Plantain Leaf Powder

Plantain Leaf grows on the plant Plantago major L. It is known by several common names, including Common plantain, Greater plantain, as well as Soldier’s herb. The leaves of this plant are deeply veined, and the plant itself is an herbaceous perennial. It reseeds very easily and can be invasive in some areas. It should not be confused with the banana-looking plantain, which is a plant in the Musa genus and not related to the Plantain genus of Plantago major L.

The German Commission E, which is similar to the United States’ FDA but regulates herbs and their medical use, approved the internal use of plantain leaves to ease coughs and irritation of the mucous membrane which are associated with upper respiratory tract infections [5]. They found that experimental research confirmed its beneficial properties, which can help reduce the irritation of lung tissues that cause discomfort. It can also help to stimulate the immune system. They recommend the plantain plant for moderate chronic irritative cough, especially for children.
Two clinical trials in Bulgaria documented the plantain plants efficacy for chronic bronchitis [6]. It acts as a demulcent, such as pectin and glycerin, which are common ingredients in cough syrups and throat drops. Demulcents relieve minor discomfort and irritation by forming a soothing film over the affected mucous membrane.

This property can also make the plantain leaf an effective relief for coughs caused by the flu, cold, and irritation. Since demulcents can cause more mucus production in the lungs, they are more often used to relieve dry coughs.