Plantain: properties and benefits of this spontaneous medicinal herb

Our ancestors often used it, both in the kitchen and as a natural remedy: the lanceolate plantain is one of the most present spontaneous medicinal herbs in our country and can be used for the preparation of infusions, tinctures and healing syrups.

The lanceolate plantain is a spontaneous herb that grows almost everywhere in our countryside, and belongs to the same family as the greater plantain, the latter different due to its wider leaves.

In peasant tradition, plantain was used as a “first aid” remedy, so much so that an old peasant adage said that ” the way to the plantain is shorter than the way to the doctor “.

Obviously, this plant cannot replace the doctor, but it still offers healing properties that should not be ignored, and which we list below.

Lanceolate plantain contains flavonoids, iridoids, mucilage, tannins and minerals , all very rich in health benefits.

It is a plant that stands out for its relaxing and expectorant action , toning of the mucous membranes, antispasmodic , anticatarrhal , healing and haemostatic.

Lanceolate plantain can be used in the following ways:

• Tincture : Take 3-5 ml (60 drops – 1 teaspoon) 3 times a day to combat catarrh or digestive problems, such as gastritis or irritable bowel syndrome.
• Juice : Use the dried leaves to prepare a juice and take 2 teaspoons 3 times a day. This serves against cystitis, diarrhea and lung infections. You can also apply the juice on wounds.
• Infusion : Drink a cup 3 times a day to fight catarrh. Use the infusion to gargle and relieve a sore throat.
• Syrup : Add 225 grams of sugar to 300 ml of infusion and take 5 ml (1 teaspoon) to relieve sore throat and cough.
• Poultices : Grind the green leaves to prepare a poultice for slow-healing wounds or chronic ulcers. Also useful in case of insect bites.

Now that you know all the wonderful properties of lanceolate plantain , the next time you see one, pick it up and try using it: it’s a wonder of nature.

Important: This website does not give medical advice, nor does it suggest the use of techniques as a form of treatment for physical problems, for which the advice of a doctor is required. If you decide to apply the information contained in this site, it does not assume responsibility. The intention of the site is to be illustrative, not exhortative or didactic.