Plantago Major
Family: Plantaginaceae
Parts Used: leaves and seeds
Constituents: iridoids, aucubin, flavenoids, mucilage, tannins.
 
Properties: diuretic,alterative, anti-inflammatory, anti-histamine, anti-bacterial, anti-allergy, blood tonic, lymphatic, demulcent, expectorant, astringent.
 
Applications:
One of the most versatile of herbs has valuable healing properties therefore wide application. It is a rich source of minerals so all body tissues feel its influence.

Soothes inflamed and sore mucus membranes making it good for coughs and bronchitis. Clears heat and toxins, reduces inflammation and relieves swelling. Promotes detoxification, removes lymph congestion and benefits the skin. Dry skin, eczema and acne.

Useful for chronic blood disorders. A neuralgic remedy of the first order. (Tincture painted on shingles).

Intermittant fever, kidney and bladder disorders and urinary tract infections.

Good internally for all inflammations. Astringency helps in diarrhoea, haemorrhoids and cystitis where there is bleeding. Irritable bowel syndrome, mucus colitis, excess menstrual loss.
Eye, mouth, throat, gum and middle ear inflammations (esp. acute with purulence and mucus). Painful sinuses, thick yellowish nasal discharge, rhinitis – acute and chronic.
 
Hayfever, allergic rhinitis, allergic asthma and other immediate allergies. Promotes expectoration, restores the lungs and relieves coughing. Inhibits excessive mucus secretion.

Strong affinity for the lungs and skin.