In Indonesia also known as: ki urat, otot-ototan, daun urat, daun urat-urat
For foragers, the surrounding nature is not only seen equals to a supermarket to find food, but also a pharmacy. Many wild plants that have healing properties appear on the side of a ditch, cracks on streets, or in your yard, like this one plant.
Known as broadleaf plantain (Plantago major) or daun sendokan in Indonesian, the wild weed can be found in Europe, America, and Asia. In Indonesia, it is easy to find on the islands of Java and Sumatra at an altitude of 700-3.300 meters above sea level, or areas with cooler temperature. I have seen broadleaf plantain in places like Dieng, Mount Merbabu National Park (Central Java), and Bogor, thriving in meadows and disturbed lands.
For Consumption
Broadleaf plantain is not only edible, but contains high calcium, and vitamin A, C, and K. Young leaves can be eaten raw, and the mature or more fibrous leaves can be consumed after being cooked first.
As Egg Substitute
The seeds of Plantago major are also edible and can be used as egg substitute, like flaxseed or chia seed for you who are vegans or just trying to avoid consuming eggs. For this, you should choose the seeds that have passed the flowering phase and separated from the stalk. First, dry the seeds, ground them into fine powder, and mix it with water. After letting the blend for an hour or more, the mixture will turn into egg-like gel. To replace the use of one egg, it usually takes 1 tbs of powdered broadleaf plantain seeds and 2.5 tbs of water.
Consuming the seeds in gel form is beneficial as a mild laxative to treat chronic constipation, equals to the benefits of agar or mineral oil.
Medicinal Purpose
Broadleaf plantain’s compounds are anti-inflammatory, anti-proliferative, anti-apoptotic, and antioxidant, making the plant quite popular for its medicinal benefits since centuries ago, in various parts of the world. Especially for treatment of insect bites, wounds, infections, dermatitis, boils, and herpes by applying fresh leaves to the affected area on the skin, or by processing it first into salves or ointments.
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