Latin Name:
Plantago lanceolata L.
Other Names
Ribwort Plantain, Narrowleaf Plantain, English Plantain, Ribleaf, Lamb’s Tongue, Buckhorn
About
This flowering plant of the plantain family has distinct narrow leaves with strongly defined parallel veins. It grows in disturbed soil and most commonly is anywhere from 1 to 2 feet tall. It is known as the “Mother of Herbs” and has common edible and medicinal uses. Both the leaves and the seeds are edible.
Its medicinal uses come from its leaves, seeds, and roots, which provide astringent, demulcent, mildly expectorant, hemostatic, and ophthalmic properties, and have a high mucilage and tannin content. It is known as an effective treatment for bleeding, as it can stop blood flow and encourage the repair of damaged tissue. It has also been used to treat diarrhea, gastritis, peptic ulcers, irritable bowel syndrome, hemorrhage, hemorrhoids, cystitis, bronchitis, catarrh, sinusitis, asthma, and hay fever. The plant can also be used externally in treating skin inflammations, including anything stings, swellings, cuts, and ulcers.
Homeopathic Use
As a homeopathic remedy, Plantago is most specifically indicated for certain cases of eye, ear, and tooth pain and inflammation. Its action is most remarkable on toothaches, tooth sensitivities, gum inflammation, and some other tooth and mouth symptoms when used in the Homeopathic Mother Tincture dose. About 10 drops of the tincture added to a sip of water and held in the mouth, especially in the problematic area, for some time (5 to 10 minutes), and then swallowed for further health support. This can be repeated morning and evening, or as prescribed by your homeopath or natural health practitioner, until symptoms subside or are taken care of by a dentist, if serious. One should notice relief after the first dose for mild issues or after the first several doses if it is a more persistent issue.
For more information about its homeopathic healing potential, refer to the materia medica on Plantago Major by Boericke and Plantago by Clarke.