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Plantain: Plantago Major

Plantago Major consists of the dried leaves of Plantago major L. (Fam. Plantaginaceae) gathered during the flowering period. The plant is a native British herb, with a basal rosette of leaves which abruptly contract into long petioles, bearing a long cylindrical spike up to 50 cm tall, green-brown with lilac and yellow stamens protruding.

The structure of the Plantago Major plant includes a remarkable glycoside of the monoterpene class (iridoid) called Aucubin.

This glycoside has been studied and numerous scientific papers have been written about this particular member of the monoterpene family.

The anti-toxic, anti-inflammatory and expectorant characteristics suggest why the plant is useful in lung disorders, and as inferences as to the effect of the Plantago Major on smokers. Exact cause and effect relationships are not yet fully understood. However, the above suggests real reasons for the noted effects on smokers.

Collection : Gather during flowering throughout the summer. Dry as fast as possible as the leaves will discolor if dried improperly.

Part Used : Leaves or aerial parts

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Disclaimer: These pages are presented solely as a source of INFORMATION and ENTERTAINMENT and to provide stern warnings against use where appropriate. No claims are made for the efficacy of any herb nor for any historical herbal treatment. In no way can the information provided here take the place of the standard, legal, medical practice of any country. Additionally, some of these plants are extremely toxic and should be used only by licensed professionals who have the means to process them properly into appropriate pharmaceuticals. One final note: many plants were used for a wide range of illnesses in the past, but be aware that many of the historical uses have proven to be ineffective for the problems to which they were applied.