Traditional use

Plantain was one of the Nine Sacred Herbs of the Anglo-Saxons, celebrated for its power to draw out infection, stop bleeding, and heal wounds. It was mentioned in the 10th-century Lacnunga as a poultice for bites, sores, and wounds. Across Europe, it was used to ease inflammation, coughs, and skin eruptions. Due to its spread and usefulness, Indigenous peoples in North America often called it “white man's footprint”.

Clinical discussion

Plantain is both astringent and mucilaginous, a rare and valuable combination. It tones inflamed tissue while simultaneously soothing irritation, making it especially useful for wounds, insect bites, hay fever, urinary irritation, and gastrointestinal inflammation (such as ulcers or colitis).

Key constituents include:

• Aucubin (an iridoid glycoside) – shown to have anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and wound-healing effects

• Allantoin – encourages cell proliferation and tissue repair

• Tannins and mucilage – support both astringent and soothing actions

Plantain is also helpful in upper respiratory infections, soothing dry, irritated coughs, and easing bronchial inflammation. It may be used internally or topically and is commonly included in herbal allergy blends (alongside elderflower and nettle) to support seasonal hay fever.

Cultivation/harvesting

Plantago major and Plantago lanceolata are the most commonly used species and grow easily in most UK soils, especially in disturbed ground, lawns, or meadow edges. They tolerate partial shade or full sun and require minimal maintenance.

• Harvest young leaves in late spring to early summer, with high mucilage content.

• Choose clean, green leaves free of insect damage or discolouration.

• For medicinal use, they can be used fresh in poultices or dried quickly in the shade and stored airtight for teas and powders.