18 Apr 2013

A - Z Challenge - P



The reflection of British wildflowers in emotions.
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Plantago major. Persistent.

The flower spick of the Plantago or Great Plantain is taller than the large rounded stalked leaves. From the long green flower spike, yellow or lilac stamens project out at right angles. The common weed of the wastelands is used in herb medicine to treat diarrhea and piles.

Persistent or chronic diarrhea persists longer than acute diarrhea, generally more than four weeks. Nasty subject, which I won't dwell on. Who knows if Plantago did the job back in the days when people lived in round huts and hunted for their food through the great forest or over the plains in old England? It must have worked for the Great Plantain to be noted and passed down in folklore. I'm glad I live in these times, where a stay in hospital can diagnose the problem and cure the persistent symptoms.


Proverb: Parsley seed goes nine times to the Devil.

23 comments:

  1. Interesting, I've seen what I believe to be weeds that look like this plant, ...wonder.

    The Proverb about Parsley...what does that mean?

    A-Z

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    1. I didn't make it up, so I don't know the answer. Could be like a cat having nine lives. Maybe, you think it's dead for nine seasons and it springs up with new growth and surprises you.

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  2. hmmmmm. That looks like something I'd dig up and throw away. Who knew? Thanks for stopping by my blog!

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  3. Hello Francene. Thanks for visiting my blog.

    I have the same question as Sandy about the parsley proverb.

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  4. I'm gong to bookmark this blog. Nice descriptions and photos :)

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  5. Lovely post Francene thank you! I wouldn't be surprised if this did help with runny guts in the 'old days'. Plantain is a kind of banana isn't it? Just wondering about the Great Plantain.
    also curious about the Proverb: parsley and the Devil.
    Susan Scott's Soul Stuff

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  6. goes nine times to the devil... I'm certainly learning about all sorts of plants i never heard of. Thanks for comment on my post

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  7. I always wonder about the first person who tested a herb/weed. The old "here try this and let's see what happens" had to have been scary.

    Plenty of P words abound. Good stuff

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    1. I'm curious about this too. It was probably one of the witches. ;-)

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  8. Thanks for stopping by my blog. Glad I returned the visit, your theme is really interesting. I love gardening and grow a lot of herbs. I shall be looking out of some these plants when I'm walking in the country.

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    1. Keep your eyes peeled. Some of the wildflowers are tiny.

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  9. That is kind of gross, but it's a good plant to know if an apocalypse ever happens and there are no hospitals.

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    1. Apparently, there is something in nature to cure every ailment.

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  10. What an interesting idea for an A to Z challenge! Fascinating!

    Thanks for stopping by my blog, fellow traveler!

    www.marie-everydaymiracle.blogspot.com

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  11. Hi Francene, thanks for stopping by my blog a few days ago. I had some trouble with my internet connection and could not post for a few days. My N post you had commented on is up now. I hope you would take a look, especially since you are such a nature lover. Love your short and sweet post and how you connect the topics. It would be an honour if you would take a few minutes and stop by my blog, thank you.

    Four Leaf Clover

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  12. A lot of the old remedies do work surprisingly well. Of course, the modern remedies work better.

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    1. I'm not sure if they work better. They are certainly easier to take. What would one have to do to make this plant digestable? hehe.

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  13. I learned something new today. thanks for sharing.

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  14. Hi Francene .. I love how over the years we've learnt so much about plants, then forgotten and now are being reminded again ... and across the continents, European in those early days ..

    Cheers - yes I'd rather get over my D before I hit any hospital .. but at least the facility is there should I need it .. Hilary

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