Plantago, scientific name plantago major L. , is a creeping plant that belongs to the plantaginacea family, and is also popularly known as acatá, carrajá, earth plantago and sheep’s weed.Plantain tea has numerous beneficial properties to our health and is one of the most used medicinal teas in our country and in others, such as India and the United States. This plant can be found for sale in health food stores, some compounding pharmacies and street markets.

medicinal properties

Plantain has astringent, antibacterial, irritation-reducing, expectorant, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, detoxifying, healing, purifying, decongestant, digestive, diuretic, sedative, laxative and tonic properties

Benefits and indications for use

Due to its medicinal properties, plantain leaf tea serves as a healing agent, helps to combat diarrhea, gastrointestinal problems and toothaches, in addition to deflating the lymph nodes, mouth and throat. Thanks to its powerful anti-inflammatory action, the gargle with plantain relieves sore throat, helps to alleviate pain in the mouth and treat canker sores.

Leaves clean and scalded in boiling water can be applied to wounds or ulcers, helping in the healing process, in addition to serving against leprosy, dog bites and burns. The poultice-shaped leaves heal wounds, fistulas and hemorrhoids.

Warm tea serves as a sitz bath in case of leukorrhea; the infusion of plantain leaves can be used in cases of nosebleeds, fluid retention and to eliminate coughing and mucus.

Plantain is also indicated to cure some liver and stomach ailments, skin infections, insect bites, diarrhea, sty, mucosal inflammation, rhinitis, sinusitis, colds and flu, lung diseases, asthma, bronchitis, swelling, gastritis, dysentery, varicose veins and hemorrhage.

Both the flowers and seeds of this plant are also used against conjunctivitis and eye irritation caused by trauma. Plantain is still used as an aid in the treatment of those who wish to quit smoking.

How to prepare plantain tea

To prepare tea from this plant and enjoy its benefits, just add two tablespoons of the herb to a liter of water. Turn off the heat when it comes to a boil. Cover and leave the solution smothered for a period of 10 minutes. Next, you just need to filter and drink.

The indication for consumption of this tea is 1 cup every 6 hours for oral pharyngeal infections and 1 cup every 8 hours for gastrointestinal problems.

Contraindications and side effects

Plantain tea is contraindicated for pregnant women, nursing mothers and patients with heart problems, constipation and dry stools.

Side effects of this creeping plant include drowsiness, intestinal cramps and dehydration.