What is "plantago major"

Plantain \Plan"tain\, n. [F., fr. L. plantago. Cf. Plant.] (Bot.) Any plant of the genus Plantago, but especially the Plantago major, a low herb with broad spreading radical leaves, and slender spikes of minute flowers. It is a native of Europe, but now found near the abode of civilized man in nearly all parts of the world.

Indian plantain. (Bot.) See under Indian.

Mud plantain, a homely North American aquatic plant ( Heteranthera reniformis), having broad, reniform leaves.

Rattlesnake plantain, an orchidaceous plant ( Goodyera pubescens), with the leaves blotched and spotted with white.

Ribwort plantain. See Ribwort.

Robin's plantain, the Erigeron bellidifolium, a common daisylike plant of North America.

Water plantain, a plant of the genus Alisma, having acrid leaves, and formerly regarded as a specific against hydrophobia.
--Loudon.

Waybread \Way"bread`\, n. [AS. wegbr?de. See Way, and Broad.] (Bot.) The common dooryard plantain ( Plantago major).

Plantago major (broadleaf plantain, white man's foot, or greater plantain) is a species of flowering plant in the plantain family Plantaginaceae. The plant is native to most of Europe and northern and central Asia, but has widely naturalised elsewhere in the world.

Plantago major is one of the most abundant and widely distributed medicinal crops in the world. A poultice of the leaves can be applied to wounds, stings, and sores in order to facilitate healing and prevent infection. The active chemical constituents are aucubin (an anti-microbial agent), allantoin (which stimulates cellular growth and tissue regeneration), and mucilage (which reduces pain and discomfort). Plantain has astringent properties, and a tea made from the leaves can be ingested to treat diarrhea and soothe raw internal membranes.

Broadleaf plantain is also a highly nutritious wild edible, that is high in calcium and vitamins A, C, and K. The young, tender leaves can be eaten raw, and the older, stringier leaves can be boiled in stews and eaten.