|
 This
plant is primarily a weed, though it is edible and is used in herbal
medicine.
This plant does best in compacted soils, and hence is sometimes
called "roadweed". It propagates primarily by seeds, which are held
on the long, narrow spikes which rise well above the foliage.
It is wind-pollenated, and a cause of summer allergies when in
flower.
Medical use: Crushed leaves can be applied directly to the skin to
stop bleeding, bee stings and insect bites. Psyllium seeds are a
bulk laxative.
Common plantain is a safe and effective treatment for bleeding, it
quickly staunches blood flow and encourages the repair of damaged
tissue.
The leaves are astringent, demulcent, deobstruent, depurative,
diuretic, expectorant, haemostatic and refrigerant.Internally, they
are used in the treatment of a wide range of complaints including
diarrhoea, gastritis, peptic ulcers, irritable bowel syndrome,
haemorrhage, haemorrhoids, cystitis, bronchitis, catarrh, sinusitis,
asthma and hay fever.They are used externally in treating skin
inflammations, malignant ulcers, cuts, stings etc. The heated leaves
are used as a wet dressing for wounds, swellings etc.
The root is a remedy for the bite of rattlesnakes, it is used in
equal portions with Marrubium vulgare.
The seeds are used in the treatment of parasitic worms. |
