Plantain Leaf and Powder Profile

Also known as

Plantago major (and minor), Broadleaf Plantain, White Man's Foot, Common Plantain, Patrick's Dock, Ripple Grass, Snakeweed, Waybread, Englishman's Foot.

Introduction

The common plantain is of Eurasian descent, but has since been naturalized around the world with particular prominence in the United States. Native American populations referred to it as Whiteman's Foot due to its tendency to spring up around European settlements.

Plantain has been used by many cultures the world over, and the Saxons considered it one of their nine sacred herbs. It was considered an early Christian symbol and many cultures today refer to it as an aphrodisiac. Despite its usefulness, plantain is considered a noxious weed in some regions outside of its native range.

Constituents

allantion, apigenin, aucubin, baicalein, linoleic acid, oleanolic acid, sorbitol, and tannin, beta carotene, vitamin C, calcium

Parts Used

The whole leaf and some stem is acceptable.

Typical Preparations

Eaten raw and fresh in salads, as a tea, in tincture form and as an external compress.

Summary

Medicinally, plantain leaf is approved by the German Commission E for respiratory catarrhs and mild inflammation of the oral and pharyngeal mucosa. It is traditionally used for upper respiratory support, and is topically used for minor cuts, bruises, and stings. The leaves of plantain are quite edible, and are often cooked as greens or used raw in salads. Older leaves have a stronger flavor and may be considered objectionable. These older, stringy leaves may still be used in herbal teas, and are particularly suitable for survival situations where the tough fibers may be converted to rope or fishing line. Plantain is very high in vitamins A and C and is also a rich source of calcium.

References

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10483683?dopt=Abstract

Medical Herbalism by D. Hoffmann pg. 574

Edible and Medicinal Plants of the West, By Gregory L. Tilford pg. 112

Ashton, Megan "The Health Benefits of the Plantain Leaf" Livestrong.com, 29 April 2011. Web. 22 May 2013

Precautions

None known