Plantain (plantain in tagalog)

Common Plantain (Plantago major) and  Lance-leaf Plantain (plantago lanceolata). Part used: Leaves and seeds. Properties: Diuretic, emollient, alternative, antiseptic, astringent, deobstruent, expectorant, vulnerary. What it affects: Kidneys, veins, intestines, and externally on the skin.

Preparation and amount: Infusion (leaf): Steep 5-15 min. 3 oz. 3-4 times daily. Decoction (seed): Simmer 1 oz. seeds in 1 ½  pints of water, reduce to 1 pint: sweeten with honey. Take 1 Tbsp. 3-4 times daily. Tincture: Take 2-60 drops 3-4 times daily. Fluid extract: Take 1/2 - 1 tsp. 3-4 times daily. Powder: Take up to 10 #0 capsules (up to 60 grains) 3-4 times daily.

Purposes: There are several plantains, but they all have the same properties. The two primary ones are common plantain (plantago major), which has an almost circular leaf, and the lesser-used lance-leaf plantain (plantago lanceolata), which has very narrow leaves. The wider the leaf, the greater the diuretic effect.

Internally, plantain has soothing, cooling properties which make it effective in a wide range of maladies, including infections, inflammations, diarrhea, ulcers, bronchitis, and excessive menstrual discharge. Make an infusion using an ounce of the herb in a pint of water. It acts as a diuretic and is soothing to the lungs and urinary tract. It is excellent for acute neuralgia; for this, take 2-5 drops of tincture every 20 minutes. It is a good remedy for cough irritations, hoarseness, gastritis, and enteritis. It is helpful for all respiratory problems, especially those involving mucous congestion, It is useful for indigestion and heartburn.

• It is useful in the treatment of water retention and kidney and bladder infections. It will neutralize stomach acids and normalize all stomach secretions. It may slow the growth of tuberculosis bacteria.

• The seeds are similar to psyllium seeds. And, if taken in amounts of 1 tsp. of powdered juice 3 times a day, it will provide an excellent bulk laxative. Soaked overnight in water, this will produce a gel. Then bring it to a boil, turn off the fire, and let it steep for 10 minutes. Press the gel through a strainer and use for ulcers, intestinal pains, and spitting up of blood. Inject a cup of the tea several times a day into the colon for hemorrhoids. Use it as a douche for vaginal difficulties. The fresh juice, pressed from the whole plant, is good for chronic catarrhal problems, gastro-intestinal difficulties and worms. Externally, plantain has a healing, antibiotic, and styptic (blood stanching) effect when applied to sores and wounds. It is commonly known to neutralize the toxins of insect and snakebites. Put freshly ground leaves (or chewed slightly) onto the bites snakes, insects, and bees. A decoction of the dried leaves promotes coagulation of blood. Place a salve of it on boils, carbuncles, and eczema. The fresh juice extract is good for itchy skin. At the same time, swallow a tablespoon of the fresh juice. Plantain is an excellent remedy for skin infections, cuts, scratches, and chronic skin problems. It is used in a variety of salves and ointments, alone or in combination with other herbs (such as chickweed, comfrey, mugwort, and angelica). Apply the fresh leaves to wounds, sores, insect bites, ringworm, and even hemorrhoids. Chewing the rootstock will give temporary relief from toothache.