PLANTAGO MAJOR (GREAT PLANTAIN; COMMON PLANTAIN)
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.
Claims and Common Uses:
- Useful in lung disorders
- Diuretic
- Anti-hemorrhagic
Preparations: Gather during flowering throughout the summer. Dry as fast as possible as the leaves will discolor if dried improperly.
- Dried leaves: Dose 2-4 g or by infusion
- Liquid Extract: 1:1 in 25% alcohol. Dose 2-4 ml
- Tincture :1:5 in 45% alcohol. Dose 2-4 ml
- Component in seeds may be nephrotoxic so commercial products are preferable
Part Used: Leaves or aerial parts
Side Effects and Warnings of Plantago Major:
- May interfere with the absorption of other drugs. Wait for 30-60 minutes between dosing.
- Bezoars (GI blockage) may form if not taken with enough fluid
- Rarely, causes allergic reaction (anaphylaxis)