Plantain is a soothing herb that has been shown to help people with chronic bronchitis. More. Anti-inflammatory herbs may help people with bronchitis. Often these herbs contain complex polysaccharides and have a soothing effect; they are also known as demulcents.
Where can I find plantain herb?
Plantain, known as Plantago major, grows all over North America and around the world. It is commonly found in yards and gardens where pesticides aren’t used. Chances are, if you’re a Climate Victory Gardener, you’ve come across this plant.
What does plantain herb look like?
Plantain has oval-shaped medium leaves that grow in broad, low rosettes. If left to flower, tall, thin spikes with tiny flowers appear, which then produce tiny seeds that are easily spread by the wind to other parts of your yard. If you want to control this plant, dig them out before these flower spikes appear.
What does plantain herb taste like?
The shoots of the broadleaf plantain, when green and tender and no longer than about four inches, can be described as a poor-man’s fiddlehead, with a nutty, asparagus-like taste. Pan-fry in olive oil for just a few seconds to bring out this taste.
What is the English name for plantain leaf?
Plantain, also known as broadleaf plantain (Plantago major), is native to Europe and certain parts of Asia. This perennial plant produces greenish flowers and has large, oval-shaped leaves that can be eaten raw or cooked. Despite sharing its name, plantain weed is unrelated to plantain fruit, which is a type of banana.
What is plantain herb good for?
Plantain has long been considered by herbalists to be a useful remedy for cough , wounds , inflamed skin or dermatitis, and insect bites. Bruised or crushed leaves have been applied topically to treat insect bites and stings, eczema , and small wounds or cuts.
What is plantain leaf powder used for?
In powdered form, plantain is easy to incorporate into herbal powders and moist poultices to address insect bites, minor cuts and other skin irritations. A rich source of calcium, vitamin A, vitamin B1 and riboflavin, plantain powder is also encapsulated as a dietary supplement.
Is plantain herb edible?
Plantain is a highly nutritious wild edible, that is high in calcium and vitamins A, C, and K. The young, tender leaves can be eaten raw, and the older, stringier leaves can be boiled in stews and eaten. The seeds are also edible.
How do you make plantain herb?
Once you have your powdered plantain, here are some things you can do with it:
- Rehydrate it (with water or spit) to make a poultice.
- Soak it in alcohol (vodka or pure grain alcohol) to make a medicinal tincture.
- Make tea.
- Make an oil infusion by soaking it in olive or fractionated coconut oil for four to six weeks.
What are the two types of plantain?
Two groups of plantains are thought to have a common origin: the horn plantain and the French plantain. Both types grow in India, Africa, Egypt, and tropical America. The French plantains also occur in Indonesia and the islands of the Pacific.
Does plantain contain antihistamine?
2) Broadleaf plantain
As a natural antihistamine, it is particularly effective for reducing inflammation in the eyes and mucus membranes in the nose. Plantain is also well known for its ability to stop bleeding, heal ulcers, stings and insect bites, which makes it an excellent first aid remedy.
Is plantain anti fungal?
Ribwort Plantain seems to be a very versatile addition to the medicine cabinet being an antihistamine, antifungal, antioxidant, analgesic and even a mild antibiotic.
How do you identify Plantago?
Leaves. The leaves grow in a rosette and can range from 5 to 30 cm in length. Plantain leaves have stems that contain string-like veins and these veins are seen on the leaf. There are five to seven prominent parallel veins from the base.
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. It cools and moistens the mucosa but also dries up mucus and water from the lungs.
How do you use plantain for inflammation?
Plantain tea can soothe internal, inflamed intestinal conditions such as inflammatory bowel issues and peptic ulcers because of its anti-inflammatory effects and tissue-healing properties. Drink a tea made from 1/2 tsp of dried plantain leaves steeped in a cup of water.
Is plantain leaf good for lungs?
Plantain is most famously used as a poultice for bug bites and bee stings, but the leaves are also soothing and healing in lung recipes. They ease irritation and dryness as well as boggy dampness, gently moisturizing while also helping to dry, tighten, and tone the mucus lining.
What are the benefits of drinking plantain leaf tea?
Packed with tannins, aucubin [an iridoid glycoside], and mucilage, the plantain leaf extract is known to have expectorant and anti-irritant properties as well. The leaves can be made into a tea or tincture, and this is said to help with indigestion, heartburn and ulcers when taking internally.
Is plantain herb safe for kids?
Plantain is safe for children of all ages in getting relief from insect bites and soothing skin rashes. You can simply pick few clean plantain leaves, chew them and apply chewed leaves on a wound or itchy area.
Is plantain good for hair growth?
They help with hair growth. Eating plantains or applying them directly to your scalp can help with generating new hair growth. Plantains are packed with high levels of vitamin C which helps your hair health in a few ways. It helps the scalp have proper circulation to encourage new growth by supporting the follicles.
What are the side effects of plantain?
Great plantain seems to be safe when taken by mouth by most adults. But it may cause some side effects including diarrhea and low blood pressure. It might be UNSAFE to apply great plantain to the skin. It can cause allergic skin reactions.
How do you use plantain leaf for 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.