Ribwort leaves can be used internally and externally. Internal use is mainly for the treatment of colds and inflammatory processes of the mucous membranes of the mouth, throat and upper respiratory tract (catarrh).
External use of ribwort
Applied externally, ribwort can be used to treat inflammatory skin lesions, skin diseases, injuries to the skin and insect bites. Traditionally, the plant is used quite generally to strengthen the respiratory system.
Ribwort plantain in folk medicine and homeopathy.
In folk medicine, ribwort has been used for centuries as a remedy to promote expectoration, for ulcers around the mouth, and as a primary wound care agent. It is also sometimes used for local hemostasis.
Ribwort is also frequently used to treat coughs. The iridoglycosides it contains have an antibacterial effect, and the mucilage acts as a protective film over the mucous membranes, which relieves the irritation of the cough. Ribwort is therefore a popular ingredient in cough syrup or tea.
Homeopathy mainly uses the fresh broadleaf plantain to treat toothache caused by tooth decay.
Ingredients of ribwort plantain
Ribwort leaves contain 2-3% of iridoglycosides with the main components being aucubin, catalpol, asperuloside and globularin. The content of iridoglycosides is influenced by the age of the leaves and the season.
Furthermore, mucilages, tannins, caffeic acid derivatives, chlorogenic acid, flavonoids, minerals and essential oil are present in the drug.
Ribwort plantain: indication
Medicinal use of ribwort plantain is for:
- Inflammation of the oral and pharyngeal mucosa.
- Common cold
- Catarrh
- Inflammation of the skin
- Skin diseases
- Skin lesions
- Insect bites
- Wound healing
