Plantain is widely found in temperate regions where the soil has been disturbed by construction or other human activity.

Plantain has been used in traditional and herbal medicine as a treatment for epilepsy, eye diseases, toothaches, asthma, stomachache, and more. There's not enough research to back up all of these treatments, but the plantain weed has been studied and may have the following health benefits: 

Anti-inflammatory

Plantain leaves contain several anti-inflammatory substances, including: 

• Tannins
• Glycosides
• Terpenoids
• Flavonoids 

A study on rats found that plantain weed extract reduced inflammatory reactions caused by acetaminophen-induced liver injury. However, animal studies aren't conclusive about how a compound will work on humans, so more research needs to be done. 

Healthy digestion

Plantain seeds are similar to psyllium, which is a type of soluble fiber that can bulk up stools and help them move through the digestive tract. It may help with diarrhea and keep your bowel movements regular. 

Wound healing

Plantain poultices have traditionally been used to treat wounds. This plant has anti-microbial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties that may help heal wounds. A study of 40 people with diabetic foot ulcers found that a gel of aloe vera and plantain weed helped significantly reduce the size of the ulcers compared with people who received a placebo gel. The people who used the aloe vera and plantain gel also didn't experience any negative side effects. 

You can buy plantain weed supplements or use the plants. If you buy supplements, the standard dose is 3 to 5 grams per day. You can also sprinkle plantain powder on wounds and cover them with a bandage. 

If you have plantain weeds growing in your yard, you can add them to any dish you'd use greens in, such as a salad or stew. Use the young, tender greens in a salad. You can also add the seeds to a salad for an extra crunch. Since the older leaves tend to be tougher, try using them in cooked dishes to make them more palatable. 

There aren't a lot of known risks associated with eating plantain. In some cases, though, it may cause the following symptoms: 

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Bloating
• Diarrhea
• Skin reactions 
• Allergic reactions

If you've never had plantain before, start with a small amount to see if you experience any negative side effects. If you're applying it to your skin, conduct a patch test first by applying a small amount and waiting for 24 hours to see if you have a negative reaction.