Plantago sp (Plantain)

Question 1

How do you recognise Plantain?

Answer 1

Hardy perennials in grassland - two types. Plantago lanceolata L. & Plantago major L. used interchangeably (including subspecies of the latter).

Question 2

What are Plantain’s main constituents?

Answer 2

Constituents:
• Iridoid glycosides: aucubin, catalpol – anti-bacterial & antiinflammatory.
• Tannins – contribute to anti-infective action.
• Mucilage: arabinose, galactose – soothing & antiinflammatory. • Allantoin – promotes wound healing.
• Phenylpropanoids: caffeic and chlorogenic acids.
• Phenolic acids & flavonoids – anti-inflammatory.
• Triperpenes based on oleanolic and ursolic and acids
• Minerals.

Question 3

What family is Plantain in?

Answer 3

Members of the Plantaginaceae

Question 4

What is Plantain good for?

Answer 4

Safe, gentle herb to use in teas. Dosage in tincture 30 – 50 ml/week. Actions: Repairs and restores (Trophorestorative) mucus membranes. Both demulcent & astringen - Bendle uses for gut issues such as colitis.’Good for snotty kids” and hayfever (with eyebright, elderflowers and ephedra). Anti-haemmorhagic. Anti-infective especially in urinary tract, good to support cystitis. Wound healing. Bitter tasting, toxic to some insects, good for skin balms for wounds and bites.

Question 5

What is Plantain’s Latin name?

Answer 5

Plantago lanceolata & major

Question 6

What parts of Plantain do you use?

Answer 6

Parts used: leaves

Question 7

What safety issues might Plantain have?

Answer 7

None

Question 8

What useful research does Plantain have?

Answer 8

Plantain Plantago
* Abstract of review on Plantago, with nice infographic re actions of constituents.
* EMA Assessment report on Plantago lanceolata

Question 9

What recipes might you use Plantain in?

Answer 9

• You can make a sinus tea using Elderflower, Peppermint (2 parts each), Plantain, Chamomile and Yarrow (1 part each) to shift mucus.
• You can also use to create a wound balm or first aid poultice.