Plantain

Broadleaf plantain (Plantago major) is a perennial herbaceous plant that grows in most areas of the world.  The plantain plant has broad leaves that grow to around 2-4 inches wide. It is mostly the plantain leaf that contains many of its therapeutic benefits.

Although many people refer to plantain as a weed, it’s actually an edible medicinal herb with a number of health benefits and healing properties. Many of the benefits of plantain herb come from its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. 

Broadleaf plantain is an extremely nutritious wild herb that contains a number of bioactive compounds.  Reports show that plantain leaves are a good source of vitamin A and vitamin C. Plantain leaves also have calcium, magnesium, potassium, zinc, and manganese. 

One of the reasons why plantain is a medicinal herb is that all parts of the plant – the leaves, roots, stems, flowers, and seeds – contain a lot of antioxidants. Flavonoids, polysaccharides, and caffeic acid are just a few of the phytochemicals in plantain.

Plantain leaves have been used for centuries to treat and promote healing in minor wounds, sores, insect bites/stings, and rashes. It provides anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties to reduce pain and swelling and antioxidants to ward off infection, help stop bleeding, and reduce inflammation. Plantain has an excellent drawing effect, and when crushed and applied directly to the skin following a bite or sting, it will provide almost immediate relief.   

Plantain has been traditionally used to treat coughs and colds for centuries. Experimental research also confirms that it has immunostimulatory, spasmolytic, and anti-inflammatory actions that can be beneficial when dealing with an infection in the upper respiratory airways. The juice of the common plantain leaves is beneficial for calming inflammation of the mucous membranes, including the membranes of the respiratory tract, digestive tract, and urinary tract. 

Just like plantain works on the skin, it also provides healing in the gut,  Plantain seeds are excellent at relieving constipation and intestinal worms because of the fiber and mucilage released in the infusion of leaves in boiling water.    It can significantly reduce symptoms of leaky gut and the leaves are eaten fresh, juiced, or prepared as a tea and consumed daily. 

TEA 

One of the most popular uses for taking plantain leaf tea is to treat gastrointestinal disorders.  The astringent and cleansing effect of compounds in common plantain also helps resolve symptoms of diarrhea, irritable bowel syndrome, indigestion, or heartburn.

Some use wild plantain herb to treat infections such as bronchitis, tonsillitis, the common cold, and sinusitis. Researchers have found that using plantain for upper respiratory tract infections can help to soothe coughing, boost immunity, and reduce inflammatory responses. You may also drink plantain tea to help manage the symptoms of chronic bronchitis.

Poultice or Salve

One of the benefits of using healing herbs such as plantain on your skin is to help promote wound healing. Studies have shown that plantain leaves are good for speeding up the healing of wounds. Plantain leaves help regenerate skin tissue, reduce inflammation, and have antibacterial properties.

For a poultice, soak some plantain leaves in water until soft and then mash into a pulp. Put the plantain pulp on your itchy red skin to help soothe pain, stop itching, and relieve inflammation.

For a salve that can be used as needed, plantain leaves are infused in a carrier oil, then heated and blended with beeswax.

There are no known side effects associated with the ingestion and/or application of plantain.  

Naturley in Fruition, LLC provides educational information about plants and herbs that have traditionally shown positive health uses and benefits. Please consult a health care provider before pursuing any herbal treatments.