Plantain

 

     Certain herbs have a rich history full of uses and traditions. Plantain is one such plant. No, I’m not talking about the savory banana often eaten in Hispanic cuisine. I’m talking about a plant that likes to grow where people travel, a plant that has gained a reputation across the world as one of the most useful herbs you can learn. This plant is one of my favorites and every species I’ve encountered (or simply read of) can be used/eaten in multiple ways. 

    

     Plantago spp. is known in every culture for being a great medicinal herb and food source, not just for humanity but also for wildlife. There are over 35 species in North America alone, several of these are natives, and there are about 200 total species worldwide. It was a sacred plant to the Norse people who considered it one of the 9 herbs of Odin. They commonly called it Mother of Herbs or Wegbrade (translated to Wayfare’s Plant, referencing its tendency to grow by roadsides). When the Europeans settled in North America, they brought with them P. major which grew around every settlement and was so weedy that the Native American people called it White Man’s Foot. The native P. virginica was also nicknamed Little White Man’s Foot for the same tendencies. Plantain and people have a long history of mutual acceptance and use.

 

     There are quite a few species, but they all share a few common traits that can help you identify Plantago. The leaves grow in a basil rosette pattern and have parallel veins. They are also sessile, growing along the ground, and have poorly defined petioles. If you break open the leaves, the veins will have stretchy cords. The flowers grow in a stalk and can be a short cone or a long spike, they are not very showy as they are wind-pollinated. Most are herbaceous plants, though a few are subshrubs growing to 60 cm (24 in) tall.

Medicinal Uses:

Common Names- Plantain. Plantago cordata is commonly known as Water Plantain, Heart-leaved Plantain, or Rib-grass. P. lanceolata is commonly known as Narrowleaf Plantain or English Plantain. P. major is commonly known as Great Plantain or Common Plantain. P. rugelii is commonly known as Rugel's Plantain. P. virginica is commonly known as Dwarf Plantain or Virginia Plantain.

Scientific Name- Plantago spp. All species of Plantago (that I am aware of) can be used interchangeably. Some commonly used species include: Plantago cordata, P. lanceolata, P. major, P. rugelii, and P. virginica.

Family- Plantaginaceae

Edibility- Choice Edible. The whole plant is edible raw or cooked but be cautious as high doses of certain species can have laxative effects. Fresh, young leaves should be harvested in early spring while they’re still tender enough to eat raw in salads. Older leaves get stringy and tough, so they are better cooked. Steaming tougher leaves will make them tender, but the fibrous veins and midribs will need to be removed from older, stringier leaves. The young seed heads can be gathered throughout the summer and used in stir-fry, though as they get older, they get tough and are not recommended to be eaten. The seeds can be ground into a flour and used to make pancakes.

Summary of Actions- Antimicrobial, antibacterial, lymphatic, anti-inflammatory, astringent, anti-allergic, antihistamine, anti-catarrhal, expectorant, demulcent, alterative, anti-hemorrhagic, vasoconstrictor, antacid, diuretic, emollient, vulnerary, connective tissue tonic

Constituents- Mucilage, carbohydrates (fructose, glucose, saccharoses), Acids (chlorogenic, benzoic, caffeic, coumaric, fumaric, salicylic, asocorbic), iridoid glycosides (acubin, catalpol), tannins, flavonoids (apigenin, luteolin, scutellarin, baicalein), alkaloid, gum, resins, choline, allantoin, saponins, steroids, nutrients (minerals: Zn, K+, Mg, P)

Energetics and Flavors- Overall it is considered to be Cool and Dry. The leaves are Slightly Bitter, Slightly Salty, and Acrid. The roots are Slightly Salty, and Slightly Sweet. The seeds are Sweet and Cold.

Parts Used- Leaves, Roots, and Seeds

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)- Known as Che Qian Zi (roughly translated as “before the cart seeds”), Plantain has a long history of use in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). In most traditions, the leaf of this herb is the primary part used, however in TCM, it’s primarily the seeds that are used. Plantain works best on the Bladder, Kidney, Lung, and Liver meridians. It’s useful for draining damp, promoting urination, regulating water, and clearing heat. This makes it useful for reducing edema and other conditions involving damp heat, especially in the Lower Jiao (think diarrhea or urinary incontinence). It’s also used for eye conditions due to Liver Heat or Liver Yang rising (dry eyes, sensitivity to light, etc). It also clears Lung Heat (dissolves phlegm, stops cough, and as an expectorant). 

Native American Traditional Uses- Various species of Plantain have been traditionally used by Native American tribes as a choice edible and for medicinal uses. In addition to its many traditional edible and medicinal uses, Plantain was sometimes used ceremonially. P. virginica was used by the Kiowa who made wreaths from it that old men would wear during certain dances as a symbol of their good health.

Skin Conditions & Wound Care- All Plantago species can be used for wound care, though the one with the strongest wound care abilities is P. major. These herbs have been used for centuries as first-aid and to help improve certain skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis. The fresh leaves or juice of the plant are excellent, quick healing agents for cuts, wounds, bruises, and any skin related condition. The antimicrobial properties make this a great plant to help protect wounds as well as to help treat acne and boils. The seed and/or root of the plant is traditionally roasted and ground to be used to stop bleeding.

Drawing Herb- Plantain is a drawing herb, meaning that it helps to draw foreign substances out of our bodies. P. virginica is especially great for this use, though all species have this property. Common uses of drawing herbs include drawing out bee stingers and splinters, bringing infections closer to the surface so they can be drained (think boils and bad acne), and helping to remove venom from animal/insect bites and stings (such as snake bites, great to know about in Florida though you still want to head to the hospital ASAP for antivenom!). 

Mucus Membrane Tonic- Plantain is an astringent and has alterative properties internally, especially in chronic inflammatory conditions of the mucosa. These properties are beneficial throughout the entire mucosa, from mouth to anus.

Cough, Throat, & Lower Respiratory- All Plantago species can be used internally as an expectorant and to soothe the throat, however P. lanceolata is the species that tends to be most effective as a gentle soothing expectorant and most indicated in irritated coughs and mild bronchitis. The mucilage from the leaves has a soothing and anti-inflammatory effect on the lower respiratory tract. 

Neurological Conditions- Traditionally used in Persian medicine for neurological issues such as epilepsy. Traditional Persian medicinal preparation called Adasiyyat was used to treat epilepsy and earaches caused by nervous pain. Adasiyyat is a combination of cooked lentils with plantain leaves and was either consumed as a food or used as a plaster on the forehead. This use has been studied in modern medical science, which has determined that Plantain effects the gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) system and can potentially reduce the instance of seizures. GABA is a neurotransmitter and helps regulate the communication between brain cells. This property of Plantain may have further effects on other neurological conditions, but further studies are needed.

Gastrointestinal- Plantain is a great herb for the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. It has properties that help protect against the formation of ulcers, it’s a great source of fiber that helps to move digested food more effectively, it helps prevent and treat diarrhea, and it even helps remove obstructions in the liver ducts. 

Cautions, Contraindications, and Warnings- None known. *Some species are endangered or threatened, please be respectful of natural populations of these plants.

     I only included a basic introduction to this extremely useful plant. If you have any questions or comments, please leave them below. Follow me on Facebook and Instagram or updates on my adventures in Nature. Find me on YouTube and check out my videos! I also have a few things up on Teespring, check it out! Also, if you like what I do and what to see more, Become a Patron!

Resources:

Common Plantain (Plantago Major): Flickr: https://www.flickr.com/photos/mikofox/21270039140/ 

Plantago lanceolata Major: The Naturopathic Herbalist: https://thenaturopathicherbalist.com/2015/09/13/plantago-lanceolatamajor/

Plantago major in Traditional Persian Medicine and modern phytotherapy a narrative review: Pub Med: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5878035/ 

Plantago Major-Plantain: Henriette’s Herbal Homepage: https://www.henriettes-herb.com/eclectic/cook/PLANTAGO_MAJOR.htm 

Plantago Lanceolata: Wikimedia Commons: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Plantago_lanceolata3.jpg 

Plantago Major RF: Wikimedia Commons: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Plantago_major_RF.jpg 

Plantago (Plantain Weed): Wild Edible: https://www.wildedible.com/wild-food-guide/plantain 

Plantain: White Rabbit Institute of Healing: https://www.whiterabbitinstituteofhealing.com/herbs/Plantain/

Plantain- Indigenous Food and Medicine: Real Food & Scandalous Gardening Secrets: http://harvestsgardeningsecrets.blogspot.com/2015/07/plantain-indigenous-food-and-medicine.html 

Virginia Plantain (Plantago virginica): Wild South Florida: http://www.wildsouthflorida.com/virginia.plantain.html#.YH3Aw-hKgdU 

White Man’s Little Foot- Dwarf Plantain: Eat The Weeds: http://www.eattheweeds.com/white-mans-little-foot-dwarf-plantain-2/ 

The Lymphatic System

     It seems like everyone is talking about detoxing. Whether it's detoxing their lives by getting rid of negativity, or detoxing their diets, “detox” is definitely one of the big words in health today. With all this focus on detoxing, I figured that I'd talk to you guys about one of our body's natural detoxifying systems, the Lymphatic System.

What is the Lymphatic System?

     The Lymphatic System is part of the immune system, and has quite a few similarities to the circulatory system. It consists of vessels and nodes that run throughout your whole body, carrying fluids from tissues around the body to the blood and from the blood to the different tissues. It cleanses almost every tissue in the body by removing toxins, metabolic waste, and more. This system also moves white blood cells to tissues that need them, as well as generating and storing them, and balances the fluid levels of the whole body.

Lymphatic Vessels carry lymphatic fluid (lymph) through the body using a series of valves that control and direct the flow of the lymph. This system works, very much, in the same way as the circulatory system, except it does not have a pump (the heart) so we need to manually move the lymph through movement, diet, and massage.

Lymph Nodes are the lymphatic filtration system. They are found throughout the body (armpits, throat, chest, abdomen, groin, etc) and are generally found in groups, or chains, in fatty tissues close to veins and arteries. These Nodes are where the body fights infection causing substances, such as viruses or bacteria, as well as cancer cells. The Nodes house white blood cells, so when infection is forced into a Node, the blood cells are there to destroy it before it can cause further damage. Lymph Nodes tend to swell when you are ill, because more white blood cells are generated and sent to specific Nodes to fight off your infection.

The Tonsils, Adenoids, Appendix, and Peyer's Patches are all lymphatic tissue charged with protecting the body from infection. Tonsils filter out bacteria before it hits your gut, helping to reduce the occurrence of food born illness. Adenoids do the same for your lungs. The Appendix and Peyer's Patches help filter out bacteria in the gut.

The Spleen, Thymus, and Bone Marrow are where our bodies create and direct white blood cells. The Spleen and Thymus also filter dead blood cells and detect infections.

What Are Some Signs that it's Not Healthy?

     Just like any bodily system, the Lymphatic system can become stressed, congested, and in some cases even blocked. When this happens we can see signs like fatigue, pain, and even reoccurring illness. Here are a few things to look out for.

• Swelling
• Inflammation, especially in places with concentrations of Lymph Nodes
• Fatigue
• Infection, or Frequent Infections
• Joint Pains
• Muscle Aches and Pains
• Constipation
• Congestion
• Sore Throat
• Brain Fog
• Weight Gain
• Obesity
• Skin Issues
• Cancer

What Can You Do to Keep it Healthy?

     When you ignore the health of your Lymphatic System, your immunity suffers. So what can you do to keep it at optimal health?

Actively Reduce Stress- Stress puts your whole body into a funk and releases hormones into your system that need to be filtered out. Reducing the output of those hormones will help your Lymphatic System be better able to filter all of those toxins out of your system. Check out some stress reducing tips to add to your daily routine.

Deep Breathing- It's amazing how often we can forget to do the basic things in life. Deep breathing is one of those things that seems so simple, yet helps in so many ways. Not only does breathing deeply help us to reduce stress, it also acts as a pump for our lymph. Check out these three deep breathing exercises and try to incorporate them into your daily routine. You should see some great results in no time!

Exercise and/or Mindful Movement- The most obvious way to move your lymphatic fluid is, simply, to move. Exercise plays a very important role in our health, and especially in the health of our Lymphatic System.  Some great forms of exercise to help improve your Lymphatic System include rebounding and high-intensity interval training (HIT). Now you don't have to keep up the most vigorous of exercises in order to help move your lymph, something as simple as mindful movement can be enough. Yoga and Tai Chi both incorporate mindful movement into their exercises, but you do not have to practice either one in order to practice mindful movement. Mindful movement is moving with more intention and awareness. Check out these tips for adding mindful  movement into your life.

Perspiration- Sweating is one of the major ways our bodies rid themselves of waste. So it easily follows that perspiring more/more often can help with all of the detoxification systems, including the Lymphatic System. Not all exercise causes us to sweat and there are a number of people who cannot participate in those exercises that do cause perspiration, but that's ok because there are other ways to trigger sweating. Saunas and infrared saunas help to increase our perspiration as well as provide a non-invasive way to circulate toxins out of our organs and muscles, so that they can be released from our system through our pores.

Be Mindful of What You Put On Your Skin- The Lymphatic System often releases toxins from the skin when it becomes sluggish. This release is often blocked when we wear synthetic fibers (nylon, polyester, etc) or when we apply chemical-laden creams or soaps. Most of the toxins that were supposed to be released, are then re-absorbed along with additional toxins from whatever we have applied to our skin. This is why it's so important to wear natural fibers and only apply natural, organic creams and soaps. The basic rule of thumb, in regards to skin care products, is that if you can't eat it, don't apply it. There are a few examples (essential oils and some herbal products) but this is a great rule to follow when looking for your next product, and don't forget about laundry products and deodorant.

A special note for the ladies out there: Tight fitting bras and underwires impede normal lymph flow as well. Make sure your bras fit properly, avoid underwires, and go braless whenever you can. Don't forget that our breast tissue is made up of both mammary glands and lymphatic tissue. Take care of your ta-tas and they will take care of you.

Diet- Diet is a key factor in a number of health related issues. I'm sure that what I list here is going to come as no major surprise, but keep an open mind about just how much you see these same tips and think about how much your life may be impacted by poor dietary choices.

• Choose healthy proteins- organic and grassfed meats contain fewer toxins than regular meat
• Buy organic produce whenever possible- organic and local produce are going to have fewer toxins, but if you throw in eating seasonally available produce you get a whole new boost of benefits as well
• Eat the rainbow- each color you consume is associated with a specific nutrient, eating as many colors as possible helps you to get as many nutrients as possible
• Cranberries- cranberries help to break down fat so that the Lymphatic System can get rid of it, they also help the kidneys
• Leafy greens- greens (kale, spinach, dandelion, wheat grass, etc) are super cleansing to the whole body, but also have special benefits for both the cardiovascular system and the Lymphatic System
• Garlic- garlic boosts the immune system and helps get rid of harmful microbes, so that you Lymphatic System doesn't have to
• Ginger and Turmeric- these kissing cousins are both super anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and help to improve cardiovascular and Lymphatic health 

Stay Hydrated- Water water everywhere. Hydration is super important for any and every bodily function. Drinking water throughout the day is one of the best ways to stay healthy, especially when you're talking about the health of the Lymphatic System. Lymph is composed of a large amount of water and helps to keep the balance of the water in the body's tissues. Keeping hydrated is key to helping keep that balance. If you're not sure where to start, try this technique for a simply lymphatic cleanse using water.

Herbs and Essential Oils- There are quite a number of herbs that help keep the Lymphatic System healthy. Taking them as daily supplements, teas, or diffusing their essential oils can be great ways to boost your lymphatic health.

• Essential oils such as grapefruit, lemon, orange, bay laurel, clove, rosemary, peppermint, ginger root, and oregano are great to diffuse as well as to add to a bit of massage oil for self massage.
• Cleavers (Galium aparine) is a great herb to help enhance the function of the Lymphatic System. It improves the body's ability to flush out toxins, decreases lymphatic congestion, and reduces inflammation.
• Burdock (Arctium lappa) is a multi-system detoxifier. It supports the liver, kidneys, digestion, and lymphatic systems as well as purifying the blood and lymph.
• Purple Coneflower (Echinacea augustifolia) has gained quite the well deserved reputation for being a great immune herb. However when you combine it with Astragalus, it also has the added benefit of reducing swelling and congestion in the lymphatic system.
• Astragalus (Astragalus membranaceus) on it's own is a great, over-all, health booster. However, when combined with Echinacea, it's a great way to reduce swelling and congestion in the lymphatic system.
• Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) is one of the most gentile and effective detoxifying herbs known. It's said to remove over 1,000 known toxins from the body. 

Massage, Chiropractic, and Acupuncture- Alternative therapies can help to increase the health of all your bodily systems. The Lymphatic System is no exception. Lymphatic massage is especially helpful because it's designed, specifically, to get your lymph flowing. But chiropractic and acupuncture can help get things moving as well. Ask your practitioner today!

Dry Brushing- This is one of my favorite ways to move lymphatic fluid in the morning. Seriously. I dry brush every day when I get up in the morning. Generally right before my shower (dry brushing also exfoliates the skin so washing off all the dead skin left over is a major plus). If you've never heard of the technique before, here's a great introduction to what dry brushing is, and how to do it!



     I hope this has encouraged you to be more mindful of your Lymphatic System.  Please seek out other tips and feel free to share.  Do you have any questions or comments?  Post them below!

Resources:

10 Ways to Improve Your Lymphatic System Function: The Truth About Cancer: https://thetruthaboutcancer.com/ten-ways-improve-lymphatic-system-function/

How to Detoxify and Heal the Lymphatic System: Organic Lifestyle: https://www.organiclifestylemagazine.com/issue/15-how-to-detoxify-and-heal-the-lymphatic-system

The Lymph System: How Stuff Works: https://health.howstuffworks.com/human-body/systems/lymphatic/lymph-system.htm

Lymphatic System: Better Health: https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/lymphatic-system

The Lymphatic System, How to Make it Strong & Effective: Dr. Axe: https://draxe.com/lymphatic-system/

The Lymphatic System and Your Health: Women's Health Network: https://www.womenshealthnetwork.com/detoxification/the-lymphatic-system-and-your-health.aspx

Natural Ways to Activate the Lymphatic System to Boost Immunity: Wellness Mama: https://wellnessmama.com/400320/lymphatic-system/

Echinacea

     There are a handful of herbs that have gained almost a cult following in recent years. St. Johns wort, ginko biloba, and echinacea all come to mind. All three are even listed in the top most popular herbalsupplements, a list published by Johns Hopkins health library not to long ago.

     There are several different species of echinacea, but the two most commonly used medicinally are Echinacea purpurea and E. angustifolia. The common name, here in America, is Purple Coneflower. Echinacea grows well in disturbed soil, preferably rocky, in prairies, open fields, or by railroad tracks.  The most commonly used parts of this plant are the roots and leaves, but the whole plant can be used medicinally. If you are specifically trying to use echinacea for it's Immunostimulant properties, it's best to make or find a double extraction tincture as the necessary constituents (natural chemicals) are extracted by both water and alcohol. Most online tutorials for double extraction tinctures involve mushrooms, but you can use echinacea in the recipes, instead of the mushrooms, and have no problems.

Medicinal Uses:

Summary of actions- Immunostimulant, depurative, vulnerary, lymphatic, sialagogue, antiseptic, mildly antibiotic, bacteriostatic, anti-viral, anti-fungal, and anti-tumor.

Traditional Chinese Medicine- Known in Chinese Medicine as Zi Zhu Hua, echinacea is seen as a blood cleanser that also stimulates, restores, and dissolves. It works on both the lung and spleen meridians. It's used to activate immunity, restrain infection, clear toxins, reduce inflammation, resolve tumors, relieve pain, promote tissue repair, cause sweating, release the exterior, scatter wind heat, dredge the kidneys, enliven the lymph, and restore the stomach.

Immunostimulant- Echinacea has a great, and well earned, reputation as a preventative herb. Most of it's use as a supplement is for the prevention of colds and flu. Part of this is due to it's anti-viral and antibacterial properties, but mainly this is due to how well it stimulates the immune system. In fact, the University of Connecticut performed a study that determined that echinacea reduces chances of catching a cold or flu by over half. This same study also concluded that echinacea reduces the duration of the same infection by at least one full day. Echinacea does this, not by attacking the bacteria/viruses directly, but by enhancing our own immunity so that our immune system is better able to kill off bacteria, viruses, or even abnormal cells like cancer.

Cancer- Not only does echinacea help our immune system fight off infections, it also stimulates our body's tumor necrosis factor, or TNF, which is important to fighting off cancer. Recent studies have stated that echinacea shows promise, along with several other natural remedies, in the fight against cancer. So much so that it is becoming fairly common for medical professionals to recommend echinacea alongside of conventional therapy.

Painkiller- The Great Plains Indians of North America witnessed ill animals consistently searching out and eating the roots of echinacea plants. This lead to the use of echinacea in their native practices. Mainly, it was used as a painkiller for pain in the bowels, headaches, snake bites, sore throat, measles, toothache, tonsillitis, and stomach ache. It's also effective as a painkiller for herpes and gonorrhea. You can either drink a tea made from the plant, or rub the crushed and moistened plant onto the area where you are experiencing the pain.

ADD/ADHD- Children and adults that suffer from ADD/ADHD are more prone to anxiety, depression, and social phobias. Echinacea has been shown to help relieve those symptoms. However dosage is key. If you take too strong of a dose, it could actually worsen those same symptoms, so use echinacea for your anxiety only under the supervision of a trusted doctor and/or herbalist.

Cautions and Warnings- Since this herb is so stimulating to your immune system, if you take it consistently for a week you should take a break from it for the next week. If not, you could overwork your immune system and put yourself at risk for a more severe infection. If you have pollen allergies to any of the plants in the Asteraceae family, you may have allergic reactions to echinacea. Also, if you have an autoimmune condition, this herb could overstimulate your immune system and cause a flare-up. Please use only if absolutely necessary. The Mayo Clinic states that echinacea is safe to take during pregnancy or while breastfeeding, however most herbalists will not attest to this, use this herb with the utmost caution.

     I hope you enjoyed this post. If you have ever used echinacea or have any questions, please feel free to comment below.

Refrences:

Dr Axe: 9 Echinacea Benefits: https://draxe.com/echinacea-benefits/

East West Healing Academy: Echinacea: https://www.eastwesthealingacademy.com/herbs/echinacea/

Herb Wisdom: Echinacea purpurea benefits: http://www.herbwisdom.com/herb-echinacea.html

Johns Hopkins Medical Library: Herbal Medicine: http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/healthlibrary/conditions/complementary_and_alternative_medicine/herbal_medicine_85,P00181/

Medicine Net: Tumor Necrosis Factor: http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=25458

Mountain Rose Herbs: DIY Double Extraction: https://blog.mountainroseherbs.com/mushroom-double-extraction

Mountain Rose Herbs: Echinacea purpurea root: https://www.mountainroseherbs.com/products/echinacea-purpurea-root/profile

Mr. Ginseng: Echinacea: http://en.mr-ginseng.com/echinacea/

Wellness Mama: Echinacea: https://wellnessmama.com/25999/echinacea-benefits-uses/