Plantain is found in most gardens, and is beloved of tortoises. Historically it is famous as a wound healer and antidote to poisons. The Greeks and Romans used it for skin infections and was a folk remedy for toothache and earache. Taken internally, plantain has a soothing action particularly in the respiratory, digestive and urinary systems relieving irritated and inflamed conditions such as colitis, gastritus, bronchitis, harsh coughs and cystitis. It has an astringent action, stemming bleeding and encouraging healing internally and externally and is excellent taken for diarrhoea and catarrh. It can be taken for colds, sinus congestion and allergic conditions such as hayfever and asthma. It is antiseptic, cleansing and a good expectorant. Externally the fresh leaf applied to nettle, bee stings, mosquito & flea bites will bring relief. Legend has it that Alexander the Great discovered it and brought it with him back to Europe in 327 BCE. It has been referred to as the Whiteman’s Foot by Native Americans, as wherever they went, it seemed to spring up. Native Americans used plantain leaves to relieve the pain of bee stings and insect bites, stop the itching of poison ivy and other allergic rashes, and promote healing in sores and bruises. Plantain tea can be used as a mouthwash to help heal and prevent sores in the mouth, and as an expectorant. Most recently, plantain is being marketed as a stop smoking aid! It has been used as a panacea in some Native American cultures and with some very good reasons. Many of its active constituents show antibacterial and antimicrobial properties, as well as being anti-inflammatory and antitoxic. The leaves, shredded or chewed, are a traditional treatment for insect and animal bites and the antibacterial action helps prevent infection and the anti-inflammatory helps to relieve pain, burning, and itching. There is some investigation ongoing to study its affects on lowering blood sugar. And to help get Cholesterol to healthy Levels. To sum up, plantain is useful:
- To aid those with Diabetes
- For Hemorrhoid relief
- To help relieve Irritable Bowel Syndrome
- To help calm the bowels during Constipation or Diarrhea
- To sooth kidney and bladder problems and to aid with Bladder infection
- ITIs and similar problems
- It is safe to use for children
- For indigestion and ulcers.
Plantain leaf is also very soothing on external inflammation
- Bites
- Stings
- Rashes
- Eczema
- Psoriasis
- Burns
- Cuts
- Yeast infections
- and Varicose Veins.