Plantain Herb Benefits - Nature's Healing Remedy

Plantago lanceolata

Common Name

Plantain, English plantain, Englishman’s foot, white man’s footsteps, ribwort, snakeweed, llantén (Latin America)

Family

Plantaginaceae

Plantago major is an herbaceous perennial and a member of the Plantaginaceae family. Native to temperate Eurasia, plantain has since spread across the Americas and Australia. In general, two species of plantain are well-known and preferred: Plantago lanceolata and Plantago major, the narrow-leaf plantain (also known as ribwort), and the broadleaf plantain (also referred to as greater plantain), respectively. Narrowleaf plantain has 3-5 prominent ribs that stripe its long, narrow, lanceolate leaves. Broadleaf plantain has 5-9 prominent veins that stripe their wide, oval-shaped leaves. Ribwort and greater plantain are native to temperate Eurasia and are widespread across the British Isles. They have since spread across the Americas and to Australia. Both varieties can be used interchangeably.

Parts Used

Leaves, roots, seeds

Green Plantain Leaf

The young spring leaves are consumed as an edible food medicine. Plantain loves disturbance. It is a common weed of cultivated pastures, cracks in sidewalks, backyard gardens, and any place that experiences regular activity. , out. Plantain is often referred to as "nature's bandage". It is an effective remedy for bites, stings, cuts, and scrapes, and it helps to draw out slivers, splinters, or stingers. n-the-field preparation of a “spit poultice” for direct topical application for any of these injuries.

Plantain herb benefits have a historical reputation for healing wounds has recently been corroborated in laboratory and animal studies which have shown that wounds treated with plantain showed faster healing times and greater wound tensile strength due to collagen growth. Plantain is also valued for its broadly therapeutic effects on the urinary system. Its diuretic, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and detoxifying properties may help chelate and eliminate toxins via the urinary system and are also useful in cases of cystitis, prostate inflammation, or bladder infections. The constituent aucubin increases uric acid excretion, and may, therefore can, also be useful in treating gout.

The cooling, demulcent, and vulnerary properties of plantain have an affinity for the digestive tract and respiratory system. Hot, inflammatory issues of the digestive system, such as ulcers and heartburn, can benefit from an infusion of the leaves. A respiratory system irritated by a dry cough can be soothed similarly. The mild astringency of plantain leaves can help expel dampness in the lungs.

Various species of Plantago are used as food in traditional cultures around the world. Plantain is a good source of vitamin C and carotenoids, as well as vitamin K. Fresh leaves, were reported to contain 19 mg of ascorbic acid and 6 mg beta-carotene per 100 grams, and dry leaves contain 37 mg of phylloquinone (vitamin K1) per gram. The vitamin K content likely explains plantain’s topical use as a styptic or hemostatic agent. The young leaves may be added to salads or eaten as a cooked green. The young flower stalks are also sometimes sautéed and eaten, and the seeds may be eaten from mature seed stalks as well, either raw, ground into flour, and baked, or prepared as a beverage or porridge.

Some of Plantain Herbal Benefits;

Actions

• Alterative

• anti-Inflammatory

• Anti-Cancer

• Anti-bacterial

• Anti-microbial

• Antiseptic

• Astringent

• Demulcent

• Emollient

• Expectorant

• Immunomodulant

• Laxative

• Vulnerary

Ways to Use;

• Eyewash

• Food

• Fresh juice (aerial Parts)

• Infusion

• Mouthwash

• Poultice

• Salve

• Syrup

• Tincture

Safety

Plantain is generally considered safe, although caution may be advisable with diuretic medications. Due to its diuretic and chelating properties, when taken internally, plantain could speed the elimination of some prescription medications, such as lithium (Scott, 2010). Plantain pollen can elicit an allergic response in sensitive individuals (such as those sensitive to psyllium), and in rare cases, plantain could trigger contact dermatitis.

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