Also known as:
Lance Leaf Plantain
- Earache/ear infections/glue ear
This is a very common plant in Europe, growing in large quantities in dry meadows and fields. Plantago, a member of the Plantain family, produces a rosette of slender pointed leaves and a flowering stem which arises from the centre, carrying small flowers.
What does it do?:
Plantago contains mucilage, tannins and silicic acid. It is probably the mucilage which contributes most to the action of the plant. Plantago has the ability to reduce the amount of inflammation present in the mucous membranes of the upper respiratory tract It has been noted that plantain juice will not go mouldy during storage despite large amounts of sugar being present. This has been found to be due to the presence of naturally occurring antibiotics. This may explain its action in conditions such as middle ear infections and glue ear.
No restrictions on use are known. If earache persists for more than five days, it is advisable to consult a Doctor.