Plantain (Plantago major) Last updated: Nov 05, 2009

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  Plantain (Plantago major)  
 

 

 
 

Plantain is also known as greater plantain, waybread, round-leaved plantain, Englishman's foot, common plantain, ribwort, ripple grass and snake weed. The leaves of this plant act as a gentle expectorant while soothing inflamed and sore membranes, making it ideal for coughs and mild bronchitis. Its astringency aids in diarrhea, hemorrhoids and also in cystitis with bleeding.

An infusion is made by pouring a cup of boiling water onto 2 teaspoonfuls of the dried herb and leaving it for 10 minutes. This preparation can be used as a tea three times each day. An equivalent dose of tincture is 2-3ml TID. An ointment can be made that will aid the treatment of hemorrhoids and cuts.

 
 

Plantain (Plantago major) can help with the following:
 
 
Addictions  Current Smoker
 Dr. Mary Cody found that plantain creates a natural aversion to tobacco when inhaled or ingested. In a 1992 study, 24 heavy smokers were given plantain tincture in a nasal spray and then instructed to smoke. More than 80% of the subjects
reported an aversion to tobacco shortly after receiving the dose, and the effect lasted as long as 24 hours for some of the
subjects.

Unlike nicotine patches or nicotine gum, which deliver the exact chemical you're trying to avoid, CIG-NO (a homeopathic product sprayed under the tongue) creates an almost immediate reduction in cigarette cravings, with no reported side effects. For more information, visitthe website selling CIG-NO.

Respiratory
  Bronchitis, Acute
 The leaves of this plant act as a gentle expectorant while soothing inflamed and sore membranes, making it ideal for coughs and mild bronchitis.
 
 


KEY
May do some good







GLOSSARY

AIDS:  Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome. An immune system deficiency disorder that suddenly alters the body's ability to defend itself. The AIDS virus invades the T4 helper/inducer lymphocytes and multiplies, causing a breakdown in the body's immune system, eventually leading to overwhelming infection and/or cancer, with ultimate death.

Bronchitis:  Inflammation of the mucous membrane of the bronchial tubes, frequently accompanied by cough, hypersecretion of mucus, and expectoration of sputum. Acute bronchitis is usually caused by an infectious agent and of short duration. Chronic bronchitis, generally the result of smoking, may also be known as Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) or Emphysema.

Cystitis:  Inflammation of the urinary bladder.

Diarrhea:  Excessive discharge of contents of bowel.

Expectorant:  A substance that promotes the removal of mucous from the respiratory tract.

Hemorrhoids:  Varicose disorder causing painful swellings at the anus; piles.

Herbs:  Herbs may be used as dried extracts (capsules, powders, teas), glycerites (glycerine extracts), or tinctures (alcohol extracts). Unless otherwise indicated, teas should be made with one teaspoon herb per cup of hot water. Steep covered 5 to 10 minutes for leaf or flowers, and 10 to 20 minutes for roots. Tinctures may be used singly or in combination as noted. The high doses of single herbs suggested may be best taken as dried extracts (in capsules), although tinctures (60 drops four times per day) and teas (4 to 6 cups per day) may also be used.

TID:  Three times a day.

Tincture:  An alcohol or water-alcohol solution, usually referring to a preparation from herbal materials.