Delicious, nutritious plantain for your small pets

               Plantain in bloom

No, not the banana sort of plantain. This wild plantain is a shallow-rooted “weed” having oval leaves with prominent veins. The leaves of the plantain develop from the base of the plant in a “rosette” pattern (like dandelion leaves do). Until I was proficient at identifying the plantain, I would wait until it bloomed before picking the leaves for my rabbits. The bloom is a tiny cluster atop a slender bare stalk, arising from the center of the plant (see the photo).

Found throughout all of the United States, plantain’s main growing season is June through September. Also known as snakeweed, or ribwort, it is high in fiber, rich in B complex vitamins, vitamins A, C and K and has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.

Known as a “body purifier”, plantain is effective in treating many disorders, particularly of the respiratory, digestive and urinary systems.

Plantain can protect the membranes of the respiratory tract from inflammation (as in bronchitis) while at the same time relieving congestion in the chest. The anti-bacterial properties help to fight off the cause of infections of the ear or respiratory system.

Certain enzymes in the leaves and root act to relieve mild intestinal inflammations, and tannins present in plantain are effective in easing diarrhea and other symptoms of intestinal upset. The anti-inflammatory properties can help alleviate stomach distress as well. These same anti-inflammatory properties can help clear infections of the urinary tract, and also act as a gentle herbal diuretic.

It has been claimed that plantain is also beneficial in helping to prevent osteoporosis by increasing bone strength.

As with dandelions, all these beneficial qualities would apply to the pet owner as well as the pet! Add some tasty, nutritious variety to your next salad or dry some leaves and try out a new tea.

Best places for picking wild plantain in Dayton: pretty much any place that you can be sure has not been treated with pesticides or herbicides. Avoid picking plantain from the roadside as they may be contaminated by exhaust fumes, or from brushy areas frequented by wildlife (possible contamination with excrement).

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