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A decoction of the roots is used in the treatment of a wide range of complaints includingdiarrhoea, dysentery, gastritis, peptic ulcers, irritable bowel syndrome, external haemorrhage,haemorrhoids, cystitis, bronchitis, catarrh, sinusitis, coughs, asthma and hay fever. It also causesa natural aversion to tobacco and is currently being used in stop smoking preparations.Extracts of the plant have antibacterial activity. Folk medicine attributes expectorant, antiinflammatory,and analgesic properties to plantain, and clinical trials with humans support theseclaims.The herb has been proven effective in the treatment and control of obesity, a use popular in someparts of the world, but rarely seen in America. Plantain has an appetite-satiating effect andreduces intestinal absorption of liquids. Related anti-cholesterol and appetite suppressant effectshave also been experimentally verified. Anti-tumor effects have been demonstrated in animals.Plantain leaf has a rich history of oral and topical medicinal use, particularly for the treatment ofskin ailments, and it is sold today as a supplement for a variety of health promoting purposes.Plantain acts as a diuretic, helping to rid the body of excess water. A tea of the entire plant can beused for bladder and kidney problems, stomach ulcers, hay fever and allergies and to stopinternal bleeding. It also promotes digestive health by helping to ease indigestion and heartburnand treat diarrhea and dysentery. Plantain leaf also soothes the lungs and promotes respiratoryhealth and is used to treat coughs and bronchitis. Additional purported uses for plantain leafinclude enhancing circulation, stimulating the uterus, treating cystitis and hay fever and reducingtotal cholesterol levels.Plantain leaves have antiseptic properties and can be used topically to promote the healing ofdamaged skin, reduce skin inflammation, stop bleeding, reduce pain and prevent secondaryinfections of wounds. The fresh leaves are used to dress wounds, dog and insect bites to stopbleeding and prevent infections. Plantain can also be applied as a poultice to help soothe beestings, burns, rashes and hemorrhoids; and to relieve itching from insect bites. A poultice of thefresh leaves cures herpes, syphilitic sores and parasitic skin diseases.In addition, extracts of it can be used as a mouthwash to reduce gum inflammation and gumdisease and to treat mouth ulcers. Held in the mouth, it heals ulcers, strengthens the gums, relievethroat irritations, coughs and nosebleeds. The fresh leaves are also good for teething babies.The Indians carried this herb around as a first aid measure. In China plantain has a very ancientreputation as a curing herb. It used for general debility, spermatorrhea, loss of sexual potencyand to promote fertility and strengthen the reproductive organs. The tea in Jamaica is used toprevent miscarriage, stop diarrhea and the internal bleeding and to remedy dysentery. Plantainplant appears to be completely safe and nontoxic.1. Basic Herbs for Health and Healing; Rashan Abdul Hakim, 1989.2. “The Health Benefits of the Plantain Leaf”; Megan Ashton; April 29, 2011;http://www.livestrong.com/article/430791-the-health-benefits-of-the-plantain-leaf/44