Plantain, Plantago major (lat.) For medicinal purposes mainly
the leaves and the seeds, in some cases the root, are used. The
leaves are gathered starting from the blossom time until the
plant fades. They are dried in cool, windy place. The dried
preparation usually makes 22-23% of the fresh leaves. The leaves
can be gathered twice a week, they are best before 2 years. The
seeds are gathered when completely ripe. Plantain has been used
in folk medicinal practice for a very long time. It was has been
used against bronchitis, blue cough, and a number of stomach-
intestine tract diseases. Even back in ancient times, the Greeks
and roman were using the plant against dysentery. Avicenna
mentions the usefulness of all types of plantain against wounds,
chronical ulcers, eye, kidney, and liver diseases. Mkhitar
Heratsi has used the seeds of the plant against cough and
diarrhea. He also mentions the efficient influence of leaf juice
and the seeds. He has used the plant against a number of fever
and intestine diseases.