Herbs - Plantain - Ailments / Situations Where Used

Plantain is a very versatile herb and the seeds, leaves, and roots are all used and are very nutritious. Besides being high in vitamins A, C, and K, it is also very high in potassium, magnesium, and phosphorus. This plant is a cooling diuretic used for kidney and bladder infections and water retention. A constituent of the plant, aucubin, helps the secretion of uric acid from the kidneys and is good for most urinary tract infections, rheumatism, and gout. The leaves are a good expectorant which helps clear the passages while soothing inflamed and irritated membranes. It is great for coughs, bronchitis, and most lung complaints.

The high silica content in the plant also helps in treating damaged lungs and varicose veins. Plantain's astringent properties make it useful in diarrhea, hemorrhoids, cystitis, and any excessive discharges. This plant is anti-allergenic and anti-inflammatory, and is good for most inflammations including hepatitis and bacillary dysentery. Plantain improves protein digestion due to proteolytic enzymes that neutralize stomach acids and normalize stomach secretions.

This plant is also used in the treatment of bed wetting, diverticulosis, irritable bowel syndrome, ulcers (internally and externally), hyperacidity, excess menstrual loss, chronic discharging skin eruptions, skin disorders, bleeding gums, toothache, syphilis, and other STD's.

Applied externally, it stops bleeding and allays the pain of bee stings and insect bites. It helps stop the itching involved, is very drawing, and helps remove toxins and poisons from the body. Plantain leaves are very healing for sores and wounds that refuse to heal. Also appropriate for bruises, eczema, and acne. Seeds of Plantago psyllium are used as a gentle laxative to help treat constipation and to cleanse and liven up a sluggish bowel. The seeds of most Plantago species have been shown to lower high cholesterol levels.

The leaves are an old Chinese remedy for bites of snakes, animal, and insects.