Plantain, Closeup
(also referred to as...)
Common Plantain, Greater Plantain, Way Bread, Ribwort
Latin Name: Plantago lanceolata, P. major
Family: Plantaginaceae
Description
Plantain has long been known for its healing virtues. Many stories tell of the plant's effect as an antidote to poisonous spider and rattlesnake bites, as well as being a cure for madness of dogs. According to Pliny, the healing power of plantain can even join separate pieces of flesh in a pot placed together with this herb. The young leaves are often eaten and are high in vitamins A, C, and K.
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.
Source
Seeds, leaves, and roots.
Preparations
Infusion: An infusion of the leaves can be taken using one teaspoon herb to one cup boiling water infused for 10 minutes, three times daily. Use one tablespoon of seeds and stir into one cup warm water and let sit for 10 minutes. Take a couple of times daily, if needed, with generous amounts of water.
Contraindications / Precautions / Warnings
Inhaling psyllium powder can cause asthma.
Unsoaked seeds can cause gastro-intestinal distress.
Ailment / Situation Listing
All information contained on this website is for reference purposes only and all content should be treated as a resource. It is highly recommended that you consult with your naturopath or other health practitioner when undertaking self-treatment. For serious conditions, always seek the advice of your naturopath or other health practitioner. People taking medication should
consult with their naturopath or other health practitioner before undertaking additional regime for their ailment.
Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and consistency of the information contained on this website. However, errors in copy may occur. You are advised to consult with your naturopath or other health practitioner
when applying the information contained on this website.
The MBR Team is not responsible or liable for any personal injury or related effects from applying the information contained on this website.
By browsing / printing any and all My Best Remedies articles / pages, you agree to the statements above.
