How to Prepare a Delicious Plantain Herbal Tea

According to a report from Saed News Cooking Service, barhang (plantain) is a beneficial plant in traditional medicine that is used both as food and as a medicinal herb. Its valuable leaves are used both as a herbal tea (infusion) and as a topical poultice. Plantain tea is considered helpful for coughs, and is therefore commonly used for symptoms associated with COVID-19, colds, asthma, and respiratory allergies. Below are several methods for preparing plantain tea for different purposes.

History of Plantain

Plantain has been available to humans since ancient times and has been used in agriculture. The spread of certain plantain species increased alongside human settlement in different regions, especially in European colonies.

Indigenous peoples of North America and the Māori of New Zealand called plantain “Englishman’s Foot” because it tended to grow in areas associated with English colonial settlements.

Plantain seeds were found in malt residues (previously used as fertilizer) and in wool exported from England. Its use in poultry feed became common. A mixture of ground plantain seeds and oil is used topically to reduce inflammation. A decoction of the plant with honey is used for sore throats. Purified seeds and colloidal extracts are also used in commercial laxative products.

Recipe: Plantain and Balangu Seed Infusion

Plantain has a cold and dry nature in traditional medicine, so it is often balanced with warm ingredients such as rosewater and saffron. This combination is considered helpful for dry coughs, including those associated with respiratory infections.

Preparation:

• Fill a glass with ¾ water and ¼ rosewater.

• Add 1 teaspoon balangu seeds and 1 teaspoon plantain seeds.

• Let it sit for about 30 minutes until the seeds release their mucilage.

• Add a small pinch of ground saffron and mix again.

• The infusion is ready. You may add natural honey before drinking.

Adults can consume this herbal drink 2–3 times daily.

Recipe: Plantain and Flixweed (Khakshir) Infusion

Plantain is cold and dry, while khakshir (flixweed) is warm and moist. Their combination creates a balanced drink, especially useful during hot summer days.

Preparation:

• Mix 5 grams khakshir and 5 grams plantain seeds (about one teaspoon each).

• Add to one cup of 90°C water.

• Cover and let steep for 15 minutes.

• Sweeten with honey if desired.

Recipe: Boiled Plantain with Mint Distillate

• Boil one teaspoon of plantain seeds with one cup of mint distillate for 5 minutes.

• After it cools to lukewarm, add one teaspoon of honey and drink.

• Optional: add rosewater and honey.

For therapeutic use, it is recommended to drink one cup daily before bedtime for 40 days, without straining the mixture.

Important Compounds in Plantain

Plantain contains:

• Iridoid glycosides such as aucubin

• Mucilage (about 5.6%), containing at least four polysaccharides

• Tannins

• Coumarins (including esculetin)

• Flavonoids such as apigenin

• Silicic acid (at least 1%)

• Zinc and potassium salts

Plantain leaves help reduce inflammation of the upper respiratory tract due to their tannins and mucilage content. Various forms are used, including extracts, syrups, fresh leaf juice, and lozenges.

Cold aqueous extracts and fresh leaf juice have antibacterial properties, while boiled or hot infusions may lose some active compounds due to heat breakdown of glycosides.

Plantain seeds are mainly used as a laxative and anti-inflammatory for the digestive system.

Benefits of Plantain Tea

• Relieves constipation

• Expectorant and mucus thinner

• Reduces nasal discharge

• Anti-inflammatory for the stomach

• Antibacterial effects

• Soothes urinary tract irritation

• Strengthens mucous membranes

• Diuretic

• Helps treat infected wounds

• Blood purifier

• Reduces cough in children

• Helps treat diarrhea

• Reduces eye inflammation

• Relieves muscle spasms

Precautions

• Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid plantain consumption.

• May cause allergic reactions in some individuals.

• Use with caution in people with intestinal blockage or abdominal disorders.

• Individuals with blood disorders or prone to clotting should avoid internal use.

• High doses may cause low blood pressure and diarrhea.