How to use plantain as herbal medicine?
To use Plantain Leaves for Bites and Stings
- Find a clean leaf
- Chew or otherwise mash it to release juices
- Apply to affected area until pain/itching subsides
What are the importance and uses of medicinal plants?
Importance of Medicinal Plants Medicinal and Aromatic plants form a numerically large group of economically important plants which provide basic raw materials for medicines, perfumes, flavors and cosmetics. These plants and their products not only serve as valuable source of income for small holders and entrepreneurs but also help the country to earn valuable foreign ]
What are medical uses of plantain herb?
- They were used to treat ulcers and sores.
- They are still used in parts of Shetland for burns and wounds.
- Juice extracted from warmed leaves is placed in the eye to reduce the irritations of trauma or conjunctivitis.
How to plant and grow plantain?
Planting Plantain Trees:
- Plantain trees are grown from long, 12-15 foot underground rhizomes. ...
- This in turn yield some very large and impressive leaves (about 9 feet in length and 2 feet across).
- Plant the tree in well draining soil and in full sun.
- Protect the newly growing plant from high winds and make sure to leave 4-6 feet of space in between the tree and other plants.
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How is plantain used for medicine?
Plantain has anti-inflammatory and astringent properties that make it useful in many medical applications. Topically, you can chew up plantain leaves to make a poultice (a moist mass of herbs) that can be put on minor cuts, insect bites, and rashes. Internally, you can make a plantain tea to fight coughs and colds.
Are plantain flowers medicinal?
Plantain is not only an incredible medicinal herb for external conditions; it also works wonders for the body's internal organs. From the roots to the seeds, the entire plant is edible and is a wonderful ally of both the gastrointestinal tract and the digestive system!
How is plantain used for wounds?
Make a tea from 1/2 tsp of dried plantain leaves steeped in a cup of water. Wounds. Use a topical plantain wash and apply a plantain salve to speed wound healing and ease discomfort.
Is plantain a natural antibiotic?
Its natural antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties make it great for speeding recover of wounds, and for itching or pain associated with skin problems.
What parts of plantain are medicinal?
leavesThe leaves of plantain are primarily used as medicine. The seeds of plantain can also be used medicinally, having mild laxative effects similar to the seeds of psyllium , a close relative of plantain.
Does plantain draw out infection?
It can draw out and close up pus and infection from dirty wounds and soothes irritated membranes. Plantain is also helpful in bronchial infections and pneumonia.
How do you use plantain for a cough?
The fresh leaves can be applied directly three or four times per day to minor injuries, dermatitis, and insect stings. Syrups or tinctures, approximately 1/2 teaspoon (2–3 ml) three times per day, can also be used, particularly to treat a cough.
Is plantain leaf good for lungs?
Plantain is very useful for treating bronchitis as it soothes, softens and hydrates the respiratory system due to its high mucilage content. Prepare it as a tea. Put a teaspoon of plantain in boiling water, let it stand for 10 minutes and then strain.
What can you do with plantain leaves?
Plantain leaves are anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving. They are an herbal remedy that works wonders on mosquito bites, bee stings, and minor cuts and scrapes. The simplest way to use them is to crush up a leaf and rub it on the bite or scrape. You can also turn the leaves into an herbal ointment.
Can plantain leaves stop bleeding?
Plantain's Medicinal Uses In Humbart Santillo's Natural Healing with Herbs, plantain is called the bandaid plant, because it helps stop bleeding, supports tissue regeneration, and is naturally antiseptic. Chew or crush the leaves and apply directly to the skin and use a bandaid to keep it in place.
What are the health benefits of plantain?
Plantains are a carb-rich food and a good source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals. They also contain antioxidants that fight free radicals. With good levels of vitamin C, they can also support immune function. Likewise, their vitamin B6 content may reduce cardiovascular risk and improve mood.
What are the benefits of drinking plantain tea?
The leaves can be made into a tea or tincture, and this is said to help with indigestion, heartburn and ulcers when taking internally. Externally, Plantain has been used for insect and snake bites, and as a remedy for rashes and cuts.
What does plantain leaf cure?
The plantain leaf benefits have been traced back to the 1500s to cure health conditions such as the cold, fever or flu. It has antibacterial, anti-irritant and antiseptic properties.
What are the benefits of drinking plantain tea?
Plantain's Internal Use The tea is particularly useful for calming gastrointestinal inflammation and supporting restoration of damaged mucosa, and, because it has both astringent and demulcent properties, plantain is also useful for helping to ease diarrhea.
What is the health benefit of plantain roots?
Great plantain contains substances which might help decrease pain and swelling (inflammation), decrease mucous (phlegm) production, and open airways. It might also be able to kill bacteria and fungi.
What are the benefits of plantain leaves in herbal tea?
Plantain Leaf Tea is known to act as an astringent, a quality known to wring out “wet” conditions, such as diarrhea. Additionally, astringents are reputed to help keep mucus membranes toned.
What is plantain oil good for?
Infused Plantain oils or salves are good for helping to heal skin conditions.
What is the purpose of plantain poultices?
Plantain poultices have been used for centuries to promote the healing of bites, stings, sores and wounds. The plant is rich in tannin, which helps draw tissues together to stop bleeding. You can make a simple poultice by crushing fresh leaves then applying it to the infected area. Replace with freshly crushed leaves every day, until the wound heals.
How long to boil plantains?
Method: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Prepare a large bowl of ice water. Cook the Plantain leaves in boiling water for 4 min. Remove the leaves from the boiling water and immerse them in the ice water to stop the cooking process. Drain the leaves. Mix the seasoning ingredients together in a separate bowl.
How many species of plantago are there?
Plantago is commonly referred to as plantain, and there are about 200 species of this small plant that often grow underfoot in many habitats. Their leaves can be narrow or broad, depending on the species. They are found all over the world including most of the US.
Where is Broadleaf Plantain found?
Plantago is originally native to Europe and today; it can be found in many parts of North America.
Why is tea used for mosquito bites?
It is of great use when it comes to speeding recovery of wounds, and for itching or pain associated with skin problems. A tea made from the leaf can be sprayed on mosquito bites to ease the itch.
Can you use plantains as a spinach substitute?
The seeds are small and tedious to collect but are edible and can be used as a flour extender. Steamed, young Plantain leaves can be used as a spinach substitute although they are slightly bitter. Here is a recipe for a tasty Plantain salad:
Why is plantain considered a medicinal herb?
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. ( 4) Advertisement.
What is wild plantain used for?
You can also use wild plantain herb to treat infections such as bronchitis, tonsillitis, the common cold, and sinusitis.
How to make plantain tea?
( 6) You can take a few young plantain leaves to make a medicinal herb tea. Roughly chop the fresh leaves and put in a cup of boiling water, cover, and allow to steep for 10 minutes.
What is the best herb to keep your mouth clean?
Plantain weed is an herb that is extremely versatile and can help to keep your mouth free from plaque and bacteria.
What is the best herb to strengthen your immune system?
Wild plantain is an amazingly useful herb that can help in strengthening your immunity.
Why is plantain considered a weed?
Plantain is called a weed because it is an invasive plant that can quickly take over a garden. However, plantain should be regarded as an herb due to its many health benefits. Plantain is among the edible weeds that are good for you.
Can you use plantain tea on your skin?
Because plantain is an incredibly useful herb, you can also use plantain tea to cleanse and tone your skin.
What is plantain in plants?
Plantain belongs to the Plantago geunus that contains over 200 varieties of plants that we call 'Plantain' or 'Fleaworts'. Keep in mind, this does not include the similarly named fruit called plantain. Plantain is an amazing backyard marvel, a useful herb, Here I'll share with you five ways to prepare plantain for medicinal use, ...
What is Plantain?
Everyone cuts down Plantain when mowing the lawn. It is an eyesore to most, in a otherwise well manicured lawn. Yet it is more useful than you know.
What is the best way to use plantain leaves?
3. Plantain Tea. This is possibly the most simple way to use plantain, you can dry leaves ahead of time and store much like you would any loose leaf tea. Fresh plantain leaves can also be used to make tea, fresh would be a time saver, although both are beneficial.
Why is Plantain called White Man's Footprint?
Leaving the normal civilian to think of it as just another hindrance to achieving the perfect lawn. Because of the commonality of Plantain showing up in footpaths, it was nicknamed 'White man's footprint' by the Native Americans. Plantain was also often referred to as an 'Indian Band-aid' as well.
How to make tincture with plantains?
When making your tincture always use freshly picked plantain. If using a mortar and pestle crush leaves and then put them into a jar with just enough alcohol to cover, and give the jar a few good shakes to thoroughly mix. For the blender method place plantains in the blender and fill with just enough alcohol to cover the leaves. You will want to blend until it resembles baby food. Store in a cool dry place away from any light, I put mine in a low cabinet all the way in the back.
What is the best thing about plantain?
One of the best things (in my opinion) about Plantain's fantastic medicinal properties is the drawing salve you can make from it. I know that 'black drawing salve' is widely known and used by many people, yet somehow I never have all the ingredients needed to make it when I need it. Making salve from plantain is very easy ...
What is tincture in medicine?
Tinctures are also known as suspensions, elixirs, solutions or infusions. Put simply, a tincture means to dissolve something in alcohol.
What is Plantain?
Plantain is a perennial weed with almost worldwide distribution. There are about 250 species. P. lanceolata and P. major are among the most widely distributed, and they grow aggressively. Plantain is wind-pollinated, facilitating its growth where there are no bees and few other plantain plants. P. major produces 13,000 to 15,000 seeds per plant, and the seeds have been reported to remain viable in soil for up to 60 years. P. lanceolata produces 2,500 to 10,000 seeds per plant and has a somewhat shorter seed viability. Plantain seeds can survive passage through the gut of birds and other animals, facilitating their distribution. Plantain, or psyllium seeds, are small (1.5 to 3.5 mm), oval, boat-shaped, dark reddish-brown, odorless, and nearly tasteless. They are coated with mucilage, which aids in their transportation by allowing adhesion to various surfaces.
Why is plantain called English foot?
As such, North American Indians and New Zealand Maori refer to plantain as "Englishman's foot," because it spread from areas of English settlement.
How small are plantains?
Plantain, or psyllium seeds, are small (1.5 to 3.5 mm), oval, boat-shaped, dark reddish-brown, odorless, and nearly tasteless.
How many seeds does a plantain plant have?
Plantain is wind-pollinated, facilitating its growth where there are no bees and few other plantain plants. P. major produces 13,000 to 15,000 seeds per plant, and the seeds have been reported to remain viable in soil for up to 60 years.
Where is Psyllium found?
major have been used in herbal remedies and sometimes were carried to colonies intentionally for that purpose. Psyllium seed has been found in malt refuse (formerly used as fertilizer) and wool imported to England. It has been commonly used in birdseed.
Is plantain good for asthma?
In human studies, plantain has been effective for chronic bronchi tis, asthma, cough, and cold. Clinical studies show that psyllium seed is useful as a bulk laxative. Many reports on psyllium have concluded that it can be helpful in treating various hyperlipidemias.
What is the antimicrobial property of plantains?
Plantains have wide-ranging antimicrobial properties besides being anti-inflammatory and analgesic. It can not only soothe insect bites and superficial wounds but prevent infections and accelerate healing. An active biochemical aucubin is mainly responsible for the antimicrobial action of the herb.
What are the two types of plantains?
You might have come across mainly two types of plantains; the ones with broad leaves called Plantago major and the narrow-leaved type P. lanceolata.
How to use plantain tea for sunburn?
For sunburn – Apply fresh poultice or plantain sludge liberally. Wash the area with the tea and then apply the salve. To improve liver and kidney function – Drink 1-2 glasses of plantain tea every day. For relief from gastrointestinal inflammation – Take the tincture under the tongue or drink plantain tea.
How to treat throat pain with plantain tea?
For throat pain/infection – Gargle with plantain tea or diluted tincture. Take 5-10 drops of tincture under the tongue and ingest it slowly.
How to treat burns on plantain?
Burns – Apply a poultice immediately and apply a bandage with leaves. Follow it up with a plantain salve.
What do the characteristic stalks on a plantain plant mean?
The characteristic flower stalks help identify plantain among other rosette-forming plants, but they may not be present all the time. If you are in doubt, get the help of a knowledgeable person.
What are the nutrients in broadleaf plantain?
The edible leaves of broadleaf plantain are rich in calcium and other minerals and vitamins, including Vitamin K. This vitamin helps stem bleeding from cuts and wounds. Tender leaves can be eaten fresh in salads, but older leaves have to be cooked.
What are the features of plantains?
Their most noticeable feature are the parallel veins that run vertically along the leaves, that is, from stem to tip.
Where to avoid plantain?
When collecting, avoid plants in areas within eight feet of a road, where pesticides are used, and in areas frequented by pets. This is narrow leaf plantain, a different variety than the broad leaf plant featured at the top of the blog.
What is a saline infusion used for?
The infusion can be used in eye compresses, spritzed on a sunburn, applied to itchy skin and rashes, and dabbed on acne and eczema. When consumed as an infusion, it may help with colds, sore throats, allergies, sinus, chest congestion, and some digestive issues.
Can you take plantains in tincture?
Plantain can also be taken in tincture form. This is the most potent form and can be used in treating bladder infections and other internal concerns. Combs’s book Heal Local has detailed guidance on this. Article continues after the video...
Can you eat plantains if you have allergies?
Do your research and educate yourself on the specific issues you’re treating. Herbalist and author of Heal Local, Dawn Combs, notes that there are no known contraindications for plantain, but do not eat this plant if you have a known allergy.
Is plantain edible?
Plantain is edible . According to herbalists and authors Combs and McIntyre, it’s a good source of bioavailable zinc, calcium, and beta-carotene. The plant can be eaten raw or cooked and used dried or fresh.
What Is Plantain Leaf?
Plantain ( Plantago sp.) is a large genus of plants with over 200 different species. Two of these species are commonly used medicinally: Plantago major and Plantago lanceolata.
Why do people use plantain leaves?
Another traditional use for plantain leaf was to ease coughs and other types of respiratory problems. The leaves contain a good amount of mucilage, which helps to soothe, moisten, and protect the throat and respiratory system.
What is the plantain that is used for psyllium?
A third species of plantain ( Plantago ovato) is where psyllium comes from. Psyllium is a popular dietary supplement used to treat mild constipation and promote regularity. Psyllium husk is a main ingredient in Metamucil, but can also be used on its own as a fiber source to promote healthy digestion.
What is the best herb to use for wounds?
Modern herbalist Rosemary Gladstar calls plantain a "poultice herb supreme". Its fresh leaves can be mashed and applied directly to insect bites and stings, burns, skin eruptions, and wounds. She also recommends using plantain alone or with an herb like yarrow on wounds that are still bleeding to slow or stop the flow. (Rosemary Gladstar. Medicinal Herbs: A Beginner's Guide, pg. 189-190)
What are the vitamins in plantain leaves?
Plantain leaves are packed full of vitamins and other nutrients. They are especially high in vitamin s A and C , which can boost immune health, and also contain calcium and various minerals.
Why is plantain leaf used for snake bites?
Plantain leaf is unique among herbs because of its ability to draw out toxins from your skin and body. It was once used to draw out venom from snake bites and other animal and insect bites. Its drawing action can also be highly effective on stings, whether from an insect or a plant like stinging nettle.
Why is plantain called healing blade?
Earning the nickname "Healing Blade," plantain was once used in Scotland to stop blood flow and heal tissues from sword wounds. It was also valued by the Native Americans for treating stings, burns, rashes, and wounds. ( 2)
What is plantain used for?
Plantain Uses for Respiratory Infections. Plantain reduces mucus secretion in the airways, which makes it helpful in treating colds, catarrh, sinusitis, lung and bronchial allergic conditions such as hay fever and asthma. As the herb also has antiseptic properties it can be used as a remedy for a sore throat, tonsillitis and coughs.
What family is a plantain?
Description: Plantain is a low growing perennial plant belonging to the Plantaginaceae or the plantain family.
What is a saline herb used for?
As the herb also has antiseptic properties it can be used as a remedy for a sore throat, tonsillitis and coughs.
Is plantain safe to eat?
Plantain is considered a very safe herb to use, both externally and internally.
Who wrote the book Medicine of the Earth?
Fischer-Rizzi, Susanne: Medicine of the Earth. Legends, recipes, remedies, and cultivation of healing plants. Portland, Rudra Press 1996.
Is plantain good for digestion?
Good for the Digestion. Plantain is considered helpful as a treatment for diarrhea, gastritis, colitis and other digestive ailments due to its astringent properties. The herb has been used to restore acid balance, to regulate gastric secretions and treat inflammation or irritations in the stomach and bowels.
Broadleaf Plantain History
Alexander the Great is credited with bringing broadleaf plantain back to Europe with him in 327 BC. The Saxons quickly grew to label it one of their nine most healing and sacred herbs.
Plantain Identification
Broadleaf plantain grows wild throughout the United States, most of North America, Europe, and Asia. It is technically a noxious weed that pops up about anywhere there is full sun.
Plantain Edible Parts
You can eat every part of the broadleaf plantain plant. The younger the leaves, the better most folks think they taste. But, in a survival situation, the flavor of a safe and wild edible will be far less important than the nutrient value it can provide for your body.
How to Clean Plantain
Because plantain grows at ground level in high traffic area, it is constantly getting a whole lot of mud, animal feces, and whatever else is on the bottom of shoes and bicycle tires on it.
Broadleaf Plantain and Psyllium
The seeds in the flower shoots contain Psyllium. As noted above, these tiny parts of the broadleaf plant boast a myriad of nutrients. Several plant varieties produce Psyllium, but plantain is a rich source of the compound and the easiest to find and identify in most regions.
Broadleaf Plantain Medicinal Benefits
This awesome edible and medicinal weed might most frequently be used in homemade natural salves or poultices. It has incredible drawing power, and can help draw out toxins and splinters from the body.
How to Use Broadleaf Plantain Medicinally
Salves, wound washes, and infusions can be used to treat a plethora of injuries in a topical manner. When making a healing salve, always mix the recipe in a non-metallic pot.
What Is Plantain?
What Is It Used for?
- Traditional/Ethnobotanical uses
Plantain has long been associated with agriculture. Certain species have been spread by human colonization, particularly that of Europeans. As such, North American Indians and New Zealand Maori refer to plantain as "Englishman's foot," because it spread from areas of English settlemen… - Miscellaneous uses
The psyllium in plantain has been used as GI therapy, to treat hyperlipidemia, for anticancer effects, and for respiratory treatment. In human studies, plantain has been effective for chronic bronchitis, asthma, cough, and cold. Clinical studies show that psyllium seed is useful as a bulk l…
Interactions
- Patients taking lithium or carbamazepine should avoid coadministration of plantain. Caution patients receiving lithium or carbamazepine to consult their health care provider before using herbal products.
Side Effects
- Adverse events include anaphylaxis, chest congestion, sneezing and watery eyes, occupational asthma, and a situation involving the occurrence of a giant phytobezoar (a gastric concretion composed of vegetable matter) composed of psyllium seed husks.
Toxicology
- The pollen contains allergenic glycoproteins, as well as components that bind IgE. IgE antibodies have been demonstrated. The IgE-mediated sensitization has contributed to seasonal allergy.
Further Information
- Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances. Medical Disclaimer