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Plantain

Uses

Botanical names:
Plantago lanceolata, Plantago major

Parts Used & Where Grown

These green, weedy plants are native to Europe and Asia, but now grow practically anywhere in the world where there is sufficient water. Plantain should not be confused with the banana-like vegetable of the same name. The leaves of plantain are primarily used as medicine. The seeds of plantain can also be used medicinally, having mild laxative effects similar to the seeds of psyllium, a close relative of plantain.

What Are Star Ratings?

This supplement has been used in connection with the following health conditions:

Used for Why
2 Stars
Bronchitis
3 cups tea daily made from 1/4 to 1/2 tsp dried herb per cup
Plantain is a soothing herb that has been shown to help people with chronic bronchitis.

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. is a demulcent that has been documented in two preliminary trials conducted in Bulgaria to help people with chronic bronchitis. Other demulcents traditionally used for people with bronchitis include mullein, marshmallow, and slippery elm. Because demulcents can provoke production of more mucus in the lungs, they tend to be used more often in people with dry coughs.

1 Star
Burns
Refer to label instructions
Plantain is usually applied directly to the burn to soothe pain and help repair damaged tissue.

Calendula cream may be applied to minor burns to soothe pain and help promote tissue repair. It has been shown in animal studies to be anti-inflammatory and to aid repair of damaged tissues. The cream is applied three times per day. is regarded as similar to calendula in traditional medicine, though usually the whole leaf is applied directly to the burn as a poultice.

1 Star
Cough
Refer to label instructions
Plantain has a long history of use for relieving coughs.

The mucilage of slippery elm gives it a soothing effect for coughs. Usnea also contains mucilage, which may be helpful in easing irritating coughs. There is a long tradition of using wild cherry syrups to treat coughs. Other traditional remedies to relieve coughs include bloodroot, catnip, comfrey (the above-ground parts, not the root), horehound, elecampane, mullein, lobelia, hyssop, licorice, mallow, (Malvia sylvestris),red clover, ivy leaf, pennyroyal (Hedeoma pulegioides, Mentha pulegium),onion, (Allium cepa), and (Plantago lanceolata, P. major). None of these has been investigated in human trials, so their true efficacy for relieving coughs is unknown.

1 Star
Dermatitis
Refer to label instructions
Plantain has long been considered by herbalists to be a useful remedy for cough, wounds, inflamed skin or dermatitis, and insect bites.
Plantain has long been considered by herbalists to be a useful remedy for cough, wounds, inflamed skin or dermatitis, and insect bites.
1 Star
Insect Bites and Stings
Refer to label instructions
Plantain has long been considered by herbalists to be a useful remedy for insect bites. Plantain is approved by the German Commission E as topical use for skin inflammations.
Plantain has long been considered by herbalists to be a useful remedy for cough, wounds, inflamed skin or dermatitis, and insect bites. Plantain is approved by the German Commission E as topical use for skin inflammations. The fresh leaves can be applied directly three or four times per day to minor injuries, dermatitis, and insect stings.
1 Star
Peptic Ulcer
Refer to label instructions
Because of plantain’s anti-inflammatory and healing effects, it may be beneficial in some people with peptic ulcer.

Because of the anti-inflammatory and healing effects of , it may be beneficial in some people with peptic ulcer. Clinical trials have not been done to confirm this possibility.

1 Star
Urinary Tract Infection
Refer to label instructions
Plantain has anti-inflammatory effects an may be beneficial in some people with UTIs.

Because of the anti-inflammatory effects of , it may be beneficial in some people with UTIs. However, human trials have not been done to confirm this possibility or to confirm the traditional belief that plantain is diuretic.

1 Star
Wound Healing
Refer to label instructions
Topically applied plantain can be used to speed wound healing.

Traditional herbalists sometimes recommend the topical use of herbs such as St. John’s wort, calendula, chamomile, and , either alone or in combination, to speed wound healing. Clinical trial in humans have not yet validated this traditional practice.

Traditional Use (May Not Be Supported by Scientific Studies)

Plantain has long been considered by herbalists to be a useful remedy for cough, wounds, inflamed skin or dermatitis, and insect bites.1 Bruised or crushed leaves have been applied topically to treat insect bites and stings, eczema, and small wounds or cuts. It was considered by herbalists to be a gentle, soothing expectorant, and additionally to have a mild astringent effect said to help remedy hemorrhoids or bladder infections with mild amounts of blood in the urine.2

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PeaceHealth endeavors to provide comprehensive health care information, however some topics in this database describe services and procedures not offered by our providers or within our facilities because they do not comply with, nor are they condoned by, the ethics policies of our organization.