Commonly known as ribwort or narrowleaf plantain, this "weed" found on roadsides and disturbed ground is a highly nutritious and medicinally valuable plant. In traditional herbal medicine, Plantago lanceolata leaves serve a dual purpose: internally, they're brewed into syrup or tea and taken for their cleansing and anti-inflammatory properties helpful in respiratory and digestive complaints. While externally, they're applied as fresh leaves to address skin ailments, insect bites, and infections. The leaves are also edible when in their earliest stages.