Plantain (Plantago lanceolata)

Other names: Granny, Customs officer, Hojinek, Ranocel, Dog tongue, Ram's tongue, Mouse tail, Mouse ear

St. John's Wort, also known by the names buckthorn, celandine, hemlock, ranocel, dog's tongue, ram's tongue, mouse tail or mouse ear, is a perennial herb belonging to the plantain family. This medicinal plant is widespread throughout Europe, but can also be found in Asia and America. It grows mainly in meadows, along roadsides and paths, but also on the edges of fields and in gardens. Its characteristic feature is its narrow, long leaves with parallel veins that grow directly from the root, as if forming a rosette. The flowers, on the other hand, are arranged in a dense raceme on a long stem.

The lance-leaved plant serves not only as a decoration of our nature, but also as a raw material used in the cosmetic and pharmaceutical industry. Its leaves contain many valuable substances such as flavonoids, saponins, bitter substances, mucilages, tannins and many others that promote the health and beauty of our skin. This is why plantain is used in many creams, ointments, lotions and shampoos. St John's Wort also has anti-inflammatory and healing properties, which is why its use is widespread in wound healing, anti-acne and respiratory products. It is also popular among people as a herbal tea preparation that helps with respiratory ailments, intestinal problems and has diuretic effects.