Plantain (Plantago Major)
Plantain (Plantago Major) is an energetic cooling herb that is effective in soothing bites and stings and can be used to relieve oral pain associated with toothache and mouth ulcers. Plantain is also known as Ribwort, its leaves and roots have stimulating properties which are beneficial for the circulatory system and the glandular system, particularly the lymphatic system and kidney and bladder conditions.
Plantain is excellent for treating hot conditions such as inflammation, pain and swelling due to it’s cooling properties. It can also relieve hot itchy rashes and burns. It can also soothe and calm skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis.
BENEFITS
Plantain is an energetic cooling herb that can be effective when used for a number of conditions.
Therapeutic Action
Alterative, Antiseptic, Ant-isyphilitic, Astringent, Demulcent, Deobstruent, Diuretic, Expectorant, Haemostatic, Styptic and Vulnerary.
Can be used for the following issues:
Poisonous Bites and Stings, Boils, Carbuncles, Tumours, Inflammation, Eczema, Blood Poisoning, Malignant and Bleeding Ulcers, Bleeding of Minor Wounds, Diarrhoea, Piles, Cuts and Scratches, Erysipelas, Burns, Scalds, Lumbago, Bed-Wetting, Toothache, Internal Parasites, Sores, Itchy Skin, Ringworm, Poison Ivy and Bruises.
Respiratory Tract Infections - Plantain can be effective in soothing and relieving colds, flu, chest infections and bronchitis due to its expectorant properties while it’s alternative properties can help to restore vitality and get you back to full health.
Bites and stings – Plantain has antiseptic and vulnerable properties which means it is an excellent herb to use on bites and stings as it can help to clean the area and prevent infection and speed the healing process.
Intestinal Parasites – Thyme can help to kill and expel intestinal parasites such as worms due to its
Skin Conditions – Cuts and scrapes, sores, itchy skin can all be soothed by Plantain due to its antiseptic, vulnerary and astringent properties which help clean the wound, prevent infection and speed up the healing process, whilst its styptic and haemostatic properties can help to stop bleeding.
Eczema – Plantain can help to relieve the symptoms of skin conditions such as eczema thanks to it’s demulcent properties which help to reduce inflammation and irritation.
Burns – Thyme can be effective in soothing burns, preventing infection and speeding up the healing process due to its antiseptic and vulnerary properties.
HOW TO USE PLANTAIN
Plantain can be taken in a number of forms such as fluid extract, infusion and powder. Glycerine can be added as a preserve to increase the shelf life if necessary.
DOSAGES
The basic dosages are as follows:
Tincture - ½ - 1 teaspoon 3 times per day.
Infusion - 1 tablespoon 3 - 4 times per day.
Powder - ½ - 1 teaspoon 3 times per day,
Fluid Extract - ½ - 1 teaspoon 3 times per day.
A hot infusion is made by steeping the herb in boiling water for between 15 – 20 minutes, many herbal teas are made in this way.
A cold Infusion is made by soaking the herb in cold water or milk for between 6 – 8 hours
You can make a batch of both hot and cold infusions and store for several days in the fridge.
Poultices are made from ground or chopped herbs that are mixed with boiled water until they form a paste which can then be applied to muslin and then applied to the skin. Applied cold they draw out heat, infection and inflammation when applied hot they soothe pain and spasms.
WAYS TO USE
ORALLY
Intestinal Parasites/Worms
Plantain can be made into an infusion and drank as a warm tea to expel intestinal parasites such as worms. Can be taken as a tea or a tincture.
Tea - Drink 1 cup of warm Plantain tea 3 times per day for general infections but can be used as needed in the case of a severe infection.
Tincture - 1 teaspoon 3 times per day.
Respiratory Conditions
Drinking a warm infusion of Plantain tea can be effective in relieving colds, flu and congestion caused by respiratory conditions. Can be taken as a tea or a tincture.
Tea - Drink 1 cup of warm Plantain tea 3 times per day or as needed.
Tincture - 1 teaspoon 3 times per day.
WASHES/POULTICES
Stings and bites
Plantain can be used soothe bites and stings, drawing out the poison and relieving irritation.
Bruise the leaves of fresh Plantain and place over the bite or sting, leave on for 5 - 15 minutes, if necessary change poultice before it dries in severe cases.
Eczema/Psoriasis
Plantain can be used to soothe and calm skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis.
Wash - Using a warm infusion of Plantain soak a clean cloth and gently clean apply over the affected area 2 - 3 times per day.
Lotion - Mix 1 part infusion to 2 parts base lotion to make a lotion, rub into the affected area 2 - 3 times daily or as needed.
Burns/Sunburn
Plantain can be used soothe burns, prevent infections and speed up the healing process.
Wash - Using a cold infusion of Plantain soak a clean cloth and gently clean the area wash the area 2 - 3 times per day until the wound has healed.
Cuts, Bruises and Open Wounds
Plantain can be used soothe cuts and and bruises, it can be used as a wash to clean the area and also as a poultice to stem the bleeding.
Wash - Using a cold infusion of Plantain soak some cotton wool or clean cloth and gently clean the area wash the area 2 - 3 times per day until the wound has healed.
Poultice - Bruise the leaves of fresh Plantain and place over the bite or sting, leave on for 5 - 15 minutes, if necessary change poultice before it dries in severe cases.
SIDE EFFECTS
As with all herbs there is the slight possibility of allergic reactions, although this is rare. Plantain is generally considered safe to use.