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Tlahui-Medic. No. 7, I/1999
Dr. Mario Rojas Alba English common name: Plantain Botanical characteristics and
habitat: Plantago major L. is a weed of European origin. In the Americas, it
is frequently adventitious in disturbed soils. Plantago mexicana Link.
grows in the Sierra del Ajusco and Pedregal de San Angel in the valley of
Mexico, as well as in various parts of Mexico's central high plateau. Plantago
major is a perennial rhizomatous herb, with a rosette of ovate to elliptic
long-petioled leaves with an obovate blade and prominent venation. The flowers
are in dense spikes at the apex of scapes. Properties: Antiseptic, antidysenteric, anti-inflammatory,
astrigent, vulnerary, antivenomous, and febrifuge. Uses in traditional medicine: Plantago major L., Plantago lanceolatum and mexicana Link. have similar
uses. Plantago is traditionally used to purify the blood, lungs and stomach.
The plant is efficient in the treatment of digestive tract ailments, inflammation,
diarrhea, and minor internal hemorrhages. The leaves are also used in the
treatment of burns and mouth sores. Ancient uses: Some
people say that Alexander the Great used Plantago major to alleviate his
migraine headaches. In the time of Pliny the Elder Plantago major was
used for the treatment of 24 ailments. The plant is classified as warm and
somewhat moist. If people carry with themselves the entire plant, they are
protected from evil spells. It represents the zodiac signs of Aries and Leo. In
Europe and in the United States plantain poultices were used to treat
snakebites and scorpion stings. Rubbing with leaves neutralizes poisonous
effects of bee, hornet, and wasp stings, as well as mosquito bites. Leaves used
to prepare poultices help wounds heal faster. This poultice is used to treat
contusions as well. In Morelos, Mexico, the plant is used to treat mumps, tonsil
inflammation, bumps, eye inflammation, wounds, ulcers, and kidney inflammation.
In Honduras, Plantago major is used mostly as antispasmodic for
bronchitis and influenza; Plantago ovata is used as a laxative.
Traditional uses in South America are based on the principle that it is cold
and dry to a second degree. Its decoction is used to treat throat inflammation.
If the juice is applied inside fistulae, it heals them. If it is applied in the
ear, it alleviates the pain. It also heals gum sores and prevents decay. The
juice of plantain is applied with a piece of gauze. Seeds that have been cooked
in wine are used for those that suffer from ailments that cause blood to come
out of the mouth (TB, gingivitis...). Eat the seed to stop urinary
incontinence. Cook the seed with oil and salt to treat dysentery.
Pharmacological studies reveal effects on the central nervous system such as
passivity, loss of auricular reflux, bradypnea, and other effects on the
peripheral nervous system such as enophthalmos due to arterial hypotension and
abdominal cramps. There are other effects that have not been explained, such as
the repetitive "grooming" accompanied by erection of the penis in
rats. Other effects include the relaxation of smooth muscles. That is,
relaxation and inhibition of tracheal musculature and mucous membrane tonus. It
also expands the pendulum-like movements in the jejunum of rabbits. Remedies:
Constituents: Many constituents have been identified, but not all
have been accurately recognized as active principles. The plant's antibacterial
action against S. aureus has been proven in vitro. The
phytochemical characteristics of plantain's aqueous extract contain a pH of 6,
phenols, unsaturated sterols, 2-desoxygenate sugars, and free diterpenic acids.
A bactericidal substance, aucobosyde, has been found in Plantago lanceolatum
leaves, as well as certain natural acids that have an anti-inflammatory effect.
Plantago is an antiseptic that has an irregular effect. Plantago's anti-neoplastic
action has not been fully proven. As an ocular rinse it alleviates
conjunctivitis and blepharitis. Precautions & contraindications: There are no references to toxic reactions from its traditional use.
Consult your doctor. |
