Botanical name of ribwort plantain: Plantago lanceolata L.
Plant family: Plantain family (Plantaginaceae)
Main botanical characteristics: Perennial, 30-50 cm tall, furrowed stem with terminal, spike-like, cylindrical flowers, from which yellowish-white anthers hang. Leaves arranged in a basal rosette, lanceolate, with 3-7 longitudinally veined veins. Seeds stick to shoes and clothing.
Flowering time: May-September
Plant parts used: Leaves (Folium Plantaginis lanceolatae)
Ingredients: Mucilages, tannins, bitter substances, flavonoids, silica, iridoids
Effect: Soothing (mucus), astringent (Gerbst.), wound healing, antibiotic (iridoids), hemostatic, blood purifying.
Indications: Catarrh of the respiratory tract, bronchitis, asthma, dry cough, inflammation of the mucous membranes in the mouth, throat, inflammation of wounds and skin, insect bites, swelling
Contraindication / Side effects: No
Preparation and dosage form:
- Infusion (2 cup 5-1 times a day)
- Tincture (2-5x/day 15-25 drops)
- Fresh juice (2-4 times a day, 1 teaspoon),
- Syrup (2 tbsp. 5-1 times/day), Hom. (D1-D3, several times/day)
- Crushed leaves for wounds and stings
- Fresh juice with compress (inflammation)
Effect of ribwort plantain according to TCM: (cool)
- Blood stagnation is resolved
- Damp heat in the bladder, large intestine and lungs are cleared
- Frees eyes
- Cools heat conditions of the blood
- Clears the lungs of mucus
