What Is Plantain Leaf?
Greater plantain (Plantago major), also called broadleaf plantain or common plantain, is a low perennial herb that grows almost everywhere people walk: lawns, paths, farmyards and roadsides across Europe, Asia and North America. It forms a flat rosette of broad, oval leaves with strong parallel veins, and sends up thin spikes of tiny greenish flowers.
Despite the shared name, this plant has nothing to do with the plantain fruit, a type of cooking banana. Plantago major arrived in North America with European settlers and spread so quickly along their trails that some Native Americans called it white man’s footprint.
Plantain leaf is one of the most familiar herbs of European folk tradition. The dried leaves are brewed into a mild, green and slightly grassy tea, and they are infused in oil to make plantain oil, a classic base for homemade salves and balms. Young fresh leaves are also eaten as a wild green.
Today plantain leaf is used by herbal tea drinkers, makers of natural skin care and foragers who appreciate one of the most widespread wild herbs in the world.
Our plantain leaf contains only dried Plantago major leaves with nothing added. It is sold by weight, from small packs to bulk.
How to Use Plantain Leaf
- Plantain tea: Use 1 to 2 teaspoons (about 1.5 to 3 g) of dried leaf per cup (8 fl oz / 250 ml). Pour over boiling water, cover and steep for 10 minutes, then strain.
- Infused oil: Fill a jar one third full with dried leaves, cover with olive or sunflower oil and leave in a warm place for 4 weeks. Strain through cloth.
- Salve: Gently warm the strained oil with beeswax (about 1 part wax to 5 parts oil) and pour into tins.
Safety
If you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication or have a medical condition, consult a qualified healthcare professional before use. Keep out of reach of children.
Read our full guide: How to make plantain leaf tea: our guide
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this related to the plantain banana?
No. Plantago major is a small wild herb. The plantain fruit is a type of banana.
What does plantain leaf tea taste like?
It is mild, green and slightly grassy, a little like a light green tea without caffeine.
What is the difference between greater and ribwort plantain?
Greater plantain, Plantago major, has broad oval leaves. Ribwort plantain, Plantago lanceolata, has long narrow leaves.
Can I use plantain leaf for salves?
Yes. Plantain leaf infused oil is a traditional base for homemade salves and balms.
How should I store plantain leaf?
Keep it in an airtight container in a cool, dry and dark place.
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