Ribwort plantain (Plantan)
Plantago lanceolata · Plantaginaceae
A crossing plant — kept in both Haitian & Caribbean and Adriatic & Balkan traditions. Two shores, one root.
Ribwort plantain
Plantan
Plantain lancéolé
Plantago lanceolata
Trputac / Uskolisni trputac
Plantaginaceae
Traditionally used
Ribwort plantain has been traditionally used to soothe respiratory ailments including persistent coughs and bronchitis, thanks to its mucilaginous properties that coat and calm irritated tissues. The fresh or dried leaves are also applied topically to wounds, cuts, and insect bites for their healing and anti-inflammatory effects.
On the Adriatic shore
Čaj od trputca: žlica sušenih listova na 250 ml, 10 min. Za kašalj i bronhitis. Svježi list: oblozi na ujede insekata, rane.
Prepared as
Prepare as a hot infusion using 1-2 teaspoons of dried leaves per cup of boiling water, steeped for 10-15 minutes and strained. For wounds, fresh leaves can be crushed and applied directly as a poultice.
In three languages
Kreyòl — Plantan an tradisyonèlman yo itilize l pou kalme maladi respiratwa yo tankou tous ak bronchit ki pa vle sispann, gras ak pwopriyete misilajine li yo ki kouvri ak kalme tisi yo ki irite. Fèy yo ki fre oswa ki sèk yo aplike tou sou blese yo, koupe ak piki ensèk yo pou efi gerizon ak anti-enflamatwa yo.
Français — Le plantain lancéolé est traditionnellement utilisé pour apaiser les affections respiratoires incluant les toux persistantes et la bronchite, grâce à ses propriétés mucilagineuses qui enrobent et calment les tissus irrités. Les feuilles fraîches ou séchées sont aussi appliquées localement sur les plaies, coupures et piqûres d'insectes pour leurs effets cicatrisants et anti-inflammatoires.
Safety
Safety notes for this plant are still being written. Until they are, treat it with a cautious hand.
Plants can look similar and be misidentified — always verify with a local herbalist or guide before use.
Sources & lineage
EMA Plantaginis lanceolatae folium; PMC8138454; Vitasović-Kosić 2021
Kept alongside