Health Benefits of Plantain
English Name: Broadleaf Plantain
Latin Name: Plantago major
What is Plantain?
Broadleaf plantain is a low-growing broad-leafed plant, not to be confused with the starchy banana-like fruit of the same name. Native to Europe and Central Asia, the plant is found virtually everywhere on the planet now, so long as there is sufficient water. The plant is particularly suited to thriving in compacted or disturbed soil along roadsides and other sites of human movement. Because of this, Native Americans came to call it “white man’s footprint” after Puritans brought it to the New World from Europe and it flourished around their encampments. The broad, ribbed, dark green leaves make delicious salad greens when they are young and tender, but they become tough and fibrous as they age. For centuries, plantain leaves have been used to soothe wounds, reduce swelling, boost the immune system and treat a myriad of conditions1.
How does Plantain work?
The leaves of the plantain are rich in vitamins A, C and K. They also contain a substance called allantoin, a phytochemical with anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties that also helps stimulate cell growth, especially skin cells. Allantoin is an active ingredient in many skin care products for its regenerative qualities. The plant also contains phytochemicals called terpenoids that support and regulate the work of white blood cells. All these components make plantain a powerful aid in keeping the immune system balanced and working properly, in particular by helping regulate the production of histamines in response to allergens. Plantain has a lubricating effect on mucous membranes, making it beneficial for soothing the digestive track and protecting it from harmful bacteria2.
What are the benefits of Plantain?
In traditional medicine, plantain has long been used to treat gastrointestinal disturbances, both in humans and pets. Because the plant simultaneously helps lubricate the membranes of the digestive tract and also guards against bacterial infections, it can be very useful helping a dog or cat pass a swallowed foreign object, like string or a shoe part2. These qualities also make plantain effective at treating constipation and calming an upset stomach for both humans and pets. Studies have also shown that the phytochemicals in plantain help boost the immune system, protect major organs like the kidneys from common disorders and support the body’s ability to fight off viral, bacterial and fungal infections. Additionally, plantain has been shown to be effective at relieving ophthalmic symptoms, like sore eyes and mild conjunctivitis1.
Products Featuring Plantain
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The content provided is for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice. If you have a health condition, please consult a medical professional and do not use this information to self-diagnose or self-treat.
 Najafian, Younes, Shokouh Sadat Hamedi, Masoumeh Kaboli Farshchi, and Zohre Feyzabadi. "Plantago Major in Traditional Persian Medicine and Modern Phytotherapy." Electronic Physician. February 25, 2018. Accessed October 12, 2018. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5878035/
 "Plantain For Dogs." Dogs Naturally Magazine. June 21, 2018. Accessed October 12, 2018. https://www.dogsnaturallymagazine.com/plaintain-a-great-digestive-aid-for-your-dog/
Reviewed by Master Herbalist, Mary Ellen Kosanke