Definition:

Plantain is a common perennial weed with broad, oval leaves and a dense cluster of tiny flowers. Despite its humble appearance, plantain is a powerful medicinal herb known for its wound-healing and anti-inflammatory properties.

Botanical Name: Plantago major

Common Name: Plantain, Broadleaf Plantain

Family: Plantaginaceae

Part Used: Leaves, seeds

Energetics:

• Taste: Bitter, astringent
• Temperature: Cooling, moistening

Actions:

• Anti-inflammatory
• Astringent
• Vulnerary (promotes wound healing)
• Demulcent (soothes mucous membranes)
• Antimicrobial

Body Systems:

• Skin: Plantain is renowned for its ability to heal skin wounds, burns, bites, and stings. It helps reduce inflammation and draws out toxins, making it useful for treating cuts, scrapes, and insect bites.
• Respiratory System: Its demulcent properties soothe irritation in the respiratory tract, making it helpful for coughs, bronchitis, and sore throats.
• Digestive System: Plantain soothes the mucous membranes in the digestive tract and is used to treat conditions like gastritis, ulcers, and colitis.

Primary Constituents:

• Aucubin: Anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties
• Mucilage: Soothing and demulcent for mucous membranes
• Tannins: Provide astringent action
• Flavonoids: Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory

Safety Precautions:

• Pregnancy & Lactation: Generally considered safe for use during pregnancy and lactation, especially in topical applications.
• Allergies: Rare, but some individuals may be sensitive to topical applications.

Traditional & Modern Uses:

• Wound Healing: Plantain is often used as a poultice to treat cuts, scrapes, burns, and insect bites. It reduces inflammation, draws out toxins, and promotes faster healing of the skin.
• Digestive Health: Plantain soothes the mucous membranes of the digestive tract, making it useful for treating gastritis, ulcers, and colitis. Its demulcent properties provide relief from irritation and inflammation in the gut.
• Respiratory Support: Its demulcent action helps soothe the respiratory tract, making it effective for treating coughs, bronchitis, and sore throats. Plantain can help reduce irritation and inflammation in the lungs.
• Antimicrobial Properties: Plantain is known for its antimicrobial action, which helps prevent infections when applied to wounds and skin irritations.

Preparations & Dosage:

• Infusion (Tea): 1-2 tsp of dried plantain leaves per cup of hot water, steep for 10-15 minutes. Drink 1-3 cups daily for digestive or respiratory support.
• Tincture: 2-4 ml, up to three times daily.
• Poultice: Fresh plantain leaves can be mashed and applied directly to wounds, bites, or stings to reduce inflammation and draw out toxins.
• Salve: Plantain-infused oil or salves are commonly used for skin healing, particularly for treating cuts, rashes, and burns.