According to Dioscorides, the herb Plantago major (Great Plantain) was used to treat skin conditions. In the first millennium, the plant was known to Arab, Persian, Greek, and Roman doctors.

Avicenna (980-1037) in his book "The Canon of Medicine" recommended the use of the leaves of Plantago as a hemostatic agent for swellings, chronic malignant ulcers, eye inflammations, as well as diseases of the kidneys, liver, lungs, and rheumatism.

The fresh leaves are used in salads and contain glycosides with the main component being aucubin, which stimulates the excretion of uric acid from the kidneys, as well as vitamins C, K, P, ascorbic acid, potassium, iron, and carotene.

Dried or fresh leaves in the form of an infusion or decoction have diuretic, expectorant, tonic, bactericidal, and anti-catarrhal properties. It is ideal for cough and mild bronchitis.

The crushed leaves, when applied externally, are healing for wounds and abrasions, while rubbing the leaves on insect stings or bites stops the itching.

How to use: As an infusion, add 2 teaspoons of dried herb to a cup of boiling water for 10 minutes, strain, and drink three times a day.

Origin: EU.