Plantago major L.
- perennial herbaceous plant plantain family (Plantaginaceae). Found throughout the country. It grows near roads and houses, in wastelands and meadows. WITH therapeutic purpose Leaves, seeds and juice of plantain are used. The leaves contain glycosides, bitter and tannins, enzymes, citric acid, vitamin K, alkaloids and phytoncides. The seeds contain up to 44% mucilage, fatty oil, olanolic acid and saponins.
The traveler often injures his feet -
Here is the doctor by the road.
They crush him with a boot,
He does not care a straw.
Who among us has not had to rub or injure a leg, but when this happens in the forest, it is especially annoying - there is pain, and a spoiled mood, and it’s far from the pharmacy.
But in the forest, in the field, even on a dusty road in large quantities Medicines are growing, you just need to know them and be able to use them.
The name plantain speaks of its habitat - on the road. The ovoid, elastic leaves of the plantain are arranged in a rosette, from the middle of which rise one or two stems with spikelets of whitish-purple fluffy flowers or strewn with small balls of seeds.
It is found everywhere and blooms from May to autumn. One plant produces from 8 to 60 thousand seeds, which are used in Chinese cooking instead of cereals.
PLANTAGO MAJOR L.
Plantain family - PLANTAGINACEAE
Description. A small perennial herbaceous plant with a rosette of long-petioled basal leaves. The leaves are entire, broadly oval, glabrous, with 5-9 main protruding veins, arranged in an arched manner. A long succulent peduncle bears an inflorescence - a thick spike of inconspicuous brownish flowers. The fruit is a two-locular capsule containing 8-12 seeds. Weed; also exists in culture. Blooms from June to September.
Geographical distribution. Almost all over Russia.
Organs used: leaves.
Chemical composition . The leaves contain the glycoside aucubin C 15 H 22 O 9, which breaks down into glucose and aucubigenin C 9 H 12 O 4; bitter and tannins; carotene, ascorbic acid, a small amount of alkaloids and vitamin K. The seeds contain a lot of mucilage and fatty oil, free carbohydrate plantose C 18 H 32 O 16, consisting of glucose, fructose and galactose, as well as oleanolic acid and steroid saponins.
Pharmacological properties . R.K. Aliev (1945), S.A. Mirzoyan et al. (1949) experimentally established that a 20% extract from the leaves of the plant has a wound-healing effect, reduces purulent discharge, stimulates granulation and epithelialization and, in addition, provides a soothing and even hypnotic effect and reduces blood pressure. B. S. Nikolskaya (1954) noted the effectiveness of its juice in the treatment of corneal wounds. Ibn Sina successfully treated patients with urticaria with plantain, which indicates the antiallergic properties of this plant.
Many researchers, including R.K. Aliev et al., I.E. Akopov, point to the valuable hemostatic properties of plantain.
Range therapeutic use this medicinal plant exceptionally wide. Its preparations (infusion, decoction, fresh leaf juice, as well as new drug plantain plantaglucid - bitter powder gray, forming with water mucus solution) have a sedative, hypotensive, diuretic and expectorant effect.
Application. Plant preparations are recommended as a sedative, mild hypnotic, analgesic and antispasmodic for gastric ulcers and twelve duodenum, acute gastrointestinal diseases(gastritis, enteritis, enterocolitis), especially with gastritis with normal and low acidity, during treatment hypertension initial stages, various inflammatory phenomena, for example, in the area respiratory tract, occurring with difficulty in expectoration. The plant is effective for various hemorrhages and bleeding, as well as wound healing agent. Plantain juice is used mainly as a bitterness for anacid gastritis and chronic colitis (V. A. Shevelev, 1959).
Plantain- an ancient medicinal plant. It is used in scientific and folk medicine. It has antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, wound healing, blood purifying and expectorant effects and enhances the secretory function (activity) of the stomach.
An infusion of leaves helps to liquefy, dissolve and release thick sputum during coughs, pulmonary tuberculosis, pleurisy, chronic catarrh of the bronchi and lungs, whooping cough, and asthma.
Infusion of plantain leaves and juice is very effectively used for gastritis, enteritis and enterocolitis, dysentery and for the treatment of stomach and intestinal ulcers, inflammation bladder and its other diseases, with involuntary night urination, hemorrhoids, hemoptysis and malaria. It is used as a blood purifier for rashes, lichen, and acne.
A decoction of inflorescences is used for pain in the stomach and intestines.
Clinical studies have shown that a decoction of plantain seeds has laxative properties and can be used to treat colitis. It has been proven that the seeds are non-poisonous and the mucus of the seeds protects the inflamed intestinal mucosa from irritation. In India, Professor Chapra used a decoction of seeds to treat dysentery.
In folk medicine plantain leaves used for wounds, abscesses, bruises, burns and as an anti-inflammatory - for insect bites and inflammation of the eyes.
To prepare the infusion, take a tablespoon of dry leaves, pour one glass of boiling water, leave for 2 hours, filter and take a tablespoon 4 times a day 20 minutes before meals (Makhlayuk, 1992).
IN medical practice prepare plantain juice preserved with alcohol. Pantoglucid is an extract from the herb in the form of granules (Zhukov, 1983).
Liquid extract causes a decrease in cholesterol in the blood, prevents hypercholesterolemia, has an antisclerotic effect, increases the amplitude of heart contractions without changing the rhythm of cardiac activity and blood pressure (Florya, 1975). A decoction of the leaves increases the hemoglobin content in the blood. Leaves sprinkled with chalk are used for erysipelas. All plants are used in the treatment of cancer and diabetes (Surina, 1974).
In Ukraine, plantain is used for nephritis, gastritis with low acidity, cuts, toothache, eye diseases, fistulas, lichens, kidney diseases, heart diseases, mats (scabs on the head), diaper rash, calluses (Popov, 1973).
Plantain preparations have a detrimental effect on Staphylococcus aureus(Demidov, 1963), streptococci, Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
Plantain showed good results in the treatment of kidneys and renal pelvis.
The study found that plantain juice is effective in treating corneal wounds (Sokolov, 1984).
Plantain seeds taken as a laxative and antidiarrheal agent. Take a tablespoon of crushed seeds at night or pour boiling water (1/2 cup) over them and then drink warm. The effect occurs within 6-12 hours.
At chronic diarrhea, especially of tuberculosis origin, plantain seeds are ground into powder and taken 1 g four times a day (Pastushenkov, 1989).
Plantain juice is effective against toxicosis (Kulikov, 1975).
Plantain seeds are taken when diabetes mellitus, dyspepsia, male and female infertility, for elephantiasis, hemoptysis, hypertension, atherosclerosis, erysipelas (Kovaleva, 1971).
They drink the juice or decoction of the whole plant for headaches (Ges, 1976).
The juice is used for periodontal disease and as a cosmetic product. Plantain is used for hot tumors, herpes, creeping ulcers, urticaria, erysipelas, mumps, Persian fire, malignant ulcers, ear pain.
Lentil stew with plantain leaves Helps with epilepsy and asthma. All plants in the form of a soup are taken against blockage of the liver, kidneys, and dropsy.
Plantain with salt is applied to the bite sites of a rabid dog (Avicenna).
A tincture of plantain leaves with sugar is used for lung and stomach cancer (Gorodinskaya, 1989).
The seeds are used as an antipyretic for respiratory infections, diseases urinary tract, with gonorrhea.
The aerial part of plantain is used in homeopathy for tachycardia, polyuria, pleurisy, nosebleeds, urolithiasis, trophic ulcers. Plantain juice is used for inflammation oral cavity, nasal cavity, phlegmon, with oily and loose skin, with endometritis, myometritis, parametritis, adnexitis, anthrax, epilepsy, gonorrhea (“Plant Resources”, 1990).
The hypnotic effect of plantain has been established (Mirozyan, 1948).
Preparations from plantain used for pneumosclerosis, vomiting, toxicosis in pregnant women, for convulsions, they inhibit the development of metastases.
In India, a drug was obtained from the shells of plantain seeds that promotes dilation of the cervix (Minaeva, 1991).
The perfume industry produces various drugs, which includes natural extract plantain, are biolotion “Flora”, cosmetic set “Balm”, creams “Alyonushka”, “Dreams”, “Tulip” and others (Murokh, 1990).
In homeopathy, plantain is prescribed for goiter.
In Rus', plantain is considered universal remedy from almost all diseases.
Methods of preparation and use
1. A tablespoon of crushed plantain leaves is poured into 1 cup of boiling water, left for 15 minutes, and filtered. Take 1 tablespoon 3-4 times a day 20 minutes before meals.
2. Freshly squeezed leaf juice, take 1 tablespoon 3-4 times a day.
3. Juice - a mixture of plantain and flea beetle is preserved with alcohol and sodium metabisulfate (0.15%). Prescribed mainly as a bitterness for anacid and hypacid gastritis and chronic colitis 1 tablespoon 3 times a day 15-30 minutes before meals (course of treatment - up to 30 days).
4. One or two tablespoons of seeds are poured into 1 glass of water, brought to a boil, boiled for 10 minutes, filtered while warm. Prescribe 1 tablespoon 1 time per day on an empty stomach.
During the pharmacological study there was wide installed biological activity plantain leaves. Their juice is effective in treating corneal wounds, has a wound-healing, hemostatic effect, and accelerates granulation and epithelization. The extract from the leaves has a calming and hypotensive effect in hypertension, stimulates the secretion gastric juice, increasing its free and total acidity, therefore effective in chronic gastritis, gastric ulcer and duodenum with normal and low acidity of gastric juice, relieves spastic phenomena in the large intestine. In pharmacies you can buy a drug from its leaves - plantaglucide.
Water infusion of plantain leaves enhances the activity of the cilia of the ciliated epithelium of the respiratory tract, which leads to increased secretion of bronchial mucus, as a result of which the sputum dilutes and facilitates its release when coughing. A decoction and infusion of leaves (2 tablespoons per glass of boiling water) is used as an adjuvant for bronchitis, whooping cough, bronchial asthma, and tuberculosis.
The presence of phytoncides determines antimicrobial effect drugs. Externally, plantain preparations are used for purulent wounds, ulcers, boils, bruises, fresh cuts and wounds, and insect bites.
Young tender leaves In the spring it should be used for making salads and put on sandwiches. Dried leaves in winter it should be used to season soups and main courses for patients with gastritis with normal and low acidity of gastric juice.
Green cabbage soup made from plantain prepared like from nettles.
Fried potatoes with plantain: fry 500 g of potatoes in vegetable oil; when the potatoes become soft, add the onion, chopped plantain and mushrooms (50-60 g each) and leave on the fire for another 2-3 minutes. Garnish the dish with fresh tomatoes.
Plantain salad: take 100-150 g of plantain, rinse and keep in boiling water for 2-3 minutes, drain the water, finely chop the leaves, add 50 g of onion. Season with mayonnaise or sour cream, egg and fresh dill or parsley, and salt to taste.
Applications, recipes and medicinal properties plantain.
Medicinal plant plantain genus of perennial and annual grasses of the subshrub family plantains. About 250 species are known and grow in subtropical and temperate zones (less common in the tropics).
Plantain. Description. They are often found along roads, in meadows, in sand, in steppes, in weedy places, wastelands. In most types plantain seeds contains aucubin glycoside and mucus. Name - flea seed.
MEDICAL PROPERTIES OF PLANTINE.
Plantain. Benefit and harm. Video
EXTERNAL USE OF PLANTINE
INTERNAL USE OF PLANTINE.
In traditional medicine plantain leaf infusion will help how expectorant means, bronchial, bronchitis, pulmonary tuberculosis, whooping cough. In medicine practical preparationsplantain applicable when ulcer 12 – typus and stomach. Externally used for inflammation of the nasopharynx And oral cavity, boils, purulent, burns, phlegmon, cuts, bruises, wounds, chronic ulcers(How bacteriostatic and wound healing). IN gynecology are used when endometritis, infertility, anovulation, adixitis, at parametritis, myometritis. Plantain juice good for acne and treatment corneal wounds And neurodermatitis.
FOLK METHODS AND RECIPES FOR TREATMENT WITH PLANTAIN
Plantain for cancer. Video
Plantain for gastritis, colitis, enterocolitis, ulcers of the duodenum and stomach: 3 teaspoons of dried leaves per cup of boiling water. Leave for six to eight hours, drink a third of a cup. in 30 min. before eating.
Upper respiratory tract catarrh is treated with plantain infusion. Tablespoon dried plantain pour a liter of boiling water and keep it on low heat for ten minutes. Leave in a warm place for a day. Strain and drink according to Art. spoon 3 times a day, for 15 minutes. before eating.
PLANTINE FOR COLITIS, ENTEROCOLITIS, GASTRITIS there will be a result if plantain juice drink a spoonful 3 times a day a quarter of an hour before meals. On winter period vodka preserve by mixing in equal parts.
Infusion of plantain leaves has a good effect on the MALE GENITAL GLANDS and is used for IMPOTENCE. Cooking infusion of plantain leaves so: twenty-five gr. raw materials pour boiling water Art. leave for 60 minutes, strain. Take a spoonful of tbsp. from three to four times per day.
FOLK RECIPE FOR PLANTAIN SEED INSTRUCTION: Twenty five gr. raw materials, pour boiling water into a glass, shake for a long time, then filter. Take a spoonful of tbsp. 3 times a day before meals.
PLANNANT PREPARATION. Plantain juice squeezed out of fresh leaves, harvested from May to September. Sheets with part of the cuttings rinse in cool water(the water is allowed to drain), scald with boiling water, then pass through a meat grinder and squeeze through thick fabric. In case of obtaining thick juice, dilute with water in a ratio of one to one. Boil for 1 to 3 minutes. Take one to two tablespoons. together with a spoon tbsp. honey three to four times a day before meals (dilute the juice in 0.5 cups of water at room temperature). One course - thirty days.
Plantain oil, homemade.
Plantain is a medicinal plant distributed throughout the world. His healing properties known to mankind since ancient times. In other languages the name of this useful herb sounds like this:
- German – Heilwegerich, Spießkraut;
- English – narrow leaf plantain, ribwort,
- French – plantain lanceole.
Appearance
Plantain is a low herbaceous plant. The leaves, depending on the type, can be round or oblong, with clearly visible longitudinal stripes. The inflorescences are borne on thin, straight stems. The flowers are fluffy, pink or light lilac. The seeds ripen in long, scaly brown capsules.
Species
The genus Plantain has about one and a half hundred species, but only a few of them are considered useful. Most known species of this plant:
- sandy - has a branching stem and narrow, long leaves;
- staghorn - distinguished by thick, jagged leaves;
- lanceolate (lance-shaped) - has large, elongated leaves and purple inflorescences;
- large – can reach 45 cm in height, distinguished by large, rounded leaves;
- marine - has thin, oblong leaves, pointed at the ends, grows along the banks of reservoirs;
- medium - distinguished by ovate, pointed leaves and pink flowers.
Watch the following video about the medicinal properties of lanceolate plantain.
Where does it grow?
Different types plantain can be found in almost all countries of the world. Largest quantity species of this plant grows on the Eurasian continent, as well as in northern regions Africa, North and South America. In Russia and the CIS countries there are about three dozen species of plantain. The plant prefers a temperate climate and settles in open places exposed to the sun.
Blank
Most favorable time for the preparation of medicinal raw materials from plantain - from late spring to late summer. Only healthy, green leaves should be collected, avoiding red and yellow ones. It is better to trim leaves and stems with sharp scissors or small pruners to avoid damaging them. root system plants. Dry the raw materials on the floor in a room with good ventilation, stirring from time to time.
If you don’t want to bother with preparations, then plantain grass, completely ready for use, can be easily found in a pharmacy or herbal store.
Characteristics
- dark green color;
- faint mushroom smell;
- bitter taste.
Nutritional value and calorie content
Find out more about beneficial properties plantain, its preparation and use in folk medicine, you can watch from the following video:
Chemical composition
- acids: organic, citric, oleanolic;
- tannins;
- bitter and nitrogenous substances, mucus;
- fatty oil;
- carotenoids;
- polysaccharides;
- flavonoids;
- alkaloids;
- sorbitol;
- vitamins: C, B and K;
- metals: potassium, calcium, iron, manganese, copper, zinc, cobalt, chromium, barium, selenium, boron.
Useful properties
- regulates the secretion of gastric juice;
- has an anti-inflammatory effect;
- relieves some types of pain;
- normalizes cholesterol levels;
- lowers blood pressure;
- has a calming effect;
- is an effective expectorant and emollient;
- thins mucus;
- has antibacterial properties:
- has a hemostatic effect;
- promotes wound healing.
The ability to disinfect and quickly heal wounds is the most known property plantain
Harm and contraindications
External use of plantain-based medicines is harmless and has no contraindications.
Contraindications for internal use are:
- exacerbation of stomach ulcers;
- severe gastritis;
- predisposition to blood clots;
- pregnancy;
- lactation period.
Before preparing medicinal drugs from plantain, read the contraindications
Oil
Oil infused with plantain leaves is a wonderful folk remedy that is used to cleanse and heal cuts, scratches and abrasions. It can be prepared using dried or fresh raw materials.
The glass jar must be sterilized and filled to the top with plantain leaves; fresh grass must first be mashed. Then pour it into the jar vegetable oil, close the lid tightly and leave to infuse in a dark, warm place. After 14 days, filter the oil and pour into a clean container.
Juice
The juice of fresh plantain leaves has been used since ancient times to treat the most various ailments, including colds, insect bites, digestive problems and purulent inflammations on the skin.
The juice is squeezed from well-washed raw materials and stored in the refrigerator. To prevent plantain juice from spoiling within many months, you need to dilute it with vodka or medical alcohol in the required proportion. The juice of this plant is also sold in pharmacies.
Syrup
Plantain syrup is a proven folk remedy for treating colds. It works especially well against coughs.
To prepare plantain syrup, you need to pick fresh leaves of the plant, rinse and grind using a meat grinder or blender. Then pour granulated sugar into the bottom of the glass jar and place a layer of chopped grass on top. Alternate the layers of plantain and sugar until the container is full. Close the jar tightly and place in a dark place.
Over the next two or three months, you need to drain the syrup that settles at the bottom of the jar into a separate container.
Plantain syrup will quickly relieve coughs in children and adults
Application
In medicine
Plantain can be used to treat and relieve symptoms wide range diseases, including:
- acute respiratory infections and acute respiratory viral infections;
- angina;
- bronchitis;
- pleurisy;
- whooping cough;
- dysentery;
- dyspepsia;
- uncomplicated gastrointestinal diseases;
- menstrual irregularities;
- allergic reactions;
- insomnia;
- hypertension;
- inflammation of the skin and mucous membranes;
- kidney infections.
Folk recipes
- In case of disruption of the gastrointestinal tract- 1.5 tbsp. Pour a glass of boiling water over dry or fresh plantain leaves and leave overnight. Drink 1/3 glass 3 times a day after meals.
- At severe cough - 1 tbsp. pour plantain herb into a glass cold water, put on fire and bring to a boil. Let it brew for 1-2 hours. Drink 1 tbsp. before meals 3 times a day.
- At open wounds oh and purulent inflammations - 5 tbsp. Add crushed plantain leaves to a glass of water, bring to a boil and boil for 2-3 minutes. Then the liquid should be filtered and cooled. Use as compresses.
- For male sexual impotence - 1 tbsp. Pour 300 ml of boiling water over plantain seeds, put on low heat and cook for 15 minutes. Take half a glass 3 times a day.
An infusion of plantain seeds will help restore male strength
For weight loss
Plantain is known for its ability to lower cholesterol levels in the blood and improve the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract. That's why he's good auxiliary for those who struggle with overweight. A decoction of plantain seeds is especially helpful in this difficult task.
It is very easy to prepare: 1 tbsp. seeds need to be poured with 250 ml of boiling water, cover with a lid and leave for half an hour. You should drink 1/3 cup of the decoction 30 or 40 minutes before meals.
A decoction of plantain leaves is effective in treating constipation, especially in combination with senna herb
In cosmetology
Cosmetics plantain based can be used for skin and hair care.
Cosmetics prepared using plantain:
- tightens and tones the skin;
- relieves minor inflammations;
- cleanses pores;
- moisturizes and nourishes the skin;
- evens out complexion;
- softens rough skin on the hands and feet;
- treats calluses;
- nourishes and strengthens hair.
Face cream with plantain extract will relieve inflammation and tighten the skin
Many common medicinal plants are not only found literally at every step outside the city, but are also actively sold in pharmacies. IN modern world folk remedies are again gaining popularity among doctors and their patients. After all, they often act as effectively as chemical medications, but at the same time cause less side effects. One of the popular and very common medicinal plants is plantain. Let us clarify what properties plantain decoction and its infusion have, and discuss their use in a little more detail.
Plantain is widely used by specialists traditional medicine. Healers use its leaves, stems, seeds, and roots. Based on them, decoctions, infusions and tinctures are prepared. Freshly squeezed plantain juice is also used.
Plantain infusion
To prepare plantain infusion, the leaves of this plant are usually used. The resulting medicine has anti-inflammatory and antiseptic qualities, stimulates regeneration processes and has a positive effect on the secretory functions of the stomach. Using the infusion helps achieve a powerful expectorant effect and cleanse the blood of “bad” cholesterol.
Infusions based on plantain leaves are most often used to treat coughs. But such drugs cope quite effectively not only with an ordinary cough, but also with more serious diseases, such as pulmonary tuberculosis, pleurisy, catarrh of the upper respiratory tract, bronchial asthma, and whooping cough.
An infusion obtained from plantain may be useful to patients with gastritis, enteritis and enterocolitis. It is often recommended to be taken when ulcerative lesions digestive tract - stomach or intestines. In addition, this remedy copes quite effectively with inflammatory lesions of the urinary system. It is recommended to be used in the treatment of hemorrhoids.
Some healers claim that internal consumption of plantain leaf infusion can be very effective in the treatment of atherosclerosis. This remedy will also benefit patients suffering from hypertension.
External use of plantain infusion is quite effective in treating skin ailments, represented by rashes and acne. It can be used to heal and disinfect abscesses, wounds, skin ulcers, boils and cuts.
Experts have concluded that plantain-based preparations can cope with even very aggressive bacteria, including resistant staphylococcus and streptococcus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Proteus and Escherichia coli.
A weak infusion of plantain leaves helps treat conjunctivitis. It is also recommended for use in preparing lotions for tired eyes.
How to prepare an infusion based on plantain?
To prepare such a medicine, you need to prepare three teaspoons of crushed dry plantain leaves. Brew them with a glass of just boiled water. Infuse the medicine for six to eight hours, then strain. This infusion copes quite effectively with gastritis, colitis and ulcerative lesions.
To treat a cough, you can prepare an infusion: brew a couple of dry tea leaves with half a liter of boiling water. Cover with a lid and leave for a quarter of an hour. Strain the finished medicine and drink it in a glass, three or four times a day, sweetening it with honey.
You can also take four tablespoons of crushed raw materials, brew with half a liter of boiling water and wrap for one and a half to two hours. Strain the finished medicine and drink a tablespoon four times a day to treat cough.
For the treatment of skin and eye diseases You can prepare a weak infusion of plantain leaves. Brew a tablespoon of raw materials with a glass of boiling water and leave for a quarter of an hour to infuse. Strain ready-made product, and squeeze out the medicinal raw materials.
Plantain-based decoction
A decoction of plantain leaves is used in the same cases as the infusion: to treat diseases of the respiratory tract and organs digestive tract, organs of the urinary system and skin pathologies.
In addition, there are recipes for plantain decoctions to correct other ailments. Yes, such medicines may be effective in therapy uterine bleeding, as well as infertility problems (both men and women). Some healers recommend using plantain decoction to eliminate inflammatory lesions female genital organs.
How to prepare plantain decoction?
To treat infertility and uterine bleeding, it is worth preparing a tablespoon of crushed plantain leaves. Brew such raw materials with a glass of just boiled water and boil for a quarter of an hour. Strain the finished medicine, then dilute it with regular boiled water room temperature to an initial volume of two hundred and fifty milliliters. Take a tablespoon of the decoction three times a day.
To treat inflammation of the uterus and/or appendages, it is worth brewing a tablespoon of crushed plantain leaves with one glass of boiling water. Boil in a water bath for half an hour, then strain. Drink half a glass three times a day.
Before using medications with plantain, you should consult your doctor. Such products have contraindications for use.
The famous ancient Greek healer Hippocrates, the “father of medicine,” mentions healing qualities this medicinal plant.
The ancient Greeks and Romans used plantain and its seeds to treat inflammation of the stomach, intestinal disorders and infections.
In China, for example, 3000 years ago, plantain grass was used as a medicine.
The Arab philosopher Avicenna prepared his potions from this medicinal plant and treated ulcers and bleeding, knowing full well about its astringent properties, and dry ground leaves – hard-to-heal ulcers and wounds.
There is a legend about people discovering the healing effects of plantain herb. A road cart with people ran over the wheels of snakes basking in the sun, but one of the snakes managed to escape. How surprised people were to see how the surviving snake returned to its crushed friend, holding an inconspicuous leaf in its teeth. This incident marked the beginning of the active use of this plant for health purposes.
In order to stop going to the pharmacy for pharmaceuticals less often, sometimes it’s worth taking a walk through the forest, because there you can find everything you need for good health! Today we will learn about the properties of plantain, find out who and what it can help with, and who should not use it. The healing properties of the leaves of this plant have been known since time immemorial, but there are also contraindications that should not be forgotten.
Inconspicuous and familiar to all of us from childhood, plantain is actually suitable not only for applying it to broken knees- stop the bleeding and relieve the pain. This medicinal herb can replace almost the entire home first aid kit!
Its leaves contain vitamins C and K, carotene, tannins, a rare glycoside aucubin, citric acid. Many cooks like to add plantain to salads, casseroles, omelets and even pizza.
Research has shown that this inconspicuous plant contains phytohormones, phytoncides and plant proteins. And the seeds contain saponins and essential oleic acid, which is classified as polyunsaturated fatty acids omega-9.
Plantain herb properties and treatment
Ancient medical books and reference books are replete with recipes using lanceolate plantain, which has an almost unlimited scope of application. Medicinal fees and compositions based on this roadside grass have antispasmodic, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, restorative properties.
The leaves of the plant contain carotene, phytoncides, flavonoids, vitamin C, organic acids, etc., and its seeds contain mucilage and fatty oil.
Useful properties
- Fresh leaf juice is an excellent wound healing agent. Juice diluted with water 1:2 can prevent the growth of hemolytic and pathogenic staphylococci, 1:4 - the growth of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and also has a sedative and hypotensive effect.
- An infusion of leaves and seeds of the herb is used for diseases of the upper respiratory tract (bronchitis and bronchial asthma), whooping cough and pulmonary tuberculosis, since plantain mucus activates the work of the cilia of the ciliated epithelium of the respiratory tract and forms a protective layer on the mucous membranes.
- Decoctions and infusions of leaves or seeds are also successfully used in the treatment of gastritis and stomach ulcers.
- Externally, the leaves heal bruises, cuts, wounds, burns, purulent wounds, phlegmon, acne and boils, as well as inflammatory and infectious processes in the oral cavity.
- A decoction of the leaves of this medicinal plant copes well with gynecological problems: endometritis, metroendometritis and parametritis, and is also healing for female infertility of the endocrine form.
- Promotes healing of open wounds, including boils, ulcers and boils.
- Eliminates wet cough, promoting better sputum discharge, and softens dry cough.
- It is used as an additional therapeutic agent for asthma, whooping cough, pleurisy and tuberculosis. It not only eases the course of the disease, but speeds up recovery.
- Due to its antiseptic effect, it is successfully used to treat gastric and duodenal ulcers. Thanks to the substances it contains, it fights Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, and hemolytic staphylococci.
- Used in treatment inflammatory diseases bladder.
- Effective for sanitation of staphylococcus in the oral cavity - eliminates ulcers.
- Helps cure infertility in women - normalizes menstrual cycle and ovulation, extinguishes foci of inflammation in the reproductive organs.
- Improves sperm quality in men, increasing the number of viable sperm, effective for prostatitis and impotence.
As you can see, plantain has a lot of healing properties, but this medicinal plant also has contraindications, so before you start solving this or that problem with it, you need to find out who is not recommended to use products from this herb.
Recipes from plantain leaves and seeds
Infusion for external use
Indispensable for washing fistulas, abscesses and open wounds.
1 tbsp. dry plantain leaves, pour 250 ml of boiling water, and put on water bath for 20 minutes. Then remove, strain and cool. Apply as needed.
Juice for oral use
It is difficult to overestimate the healing properties of plantain juice!
- We collect fresh leaves plantain - at least 300 - 400 g, rinse thoroughly first in a saucepan, then in a colander.
- We scald with boiling water to completely disinfect it and be sure to let it dry on a towel.
- We scroll the dried leaves through a meat grinder and squeeze the resulting mass through several layers of gauze.
The juice should be liquid, but if there are too many particles in it and drinking is problematic, it can be diluted in a 1:1 ratio and boiled in a water bath for one minute.
Plantain juice helps with dry and wet cough, helps strengthen the immune system and relieves gastrointestinal diseases.
Decoction of plantain and sage leaves
This recipe also works well with peptic ulcer stomach and duodenum.
- Combine 1 tsp. dry plantain and sage leaves, pour 400 ml of boiling water in a saucepan and boil for 5 minutes.
- Pour into a glass container, cover and let sit for at least an hour.
After this, strain the broth and take 120 ml every day between meals at the same time. The course of treatment lasts one and a half weeks.
Decoction of plantain seeds for gastritis
It’s very easy to prepare: pour 2 tsp. without a hill of seeds of a medicinal plant, 250 ml of boiling water, cover with a lid and leave for a day or night, but not less than 12 hours.
We drink it at night, an hour after the last meal.
Infusion of plantain seeds for infertility
Option 1
1 tsp. Pour the seeds into a saucepan and add 200 ml of boiling water. Leave to simmer for 5 minutes either over very low heat or in a water bath. Then let it cool and take the portion throughout the day, breaking it into several equal parts.
Option 2
Pour 200 ml of boiling water over 1 tbsp. seeds and keep on open fire for 2 minutes. Then let it cool, filter the resulting thick liquid and take 2 tablespoons 4 times a day between meals.
This decoction can only be stored in the refrigerator and no longer than 2 days!
Gastritis, colitis and enterocolitis; duodenal and gastric ulcer
3 teaspoons of dry leaves per glass (200 g) of boiling water. Leave for 6-8 hours, take a third of a glass before meals, 30 minutes.
Qatar of the upper respiratory tract
1 tbsp. Steam a spoonful of dry leaves with boiling water (1 liter) and leave for 10-15 minutes on low heat on the stove.
Let the broth brew in a warm place for 24 hours. Take 1 tbsp orally daily. spoon on an empty stomach, half an hour before meals, three times a day.
Cough syrup
Wash fresh leaves of plantain herb (remember the expectorant properties), grind in a meat grinder or finely chop with a knife. Pour a layer of sugar into the bottom of a 3-liter jar and place a layer of crushed raw materials on top of it. Then lay it out in layers - a layer of grass, a layer of sugar.
The last, top layer is sugar. Sugar can be replaced with natural honey. Close the jar tightly with a lid and place it in a dark place.
As the syrup appears, pour it into a separate bowl. The process of forming a medicinal syrup lasts about 60 days. Take 2 teaspoons daily with meals.
Male gonad dysfunction
Pour 25 g of dry raw materials (or seeds) into a glass (200 g) of boiling water. Leave for 1-2 hours. Take the infusion three times a day, 1 tbsp. spoon.
Bruises, wounds, cuts and burns
50 ml juice from plantain leaves; 25 g each of lanolin and medical vaseline. Mix thoroughly. Apply externally.
Contraindications
- Tendency to thrombosis
- Increased acidity
- Individual intolerance
Before starting treatment, you need to find out if you are allergic to plantain. To do this, you can rub it and leave it on the skin, for example, on the bend of the elbow - this test is suitable if it is intended for external use. Or prepare a decoction according to one of the recipes below, perform one dose and wait a few hours.
If you do not dare to prepare a decoction or syrup at home, then in pharmacies you can find many preparations of this herb: juice, syrup, leaves. By the way, the famous “Gerbion” syrup (the famous complex antitussive syrup) is made from simple roadside leaves.
Plantain herb in cooking
Roadside can also be used in cooking. Of all 200 species of plantain grass, only one has edible properties - the great plantain.
It is used mainly in salads.
Plantain salad
To prepare we need
- 75 g leaves of well-washed plantain grass,
- 50 g meat (choose to your taste),
- 2-3 hard-boiled eggs (chicken or quail eggs),
- 15 g of green onions, sour cream or mayonnaise, grated horseradish, salt, green dill and parsley.
Preparation
Chop roadside leaves, add finely chopped fried or boiled meat. It can be replaced with ham or sausage, sausages. Add eggs, grated horseradish, green onions with dill and parsley, salt.
Season with mayonnaise or sour cream.
This is not the only salad where roadside leaves can be used. They can be combined with fresh cucumber, With canned fish. The taste is piquant and unlike anything else.
As you can see, to start effective treatment wonderful healing plant, just go to the pharmacy for dry leaves or seeds. Or you can go to the forest and collect environmentally friendly and juicy fresh leaves there! When you know what properties plantain has and what the contraindications are, improving your health with it will not be difficult!
