Plantain herb: medicinal properties and home use

Description of the plant

The most famous types of plantain are lanceolate, sandy, and middle. Pronounced medicinal characteristics are inherent in flea plantain, and also to a greater extent in large plantain. Of these two types, the latter is in high demand.

Great plantain is a familiar herb to many people and is often considered a nasty weed. In Latin the name sounds like Plantago major. Found everywhere, excluding the Far North. Due to its beneficial properties, the plant has been cultivated in a number of regions.

Description of plantain:

• the shortened rhizome of the plant is covered with numerous thread-like roots;
• broadly oval petiolate leaves are combined into a rosette located in the root zone;
• finely grooved erect peduncles reach a height of 14-46 cm;
• four-membered miniature flowers are collected in elongated spike-shaped inflorescences of a cylindrical shape;
• The fruit is a multi-seeded capsule.

Compound

The beneficial qualities of the weed plant are determined by the diverse chemical composition of plantain, including carotenoids, mucus, iron, cobalt, and choline.

Present in the structural formula are phytoncides, polysaccharides, magnesium, iridoid glycoside aucubin, and retinol. Includes bitter, nitrogenous, tannin compounds, vitamin K, selenium. Acids were identified - citric, ascorbic, uronic.

Features

Great plantain is a herbaceous perennial. Height 15-50 cm.

The root is short, thick with many small thread-like processes.

The leaves of the plant are wide, ovoid or elliptical in shape with 3-9 arched veins, collected in a basal rosette, pressed to the ground.

An inflorescence of small, inconspicuous flowers is located at the top of a bare long stem in the form of a spike.

The fruit of the plantain is an egg-shaped capsule with 8-16 small seeds.

The plant blooms from late May to September, the fruits ripen in August-September. Plantain propagates by seeds.

What are the benefits of plantain for the human body?

When using a medicinal herb, it is important to consider the specific medicinal properties of plantain:

• wound healing;
• antiseptic;
• sleeping pills;
• antipyretics;
• bactericidal;
• enveloping;
• anti-inflammatory;
• antimycotic;
• painkillers;
• hemostatic;
• antimicrobial;
• sedatives;
• antiallergic;
• regenerating;
• expectorants.

The diverse beneficial properties of plantain help alleviate the condition caused by the development of inflammatory processes in the kidneys, gall and bladder. The plant helps eliminate diarrhea, allergic manifestations, stabilize sugar concentrations, and reduce cholesterol levels.

Taking into account the certain healing properties of plantain, products recommended for lung cancer and stomach cancer are prepared on the basis of this raw material. They are effectively used to treat tuberculosis, asthma, bronchitis, peptic ulcers, and whooping cough.

In the state of fresh juice, the medicinal properties of plantain are manifested for anacid gastritis and various skin lesions. The plant accelerates the healing of ulcers, cuts, wounds, abrasions, and boils.

Benefits for women

Plantain is useful for women, as its seeds have a beneficial effect on the functions of the reproductive system. Roots and leaves help relieve inflammation.

Herbal remedies are successfully used to perform douching procedures for cervical erosion. During excessive uterine bleeding, ingestion of plantain infusion is indicated. The product helps reduce pain during menstruation.

During pregnancy, plantain herb should be introduced into a therapeutic complex only with the permission of a doctor. Breastfeeding women are allowed to use water infusions and medicinal decoctions from the plant, but they need to monitor the baby’s reaction.

How it will help men

It is recommended to use healing plantain for men to increase potency. The rhizomes of the plant should be used to make the medicinal product.

The herb is valued for its ability to increase blood flow, which helps intensify spermatogenesis.

Useful and healing properties

Great plantain is one of the oldest medicinal plants. Its medicinal properties were used in China and in its neighboring regions 3 thousand years ago; the ancient Romans and Greeks also knew about it. The use of plantain for various diseases is very wide.

Plantain leaves: medicinal properties

An infusion of plantain leaves is used internally as an expectorant for colds, as well as for bronchitis, bronchial asthma, whooping cough, pneumonia, pulmonary tuberculosis, and pleurisy. In addition, the infusion is effective as an antipyretic.

Preparations based on plantain, including juice, are used to treat diarrhea, anthrax, impotence, gonorrhea, lung cancer, enuresis, nephritis, and other urinary tract diseases; as part of a collection - for epilepsy in children, as an anthelmintic. They also have a calming effect and are used for high blood pressure. In addition, these drugs are used to treat stomach and duodenal ulcers (with normal or low acidity) and other diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.

Externally, the infusion (including fresh leaves and juice) is used as a hemostatic, anti-inflammatory, wound-healing and bactericidal agent for the treatment of bruises, wounds, cuts, chronic ulcers, phlegmons, boils, purulent wounds, as well as conjunctivitis. In addition, this remedy is used to treat weeping eczema and calluses.

Preparations based on plantain (including juice) have found use in inflammatory diseases of the oral cavity and nasopharynx. Fresh crushed plantain leaves mixed with chalk are used to treat erysipelas.

Plantain juice: medicinal properties

Juice from fresh plantain leaves is used internally for tachycardia, gastritis (with low or normal acidity), colitis, enterocolitis, urethritis, polyuria, impotence, as well as acute respiratory diseases and headaches. Juice from plantain leaves is used externally to treat corneal wounds, toothache, nosebleeds, as well as neurodermatitis and acne. You should pay attention to another valuable property of the juice: in a 1:2 dilution it inhibits the growth of pathogenic staphylococcus, in a 1:4 dilution it inhibits Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and in a 1:2 dilution it inhibits the growth of hemolytic streptococcus.

Plantain seeds: medicinal properties

An infusion of plantain seeds is used internally for diabetes mellitus, male and female infertility, achylia, tumors of the gastrointestinal tract, in a collection for cystitis, as a diuretic for nephritis and as an expectorant. Plantain seed powder is used as an anti-inflammatory agent for colitis, stomach and duodenal ulcers (with normal or low acidity). Externally, infusion of plantain seeds is used to treat eye diseases, and is used as a lotion for conjunctivitis.

Plantain root: medicinal properties

Compared to other parts of the plant, plantain root is used little. Root extract - for fever and snake bites, a decoction of milk - for kidney disease and respiratory diseases, fresh roots or alcohol tincture - for toothache, and powder - externally as a wound healer.

Plantain with honey: medicinal properties

Plantain with honey is an incredibly useful remedy that is used primarily for various bronchopulmonary diseases, including chronic, as well as respiratory diseases. For these purposes, plantain syrup is prepared with sugar, and best of all, of course, with honey. Here the healing properties of honey are combined with the medicinal properties of plantain. This remedy must be prepared in advance, before cold season, and stored in the refrigerator. In addition, the combination of plantain and honey is used to treat various diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, including gastritis, gastric and duodenal ulcers, enteritis, enterocolitis, flatulence, colic; it is also valuable for atherosclerosis and actinomycosis of the lungs. A faster way is to take an infusion of plantain, to which add 1 tsp immediately before use. honey

Potential Harm

Despite the variety of healing properties, it is necessary to take into account specific contraindications of plantain:

• excessive blood clotting;
• excess acid reflux;
• predisposition to thrombosis;
• individual intolerance.

Women who are breastfeeding or carrying a child must first obtain medical permission.

Use in medicine

The benefits of plantain in the form of an alcohol tincture for hypertension are known. Due to its expectorant properties, the plant is included in effective chest collections.

You can purchase the Plantaglucid suspension at the pharmacy as prescribed by a doctor, the base of which is an aqueous extract of plantain. Taking the drug is indicated for dysbacteriosis, peptic ulcers, cough, gastritis, pneumonia, bronchitis.

"Gerbion" - plantain cough syrup - is used successfully. To cope with constipation, use Fibrolax.

Dried parts of the plant are sold in pharmacies. Medicines are prepared from them independently. Be sure to first study the instructions for using plantain, which determine the required proportions and dosages.

Folk remedies

Alternative medicine successfully uses plantain to produce a variety of medicinal compounds that have a beneficial effect on the body.

Tea

You will need dried plantain seeds, purchased at the pharmacy.

Preparation:

1. Measure out 1 tbsp. l. plant seed.
2. Pour into a faience glass.
3. Pour in 50 ml. boiled water cooled to 40 degrees.
4. After 25 minutes, pour the raw material onto a strainer to drain the liquid.
5. The swollen seeds are placed back into the glass.
6. Steam 200 ml. boiling water
7. Leave under a thick linen cloth for 30 minutes.

The finished plantain tea is decanted, divided into three equal portions, and consumed throughout the day.

Decoction

For preparation, take the dried, crushed aerial part of the medicinal plant.

How to cook:

1. Place 3 tbsp. l. raw materials into an enamel saucepan.
2. Pour a glass of cool water over the grass.
3. Place the container on the stove.
4. After boiling, cook on low heat for 25 minutes.
5. The plantain decoction is cooled.
6. Filter using double gauze.

Infusion

You can quickly prepare a healing infusion of plantain if you use a thermos.

Sequencing:

1. Dried plantain leaves are crushed.
2. Transfer 4 tbsp. l. prepared raw materials in a thermos.
3. Pour in a liter of boiled water.
4. Leave for a quarter of an hour.
5. Squeeze out the medicinal liquid through gauze.

Tincture

For medicinal purposes at home, plantain tincture is often used.

Preparation:

1. Collect fresh leaf blades of the plant.
2. Rinse.
3. Wipe with a soft cloth.
4. Pass the raw materials through a meat grinder (or turn into pulp using a blender).
5. Squeeze out the juice quickly.
6. Pour into a glass container.
7. Add the same amount of vodka (equal to juice).
8. Keep the hermetically sealed vessel in a closet for three weeks.

The finished tincture is used for its intended purpose.

Chemical composition

Great plantain has a rich and unique chemical composition. The leaves of the plant contain vitamin K and a considerable amount of vitamin C (289 mg%), citric and oleic acids and in addition a large percentage of nitrogenous and non-nitrogenous extractive substances, fiber, fats, glycoside aucubin, flavonoids, carbohydrate beckons, tannins, bitterness. Particular attention should be paid to the fact that the leaves of the great plantain contain a whole list of macro- and microelements, among which the first place is occupied by potassium (44.6 mg/g) and calcium (39.3 mg/g), as well as iron and manganese , copper, zinc, cobalt, molybdenum, chromium, barium, vanadium, selenium, nickel, strontium, lead and boron. Plantain seeds contain a large percentage (up to 44%) of mucilage, fatty oil (20%), protein (22%) and amino acids (16%), and also contain plantose and steroid saponins.

Uses of plantain

Treatment with plantain is practiced for a variety of diseases. Proper use of products based on this plant greatly alleviates the condition.

Stomach treatment

Considering its enveloping, regenerating, anti-inflammatory characteristics, plantain for the stomach is successfully used in non-traditional healing practices. The plant promotes the healing of lesions of the mucous membranes.

Plantain is successfully used for gastritis that develops against the background of insufficient acidity. It is included in the general therapeutic complex. To relieve severe pain, take a teaspoon of dried plant seed. Transfer to earthenware dishes and steam 200 ml. boiling water.

A quarter of an hour before breakfast, drink the strained infusion. The treatment course lasts two months.

Plantain helps well with stomach ulcers. It is recommended to take 20 ml of tea from the plant. every four hours.

For the intestines

Due to its analgesic, bactericidal, and anti-inflammatory properties, traditional healers use plantain for the intestines.

If pain occurs, you will need the inflorescences of the plant in dry crushed form. They are boiled for 15 minutes in 300 ml. water. Drink the filtered cooled decoction if necessary at the time of pain.

For joints

The unique plantain is useful for joints. To relieve pain and swelling, soak a soft linen napkin with a decoction of the plant and apply it to the affected area. Cover with film, wrap in a warm scarf, leaving for 4-5 hours. It is useful to do this compress at night.

For hemorrhoids

Due to its anti-edematous, analgesic, hemostatic, anti-inflammatory properties, plantain is used with high effectiveness for hemorrhoids.

When used externally, decoctions and infusions are beneficial. Cotton swabs soaked in healing liquid are applied to the inflamed nodes several times a day.

A good effect is observed if these products are used for microscopic enemas, practiced in the morning and evening.

In gynecology

Plantain is used in gynecology for a variety of pathological problems.

To get rid of adhesions, combine dried seeds and crushed leaves of the plant - a tablespoon at a time. Infuse for 35 minutes in a cup of boiling water. Strained infusion 20 ml. taken twice a day.

For infertility:

1. Take dried plantain seeds - 1 tbsp. l.
2. Pour in 200-220 ml. boiled water.
3. Cook the mixture at the minimum temperature for 5-6 minutes.
4. The cooled broth is filtered.

Drink 20 ml three times a day. The treatment course is 1.5 - 2 months.

When losing weight

Nutritionists recommend using plantain for weight loss, since the herb intensifies intestinal processes, eliminates constipation, and activates metabolism. It is advisable to drink 1/3 cup of infusion prepared from dried leaves in a thermos daily on an empty stomach.

The husk of plantain seeds - psyllium, which has an effect similar to fiber, is valued. This safe substance activates the elimination of toxins, stabilizes the water-salt balance, muffles the feeling of hunger, has a mild laxative effect, and intensifies digestion.

Take one capsule half an hour before breakfast, and also after dinner. Take with water or any other drink.

Directions for use and doses

The method of administration and dosage regimen of a particular drug depend on its release form and other factors. The optimal dosage regimen is determined by the doctor. The compliance of the dosage form of a particular drug with the indications for use and dosage regimen should be strictly observed.

To treat gastrointestinal diseases, plantain is used orally in the form of a prepared infusion of 15-50 ml 15-30 minutes before meals. The course of treatment is 1-8 weeks. Juice is used 1 tbsp. spoon (dissolved in 50 ml of warm water) 15-20 minutes before meals 3-4 times a day for 1 month.

For the treatment of respiratory diseases, plantain is used in the form of infusion or juice in the same doses but 30 minutes after meals. For colds, juice diluted 5-10 times with warm water can be instilled 2-3 drops into each nostril 3-6 times a day.

For the treatment of dermatological diseases, the juice and infusion can be used externally in the form of dressings, lotions or rinses, 3-4 times a day, and for burns - regularly, with an interval of 1-1.5 hours.

In gynecological practice, juice is used in the form of douches, baths, instillations, and vaginal tampons.

In home cosmetology

Plantain grass is in demand in the field of cosmetology. The plant helps improve the condition of weakened, dull hair, reduces oily skin, and effectively fights acne.

For face

If you use plantain correctly on your face, you will be able to effectively moisturize the skin, cleanse pores, even out the shade, and smooth out minor wrinkles.

For homemade tonic:

1. 2 tbsp. l. of ground dry herb is steamed with actively boiling water - 200 ml.
2. The cooled infusion, strained through a strainer, is distributed into molds.
3. Freeze.
4. Use in the morning to wash your face.

After just three weeks, the skin acquires a glow, becomes more elastic and fresh.

Plantain has been successfully used for acne. To cleanse problem skin:

1. Dry leaves of the plant - 4 tbsp. l. placed in a bottle with 40 ml of alcohol diluted in 200 ml of filtered water.
2. They insist for a week.
3. Squeeze out the liquid through two layers of gauze.

Wipe acne-covered areas of the face with lotion twice a day.

For hair

It is recommended to use plantain for hair to strengthen and eliminate dandruff:

1. Rinse fresh leaves.
2. Wipe with a cloth.
3. Chop or grind in a meat grinder.
4. Squeeze out the juice thoroughly.
5. Rub into hair roots.
6. Wash off after two hours.

Repeat at intervals of two days.