Save 15% with FLOURISH15

Sale ends in
Ribwort Medicinal Properties

Ribwort Medicinal Properties

by teclan Admin in Journal

As I walked through the fields today I felt that the prolific ribwort or plantain  (Plantago lanceolata) deserved some attention. Dark green, prominent ribbed leaves help you identify it. The stem has a brown flower head, surrounded by a corona of stamens.Plantain

Buttercups, red clover, dandelions, cleavers and plantago intersperse the green grass. The land is awash with medicinal plants that we take little notice of as we tramp along, mostly with our head full of thoughts and stories. Today I really noticed. I remember as children in Scotland we would play a game of soldiers with the flower heads, trying to knock each others off. The Scots know it as “a plant of healing.”

It is as useful as it is common. In Latin the name plantago refers to the sole of the foot, owing to the fact you have probably stepped on this plant.

We often prescribe it for upper respiratory issues but it would be a mistake to pigeonhole plantago. Interestingly a frog was observed eating the leaf after being bitten by a spider. In American Indian practice it is considered to be a snake or a frog medicine due to its special affinity for venom of all kinds. It is a Native America remedy for Bell’s palsy.

A ‘drawing’ agent, plantain can be useful for tooth abscesses and lingering infections. In 1962 Yadubir Sinha noted, “In pains of any kind in teeth and gums, apply this remedy 4 times a day with cotton and see the miracle.” The Dictionary of Modern Herbalism describes its actions as: “soothing and healing locally; taken internally a relaxing expectorant, toning the respiratory mucous membranes and checking excessive catarrh; calming urinary spasms and pains.”

A wonderful herb for bronchial spasms, allergic rhinitis, dry and nervous coughing and middle ear catarrhal conditions.

Specific Indications
  • Inflammation of the eyes; conjunctivitis, blepharitis, dry red eyes
  • Facial neuralgia
  • Earache
  • Tooth abscess
  • Tracheitis
  • Sore throat
  • Bronchitis
  • Colitis
  • Skin boils and abscesses
  • Itchy, burning skin
  • Inflammation of the kidneys

‘Scientific studies have shown that Plantain extract has a wide range of biological effects including wound healing, anti-inflammatory, analgesic (pain-relieving), antioxidant, antibiotic and immuno modulating activity’, The Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 2010.

Buy Plantain fresh juice here.

Tags: Health Advice
Previous Post Next Post

Related Posts

Hormonal Migraines - Causes, Prevention and Relief

Hormonal Migraines - Causes, Prevention and Relief

Hormonal migraines are a type of headache linked to fluctuations in hormone levels. They commonly affect women due to the natural hormonal changes that occur throughout the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and menopause. These headaches can vary in intensity, duration, and type, ranging from mild to severe, and are often classified as menstrual migraines or premenstrual syndrome (PMS) headaches.  The headache may be preceded by an aura, with nausea or vomiting and a sensitivity to light. Interestingly there are hormone receptors in the eyes. They can also be accompanied by fatigue, poor appetite or cravings for salt and sugar and a general feeling of inflammation. Causes of Hormonal Migraines The tendency for these type of headaches to occur around the time of menstruation suggests that they are precipitated by a drop in either progesterone or oestrogen or by an imbalance of progesterone to oestrogen ratio, but in the direction of oestrogen excess. Stress will make matters worse as stress can cause low blood sugar resulting in headaches, irritability and exhaustion.  The perimenopause, menopause, the contraceptive pill and HRT can all cause hormone levels to fluctuate. Other causes of migraines/headaches - Skipping meals Poor sleep Over-exercise Artificial sweeteners Stress Alcohol Digestive turmoil Food sensitivities MSG Low salt Low blood sugar Not eating enough Low thyroid Prevention and Relief of Hormonal Migraines 1. Consider the hormone balancing herb Chaste tree (Vitex Agnus-castus). Studies show that women given Chaste tree for three months reduced the headaches they experienced during their menstrual cycle by 66%. Chaste tree can help balance hormones naturally, reducing typical premenstrual symptoms when taken regularly. 2. Avoid hormone disrupting chemicals. As headaches can be caused by unopposed oestrogen (oestrogen dominance) it is important to reduce xenoestrogens (oestrogen mimicking chemicals)  -  Try to purchase hormone free foods Consider swapping out chemical laden toiletries and make-up for more natural products Avoid touching till receipts, or wash hands straight afterwards - BPA's are chemicals present in high concentrations in receipt paper and linked linked to reproductive harm. They are known as Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals (EDC) because they can act as a xenoestrogens.  Reduce the use of plastics in bottles, food stuffs etc.   3. Hydrate with salted water. Adding a pinch of sea salt to a glass of water has been shown to alleviate migraines. It may be useful to add electrolytes to your water. Neuroscientist Dr Stanton recommends that every migraine sufferer should start the day with one-eighth of a teaspoon of salt.   4. Consider taking natural progesterone like the one from Forefront Health. Studies show that Progesterone appears to play a protective role against migraines.   5. Support liver function. The liver plays a significant role in hormone balance and thyroid conversion. To support healthy liver function and detoxification the liver requires adequate protein and glucose (fruit, root vegetables, honey etc. The liver also needs adequate selenium, copper, zinc and vitamins A, E, and B.  Consider liver supportive herbs like Milk thistle, Dandelion, Andrographis and Digestive bitters.   6. B vitamins help migraines. A 16-week study on women with episodic migraines revealed that supplementing with a B complex reduced headache attacks significantly. Several studies show that B vitamins can help prevent migraines.  Other studies show that taking Vitamin B2 at a dose of 400mg a day reduces migraines when taken consistently for 1- 3 months   7. Support thyroid health. Migraines can be a symptom of low thyroid which often occurs around the perimenopause. It is important to speak to a health expert regarding thyroid health and blood results, even when the report shows results are within range.  The Forefront Health range helps to support healthy thyroid function.   8. Magnesium for migraines. The American Migraine Association report that hormone related migraines can be prevented with magnesium. Magnesium can also help with tension headaches and cluster headaches. Since people with migraines often have low magnesium levels, the American Headache Society recommends a daily dose of 400 to 500 milligrams per day.          

Learn more
Natural Ways to Increase White Blood Cell Count and Support Immunity

Natural Ways to Increase White Blood Cell Count and Support Immunity

Proven ways to support your immune system - Echinacea - Several studies have demonstrated how Echinacea supports immunity. Echinacea has been shown to enhance natural killer cell activity and neutrophils rapidly increase within the first 24 hours of taking it.  Astragalus – Studies show Astragalus increases B-lymphocyte and T-lymphocyte levels, interleukin and antibody production. It also promotes phagocytosis, the process by which certain living cells called phagocytes engulf other cells, particles and even pathogens.  Cat’s Claw – A recent study showed that Cat’s Claw significantly elevated white blood cell count in adult men who supplemented with this herb for 6 months.  Turmeric – Studies support its efficacy as an immune supportive plant.  Vitamin B Complex – Especially B6 and B12 can increase the production of white blood cells in the body. Vitamin B9 (Folate) boosts the production of neutrophils and helps fight infections. Vitamin C and Vitamin A are also very important for increasing white blood cell count. Vitamin C supports immunity. Vitamin A boosts the production of lymphocytes. Zinc – Our body's use zinc to build immune system cells called T lymphocytes. Sunlight – A study, published in the journal, Scientific Reports, shows that sunlight may have an energising effect on T cells, a type of white blood cell that activates cells in the body to fight infection.  Selenium – Has been found to have a positive effect on the production of white blood cells.  Green tea – Increases the leukocyte activity and the total plasma antioxidant status and may have role to play in the prevention of inflammatory disease.  It’s important to note that a low white blood cell count can have serious health implications, and its underlying cause should be promptly identified and addressed by a healthcare professional.

Learn more
Five Signs Your Feet Could be Warning You of a Thyroid Problem

Five Signs Your Feet Could be Warning You of a Thyroid Problem

Feet and the thyroid connection - 1. Dry, flaky and cracked - in a 2012 study of 460 patients diagnosed with hypothyroidism, 300 presented with dry, coarse skin. In another study in the same year 100% of patients with hypothyroidism had rough, dry skin. 2. Cold feet - Thyroid pioneer Dr Broda Barnes (1906-1988) wrote, “When thyroid function is low, circulation is reduced. In advanced cases of hypothyroidism, the skin, in fact, may receive as little as one 1/4 to 1/5th the normal blood supply.” Extremities are notably vulnerable to poor circulation, especially in the colder months. You may also have cold hands, tip of the nose and bottom. 3. Yellowing soles of the feet - in hypothyroidism this is due to a build up of beta-carotene which is stored in the external layer of skin - palms of the hands and soles of the feet. Thyroid hormone is needed for the conversion of beta-carotene to vitamin A. This is what gives carrots their bright orange colour. 4. Cramp and foot pain - is a common complaint in people with thyroid disease. As is plantar fasciitis, especially shooting foot pain first thing. Carpal tunnel syndrome is also associated with hypothyroidism, as are burning feet. 5. Numbness and pins and needles - the insulating layer around nerves, the axonal myelin sheath, degenerates without sufficient thyroid hormone causing these unpleasant sensations. These are just some of the signs our feet tell us about the health of our thyroid, even a long time before a diagnosis.

Learn more