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 ETYMOLOGY
Historians believe that the name Plantain might be derived from the Latin word for “floor” which could be in reference to the foot-like shape of the plant’s leaves.
BOTANICAL INFORMATION
Family: Plantaginaceae
Description: Plantain is a perennial, grassy plant with narrow, lanceolate leaves. The flowers are either red or brown in color. The fruit is small and contains a single seed.
Habitat: Plantains are currently cultivated in Europe, Asia, North Africa, and Ethiopia. The plant is also commonly found wild in Italy, especially in the grassy plains of the low-laying mountains.
Cultivation: The cultivation of Plantain requires careful preparation so that the ground in which it is planted is level; this allows for the mechanical harvesting of the plant’s low-laying leaves which do not grow above 20 cm.
Method of Harvest:
The leaves are harvested when they are fully developed, which is usually some time between June to August.
Parts Utilized:
Leaves.
ACTIVE CONSTITUENTS: Iridoide glucosides (aucubin) and mucilagins.
MODE OF ACTION
Actions: Plantain is known for its anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, and soothing properties.
Precautions: This plant is considered very safe and is especially recommended for children.
COMMON INDICATIONS
Plantain is indicated in cases of throat inflammation, respiratory tract secretions with accompanying cough, bronchitis, and other respiratory disorders.
PREPARATION AND USE
Internal Use: The daily suggested dose is within the range of 0.4 - 1mg of the main active constituent, aucubina, which is the equivalent to 4-6g of the bulk herb. Commonly ingested as an infusion, syrup, and through hydroalcoholic extracts.
External Use: Externally used by applying packs soaked in an infusion or decoction to relieve inflammation of the skin and mucous membranes.
Cosmetic Use: Plantain extract is a potent skin moisturizer and may be used in masks and creams to alleviate dry skin.
HISTORY AND LEGENDS
It is recorded that Alexander the Great and the historian/physician Dioscorides believed that Plantain possessed great curative powers. Later, the “Pian-taggine” was one of nine sacred herbs of the Anglo-Saxons, who used it as a universal remedy for fever, kidney pain, poisonous bites, haemorrhoids, ulcers, wounds and many other maladies. According to tradition, their was a Nordic spirit “Plantain” that controlled entry into the realm of Hel, the goddess of death. All across Europe this species of seemingly little importance was considered valuable for treating various diseases and disorders: it is still common for pounded plantain leaves or juice to be used in soothing burns, wounds, swelling and insect bites. An infusion of plantain was used for nose bleeds, bladder weakness, gastritis, chronic diarrhea, asthma, whooping cough, and haemorrhoids. In addition, the mucilage and tannin rich Plantain leaves, were used for their anti-inflammatory and anti-diarrhoeal effects.
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.
References
“Antispasmodic activity of an extract from Plantago lanceolata L. and some isolated compounds.” Phytomedicine. 2007 Jun;14(6):409-15. Epub 2007 Feb 12.
“Plantain (Plantago lanceolata L.: anti-inflammatory action in upper respiratory tract infections” Wien Med Wochenschr. 1999;149(8-10):211-6.
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