Plantain 50g

Description

Traditional Uses:

Plantain leaves have been used for centuries all over the world as:

• A remedy for wounds and
• a number of problems related to the skin;
• respiratory organs,
• digestive organs,
• reproductive organs
• and circulatory system.

Properties:

A range of biological activities has been found from plant extracts including;

• Analgesic
• Astringent: – encourages skin cells to contract
• Antimicrobial: – destroys or stops the growth of microorganisms
• Antibacterial: – destroys or suppresses the growth of bacteria
• anti-inflammatory
• Antioxidant
•  Anti-toxic: – counteracts toxins
• weak antibiotic,
• Immuno modulating and
• Antiulcerogenic activity
•  Vulnerary: – of use in the healing of wounds
• Plantain is very high in vitamins A and C and in calcium.

Both Greater Plantain & the Ribwort Plantain have these properties. However the Greater Plantain is also edible, whilst the Ribwort is higher in medicinal qualities.

Uses:

• The leaves are a traditional remedy (originally chewed first) for bee stings & insect bites, the itching of nettle stings, allergic rashes and minor burns, cuts and sores.
• The leaves can be used to make a salve for the above purposes.
• New young leaves can be used raw in salads and cooked as ‘greens’.
• Older leaves can be used to make a tea/tissane which due to Plantains astringent properties can aid colds and diarrhea.
• Plantain tea can also be used as a mouthwash for sore gums, throats and mouth ulcers.
• A Plantain tea can also be used for washing the skin, hair and scalp where ‘itchy or sore’ conditions exist.

Cautions: Although there are no known cautions for this herb as with anything care should be taken as it possible to be allergic to any substance.