Plantago lanceolata; Plantago major (Plantain)
Family: Plantaginaceae
Habitat/Botanical Description: Strongly veined leaves, in a basal rosette with leaves narrow and long that taper to a tip. The flowers are tiny, yellowish-green with purple turning to yellow anthers in a long dense spike. Grows throughout the world.
Part Used: Leaves and Seeds
Active Constituents:
Acids (oleanic), flavonoids (apigenin, balcalein, luteolin, scutellarin), iridoids (acubin), lipids, phenols (caffeic acid), polysaccharides, tannin
Medicinal Actions:
Alterative, analgesic, anti-bacterial, anti-hemorrhagic, anti-inflammatory, astringent, diuretic, expectorant, vulnerary
Medicinal Use:
1)       Flowral head that are going to seed and the leaves.
2)       seeds are protein and good for food and the fats are demulcent and anti-inflammatory
not as high in essential fatty acid as flax seeds
Plantago lanceolata shares its medicinal effects with its close relative Plantago major. Lanceolata seems to be more effective internally while major is more effective externally.
high in flavanoid thus it is high in thus good for inflammation
spasmodic cough that linger it is used to treat it.
allergiy with lots of postnasal drip.
seeds used as a poultice to reduce the inflammation
apply plaster to soul of feet pull the circulation especially when there is stagnation
scoprion and insect bite and stinging nettle (always grows next to the stinging nettle)
grind the seeds into flour.
Plantago is an effective, soothing and gentle expectorant for coughs accompanied by irritation and copious mucus. It is also indicated for coughs that linger after the acute phase of the illness has passed on. The combination of astringent and expectorant properties is effective in reducing catarrh and inflammation of the upper respiratory tract as well. This indicated it as useful in treatment of allergies, rhinitis, sinusitis, bronchitis and pleuritis when accompanied by glandular swelling, diarrhea and skin inflammation. Best results are obtained when it is used long term.
It is an alterative to the gastrointestinal tract, combining the effects of a alterative with anti-inflammatory, astringent and vulnerary actions. It can also be useful treating urinary tract conditions that are accompanied by inflammation and discharge including bleeding such as cystitis, nocturnal enuresis and urethritis.
Externally it is used for bites, stings, and other skin conditions accompanied by inflammation, exudate or bleeding. Historically it was used to treat the bites and stings of snakes and venomous insects. It is said to reduce effects of inflammation of the trigeminal nerve as in tic douloureux.
Contraindications: None
Toxicity: None
Drug Interactions: None
Pharmacy:
Decoction (Concentrated): 2 tsp/cup TID
10 :1 part of flour and the mustard any other stimulant herb that stimulate when touch topically.
Tincture (1:5): 3 – 5 ml TID
Fluid Extract (1:2): 1 – 3 ml TID
Fresh Juice: 5 – 15 ml TID