Broadleaf Plantain

(Plantago major)

Used for centuries as a panacea, a medicinal cure-all, The leaves, seeds, and roots have been used as an antibacterial, antidote, antitoxin, astringent, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, antitussive, cardiac, demulcent, diuretic, expectorant, Hemostatic, laxative, ophthalmic, poultice, refrigerant, and vermifuge. One Native American name for the plant translates to "life medicine". Plantain was even mentioned in Shakespeare's play Romeo and Juliet.

There are two main active ingredients in this "wonder drug" One is Allantoin, while the other is the glycoside Aucubin. Allantoin is a natural cell proliferant which helps our bodies regenerate damaged tissue. Aucubin has been reported in the Journal Of Toxicology as a powerful anti-toxin. Aucubin is a defensive compound commonly found in many plants. It is thought to reduce the growth rate of many generalist herbivores.

I have long hypothesized it is this ability to decrease cellular growth rate which is behind the performance of Plantago spp. as an excellent antitoxin, and antibacterial agent. Recent clinical studies have shown that Aucubin removes the ability of bacteria and viruses to replicate their DNA. These organisms have a short life span. Their virulence is a direct result of their ability to quickly split into new organism, thereby perpetuating the infection.

Regardless of the reasons for Plantain's medicinal effects, I have experienced first hand the magical healing properties of this wonderful plant. I feel it is the first and perhaps the most important medicinal plant a person can and should learn.

Other Names:
Common plantain, great plantain, white man's footprint, waybread, greater plantain

Range:
map

Family:
Plantaginaceae – Plantain family

Growth Type:
An Herbaceous Perennial plant growing in a basal rosette.

Height:
Can reach 12-18 inches in height

Leaves:
Broad, ovate, with prominent raised veins that run parallel to one another along the length of the underside of the leaf. The base of the leaf stem may be purple in color.

Stem/Trunk:
N/A

Root:
Leaf stalks emanate from a fibrous root mass.

Flower Season:
Mid-Summer

Flower Appearance:
The plant puts forth a densely clustered, green flowered stalk, which later bears numerous seeds.

Seed/Fruit:
Unremarkable

Miscellaneous characteristics:
While there are no poisonous look alikes, if you slowly break the stem of the plantain leaf and pull apart slowly, you will notice the veins remain attached. This is a simple test to verify you have the correct plant.

Habitat:
Compacted disturbed soils. lawns, pastures, meadows, cracks in sidewalks, waste places and disturbed habitats throughout the United States.

Parts Used:
Leaves, seeds, roots

Culinary Uses:
Add leaves to salads, or use as a cooked vegetable

The following text is meant for informational purposes only. It is not meant to diagnose or treat any illness or injury. Always consult with a physician or other qualified medical care provider concerning the diagnosis and treatment of any illness or injury.

Traditional Medicinal Uses:
Used for centuries as a panacea (a medicinal cure-all), P. major contains Allantoin, a natural cell proliferant, which has been shown to speed up the natural replacement of cells. This explains the almost miraculous healing benefits I have experienced with this plant. I nake a healing ointment from plantain that is positively amazing. Follow this link for photographic evidence of the amazing healing benefits of my plantain ointment.

The Aucubin in plantain is considered to be an excellent antimicrobial and antiviral. I believe these terms to be misnomers, as plantain does not kill viruses, but rather the aucubin disrupts their ability to replicate. Recent clinical trials have found that aucubin inhibts mitotic cell division in a broad array of viruses. Most viruses are short lived. Their virulence stems from their ability to replicate. Remove that ability, and you remove their virulence. In the event you become ill from a virus, plantain will drastically reduce the length of that illness.

Along with its wonderful healing and antimitotic effects I have also found plantain leaves to be highly effective at treating insect bites and stings.

As a result of insect bites/stings, my son and one of my daughters have had a couple of bouts of cellulitis. Cellulitis is an inflammation of the subcutaneous layer of the skin. If left untreated, it can lead to sepsis and become life threatening. In each case I picked a handful of fresh Plantago major leaves, and placed them in a blender, you can also use a food processor. I then add enough olive oil to cover, you can use any oil you have on hand. I then processed it to a thick paste. I applied it to the affected area and covered it with a 4"x4" gauze pad and wrapped it with coban, you can use any bandage or tape. When it dried out, I replaced it. I did this perhaps two or three times the first day, and by the next day the infection had healed. In the case of my daughter, she had it a second time, and it took two or three days to heal. I cannot stress enough how well this works. I could find no medical studies or papers that support this use. Do not let the fact that science has not caught up with phytotherapy to prevent you from trying this amazing medicine.

I have also used it to soothe the rashes associated with poison ivy and poison oak. My son came home from his mother's house covered in mosquito bites. He was itching himself crazy. I applied some plantain ointment, and he stopped itching almost instantly. The next day, there was little or no swelling or inflammation, and most of the bites were completely gone. My son had to undergo allergy testing. As picture #1 on the lin below will show, his skin reacted almost immediately. Once the doctor evaluated his reaction, I immediately applied an ointment of Plantain and Jewelweed. As you will see by picture #2, the reaction was gone a short time later. Follow this link to view these photos.

Search For
Scientific Papers

Other clinical trials have shown plantain to slow or stop the growth of multiple cancers. Here is a link to a published study outlining the cytotoxic effects of Plantago spp., on various types of human cancer cells.

Cautions According To WebMD

Contra-Indications
None Known

Possible Side Effects:
None Known

Possible Interactions:
None Known

Medicinal Actions:
Alexiteric, Alterative, Antibacterial, Anti-Inflammatory, Antifungal, Antimicrobial, Antimitotic, Antineoplastic, Antiseptic, Antitussive, Antitoxin, Antivenin, Antiviral, Astringent, Demulcent, Diuretic, Expectorant, Hemostatic, Hypoglycemic, Laxative, Tonic: Sexual Male, Vulnerary

Herbal Preparations For Plantago major

Infused Oil

Part Used: Leaves
Plant State: Fresh or dried
Preparation Instructions...
Dosage: You can apply infused oil topically as needed. You can also follow the directions below to turn your infused oil into an ointment or salve.

Ointment or Salve

Preparation Instructions...
Dosage: Apply topically as needed

Tincture

Part Used: Leaves
Plant State: Fresh
Alcohol Percentage: 95%
Plant to Alcohol Ratio: 1:2
Preparation Instructions...
Dosage: 50-100 drops twice daily

Tincture

Part Used: Leaves
Plant State: Dried
Alcohol Percentage: 75%
Plant to Alcohol Ratio: 1:5
Preparation Instructions...
Dosage: 50-100 drops twice daily

Plantain Video

Notice how when the stem is carefully broken, the strings of the veins persist. This is a check to ensure you have plantain.