Plantago maior – Broadleaf plantain, white man's footprint, greater plantain
Plantaginaceae – Plantain family
The raw material is the broadleaf plantain leaf, harvested from May to September and quickly dried in natural conditions or in drying rooms in max. 40° C. The seeds also have medicinal properties.
Broadleaf plantain – appearance and origin:
Broadleaf plantain is a perennial found in the temperate zone, in Poland common on roadsides, in pastures, on banks of bodies of water, in ditches and meadows. The stem grows up to 40-60 cm, erect, bare, no leaves. Basal leaves are clustered into rosettes, widely ovate, with petioles, with a rounded tip, dark green. The flower head is spiky, the seeds light brown, wrinkled.
Broadleaf plantain – effects and use:
Broadleaf plantain contains iridoid glycosides, flavonoids, mucus compounds, triterpene compounds, vitamin C and K, mineral compounds, especially potassium compounds. The broadleaf plantain extracts are used as a protective (mucus compounds) and anti-inflammatory (iridoids, tannins) in gastrointestinal illnesses and bronchitis, pharyngitis. In folk medicine, fresh leaves were applied to small wounds, insect bites, sprains, purulent wounds and ulcers, and the leaf infusion was used to wash stubborn wounds.
In everyday life, the broadleaf plantain is used for its expectorant properties and its ability to inhibit mucus secretion. A plantain syrup is given for common colds, especially to relieve a choking cough making it difficult to breathe. It is also useful for a runny nose and even sinusitis, as it able to dry out the mucus which is bothersome for the afflicted. This is why it is also recommended for hayfever and allergy, although naturally it cannot replace conventional doctor-prescribed medication.
A dried leaf infusion helps to clean out the body from toxins, reduce the temperature and eliminate inflammation. It is beneficial for the digestive, urinary and respiratory systems.
Infusions made with seeds coat the mucosas, protecting them from congestion and excessive permeability of capillaries. Plantain shields the body from viruses and cancer. It is most often indicated for stomach catarrh, irritable bowel syndrome, stomach ulcers, diarrhea, and urinary and respiratory inflammations.
PL