Ingredient

It is alterative, antibacterial, antimicrobial, antiseptic, antitoxin, antitussive, antiviral, astringent, cooling, demulcent, deobstruent, diuretic, emollient, expectorant, haemostatic, laxative, refrigerant, vermifuge and vulnerary. It is considered to be almost a panacea - a cure- all, and a quick search shows that is has historically been recommended as a treatment for just about everything, up to and including dog bites, ulcers, catarrh, ringworm, jaundice, epilepsy, liver obstructions, intermittent fever, consumption and haemorrhoids.

It quickly staunches blood flow and encourages the repair of damage tissues. It is commonly prescribed for gastritis, peptic ulcers, diarrhoea, dysentery, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), respiratory catarrh, sore throat and uterine tract bleeding.

It is very high in beta carotene (A) and calcium. It also provides ascorbic acid (C), and vitamin K. Among the more notable chemicals found in it are allantion, apigenin, aucubin, baicalein, linoleic acid, oleanolic acid, sorbitol, and tannin. Together these constituents are thought to give Plantain mild antiinflammatory, antimicrobial, antihaemorrhagic and expectorant actions. Acubin has been reported as a powerful antitoxin. Allantoin has been proved to promote wound healing, speed up cell regeneration and have skin-softening effects.

Modern medical research is proving to uphold many of the historical uses - especially as a wound healer, and as a treatment for lung conditions such as bronchitis, asthma, catarrh, laryngitis, pharyngitis, and various allergic reactions that affect breathing. It is used to ease coughs and mucous membrane irritation associated with upper respiratory tract infections as well as topical use for skin inflammations.