The Ribwort Plantain, native to Ireland, is a perennial wildflower (which means it can live for 3 or more growing cycle years). It is most commonly found in Ireland between April and October.
It is also known as Lamb's Tongue, Rat Tail, or Rib Leaf. In Ireland it is known as Slánlus.
This plant has spear-shaped leaves with deep veins on the underside, arranged in a rosette shape at the base. From the center, a long leaf-less stem grows, reaching up to approximately 40 cm.
At the top of the stem, there is a dark flower head, which is adorned with 4 mm white flowers forming a ring around the cone.
It is normally found in habitats where the ground has been disturbed, such as grazing fields, along the side of the road but also commonly found in residential gardens. It is found across Eurasia and even in North America.
This is a medicinal plant and can help to treat many ailements. It has been used since the 11th century, to treat coughs and other respiratory issues.
The leaves are known to be an effective treatment against insect bites and stings and may even be more effective then dock at treating the sting from stinging nettles.
Crush up the leaves of Ribwort with your fingers and apply the juice to the affected area.
A tea can be made from the dehydrated leaves and these can help treat respritory issues such as asthama and hay fever.
The roots can even help to treat the bite from a rattlesnake.
It has also know to stop bleeding, if you have a cut or wound that is bleeding you can chew up the leaves and place the paste on the injury.
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