Plantago amplexicaulis
| Plantago amplexicaulis | |
| Light: |  |
| Moisture: |   |
| Soil pH: | 5.6-8.4 |
| Self Pollinated | |
| Height: | 0.3' |
| Native to: | |
| Edible Rating: |  |
| Medicinal Rating: |  |
| Tea: | Yes |
 | |
Plantago amplexicaulis
Propagation: Seed - sow spring in a cold frame. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out in early summer
A sowing can be made outdoors in situ in mid to late spring if you have enough seeds.
Cultivation: Succeeds in any moderately fertile soil in a sunny position[1].
This species is sold in local markets in India as a medicinal plant[2].
Range: S. Europe to W. Asia.
Habitat: Dry places in S. Spain, S. Italy and the Aegean[3].
Edibility: Young leaves - raw or cooked.
Medicinal: The dried seeds are demulcent, febrifuge, ophthalmic and pectoral. They are used in the treatment of intestinal complaints and as a demulcent in cases of dysentery[2][4].
Plantain seeds contain up to 30% mucilage which swells up in the gut, acting as a bulk laxative and soothing irritated membranes[5]. Sometimes the seed husks are used without the seeds[5].
The leaves are astringent[6]. They are said to be useful in the treatment of intermittent fevers and pulmonary affections[6]. An infusion is applied to the eyes in the treatment of ophthalmia[6].
Pollinators: Wind
Soil: Can grow in light, medium, and heavy soils.
Drainage: Prefers well drained soil.
Flower Type: Hermaphrodite
Links
References
- ↑ Huxley, Anthony. The New Royal Horticultural Society Dictionary of Gardening. MacMillan Press, 1992.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 Grieve, Margaret. A Modern Herbal. Penguin, 1984.
- ↑ Tutin, Tom et al.. Flora Europaea. Cambridge University Press, 1964.
- ↑ Usher, George. A Dictionary of Plants Used by Man. Constable, 1974.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 Bown, Deni. Royal Horticultural Society Encyclopaedia of Herbs and Their Uses. Dorling Kindersley, 1995.
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 Chopra, R. Glossary of Indian Medicinal Plants. Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, New Delhi, 1986.