Evergreen perennial, spreading by seed, which cling to feet - it was taken to the New World for herbal use and became known to North American Native Peoples as "White Man's Footsteps" as it followed the new inhabitants where they settled. Persists for many seasons, forming a rosette close to the ground, so it avoids the sweep of mower blades. It is tolerant to trampling, surviving on paths and driveways.

The leaves contain tannins and astringent chemicals which, when crushed, make useful styptics for small cuts and an alternative to dock leaves for nettle stings. Lotions can be used to sooth itchy, chapped skin, insect bites and sore eyes. There are also internal medicinal uses where the expectorant effect and the mucilage content of the plant ease inflamed mucous membranes during bouts of coughs and bronchitis.

There is some evidence of antibacterial properties.

Medicinal Properties:
Properties: Astringent, demulcent, emollient, cooling, vulnerary, expectorant, hemostatic, antimicrobial, antiviral, antitoxin, and diuretic.
Constituents: Allantion, apigenin, aucubin, baicalein,linoleic acid, oleanolic acid, sorbitol, and tannin.
Main Uses: A tea can be used to treat lung disorders and stomach problems.This same tea may be used as a mouthwash to treat sores in the mouth and toothaches. It may also be used externally to treat sores, cuts, scratches, blisters, insect bites and stings, hemorrhoids, burns, rashes, and other skin irritations. A poultice of the leaves may be applied to the affected area. This is probably plantain's most common use. For relief from an insect bite, simply shred (or chew) a plantain leaf and hold it on the bite for a few minutes. Plantain is currently being marketed as a stop smoking aid. It is said that it causes an aversion to tobacco. Plantain seeds are very high in mucilage and fiber. The seeds of a closely related species (Plantago psyllium) are the primary ingredient in laxatives such as Metamucil. Common plantain seeds may be used in the same fashion. The mucilage from the seeds may also reduce high cholesterol.

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