Plantain syrup to the rescue!

During the cold winter months, time spent outdoors becomes a rarity. By seeking out the warmth of the home while avoiding the cold outside, we lock in the viruses that surround us.

When colds, flu, coughs and sore throats give way to respiratory discomfort, it's a good idea to know which remedies to turn to.

Among them is a must: the plantain syrup.

What is plantain syrup?

Visit plantain syrup is an effective herbal remedy for coughs and respiratory tract ailments. Traditionally, the syrup is made from lanceolate plantain, not to be confused with the tall plantain with its broader stems.

Widespread in both East and West, lance-leaved plantain is an annual whose medicinal properties have been exploited since Ancient Greece. In phytotherapy, lanceolate plantain is one of the ingredients of choice for cough remedies.

Its effectiveness in relieving inflammation of the respiratory tract is attributed to the mucilages present in the plant. Mucilages have emollient (softening) and anti-inflammatory properties, helping to calm the symptoms of respiratory infections while soothing secretions.

To date, clinical trials have confirmed plantain's efficacy in treating chronic bronchitis. In addition, German studies on subjects suffering from acute respiratory infections have demonstrated that internal use of plantain relieves the symptoms associated with these infections. ^1,2,3

In Sweden, a recent study showed that the plant protects against infections caused by streptococcus pneumonia.⁴

With so much scientific data, lanceolate plantain is gaining significant recognition in the medical and scientific community.

In fact, " the German Commission E recognizes the medicinal use of lanceolate plantain for the internal treatment of infections and inflammations of the respiratory tract and the mucous membranes of the mouth and pharynx. » ⁸

Plantain syrup: a unique composition of medicinal plants

In Quebec, we are fortunate to have a plantain syrup made locally from fresh, organic plants. From the gardens of Clef des Champsgardens, the plantain syrup is created and bottled by this noble company with rigorous social and environmental values.

After macerating for 30 days, the plantain syrup is pressed, sieved and bottled without the addition of coloring or preservatives. Sugar-free, non-GMO and non-irradiated, the plantain syrup plantain syrup is a safe natural health product whose effects will surprise you. The syrup's benefits are due to a precise blend of the following medicinal plants:

• Organic lanceolate plantainPlantain has bronchodilator, antibacterial and antitussive properties. Plantain is indicated internally for respiratory tract disorders such as bronchitis, pharyngitis and laryngitis. In Europe, this plant has been used for generations in traditional cough remedies. ⁴

• Organic EchinaceaAn immune-boosting plant, echinacea is both antibacterial and antiviral. In the plantain syrup plantain syrup, the aerial parts (echinacea purpurea) and the whole plant (echinacea angustifolia) are used in synergy. When taken internally, echinacea shortens the duration of colds, prevents infections and boosts the immune system. ⁵

• Organic marshmallow : As it calms inflammation of the mucous membranes, marshmallow is used to counter coughs and irritations of the respiratory tract. Marshmallow's white leaves and flowers are also immunostimulant. ⁶

• Organic mulleinAlso known as bouillon-blanc, mullein is a champion expectorant plant. It reduces excessive secretions from the respiratory tract and promotes healthy breathing. Antiviral, mullein is indicated for internal use to relieve respiratory tract infections such as laryngitis, tracheitis and bronchitis.⁷

• Organic fir essential oilExpectorant, fir essential oil helps clear and decongest the respiratory tract. With its tonic action, it complements the soothing plants that form the basis of the plantain syrup.

The plantain syrup plantain syrup is available all year round in the branches of La Boîte à Grains and on our website.

So the next time you feel a sore throat or cough coming on, turn quickly to this safe and effective herbal remedy. It can be taken as early as childhood, and is considered safe when used appropriately.

Happy winter & good health!

About the author

Naturopaths of La Boite à Grains

Team of licensed and certified naturopaths (ND) in Gatineau, Outaouais.

Original article written by Véronique Cousineau, Naturopath

Sources

1 :Matev M, Angelova I, et al. [Clinical trial of a Plantago major preparation in the treatment of chronic bronchitis]. [Article in Bulgarian, abstract in English]. Vutr Boles 1982;21(2):133-7.

2 :Koichev A, et al. 1983. Pharmacologic-clinical study of a preparation from Plantago major. Probl Pneumos Ftiziatr 11:68-74. Study cited in: Blumenthal M, Goldberg A, Brinckmann J (Ed). Expanded Commission E Monographs, American Botanical Council, published in collaboration with Integrative Medicine Communications, USA, 2000.

3: Kraft K (1997) Study published in Germany, mentioned and summarized in: Schulz V, Hänsel R, Tyler VE. Rational Phytotherapy - A Physicians' Guide to Herbal Medicine, fourth edition, Springer, Germany, 2001, p. 181.

4: DUMENAT Phytothérapie teaching team, Faculty of Medicine Paris-XIII, Bobigny (2003). Plantain, pantago major, P. lanceolata. Les médecines de la nature - 200 plantes pour se soigner. (Adapted from Health through plants). (p. 185). Canada, Montreal: Sélection du Reader's Digest.

5: DUMENAT Phytotherapy teaching team, Faculty of Medicine Paris-XIII, Bobigny (2003). Echinacea, Echinacea angustifolia, Echinacea purpurea. Les médecines de la nature - 200 plantes pour se soigner. (Adapted from Health through plants). (p. 88). Canada, Montreal: Sélection du Reader's Digest.

6: DUMENAT Phytothérapie teaching team, Faculty of Medicine Paris-XIII, Bobigny (2003). Marshmallow, Althaea officinalis. Les médecines de la nature - 200 plantes pour se soigner. (Adapted from Health through plants). (p. 121). Canada, Montreal: Sélection du Reader's Digest.

7: DUMENAT Phytotherapy teaching team, Faculty of Medicine Paris-XIII, Bobigny (2003). Bouillon-blanc, verbascum thapsus L. Les médecines de la nature - 200 plantes pour se soigner. (Adapted from Health through plants). (p. 52). Canada, Montreal: Sélection du Reader's Digest.

8: Pierre Lefrançois, Françoise Ruby, Jean-Yves Dionne, pharmacist. Scientific review by Danielle Julie Carrier, Associate Professor, Biological and Agricultural Engineering, University of Arkansas (April 2007) for the Canadian Society for NHP Research. Plantain. Passeport Santé - Natural Health Products. April 2007