Backyard Bounty - Plantain (Plantago)

In the state of Ohio we have 7 different species of Plantain - Major, Aristata, Cordata, Lanceolata, Patagonica, Rugelii, and Virginica. The most common are the Major (shown above) and the lanceolata aka narrowleaf aka english plantain aka ribwort aka buckhorn. 
Plantain is a helpful, edible and medicinal plant. The young leaves are edible raw in salads or can be cooked (like spinach). They are very rich in vitamin B1 and riboflavin. This plant has a long history of use as a medicinal plant dating back to ancient times. Some referred to it as a life medicine due to its many uses. 
The leaves and seeds can be used to treat asthma, emphysema, bladder problems, bronchitis, fever, and more.
A decoction of the roots can be used in treatments of a wide range of complaints including IBS and coughs.
It has been used to stop smoking as it causes a natural aversion to tobacco. 

The most popular use of this plant is as a remedy for skin irritants and minor flesh wounds. A Poultice of heated leaves have been shown to stop blood flow and to encourage the repair of damaged tissue to minor bleeding. It has also been shown to be effective as a dressing for wounds, skin inflammations, cuts, stings, and swellings.