HERBAL MEDICINE :PLAINTAIN LEAVES

Plantain (Plantago major) Family: Plantaginaceae Common Names: Common plantain, broadleaf plaintain, white man’s foot Plantain (Plantago major) , also known as broadleaf plantain and Englishman's Foot, is a perennial weed, commonly found in waste places, lawns, meadows, and along fields and hedges throughout North America, Europe and Africa.
 This herb is believed to be native to Europe and Asia, but it now grows wild all over the world. It is one of the most widely used herbs in Latin America and Europe, where it is used as a treatment for cancer.

 The juice extracted from the leaves is used as an eyewash for those suffering from ophthlamia and conjunctivitis.
  A tea of the roots, leaves and flowers with the stalks can be taken reduce fevers, to induce menstruation and to relieve stomach pains.
  Plantago major was used traditionally to prevent uterine bleeding after childbirth (made into a tea and inserted via a douche).
  The herb has a long history of use dating back to ancient times. The young leaves are used raw in salad or cooked as a potherb and are very rich in vitamin B1, riboflavin, chlorophyll and potassium.   Plantain contains fiber, potassium, calcium, magnesium, sodium, phosphorus, zinc and copper, as well as vitamins A, C and K. It is also a rich source of numerous phytochemicals, including allantoin, glycosides, phenols, salicylic acid and tannins.
 The International College of Herbal Medicine states that plantain leaf has anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antibiotic and immune-stimulating properties.
 The leaves and the seed are medicinally used as an antibacterial, antidote for poison, astringent, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, antitussive, cardiac, demulcent, diuretic, expectorant, haemostatic, laxative, ophthalmic, poultice, refrigerant, and vermifuge.
 Medical evidence exists to confirm uses as an alternative medicine for asthma, emphysema, bladder problems, bronchitis, fever, hypertension, rheumatism and blood sugar control.
  A decoction of the roots is used in the treatment of a wide range of complaints including diarrhoea, dysentery, gastritis, peptic ulcers, irritable bowel syndrome, external haemorrhage, haemorrhoids, cystitis, bronchitis, catarrh, sinusitis, coughs, asthma and hay fever.
 It also causes a natural aversion to tobacco and is currently being used in stop smoking preparations.   Extracts of the plant have antibacterial activity. Folk medicine attributes expectorant, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic properties to plantain, and clinical trials with humans support these claims.
 The herb has been proven effective in the treatment and control of obesity, a use popular in some parts of the world, but rarely seen in America. Plantain has an appetite-satiating effect and reduces intestinal absorption of liquids. Related anti-cholesterol and appetite suppressant effects have also been experimentally verified. Anti-tumor effects have been demonstrated in animals.
 Plantain leaf has a rich history of oral and topical medicinal use, particularly for the treatment of skin ailments, and it is sold today as a supplement for a variety of health promoting purposes. Plantain acts as a diuretic, helping to rid the body of excess water.
 A tea of the entire plant can be used for bladder and kidney problems, stomach ulcers, hay fever and allergies and to stop internal bleeding.
 It also promotes digestive health by helping to ease indigestion and heartburn and treat diarrhea and dysentery.
 Plantain leaf also soothes the lungs and promotes respiratory health and is used to treat coughs and bronchitis. Additional purported uses for plantain leaf include enhancing circulation, stimulating the uterus, treating cystitis and hay fever and reducing total cholesterol levels.
  Plantain leaves have antiseptic properties and can be used topically to promote the healing of damaged skin, reduce skin inflammation, stop bleeding, reduce pain and prevent secondary infections of wounds. The fresh leaves are used to dress wounds, dog and insect bites to stop bleeding and prevent infections.
  Plantain can also be applied as a poultice to help soothe bee stings, burns, rashes and hemorrhoids; and to relieve itching from insect bites.
 A poultice of the fresh leaves cures herpes, syphilitic sores and parasitic skin diseases.
 In addition, extracts of it can be used as a mouthwash to reduce gum inflammation and gum disease and to treat mouth ulcers. Held in the mouth, it heals ulcers, strengthens the gums, relieve throat irritations, coughs and nosebleeds.
 The fresh leaves are also good for teething babies. The Indians carried this herb around as a first aid measure. In China plantain has a very ancient reputation as a curing herb. It used for general debility, spermatorrhea, loss of sexual potency and to promote fertility and strengthen the reproductive organs. The tea in Jamaica is used to prevent miscarriage, stop diarrhea and the internal bleeding and to remedy dysentery.

SAFETY AND PRECAUTION 

Plantain plant appears to be completely safe and nontoxic.

SOURCES 

Basic Herbs for Health and Healing: Rashan Abdul Hakim ...www.amazon.com/Basic-Herbs-Health-Healing-Rashan/dp/9768166029.
 http://www.livestrong.com/article/430791-the-health-benefits-of-the-plantain-leaf/

Herbalist  Anna Athieno (BSC) 

www.miraclehealingherbs1.com

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