Health Benefits and Uses of Plantain

Plantain, not to be confused with the banana-like fruit with the same name, is an herb native to Eurasia and grows in temperate climates throughout the world. While there are over 200 different species of plantain, those most commonly used medicinally are Plantago major, broad-leafed plantain, and Plantago lanceolata, the narrow-leafed variety. Other species are thought to have similar medicinal properties. Common names of plantain include ribwort, snakeweed and Englishman's foot.

According to Anglo-Saxon folklore, plantain was one of the nine sacred herbs, and it was known as Waybread for its habit of growing alongside of roads. In Native American tradition, powdered plantain root was used to ward off snakes and protect against snake bites.

Fresh young leaves of plantain contain high amounts of vitamin B1 (thiamine) and B2 (riboflavin) and can be eaten either raw in salads or cooked.

Medicinal Uses of Plantain

Plantain can be used both internally and externally. For external application, it can be made into a salve, lotion or compress. Plantain's anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties make it one of the most effective herbal remedies for topical treatment of skin conditions such as inflammation, insect bites, cuts and bruises, eczema and dandruff. It contains allantoin, a compound that promotes cell growth and stimulates wound healing.

Plantain also has astringent properties, which help to constrict or bind tissue, making it useful to alleviate the symptoms of hemorrhoids and skin ulcers, as well as to help stop bleeding. A poultice made of plantain leaves can be used to draw out splinters or thorns, and plantain juice can be applied to burns to ease pain and promote healing.

For internal use, plantain can be made into a tea by infusing the dried herb in boiling water, or prepared as a 1:5 tincture in 40% alcohol, taken in milliliter amounts. Plantain has demulcent properties, making it soothing to mucus membranes. It is used to treat conditions of the respiratory tract including sore throat, cough, bronchitis, asthma and emphysema. It also has expectorant properties which help to expel mucus from the lungs when the respiratory tract is congested due to colds or hay fever.

The demulcent properties of plantain are also beneficial in treating urinary tract infections including cystitis with blood in the urine, gastritis, irritable bowel syndrome, and diarrhea. The seeds of plantain contain mucilage and can be used as a laxative to relieve constipation.

There are no known side effects or drug interactions for plantain. Anyone with serious health conditions should consult their health care provider.

Sources:

James A. Duke. The Green Pharmacy Herbal Handbook. St. Martin's Paperbacks, 2000.
http://www.altnature.com/gallery/plantain.htm