Medicinal Uses of Plantain

A perennial weed native to Europe, plantain adapts to virtually any climate and soil, spread by seeds. Medicinally, plantain provides an alternative herbal remedy for conditions and illnesses ranging from bee stings to bronchitis to kidney stones. Chemicals and vitamins found in plantain include beta carotene (vitamin A), calcium, vitamin K, vitamin B1, riboflavin, ascorbic acid (vitamin C), tannin, sorbitol, allantion, apigenin, aucubin, linoleic acid, oleanolic acid and baicalein. Each of these constituents together give plantain antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, expectorant, antitussive, astringent, antiviral, diuretic and antihemorrhagic actions. Acubin found in plantain serves as a powerful antitoxin, while allantoin promotes wound healing, has skin-softening effects and speeds up cell regeneration.

External Uses

• Plantain commonly serves as a poultice, or a soft, moist mixture applied to skin lesions and burns. It relieves pain associated with bites, stings, rashes, blisters, ulcers, scrapes, sunburn, windburn, hemorrhoids and other skin inflammations. Crushing plantain leaves and applying them to an affected area draws out toxins, slows blood flow and helps close wounds. According to Prairieland Herbs Online, fresh plantain leaves applied directly to minor injuries, dermatitis or skin lesions three or four times per day will relieve pain. The leaves of plantain also work as a warm, wet dressing for wounds, ulcers, cuts, stings and swellings when boiled in water and strained. The root of the plantain plant draws out thorns, inflammation, splinters and even venom, according to Alternative Nature Online Herbal. To make a healing salve, place 1 lb. of chopped plantain plant in a large nonmetallic pan, along with 1 cup of lard. Cover the pan and cook on low heat until mixture is mushy and green. Strain the mixture, and let it cool. Use it for skin conditions, such as listed above, or even as a night cream for wrinkles. Plantain used as an oil soothes, softens and heals many skin conditions. To make an oil, fill a container with freshly crushed plantain leaves and vegetable oil. Cover the container and place in the sun for two weeks. Strain out the leaves, and use the oil.

Internal Uses

• The young leaves of plantain are edible raw, like in salads, or cooked as an herb. Plantain seeds contain approximately 30 percent mucilage, which swells in the gut, acting as a bulk laxative and treating constipation. The seeds also soothe irritated internal membranes and even treat parasitic worms. To make a plantain infusion or tea, add a small handful (about 2 tbsp.) of freshly chopped plantain leaves to 2 cups of water, and bring to a gentle boil. Turn off the heat, and let the leaves steep. Finally, strain out the leaves. Plantain teas ease coughing and mucous membrane irritation associated with respiratory infections and also serve as a treatment for lung conditions, such as asthma, emphysema and bronchitis. Plantain also effectively detoxifies the body. It serves as a remedy for hypertension, bladder problems, rheumatism, fever, blood sugar control, diarrhea, gastritis, dysentery, peptic ulcers, hemorrhage, irritable bowel syndrome, cystitis, sinusitis and hay fever. It may also work as a natural aversion to tobacco addiction. According to Prairieland Herbs, juicing 1/2 to 1 1/4 tsp. fresh plantain may relieve cold and flu symptoms when taken in three evenly divided doses throughout the day.

Low Side Effects

• Plantain does not have many major common side effects and proves safe even for children, according to Prairieland Herbs. Some allergy sufferers may have a reaction to plantain pollen. According to Health Care Tips Online, plantain consumed orally may cause gas, diarrhea, upset stomach, faster heartbeat or lowered blood pressure.