Don’t confuse this powerful herbal remedy with a relative of the banana by the same name! Plantain is a perennial weed native to European climates that spread quickly to North America, Australia and New Zealand with European colonization. In fact, plantain is known as “English Man’s Foot” in New Zealand because is spread wherever English settlers traveled.


While plantain may look like an unassuming weed, it packs a powerful medicinal punch. A long-time staple of herbal medicine, plantain sooths topical allergic reactions and rashes, including poison ivy, eczema and mosquito bites. Consumed as a tea, plantain provides natural relief for allergies, bronchitis, asthma and emphysema. In fact, plantain, with its ability to soothe a wide range of external and internal health problems, is one of the most effective herbal remedies known to man.


Plantain is shown to reduce allergic reactions naturally and has been used to treat respiratory conditions including asthma, emphysema and bronchitis. This extract naturally reduces the body’s reaction to allergies thanks to its high flavonoid content and antispasmodic and anti-catarrhal properties. Plantain also contains components that bind to molecules responsible for triggering the body’s allergic response, which prevents irritation of the mucous membrane. That’s why our doctor chose to include plantain extract in AllergEase.


For centuries, plantain has also served as the primary ingredient in a poultice applied to burn wounds. As part of a soft, moist mixture, plantain helped alleviate the burning and stinging sensation of wounds, lesions, cuts, blisters, rashes and bites. Nicknamed “snake weed”, plantain is also said to draw out poison from bee stings, spider bites and snakebites. Following a severe scrape or scratch, a plantain poultice can also reduce the risk of scarring. Plantain seeds contain approximately 30 percent mucilage, which swells when infused with water to create a soothing eye lotion.


Plantain tea is also popular for easing allergy symptoms caused by mucous membrane congestion. In order to make the tea, herbalists infuse a small handful of freshly chopped plantain leaves into two cups of boiling water. Juicing fresh plantain leaves may also be beneficial for the body. Herbalists recommend taking ½ teaspoon of juiced plantain three times per day to relieve cold and flu symptoms. Plantain leaves and seeds may also be consumed raw to ease constipation. Taken orally, plantain helps to detoxify the body, and has been cited as an oral remedy for everything from irritable bowel syndrome and diarrhea to gastritis and dysentery.


With virtually no undesired side effects, plantain is safe for use even with small children. More than the recommended daily oral intake of plantain, however, may result in gas or upset stomach due to the herb’s detoxification properties. A safe way to enjoy plantain’s benefits is through a daily dose of AllergEase.