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Information about the herb Plantain
Plantago major
, also known as Dooryard Plantain is part of the Plantaginaceae plant family. Widely distributed
throughout Great Britain, Europe and other parts of the world.
Plantain belongs to the natural order Plantaginaceae of which there are more than 200 species.
Botanical Name: Plantago major
Plant Family: Plantaginaceae
Common Names: Broad-leaved Plantain, Common Plantain, Dooryard Plantain, Greater Plantain, Ripple Grass, Snakeweed, Waybread, White Man's Foot
History: The Anglo-Saxons called broad-leaved Plantain Weybroed and it was mentioned in their ancient Lacnunga as one of nine sacred herbs.
Pliny mentions it for snakebite and mad dogs.
Culpepper tells us that 'Plantain cures the head by antipathy to Mars and cures the private parts by sympathy to Venus'.
Broad-leaved Plantain was spread all over the world by early colonists to America, New Zealand and Australia.
Tradition: Plantain was
- hung in the house to guard against evil spirits
Plant Constituents of Plantain
Contains:
- Aucubin, a glucoside
Medicinal Parts Used: Roots, Leaves, Flowers
Plantain is used for:
Brain and Nervous System Conditions
- epilepsy
- headaches
Digestive Conditions
- bowel complaints
- diarrhea
- dysentery
- gastrointestinal ulcers
- stomach ulcers
Genitourinary Conditions
- bladder infections
- disorders of the kidneys
- obstructions of the kidneys
Liver Conditions
- intermittent fevers
- jaundice
- obstructions of the liver
Parasitic Conditions
- parasites
- worms
Reproductive System Conditions
- female complaints
- increasing virility
- promoting fertility
Respiratory Conditions
- asthma
- bronchitis
- clearing mucous from the body
- colds
- coughs
- lung problems in children
- ulceration of the lungs
Other
- lethargy
- malignant ulcers
- neutralizing poisons
- obstructions of the spleen
- toothache (root chewed)
- ulceration of the mouth and throat
- vomiting
Externally it is used for
- bruises
- burns and scalds
- cooling inflammation of the eyes
- earache and deafness
- hemorrhoids (piles)
- inflammation of the skin
- nettle rash
- ringworm
- scabs and itches
- shingles
- sores
- stings
and insect bites
stopping bleeding of minor surface external wounds - treating wounds
- tumors
It is rubbed on the hands and feet for the pain of
- arthritis
- gout
and it is used as a douche for:
- leucorrhea
Action:
- alterative [an agent capable of favorably altering or changing unhealthy conditions of the body and tending to restore normal bodily function, usually by improving nutrition]
- astringent [a binding agent that contracts organic tissue, reducing secretions or discharges of mucous and fluid from the body]
- demulcent [a substance that soothes inflamed mucous membranes and protects them from irritation]
- deobstruent [an agent that clears away obstructions by opening the natural passages of the body]
- diuretic [an agent that increases the volume and flow of urine which cleanses the urinary system]
- expectorant [an agent that promotes the discharge of mucous and secretions from the respiratory passages]
- hemostatic [an agent that controls bleeding]
- refrigerant [an agent that lowers abnormal body heat, relieves thirst and gives a feeling of coolness]
- vulnerary [a healing application for wounds]
The Oil of the Seeds
- slows the absorption of drugs, so it is often used in preparing injections of drugs
Drug Interactions:
Do not use Plantain without first talking to your practitioner or healthcare provider if you are taking any of the following medications:
- None indicated
Global Herbal Supplies has Plantain available in the following forms:
Information given by our website is provided for informational purposes and is not meant to substitute for the advice provided by a physician or other medical professionals. You should not use the information given for diagnosing a health problem or disease. If you have or suspect that you have a medical problem, promptly contact your health care provider. The above information is just a guide to general circumstances and in no way should it contradict the advice that you have been given by your naturopath, medical doctor or specialist.
