
If you are looking take care of yourself with natural alternatives the best thing is to find out which are the best medicinal herbs to maintain good health and which are indicated to combat certain conditions. For example, plantain is one of the most complete medicinal plants, as it benefits our health in many ways. Although, anyway, it is always best to consult with our doctor if we can or should follow any natural treatment in our case.
If you want to know all the healing properties of plantain To take care of your health in a natural way, keep reading this oneHOWTO article in which we explain all the interesting details.
Components and properties of plantain
Plantain, greater plantain or Plantago major are some of the most common names that this plant receives. It is originally found in northern Europe, but is currently found in abundance throughout Europe, North and Central America, although we can find it on all continents. Between the components of this herb and that make it so beneficial we find the following:
- Fibers
- Mucilages
- Alkaloids
- Falvonoids
- Tannins
- Saccharose
- Fructose
- Protein
- Beta carotenes
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin B1
- Vitamin K
- Minerals
If you wonder what plantain is used for as a medicinal plant for our health, the answer is that it is good for various aspects, since especially its large leaves are used to treat conditions such as bronchitis, colds, hemorrhoids, urinary infections and skin problems. . This is because thanks to the components of this herb it offers us the following main properties:
- Anti-inflammatory
- Antibacterial
- Antiseptic
- Pain relieving
- Astringent
- Cough suppressant
- Expectorant
- Antispasmodic
- Purifying
- Antioxidant
- Healing
- Hemostatic
Next, we detail all the health benefits of plantain and how you can take this plant as long as you also take into account the side effects and contraindications that we will tell you later.

Improves the respiratory system
Thanks to the components and properties of this herb, the Plantago major it’s perfect for treat conditions related to the respiratory system; Mainly due to the mucilages, vitamins and flavonoids it contains. Thus, it is commonly known as one of the plants with the greatest antitussive power, which makes it perfect for relieving coughs, but also helps us treat other respiratory conditions such as the following:

Take care of the stomach and intestinal transit
Plantain is commonly used for treat digestive conditions and diseases, because due to the large amount of tannins, mucilages and other important components it is astringent, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and more properties, mentioned above, that are perfect for taking care of our digestive system:
In the case of constipation, the consumption of Plantain seed extract than that of its leaves, since the amount of mucilage is greater and more effective for this type of intestinal disorder.
Protects the liver
In the leaves of this plant we find aucubin, a glycoside, which acts as a liver protector. For this reason, this herb acts as a hepatoprotector in favor of this organ, both when it comes to preventing related conditions and to help in the medical treatment of these whenever the specialist doctor advises it.
Thus, it is estimated that it helps to regenerate this organ, fight viruses such as hepatitis and that it serves to combat toxins that can accumulate in it. Also, due to the fibers and antioxidants that this plant has, it is considered that it helps the liver to detoxify naturally.
Anyway, these properties in this organ are still under study and, therefore, it is better to use other herbs Of which it has been shown that they are effective in treating and strengthening this organ. some of these recommended herbs are milk thistle, dandelion and boldo, among others.

Treat wounds with plantain
It is common to use the fresh leaves of this herb to disinfect superficial wounds and help their healing. Thanks mainly to its antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, hemostatic and healing properties, the greater plantain is suitable to also treat problems of acne, dermatitis, pustules and sores. Its use as a healing agent is recommended in combination with aloe vera or rosehip oil to enhance the properties and achieve better results.
In addition, if the fresh leaves are used directly on the skin as a healing agent, it is recommended to scald them or boil them a little and run them under cold water before using them. On the other hand, to take advantage of its hemostatic capacities, it is advisable to take the infusion and not use the direct blades on the open wound.
Other benefits of plantain
In addition to the benefits mentioned, the Plantago major have more benefits for our health that we should know:
- Eyes: using the cold infusion serves to relieve puffy, red, tired or conjunctivitis eyes thanks to its ability to reduce inflammation and fight bacteria and other microorganisms,
- Otitis: for the same capacities, this plant is suitable for fighting ear infections and alleviating symptoms.
- Bleeding gums: Due to its hemostatic, antibacterial, astringent and anti-inflammatory properties, it is recommended to relieve bleeding gums and gingivitis.
- Stings and burns: It relieves the itchiness of insect bites, hives produced by some plants such as nettles and also minor burns. In this case, a leaf should be crushed and applied to the affected area as soon as possible.
- Lose weight: Being a good diuretic, it offers us the possibility of detoxifying our body and eliminating retained fluids, helping us to reduce volume and weight, as long as we follow a balanced diet and do a little exercise every day.
- Diabetes: the extract of this herb is hypoglycemic, that is, it reduces blood sugar levels. It must be accompanied by an adequate diet to achieve this goal and, especially if medical treatment is already being taken for it, the doctor should be consulted.
- Cancer: Due to its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and regulatory capacities of the immune system, this herb is indicated to reduce the chances of suffering from cancer and to treat some specific types and stages. At the moment, in humans this capacity is still being investigated.

How to prepare plantain
Surely you are interested in knowing how plantain is used to be able to take advantage of its benefits to the fullest. exist various ways to use it and depending on what we want it for, it is better to take it or use it in one way or another. Thus, the most common is to take a tea or infusion of this medicinal herb to obtain the maximum of its components.
If you want to take advantage of the properties of plantain infusion It is very simple, because you will only have to bring water to boil and when it reaches the boiling point add 1 teaspoon of dried leaves, about 24 grams for each cup of tea that you are going to drink, and allow it to boil for 5 or 10 minutes before let it cool and drink it. It is advisable to take 3 cups a day for 1 or 2 weeks and gradually reduce the amount, according to the doctor’s guidelines.
If taken tincture of this plant is usually taken about 22ml 3 times a day, instead the extract of its seeds It is taken in doses of 25ml 3 times a day. Although it is best to follow the instructions on the package or consult a professional.
Side effects and contraindications of plantain
As with all natural products, the Plantago major It can produce some adverse effects depending on our state of health and our sensitivity to some of its components. Thus, although generally this medicinal plant not taken orally does not pose any risk, among the side effects of this plant the most common are the following:
- Allergy
- Sensitization or intolerance
- Allergic contact dermatitis
Likewise, we must know the main contraindications of Plantago major Before deciding to take or use it to make sure there are no risks:
- It is contraindicated in pregnancy and during lactation.
- People who have an allergy to any component of this plant.
- If you suffer from constipation.
- Patients taking anticoagulant medications.
This article is merely informative, at oneHOWTO we do not have the power to prescribe any medical treatment or make any type of diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor in the case of presenting any type of condition or discomfort.
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