Plantain Leaf, (Plantago major (Broad-leaf Plantain) Cut and Sifted Bulk

Family

Plantaginaceae (Plantain Family)

Etymology

The genus name Plantago, from which the common name plantain derives, is an old French adaptation of the Latin word planta, meaning "sole of the foot," in reference to the plant's broad leaves.              

Range of Appearance

Plantain is a low-growing perennial widely naturalized in North America; it can be found growing everywhere from roadsides to lawns and even between the cracks in sidewalks. The five to seven leaves grow in a basal rosette and are ovate and somewhat toothed, with strong parallel fibers. P. major has broad leaves, P. lanceolata has narrow leaves, and P. media has leaves somewhere between the widths of the other two; P. asiatica is taller and wider than the other three species. The inconspicuous flowers are borne on a cylindrical spike that can be up to 15 inches tall. Later this spike becomes filled with numerous seeds. In the garden, plantain prefers full sun to partial shade and moist soil.

Parts Used

Leaf, seed

Physiological Effects

Leaf: alterative, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, antispasmodic, anthelmintic, antivenomous, astringent, expectorant, decongestant, demulcent, deobstruent, depurative, diuretic, expectorant, febrifuge, hemostatic, kidney yin tonic, ophthalmic, mucilaginous, refrigerant, restorative, vulnerary. Seed: demulcent, fiber laxative.

Medicinal Uses

Plantago lanceolata is considered the most therapeutic and P. major the most diuretic. Plantain leaf clears heat and toxins, reduces inflammation, deters infection, promotes tissue repair, and soothes irritated mucous membranes. It is used in the treatment of AIDS, allergic rhinitis, asthma, bedwetting, blood in the urine, blood poisoning, bronchitis, catarrh, colitis, cough, cystitis, debility, diarrhea, dysentery, dysuria, earaches, eczema, fever, gastritis, hay fever, hemorrhoids, herpes, injury, irritable bowel syndrome, laryngitis, menorrhagia, neuralgia, psoriasis, scrofula, sore throat, thirst, tuberculosis, ulcers, urinary tract infection, urinary stones, and vision weakness. The seeds have a mucilaginous effect and swell in the body, acting as a bulk laxative. They are used to lower cholesterol and to treat edema, hypertension, and infertility. Topically, plantain is considered a supreme drawing agent in that it helps draw toxins from the body. It also is excellent for the topical healing of damaged tissue. It can be employed as a poultice or compress in the treatment of bee stings, boils, bruises, burns, eczema, hemorrhoids, insect bites and stings, mastitis, poison ivy/oak, ringworm, snakebite, splinters, sunburn, swelling, toothache, ulcers, and wounds. Plantain can also be made into a gargle to treat a sore throat or an eyewash to treat blepharitis and conjunctivitis. It can be used as a hair rinse for dandruff, a douche for leukorrhea and vaginitis, a wash for irritated eyes, and an enema for intestinal infection.

Culinary Uses

The young leaves are edible raw or cooked and have a pleasant "green" flavor; older leaves are also edible but should have their fibrous strands removed. The seeds are also edible; they are usually ground and used as a seasoning or thickener.

Other Uses

A fiber obtained from the plant is sometimes used in making fabric.

Constituents

Leaf: vitamin C, vitamin K, tannins, flavonoid (apigenin), mucilage, allantoin, glycoside (aucubin), silicic acid, oxalic acid Seed: B vitamins, protein, starch, oils, mucilage

Contraindications

Plantain is generally regarded as safe.

Plant details were provided by iPlant by Brigitte Mars.

Hyperlink it to https://brigittemars.com/iplant-app/