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Plantain
( Plantago major )
Family
Plantaginaceae
Synonyms
Ripplegrass, broadleaved
plantain, cuckoo's bread, wagbread
Character
Expectorant, laxative,
immunostimulant, colonic, demulcent, mucilant, styptic, vulnerary,
antidiarrheal, antirheumatic, candidastatic, astringent
Description
Plantago, a member of the
plantain family, grows in mountainous tropical regions of South America.
Plantain seed belongs to the same genus that includes psyllium seed, a
popular natural laxative. Plantain grows so readily that at one time it was
actually used for birdseed. It is considered one of the most common plants
in the world. ( NOTE: The herb called plantain is totally different that the
cooking banana also called plantain. )
Phytochemistry
Astringent compounds, tannin,
polysaccharides, mucilaginous compounds
Traditional rain forest use
Folk medicine has utilized
plantain seeds to treat tumors found in the gastrointestinal tract and for
colon problems, including constipation. Plantain seeds have been used to
treat intestinal cancers. Members of the Tikuna tribe crushed plantago
leaves with raw eggs as a treatment for fever and bronchitis Making a
gel-like substance out of the seeds has been used as a topical treatment for
sores and other skin afflictions. Because the herb has soothing,
mucilaginous properties that stop itching and inflammation, crushed plantain
leaves were applied to skin rashes, including contact dermatitis. In
addition, chewing the root was recommended for toothache.
Modern medicinal applications
Like psyllium, plantain contains
impressive mucilaginous properties so that when it contacts water, it
swells, thus giving bulk to stool and also soothing inflamed mucous
membranes. Plantain has also been used to stimulate the immune system,
though scientific data supporting this action is lacking. Plantain is
commonly recommended for bladder infections, bleeding, burns, diarrhea,
constipation, skin afflictions, rashes, hemorrhoids, breast cancer, thrush,
dysentery, sores, allergic dermatitis, stomach ulcers, colitis, insect
bites, and female disorders.
Authentication
The New England Journal of
Medicine reports the successful use of crushed plantain leaves for treating
poison ivy. The action of aucubin, its primary glycoside, is responsible for
its healing properties. the tannin contained in this herb gives it an
astringent action which helps to tighten and tone tissue.
Safety
considered nontoxic if taken as
prescribed.
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