Plantain

Latin Name: Plantago lanceolata
Family: Plantaginaceae

Part used: Leaf.
Energetics: Salty, bitter, a bit astringent
Iris: All types
Interactions: Please check with your Healthcare Provider.

CONTRA-INDICATIONS

None known.
Monitor blood sugar levels if Diabetic (Type 1 and 2).

ACTIONS

Antihistamine
Alterative
Anti-bacterial
Anti-allergy
Anti-tussive
Anti-viral
Hypoglycaemic
Blood tonic
Lymphatic
Diuretic
Expectorant
Demulcent
Astringent
Antacid
Vulnerary
Immune-stimulant
Antispasmodic
Antiseptic

Main Constituents

Iridoid glycosides
Triterpenoids
Phenols
Flavonoids
Tannins
Mucilage
Monoterpene alkaloids
Polysaccharides
Caffeic acid
Zn
Fe
Ca
Na
Vitamins: A, C, K.

Main Uses

Digestive System: IBS, Dysentery, Diverticulosis, Blood in stool, Hyperacidity, Bleeding gums, Toothache

Infections:
Bacteria: Bacillus subtilis, E. coli, Micrococcus flavus, Yersinia, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes, Vibrio cholerae.
Fungi: Candida
Protozoa: Entamoeba histolytica, Giardia, Plasmodium
Viruses: Paramyxovirus
Integumentary System: Ulcers (internal and external), Bruises, Chronic discharging skin eruptions, Scalds, Burns, Wounds, Eczema, Acne
Circulatory: Chronic blood disorders, Bleeding piles, Diabetes
Nervous system: Neuralgia remedy
Endocrine: Excess menstrual loss
Immune System: Any immune issues
Respiratory System: Clears mucous, Bronchitis
Urinary System: Kidney and bladder disorders, Blood in urine, Cystitis

More About Plantain

Plantain reduces blood sugar levels by delaying sugar absorption in the intestine. Diabetics may be able to reduce their insulin dosage.
Bulk laxative - increases the volume of the faeces and the elimination of bacteria and water. Increases the frequency of defecation. Used as a soothing demulcent for irritable conditions of the intestine. Inflammatory and spastic conditions respond to the demulcent activity. Useful in cases of hemorrhoids.
The tannins are astringent which can help to stem excessive menstrual bleeding and reduce benign enlargement of the prostate, or even soothe prostatitis.
Plantain clears heat and has a cooling effect on fevers, infections and skin irritations. Plantain helps to expel mucus so may be helpful in cases of catarrh, allergies, sinusitis or bronchial infections, as well as helping to clear discharges from the middle ear.

Recipes:

Plantain Ointment

Ingredients:

119g of fresh plantain leaves (washed and patted dry) or 1/4 cup dried plantain leaves
119ml of carrier oil (such as olive oil, coconut oil, or almond oil)
2 tablespoons beeswax pellets or grated beeswax
Optional: A few drops of lavender essential oil (for added fragrance and soothing properties)

Instructions:

If using fresh plantain leaves, finely chop them. If using dried plantain leaves, you can use them as they are.
In a clean, dry glass jar, place the plantain leaves.
Heat the carrier oil gently until it's warm but not boiling.
Pour the warm oil over the plantain leaves in the jar, ensuring that the leaves are fully covered.
Seal the jar tightly and place it in a warm, sunny spot for about 2-4 weeks. This will allow the plantain leaves to infuse into the oil. Shake the jar gently every day to help with the infusion process.
After the infusion period, strain the oil through a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth into a clean glass container. Squeeze the herbs to extract as much liquid as possible.
In a double boiler / bain marie or a heatproof bowl placed over a pot of simmering water, combine the infused plantain oil and beeswax.
Heat the mixture gently, stirring until the beeswax is completely melted and well combined with the oil.
If you're using lavender essential oil, you can add a few drops at this stage and stir it in.
Remove the mixture from heat and allow it to cool slightly. It should start to thicken as it cools.
Pour the semi-solid ointment into clean, dry containers, such as small jars or tins.
Allow the ointment to cool and set completely.
Apply the plantain ointment topically to minor skin irritations, insect bites, or minor wounds for soothing and healing. Reapply as needed.
Store the plantain ointment in a cool, dry place.

Plantain Pesto

Ingredients:

237g of fresh plantain leaves (washed and patted dry)
119g of fresh basil leaves
30g of raw walnuts or pine nuts
30g of grated Parmesan cheese (or nutritional yeast for a vegan option)
2 cloves garlic, peeled
Juice of 1 lemon
119ml of extra-virgin olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

Harvest fresh plantain leaves, ensuring they are free from pesticides and contaminants. Wash the leaves thoroughly and pat them dry.
If you're using raw walnuts or pine nuts, you can toast them in a dry saucepan over medium heat for a few minutes until they become fragrant and lightly browned. Remove them from the saucepan and let them cool.
In a food processor or blender, combine the fresh plantain leaves, basil leaves, toasted nuts (if using), grated Parmesan cheese or nutritional yeast, garlic cloves, and lemon juice.
Pulse the ingredients a few times to begin breaking them down.
With the food processor or blender running, slowly drizzle in the extra-virgin olive oil until the mixture reaches your desired consistency. You can add more olive oil if needed.
Taste the pesto and season with salt and pepper to your liking. Adjust the lemon juice, garlic, or cheese/nutritional yeast as desired.
Transfer the plantain pesto to a clean jar or airtight container. If not using immediately, you can store it in the refrigerator for up to a week. To preserve the colour and freshness, you can drizzle a thin layer of olive oil on top before sealing the container.
Use your homemade plantain pesto as a spread for sandwiches, a topping for pasta, a dip for veggies, or a flavourful addition to salads and roasted vegetables.

References

Heavy menstrual bleeding,

The effect of plantain syrup on heavy menstrual bleeding: A randomized triple blind clinical trial.
Plantain syrup could be suggested as a complementary treatment for HMB, but further studies are required.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31486196/

Oral mucositis, head cancer, neck cancer

Efficacy of the plantago major L. syrup on radiation induced oral mucositis in head and neck cancer patients: A randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial
Severity of mucositis were significantly lower in intervention group compared to placebo group (p value<0.05). Also patients in intervention group experienced significantly less pain compared to placebo group during radiotherapy period (p value<0.05). Plantago major L syrup was effective on the reduction of the symptoms of radiation induced mucositis in patients with head and neck cancers.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32507421/

Obesity, obesity related cardiovascular disease, small dense LDL particles

Reduction of small dense LDL and Il-6 after intervention with Plantago psyllium in adolescents with obesity: a parallel, double blind, randomized clinical trial.
Small dense LDL and IL-6 reduced in adolescents with obesity when consuming Plantago psyllium. This may be an early good strategy for the reduction of cardiovascular disease risk in this vulnerable population. Supplementing the diet with Plantago psyllium lowers LDL-C levels. First evidence that soluble fiber supplementation like Plantago psyllium decreases small dense LDL particles in association with lowered IL-6, reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease in obese adolescents.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33861390/

Antioxidant, phenolics, oxidative stress-relatediseases

Profiling of antioxidant potential and phytoconstituents of Plantago coronopus.
Our results, especially those regarding the phenolics composition, can explain the main traditional uses given to this plantain and, altogether, emphasize the potential of P. coronopus as a source of bioactive molecules particularly useful for the prevention of oxidative stress-related diseases.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27849252/

Antiviral, pseudorabies

Antiviral Activity of Plantago asiatica Polysaccharide against Pseudorabies Virus In Vitro.
Therefore, our study provided preliminary data of anti-PRV activity of PLP, which was established to be a novel anti-PRV infection agent.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35096266/