Plantain has been used for a long time as a healing herb. It is a plant that you can find almost anywhere. In some environments, plantain is considered a weed, but it is actually one of the best medicinal plants on the planet.
Plantain is a green plant with oval leaves, flat, ribbed and short-stemmed. Its leaves can indeed reach about 10 cm in width and 15 cm in length. Plantain can grow leafless flowers in autumn and summer. Sometimes the stems can reach 25 cm in height. Plantain grows all over the world: in Asia, America, Africa, Australia, Europe and New Zealand.
You may have seen mainly two types of plantains: the broadleaf Plantago and the narrow-leaved plantain. You can use one or the other for healing purposes, but most herbalists seem to prefer the broadleaf plantain with larger edible leaves.
Benefits of plantain
The edible leaves of broadleaf plantain are rich in calcium and other minerals and vitamins, including vitamin K. This vitamin helps stop bleeding cuts and sores. Tender leaves can be eaten fresh in salads, but leaves that are not must be cooked.
Plantain has extensive antimicrobial properties in addition to being anti-inflammatory and analgesic. It can not only soothe insect bites and superficial wounds, but also prevent infections and accelerate healing. Active biochemical aucubin is primarily responsible for the antimicrobial action of this plant. Another substance called allantoin helps regenerate skin tissue.
This plant also has an astringent property that has a cleansing effect on the body. It helps to dry excessive secretions in the airways and digestive system, which is helpful in treating colds and diarrhea. Astringency is moderated by the multiplying effect of the mucilage of the plant, so this remedy is much softer than other commonly used astringents.
The seed and leaves have medicinal properties and is used as an antidote, antibacterial, antiseptic, antiinflammatory, cough suppressant (stops cough), diuretic (increases urine secretion), and laxative.
Plantain leaves and respiratory problems
In Bulgaria, two clinical trials have shown that plantain is very effective for chronic bronchitis. The plant acts as an emollient, such as glycerin and pectin which are very common ingredients in throat medicines and cough syrups. It can relieve a little irritation and discomfort by creating a soothing film on the affected mucosa.
Support the health of bones and eyes and the immune system
Plantain leaves contain a lot of vitamin C which is crucial for an optimal immune system. The leaves also contain a lot of vitamin A, which is beneficial for eye health and prevents macular degeneration that can cause blindness.
Plantain can help fight various health problems. The American Materia Medica, Therapeutics and Pharmacognosy through Dr. Finley Ellingwood in 1919, said the plantain is very effective against diarrhea, rashes and bites, blood diseases, injuries, diseases glandular and mercury poisoning.
You can add it to salads, enjoy it in stir-fries, chew it to quench thirst, or make it a tea as we will show you in this article.
Plantain herbal tea
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon fresh or dried whole plantain (root, seed and leaves)
- 1 cup of boiling water
If you want a sweet taste, add 1 tablespoon of Manuka honey
Preparation:
Add the fresh or dry plantain in the boiling water and let infuse for 10 min. Then filter the mixture. If you want sweet tea, add Manuka honey. Drink the tea and enjoy its incredible benefits.
Use :
Drink 1 to 2 cups a day of this plantain tea to control diarrhea or to relieve symptoms of colds and fever. It can provide relief to people who have stomach ulcers or other inflammatory diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. Plantain tea can also be used as a general tonic.
Use plantain tea to clean sores, boils and skin damaged by sunburn, rashes, and eczema.
Caution :
Plantain is considered a very safe plant to use, both for internal and external use.
Until research confirms that this plant is not harmful, it is recommended, as a precaution, pregnant and lactating women to avoid using it.