Common Plantain (Plantago major)

Common Plantain (Plantago major) is a member of the Plantaginaceae family, native to Europe, Asia, and North Africa. Traditionally, its leaves, gum, and sap have been used for decoctions, infusions, and poultices.

This herb is particularly valued for its anti-inflammatory, diuretic, and astringent actions, and has a long history of use in european herbal medicine, traditional chinese medicine, and native american herbal medicine.

Common Plantain (Plantago major) dried pieces of the herb arranged on a wooden table for reference — Common Plantain (Plantago major) dried pieces of the herb arranged together on a wooden table for reference, used in teas and remedies.

Quick Facts / Key Information

Common Name	Common Plantain
Scientific Name	Plantago major
Plant Family	Plantaginaceae
Genus	Plantago
Species	major
Native Range	Europe, Asia, North Africa
Plant Parts Used	Leaves, Gum, Sap
Primary Medicinal Actions	Anti-Inflammatory, Diuretic, Astringent
Primary Traditional Systems	European Herbal Medicine, Traditional Chinese Medicine, Native American Herbal Medicine
Historical Preparation Methods	Decoction, Infusion, Poultice

Botanical Identity

Scientific Name: Plantago major
Common Name: Common Plantain
Synonyms / Alternative Names: Broadleaf Plantain, Plantain, Broadleaf Plantain
Plant Family: Plantaginaceae
Genus: Plantago

Botanical Description

Growth Habit: Perennial herbaceous plant.
Height: It typically reaches a height of 20 to 50 centimeters.
Leaves: Broad leaves with dark green upper surface and lighter green lower surface, featuring prominent stomatal bands along the midrib.
Flowers: Inflorescence consisting of dense spike-like clusters of small, greenish-white flowers with two stamens and a single pistil, arranged in a terminal spike, actinomorphic symmetry, with ovary superior and three stigmatic lobes.
Stems: Cylindrical, erect, herbaceous stems with opposite branching, glabrous surfaces, and a succulent texture.

Traditional Uses / Historical Use

Traditional Systems

European Herbal Medicine
Traditional Chinese Medicine
Native American Herbal Medicine

Historical Preparation Methods

Decoction
Infusion
Poultice
Powder

Medicinal Actions

Anti-inflammatory: Historically regarded as a gentle anti-inflammatory, for general calming applications.
Diuretic: As described in traditional systems, a mild diuretic, in fluid-regulation contexts.
Astringent: In herbal texts, considered a cooling astringent, in drying-focused uses.
Expectorant: In herbal literature, noted as a calming expectorant, in mucus-related discussions.

Active Compounds

Flavonoid: A widely occurring class of plant polyphenols found in leaves, flowers, and fruits.
Tannin: High-molecular-weight phenolic compounds found in many plant species.
Phenolic Acid: Simple phenolic molecules widely distributed across plant tissues.
Glycoside: Plant-produced compounds commonly stored in inactive glycosylated forms.

Modern Research Overview

Contemporary research on this plant includes areas such as chemical analysis, laboratory-based studies, and observational research. Detailed summaries of published findings are not included at this stage and will be added during future content updates.

Safety & Contraindications

General Precautions: The use of this herb may warrant general caution in certain situations.
Contraindications: There is insufficient evidence to determine specific contraindications related to this herb.
Allergies: Allergic reactions associated with this herb have not been well documented.
Drug Interactions: Interactions between this herb and prescription medications are not clearly established.
Toxicity: The toxicity profile of this herb has not been clearly established.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding: There is insufficient evidence to determine the safety of this herb during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

Preparation & Usage Methods

Infusion: Plant material is steeped in hot water to extract water-soluble compounds.
Decoction: Decoctions are made by heating plant material in water for an extended time.
Poultice: This method uses direct contact between plant material and the skin.
Powder: Powdered preparations use finely milled plant parts.
Tincture: Plant material is macerated in alcohol to create a concentrated liquid extract.

Growing, Harvesting & Storage

Growing / Cultivation

Soil: Prefers loamy soil with well-drained conditions. Typically grows best in organically rich soils.
Sunlight: Thrives in partial shade. Tolerates full sun to partial shade.
Watering: Prefers well-balanced moisture levels. Tolerates variable moisture levels.