leafy vegetable plant plantain plant Plantago L. Plantago sp. Plantago PLANTS:PLANT Plantago is a genus of about 200 species of small, inconspicuous plants commonly called plantains. *Plantago* species have been used since prehistoric times as herbal remedies. The herb is astringent, anti-toxic, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, anti-histamine, as well as demulcent, expectorant, styptic and diuretic. Externally, a poultice of the leaves is useful for insect bites, poison-ivy rashes, minor sores, and boils. In folklore it is even claimed to be able to cure snakebite. Internally, it is used for coughs and bronchitis, as a tea, tincture, or syrup. The broad-leaved varieties are sometimes used as a leaf vegetable for salads, green sauce, et cetera. Plantain seed husks expand and become mucilaginous when wet, especially those of *Plantago psyllium*, which is used in common over-the-counter bulk laxative and fiber supplement products. [] indianwheat plantago spp. requires discussion