Plantaginaceae
Plantain Leaf
Plantago major
✓ Generally Safe
Safe in Pregnancy
Native to: Europe, Asia (naturalized globally)
Also known as: Broadleaf Plantain, Common Plantain, Waybread, Rat Tail Plantain
Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA
Parts Used
LeafSeed
Therapeutic Uses
Insect bites (topical — first aid), coughs (expectorant), wound healing, urinary tract inflammation, diarrhea, IBS. Universal first aid herb — apply crushed leaf directly to bites and stings.
Herbal Actions
Demulcent, expectorant, antimicrobial, vulnerary, anti-inflammatory, astringent, antihistamine
Active Constituents
Iridoids (aucubin, catalpol), mucilage, flavonoids (luteolin, apigenin), phenolic acids (caffeic, chlorogenic), tannins, allantoin, zinc
Preparation Methods
☕ Herbal Tea🏺 Tincture🌿 Poultice🧴 Salve/Balm
Traditional Preparation Notes
| Herbal Tea | 2 tsp dried leaf per 250ml, steep 10 min, 3x daily |
| Tincture | 3–5 ml (1:5, 25% ethanol), 3x daily |
| Notes | For insect bites: chew fresh leaf, apply poultice immediately — withdraws venom and reduces swelling. Psyllium (P. ovata) seeds for IBS/constipation (different species). Widely available as weed — free medicine. |
Safety Information
Safety Rating
✓ Generally Safe
Pregnancy
Safe in Pregnancy
Drug Interactions
None known
Contraindications: Very few contraindications — one of safest herbs. Psyllium seed: separate from medications (reduces absorption).
Side Effects: Allergic reactions (rare). Seed/psyllium: bloating, obstruction if inadequate water. Leaf preparations extremely safe.