What does a plantain look like?
Plantain is a perennial plant belonging to the plantain family, growing in a temperate climate zone. Grows on field roads, roadsides, meadows in a variety of soils, but prefers more humid ones. This is a light-loving plant, but also copes with partially shaded areas.
The small, squat plant grows from 5 to 30 cm in height, depending on the nutrients in the soil. The basal leaves are collected in a rosette. The blunt-pointed leaves have characteristic longitudinal venation and are covered with hairs.
One or more leafless flower stalks grow from rosettes of leaves. Flowers are collected in inflorescences. The flowering period of the plant lasts from June to October. The fruit is an ovoid capsule containing 1 to 2 reddish-brown seeds.
Plantain leaves are a raw material used in the pharmaceutical industry and herbal medicine. They are collected from May to October, then dried naturally or in a dryer at a temperature of 40°C.
Properties of plantain, composition
The ingredients contained in plantain have a positive effect on human health. Plantain products can be used topically as well as taken orally. Active components: tannins, flavonoids, glycosides, mucus, vitamin K, provitamin A, vitamin C, minerals (zinc, potassium, silicon, magnesium), pectins, organic acids, saponins.
Plantain is known as one of the safest herbal substances used in medicine:
- antiviral, anti-inflammatory agent;
- antibacterial;
- has antioxidant properties;
- strengthens blood vessels;
- plantain for cough;
- soothes skin inflammation;
- stimulates hair growth;
- anti-dandruff;
- increases blood clotting;
- accelerates wound healing.
The plant is characterized by anti-inflammatory and expectorant properties. Preparations containing plantain are recommended for respiratory diseases such as bronchitis, sore throat, cough, and infections. It has an antispasmodic effect on the smooth muscles of the bronchi.
Antibacterial, diuretic and antispasmodic properties help remove toxins from the body, stimulate the immune system, reduce temperature, and have an enveloping effect. In the circulatory system, plantain thickens the walls of blood vessels,
Additional Information! In everyday life, the expectorant properties of plantain and its characteristic ability to suppress the secretion of mucus are mainly used. Infusions of dried leaves help cleanse the body of toxins, reduce fever, and eliminate inflammation. Infusions and syrup from plantain leaves soothe dry coughs and sore throats. Therefore, these remedies are used for seasonal infections and cough problems.
Seed infusions coat the mucous membranes. Most often it is recommended for such ailments as: gastritis, irritable bowel syndrome, stomach ulcers, diarrhea, inflammation of the urinary and respiratory systems.
Plantain in the treatment of stomach soothes gastric diseases, especially digestive disorders. The high content of tannin compounds in the raw materials acts on the gastric mucosa and reduces its congestion.
Tea made from plantain leaves stimulates the secretion of gastric juice and is recommended for gastritis. May be useful for poisoning and unpleasant stomach diseases.
Note! Infusions of plantain leaves are also used as an adjuvant in the treatment of conjunctivitis and inflammation of the eyelids. They can also bring relief after a long day at the computer, are suitable as a compress to relieve irritation and inflammation of the conjunctiva and as a remedy for eye fatigue.
How to use plantain?
There are many ways to use plantain. The most popular is syrup, which can be easily found in any pharmacy. You can also prepare it yourself.
How to make plantain syrup? Chop 6 leaves, boil with water and about half a kilogram of sugar. The syrup should be sweet. The mixture should be cooked for quite some time until it thickens, stirring as you go. Then strain and pour into jars.
After pasteurization, the syrup can be stored for a relatively long time, preferably in a dark and cool place. Once opened, it should be stored in the refrigerator.
For colds, coughs, flu, pharyngitis and respiratory infections, it is usually recommended to consume 1 teaspoon of syrup 3-4 times a day. It can also be used prophylactically to strengthen the immune system.
Plantain infusion . It is also often used in the form of infusions. Both fresh and dried leaves of this plant are suitable for cooking. Pour water over the collected leaves, then boil and leave for a few minutes.
Pour about 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh or dried leaves into a glass of boiling water and set aside for about 20 minutes, strain.
The preparation for external use is prepared from 50 g of dry leaves, which are poured into about 1.5 liters of boiling water and left for about 30 minutes. Then it is filtered and the finished product is obtained.
External use of plantain. How does it help the skin?
The valuable properties of plantain are used to prevent peeling of the epidermis; in addition, the plant strengthens and tones the skin. This herbal component will be useful for caring for any skin type.
It is used in the production of gels, shampoos, creams and masks for problem skin, as well as hand and foot creams based on plantain.
- The raw material significantly improves the regeneration of the epidermis.
- Masks and infusions help with rashes that may appear on the skin.
- Plantain-based preparations are also used in the treatment of acne.
- Decoctions help fight dandruff.
- Plantain can be useful for dry and tired skin, as well as damaged capillaries.
- Accelerate the healing of wounds, abrasions and small cuts.
- Used for frostbite.
When used externally, crushed plantain leaves can be used as a compress on difficult-to-heal wounds. The compress should be changed every 5 hours. Bandages using plantain are used in the treatment of bedsores. The plant also relieves itching and swelling of the skin and is effective in treating urticaria, and will always be useful when biting insects. Juice squeezed from freshly picked leaves will relieve itching, swelling and inflammation. You can also rinse your hair with it, which will have a positive effect on the condition of the scalp.
Contraindications for use
Plantain may have side effects, but they are relatively rare. Side effects may occur, especially in case of overdose. The plant can cause unpleasant ailments, which include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, as well as flatulence and increased skin sensitivity.
Plantain may reduce the effects of some medications, so do not use it without consulting your doctor.
