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Herbs & Botanicals
Product Description
Botanical Name: Plantago lanceolata
Plant Family: Plantaginaceae
Botanical Description:
Plantago lanceolata, commonly known as plantain, is a perennial herbaceous plant belonging to the Plantaginaceae family. Native to Europe, Asia, and North America, it has since naturalized in many other regions worldwide. Plantain typically grows in grasslands, meadows, and disturbed areas, characterized by its distinctive lance-shaped leaves arranged in a basal rosette. The leaves have prominent parallel veins and can grow up to 30 centimeters in length. Plantain produces tall, slender stalks bearing spikes of small, greenish-white flowers. The plant has a fibrous root system and can tolerate a wide range of soil conditions.
Introduction:
Plantain has a long history of use in traditional herbal medicine, particularly in European and Native American herbal traditions. It has been valued for its medicinal and mucilaginous properties. It is still commonly used both internally and externally in food, tea and poultice form.
Preparations:
Plantain Poultice: Prepare a plantain poultice by crushing fresh plantain leaves into a paste and applying directly to the affected area. Cover with a clean cloth or bandage and leave on for 15-30 minutes.
Plantain Infusion: Prepare a plantain infusion by steeping dried plantain leaves in hot water for 10-15 minutes. Strain the infusion and drink as needed. Plantain infusion can be sweetened with honey or flavoured with lemon if desired.
Plantain Tincture: Prepare a plantain tincture by macerating dried plantain leaves in alcohol for several weeks to extract their medicinal properties. The tincture can be diluted with water and taken orally.