AKA: Plantago major

Also goes by: Greater Plantain, Common Plantain, Ripple Grass, Cuckoo’s head, Rat-tail Plantain, Englishman's Foot, White Man's Foot, Ribwort, Waybread, Waybroad, Snake Weed, Broad-leaved Plantain, Dooryard Plantain

The plantain is an annual or perennial plant, native to Europe and Asia, but also found in North America thanks to the early European settlers. It can be found growing wild in temperate climates, residing in fields, roadsides, lawns and waste areas. The plantain thrives in soil that is well drained and likes the sun. The plant consists of a radial rosette of broad, oval leaves and can grow up to two feet in height. From April to October, it produces a few densely flowered spikes of greenish-white to greenish brown flowers. It grows better than most plants in compact soils, is wind pollinated and propagates itself by seeds which rest on the long narrow spikes which rest above the foliage.

The plantain is often hailed as an invading weed, since it has the ability to take over a lawn, usurping the grass that s once was there and growing in its place. However, since ancient times, the plant has been valued for its medicinal qualities. Both the foliage and seeds are used in herbal medicines and the plant contains the following the constituents: adenine, mucilage, allantoin, aucubin,fiber, luteolin, potassium, Vitamin A and Vitamin C. It also contains the apigenin acids:oleanolic, p-coumaric, salicylic, vanillicm ursolic, cinnamic, ferulic, benzoic, caffeic and chlorogenic acid.

Benefits and Uses

• Soothes and cools mucous membranes
• Loosens and expels phlegm and congestion
• Relieves diarrhea, excess menstrual flow, hemorrhoids and incontinence
• Helps vaginal infections
• Removes obstructions form liver, Kidneys and bladdr
• Helps control Weight

Astringent

The leaves of the plantain hold tannins that are considered astringent, being able to draw both internal and external tissues together. This allows the plant to help stop bleeding from mucous membranes and control menstrual flow. This ability is also useful for colitis, hemorrhoids, diarrhea, dysentery, vomiting, bed wetting and incontinence.

Diuretic

Plantain is considered a good diuretic helping increase urine flow. Along with its potent antiseptic properties, these diuretic properties help ease infections of the uterus, urinary tract and bladder. It is also helpful for female disorders such as cystitis and leucorrhea, and may be helpful in slowing the growth of tuberculosis bacteria and staphylococcus infections. The increased urine flow  is also beneficial in cases of excess water weight. This increased urine flow also aides in the function of the kidney, liver, spleen and bladder by flushing out impurities. This is also good for jaundice since it helps remove obstructions from the liver.

Cholesterol and diet

The seeds of the plantain contain soluble fibers that swell in the gut, filling the intestinal tract which helps prevent the absorption of cholesterol and lipids. The increased bulk of the seeds also has a mild laxative effect which helps rid the intestines of excess cholesterol. Plantains ability to decrease bad cholesterol, hence reducing the chance of heart disease makes the plantain an ideal before meal additive.  This ability to fill and coat the stomach, along with the plants high mucilage and fiber content also helps limit caloric intake, reduce the absorption of fats and provides a feeling of fullness which helps contribute to weight loss.

Indigestion

The plants high content of mucilage also helps sooth the stomach and eases the feeling of indigestion and heartburn. It can also help soothe the inflamed tissues if the lower intestine. The increase bulk in the intestines also helps promote healthy bowel function, and the fiber also helps absorb toxins from the body, helping to get rid of toxins and poisons.

Expectorant

Plantain is thought to help loosen and expel phlegm from the lungs and respiratory system. Along with its high mucilaginous qualities, this expectorant ability of the plantain helps sooth the lungs and protects the damaged and sore tissue of the lungs as it expels mucus. It also helps relieves dry coughs, chronic bronchitis, coughing, wheezing and irritation.

Pain relief

Plantain contains salicylic acid, which is very similar to the composition of aspirin. This is effective in helping relieving physical and neuralgic pain.

External uses

While the tannins tighten tissues the mucilage of plantain balances the astringent effect, acting as a demulcent, helping heal and soothe bee stings, bites and poison ivy. The plant also has a styptic effect, which helps staunch hemorrhages, ease wounds and slow bleeding by contracting blood vessels. It is also a good eyewash for pink eye and adding it to your gargle can also help you stop smoking.

Dosage

The powder: take two capsules three times a day with water and food.

The extract: Take two capsules once or twice a day with water and food.

Warning

Good news, using plantain comes with no known bad side effects.

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