© Hans Hillewaert · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Commons
Plantago lanceolata
Spitzwegerich · (Plantago lanceolata)
Plantain family (Plantaginaceae)
Description
Plantago lanceolata is a species of flowering plant in the plantain family Plantaginaceae. It is known by the common names ribwort plantain, narrowleaf plantain, English plantain, ribleaf, lamb's tongue, and buckhorn. It is a common weed on cultivated or disturbed land.
- TeaLeafInternalTraditional use
Soothing tea for dry irritated cough and hoarseness. Mucilage forms a protective film on irritated pharyngeal and bronchial mucosa; aucubin (resp. its aglycone aucubigenin) adds antibacterial action; acteoside (verbascoside) inhibits leukotriene B4 synthesis and acts anti-inflammatorily.
Preparation & dosage
INFUSION (do not boil — mucilage and aucubin are heat-sensitive): Pour 150 ml hot (not boiling, ca. 80–90 °C) water over 1–2 g crushed dried ribwort plantain leaves, cover, steep 10–15 min, strain. 2–3× daily freshly prepared. For dry irritated cough sip slowly. EMA monograph: daily dose 3–6 g.
- Dry amount
- 1–2 g
- Doses per day
- 3×
- Max duration
- 1 weeks
⚠ Age restriction: ≥ 6 years — Per EMA monograph suitable for adults, adolescents and children from 6 years.
[#src_ema_plantaginis_lanceolatae_folium] [#src_wp_de_plantago] [#src_wp_en_plantago]
- GargleLeafExternalTraditional use
Gargle and mouth rinse for mild inflammation of the oral and pharyngeal mucosa. Tannins and mucilage act astringently and protectively.
Preparation & dosage
Prepare infusion as for tea (1–2 g + 150 ml hot water, 10–15 min). Use lukewarm 2–3× daily to gargle 30 seconds or as a mouth rinse. For pharyngitis the liquid may also be swallowed.
- Dry amount
- 1–2 g
- Doses per day
- 3×
- Max duration
- 1 weeks
⚠ Age restriction: ≥ 6 years — From 6 years; supervise younger children when gargling.
- CompressLeafExternalFolk medicine
Folk medicine first-aid remedy: ribwort plantain grows on almost every roadside and provides an instant natural plaster. Aucubigenin acts antibacterially; mucilage and tannins soothe and protect. Not a substitute for medical treatment of deep or infected wounds.
Preparation & dosage
FRESH-LEAF POULTICE (classic wayfarer's home remedy): Crush fresh, clean ribwort plantain leaves between fingers or with a flat stone until juice appears, apply directly to insect bites, nettle stings or minor scrapes. Replace after 10–20 min. MOIST COMPRESS: Infusion (2 g leaves/150 ml hot water, 15 min) on clean cloth, apply to wound 15–20 min.
- Doses per day
- 3×
- Max duration
- 1 weeks
- TinctureLeafInternalTraditional use
Ribwort plantain honey syrup as traditional alternative to tea for dry irritated cough and hoarseness. The combination of mucilage and honey is especially soothing and tastes better to children than the tea.
Preparation & dosage
RIBWORT PLANTAIN SYRUP or TINCTURE (traditional dosage form, especially popular for children): Layer fresh leaves alternately with honey in a jar 1:1, leave 4–8 weeks — syrup draws out. Take 1 tsp 2–3× daily. Ready-made ribwort plantain cough syrups available commercially. Tincture: standardised finished preparation per package leaflet.
- Doses per day
- 3×
- Max duration
- 2 weeks
⚠ Age restriction: ≥ 6 years — Syrup form especially suitable for children from 6 years (honey syrup only from 1 year — botulism risk in infants).
[#src_wp_de_plantago] [#src_ema_plantaginis_lanceolatae_folium]
- TeaLeafInternalFolk medicine
Folk medicine cough tea for colds, acute bronchitis and sore throat — often combined with other cough plants (thyme, marshmallow, cowslip). Acteoside/verbascoside inhibits leukotriene B4 and acts anti-inflammatorily; mucilage soothes irritation.
Preparation & dosage
HERBAL BLEND TEA for colds/bronchitis: Mix ribwort plantain with thyme or cowslip (1 g each, total dose 2–3 g). Infusion 10–15 min, 3× daily. Used in folk medicine also for acute bronchitis.
- Dry amount
- 1.5–3 g
- Doses per day
- 3×
- Max duration
- 2 weeks
- CompressLeafExternalFolk medicine
Traditional external use for sunburn, superficial burns, eczema and insect bites. Tannins act astringently and relieve itching; acteoside components act mildly anti-inflammatorily.
Preparation & dosage
FRESH LEAVES AS COOLING COMPRESS: Rinse a few fresh ribwort plantain leaves briefly in cold water, apply directly to sunburn or insect sting area. Leaves retain moisture and cool gently. Renew as needed. NO substitute for medical treatment of severe burns.
- Doses per day
- 2×
- Max duration
- 1 weeks