Plantain is a wonderful gift that nature has given to man. Only a few people are currently aware of its many healing properties. Like dandelion, nettle and many other herbaceous plants, it is often considered a simple and useless weed that should be eradicated as soon as possible from your own vegetable garden or garden.

In fact, plantain has a wide range of uses:

1. It is one of the best medicines for treating wounds, skin irritations, insect bites.
2. It has a positive effect on respiratory diseases, and also helps in the treatment of various diseases.
3. In addition, plantain is edible. It is often used as a salad ingredient in combination with other herbs or in a variety of delicious dishes.

There are two main types of plantain: lanceolate and large. The first has stronger anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, and the second is preferable to use for internal diseases.

Useful properties of plantain

The composition of this plant includes many useful substances, including glycosides, iridoids, acids (oleanolic, chlorogenic, citric, silicic, succinic, benzoic, oxalic), flavonoids (apigenin, luteolin). The plant contains a lot of vitamins, namely A, C, K, pectin, carotene and tannins.

Due to the presence of these active ingredients, psyllium has:

• antibacterial;
• anti-inflammatory;
• antiseptic;
• and astringent properties.

Indications for use

1. This plant is very effective in the treatment of skin diseases, wounds, various inflammations of the skin and mucous membranes.
2. It is good for cough, chronic bronchitis and sinusitis.
3. Plantain is used as a natural remedy for colds.
4. It is considered useful for treating anemia, hemorrhoids, and respiratory problems.
5. The traditional method of using the leaves of this plant is to dress wounds to stop bleeding and heal them.
6. It is also often used for conjunctivitis and inflammation of the eyelids.
7. Topical use is often used for skin problems as psyllium soothes and prevents redness. It will be useful in case of itching, dermatosis, acne rosacea, inflammation and small skin lesions. Applying a psyllium leaf compress is useful as a soothing agent for insect bites.

Plantain seeds have also found wide application. So, due to their rich composition, they are used to treat many diseases. The seeds have a certain laxative effect. They are also used to treat such ailments:

• hemorrhoids;
• the so-called enterocolitis;
• intestinal inflammation.

Doctors claim that psyllium seeds perfectly help to cleanse the body of harmful bile acids and even lower the level of bad cholesterol in the blood.

Homemade decoctions of seeds are used for various skin diseases. Doctors often recommend that their patients take a decoction to lower their blood sugar levels. It helps in the treatment of female infertility. The seeds also have healing and healing properties for men. The use of seeds leads to a stabilization of the emotional state and helps fight depression.

Of the other useful characteristics of plantain, the following properties should be noted:

1. The plant has an antimicrobial effect.
2. The seeds are used to treat colitis and, as mentioned above, intestinal inflammation. The fact is that the mucus contained in the seeds immediately envelops the intestinal walls, thereby protecting them well from any irritation.
3. Plantain is often used in dentistry. Rinsing the mouth with a decoction or tincture helps with stomatitis, periodontal diseases, and inflammation of the gums. Preparations with this plant soothe toothache.
4. Plantain perfectly increases appetite and has a very beneficial effect on the work of the stomach. Therefore, it will be useful for gastritis with low acidity and is often prescribed for stomach ulcers.

In the cosmetic field, a decoction of plantain leaves is used to cleanse oily facial skin. To do this, the broth is poured into ice molds and frozen. In addition, the hair is washed with an infusion of plantain leaves to improve their condition.

This plant can be found everywhere. But for collection for medicinal purposes, it is recommended to look for places away from dusty roads and industrial facilities. It is better to collect plants in the morning in dry weather. You can start collecting raw materials in the summer months and in the first half of autumn.

It is recommended to collect not only leaves, but also roots and seeds. In this case, the plant is completely dug out of the ground along with the root, for which they make a tunnel. But it is worth remembering that the seeds are suitable for use when they are fully ripe. Therefore, you should wait until they ripen and turn brown.

But the leaves can be collected even before the flowering of the plant. To cut them, you can take garden shears or secateurs. After harvesting, the plantain must be washed in running water, and then divided into parts. Leaves, roots and seeds are deposited separately. Then the raw material should be dried. To do this, it is laid out on a paper or fabric surface in places that are not exposed to direct sunlight and are well ventilated.

Contraindications for use and possible side effects

When used internally, there are a number of limitations:

1. First of all, the use of plantain is not recommended for all those whose gastric juice has an increased level of acidity.
2. Care should be taken to use remedies from this plant in patients suffering from bronchial asthma.
3. In case of exacerbation of stomach or intestinal ulcers, the use of the plant is also not recommended.
4. It is undesirable to use psyllium for the treatment of people who take anticoagulants or coagulants, as this changes the effect of their effects.
5. It is worth remembering that consuming a large amount of this plant can lead to constipation.
6. People with a high tendency to form blood clots and a high level of blood clotting should not take psyllium.
7. In addition, treatment with this plant should not be carried out for a long time, as it increases the risk of blood clots.

Distinguish between internal and external use of plantain. For external use, the leaves should be applied to the skin, as their juice can stop bleeding from small cuts and disinfect the wound. For internal use, there are various methods.

The simplest recipe: take 3 grams of plant leaves (6 teaspoons) and pour a glass of boiling water. Let it brew for 10 minutes, then strain. The drink is ready to drink. You need to drink in a warm form, one cup twice a day before meals. This recipe will help in the treatment of respiratory diseases. The drink has an expectorant effect, therefore it is able to effectively remove sputum. This tincture can also be cooled. Then it can be used as a mouthwash, which will help in the treatment and prevention of inflammation in the oral cavity.

For coughs and other diseases, fresh leaves of the plant will be useful. But they are only available in the summer. The rest of the time, it is recommended to use psyllium-based cough syrups. Vegetable syrup is considered a very effective remedy for the treatment of the upper respiratory tract, both in children and adults. They can be purchased at pharmacies, and their cost is significantly lower than synthetic cough medicines. You can also make syrup at home.

To prepare the syrup, a large number of young plantain leaves are taken, which are poured into a saucepan and poured with water. It should cook for two hours. After that, sugar is added in the amount of 600 grams for each liter of syrup. At this stage, you can add a few juniper berries.

Then it is worth putting the pan back on a slow fire to melt the sugar. After it is melted, you must wait until the syrup has cooled. Then it is bottled, which is stored in a dry and cool place.

To cure neurosis or insomnia, you should use the following tincture recipe. Dried leaves in the amount of 1 tablespoon should be poured with one cup of boiling water. Infuse for 10 minutes. Next, strain the drink. It is necessary to take tincture three times a day for 1 tbsp. spoon. The course of treatment is 1 month. This tincture will also be useful for cardiovascular diseases and hypertension.

Festering wounds can be treated with fresh leaves. A few leaves are taken, which should be washed and chopped. Then they are applied to the wound. The procedure should be repeated several times a day until the wound heals.

Since fresh leaves are only available in the summer, psyllium juice can be preserved in advance, which can be used to treat wounds and skin diseases at any time of the year. To do this, prepare a lot of young leaves, which are pre-washed. Then you should crush them to get the juice of the plant. This juice is bottled in glass jars that need to be stored in the refrigerator.

Another useful property of plantain is the ability to reduce pain in the stomach and intestines. But it can be used to treat gastritis, enteritis and ulcers only with low acidity of gastric juice. The substances that make up the plant help to alleviate cramps, relieve pain, promote digestion, and also prevent inflammation and accelerate tissue regeneration.

There are several recipes for the treatment of diseases of the digestive system. The easiest way is to eat freshly washed psyllium leaves every day. This will help increase stomach acid as well as relieve pain.

Another way is to use freshly squeezed juice. To do this, 1-2 teaspoons of juice are mixed with the same amount of honey. The medicine should be taken twice a day for one week. This method will also be useful for coughing.

Sometimes tea is made from plantain. It has a pleasant aroma and helps in the fight against coughs, smoking, nervous disorders and internal pathologies. To prepare tea, you need to pour dry plantain leaves into boiling water. Let it brew for 15 minutes. Drink tea should be 4 times a day, one glass (200 ml). The drink becomes more pleasant if you add 1 teaspoon of natural honey.

Another recipe for making tea is often used. Take 4 tablespoons of dried leaves, which are poured into 500 ml of boiling water. Next, the lid is covered and the top of the container is covered with a thick towel. Insist for two hours. After that, the tea is filtered and consumed warm 4 times a day, one teaspoon before meals. The recommended course of drinking tea is seven days.

Tea is prepared only from dried and finely chopped leaves. Freshly picked and still green parts of the plant are not suitable for this purpose. They are applied directly to open wounds, juiced or processed to make decoctions and tinctures.

According to user reviews, the improvement in the condition when using these recipes is very fast. The effect is visible after 1-2 days. In the future, this effect will only increase. However, before starting self-treatment, it is recommended to consult a doctor.

Video: medicinal properties and contraindications of plantain

Plantain contains tannins, enzymes and phytoncides, its leaves are rich in vitamins C and K, carotene and citric acid. The seeds of the plant contain saponins and oleic acids, which are necessary for the treatment of many diseases. The uniqueness of plantain lies in its analgesic, bactericidal and expectorant properties. It kills germs, inhibits the growth of bacteria, helping wounds heal faster.

Its beneficial properties have long been used in diseases of the female and male reproductive organs, with the help of it, sexual impotence and hormonal disruptions of the body are cured. With its help, they remove from a state of depression, correct the general emotional state of a person. The use of plantain juice helps to improve appetite, it normalizes the work of the stomach and intestines, treats ulcers and gastritis. For wounds, abscesses, fistulas, ulcers, abscesses and boils, it is good to use an aqueous infusion of plantain or.

The mucolytic properties of this herb help in the treatment of bronchitis, pneumonia, tuberculosis and other lesions of the human respiratory system. With colds, temperature and flu, brewed plantain leaves perfectly help, they drink a decoction of them like herbal tea 3-4 times a day until a full recovery occurs. Also, the medicinal properties of plantain are simply invaluable for the treatment of certain cancers.

Plantain juice has a wide range of uses and many useful properties, but you should pay attention to some contraindications. The instructions for use indicate that you should not take it with increased acidity and a tendency to form blood clots. In cosmetology, plantain has also found its wide application. Various compresses and masks are prepared from fresh leaves and juice of the plant, which have an excellent moisturizing, anti-allergic and soothing effect on the human skin.

These cosmetic products reduce the depth of wrinkles, regulate the processes of sebum secretion, tone and tighten the skin of the face, neck and décolleté.

Infusions and decoctions are used to make hair silky and obedient. Young plantain leaves can also be used in culinary arts - they are added to cereals, casseroles and omelettes. They are cut into salads, very tasty cabbage soup is cooked with them, which not only have an interesting taste, but also contain a large amount of vitamin C and other useful substances.

The summer months of the year and the beginning of September are best suited for collecting plantain - this is exactly the time when 2 months have passed after the flowering of the plant. Collect not only its leaves - seeds and roots have no less medicinal value. It is advisable to collect the plant in the morning on dry days, after the dew on its leaves has already dried.

Plantain growing along roads where there is a lot of traffic is not worth collecting, as its effectiveness will not be high. And the leaves soaked in the exhaust gases of cars are completely dangerous to eat. It is best to collect a medicinal plant in ecologically clean places: near village houses, in vegetable gardens, in the forest or in wastelands. You can cut its leaves with a sharp knife, sickle or scissors.

The medicinal herb cut or dug up with roots should be dried in the attic or on a table under a canopy, having previously laid out the leaves, roots and seeds on separate sheets of clean paper. It is important that there is a constant supply of fresh air to the raw material, in order to avoid its decay and loss of useful properties. The dried plant is best stored in cloth bags or small wooden boxes.

For the treatment of the stomach and intestines: 3 teaspoons of dried leaves are brewed in 250 ml of boiling water. In case of damage to the adrenal glands and the thyroid gland, a decoction is made from the dry crushed root of the plant in the proportion: 1 tablespoon of powder per liter of boiling water (cook for 3 minutes). Before use, these decoctions are infused for at least 8 hours.

For respiratory diseases, a weaker decoction of the herb is prepared - 1 tablespoon of the leaves is brewed in a saucepan with 200 ml of hot boiled water, boiled for 2-3 minutes and left to infuse. Take a ready-made broth, 1 tablespoon before meals. Note that this tincture cleanses the lungs and bronchi well and can even help quit smoking. It also helps with colds and sore throats in the treatment.

From a headache, a compress from a decoction of plantain leaves perfectly helps - the raw material is brewed in boiling water at the rate of 5 teaspoons per 200 ml of water, boiled for 2 minutes over low heat, infused for half an hour and filtered. Well, if your ear hurts, put a small root of grass in it, it will not take even 10 minutes for the discomfort to disappear.

Plantain is a medicinal plant. And today, and tens of centuries BC, everyone knew about the amazing properties of this plant. Thousands of years ago, in ancient China, this miraculous herb was widely used to treat open cuts and wounds, as well as intestinal diseases. And all due to the fact that in its unique composition the plantain contains substances that have anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and analgesic effects.

The composition of the plantain includes such important trace elements as carotene, phytoncide, tannins, vitamins K and C. And thanks to the content of these vitamins, plantain leaves began to be used not only in pharmaceuticals, but even in cosmetology. Freshly cut psyllium leaf can be used as an excellent facial treatment that will leave the skin matte, clear and even. The simplest version of such a remedy can be boiled water with squeezed plantain juice in a ratio of one to one. The resulting lotion should be wiped with dry and inflamed skin. In addition, plantain has found its way into cooking, and is included in the recipes of many green soups, salads and dozens of vegetarian dishes.

What is useful plantain?

• An infusion of medicinal plantain leaves has a positive effect on the function of the male gonads and is used to treat impotence.
• With various skin inflammations, irritations and pimples, a mixture of yarrow and plantain leaves will certainly help. It is necessary to wash the leaves of yarrow and plantain, finely chop, dry in equal volumes, wrap in gauze and apply to the inflamed area.
• Plantain helps with inflammation of the urethra. It is necessary to dry the psyllium seeds in the sun, add them in a volume of 7.5 g to boiling water and take them orally.
• Plantain effectively helps the lungs and various bronchitis. This property has been recognized in it for a long time. As an aid to the treatment of these diseases, freshly prepared plantain syrup is used.
• Also, plantain syrup is often prescribed as an expectorant, which also helps with coughing. This tool is indicated for use in children and adults. First of all, thanks to its pleasant and mild aftertaste, it will appeal to children.
• It has excellent hemostatic and anti-inflammatory properties.

Plantain juice. The juice from fresh plantain leaves is an excellent adjuvant in the treatment of corneal wounds. Due to its antiseptic properties, it inhibits the growth of purulent-inflammatory processes, for example, with staphylococcus aureus or Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The use of juice is applicable in acute forms of gastritis, colitis and enterocolitis. You need to take 1 tablespoon of juice 3 times a day 15-20 minutes before meals. A medicinal potion can be prepared for the winter by mixing juice with vodka in equal proportions. Plantain juice is made from the leaves of the upper part of the large plantain. Juice helps if a person has a chronically inflamed colon or gastric mucosa (and at the same time low acidity). It is drunk three times a day fifteen to thirty minutes before a meal in a tablespoon. The total duration of the course of treatment is thirty days.

May-September is a favorable period for collecting grass. Juice can be obtained in a simple, long-known way. To do this, you need to take the leaves along with the cuttings, rinse with water, scald with boiling water and grind in a meat grinder. The raw materials are squeezed through the canvas (if the juice is thick, then it can be diluted with water in a ratio of 1: 1), after which they boil for 1-2 minutes and take 1-2 tablespoons, diluted in half a glass of water with honey. The course of treatment is 30 days.

Plantain syrup. Winter is the time for colds, viral diseases, it is very important to stock up on medications in time. Plantain has an excellent effect, from which you can make an incredibly healthy syrup. Natural liquid has superiority over synthetic preparations. For its preparation, you will need fresh leaves and shoots of the plant.

Recipe #1: in crushed form, the raw materials are shifted in layers, sprinkled with sugar. Then the jar with the workpiece is tightly closed and stored in a cool room. The syrup will be ready in 2 months. It is gently expressed and given to children and adults.

Recipe #2: 2-3 tablespoons of raw materials must be mixed in a 1: 1 ratio with honey or sugar, hold a closed container with the mixture on a warm stove. After cooling, you can take 1 teaspoon of the remedy 4 times a day half an hour before meals for peptic ulcer and gastrointestinal diseases.

Plantain based recipes

Recipe #1: taking 3 teaspoons of dry leaves in a glass of boiling water, they need to be infused for 6-8 hours and taken 1/3 cup half an hour before meals for gastritis, colitis and stomach ulcers.

Recipe #2: you need to grind fresh plantain leaves, add 200-250 ml of water and bring to a boil. In the resulting mixture, add 3-4 tablespoons of natural honey and take this slurry 1 teaspoon hourly with a strong cold cough.

You can make a delicious tea with a characteristic smell and drink it to get rid of a cough.

Tea Recipe #1: 2-3 teaspoons of dried leaves must be poured with hot boiled water, insisted for 15 minutes and drunk in a glass 3-4 times a day, adding 1 teaspoon of natural honey.

Tea Recipe #2: it is recommended to pour 4 tablespoons of dried plantain leaves with 500 ml of hot boiled water, wrap and leave for 1.5–2 hours to infuse, then strain and take during the day in a warm form 4 times 1 tablespoon before meals. The course of treatment is seven days.

Decoction of plantain. A decoction of plantain is widely used to treat ailments in the intestines and stomach, as well as in diseases of the respiratory tract (bronchitis) and in the usual cough. The broth is made as follows: a glass of boiling water is mixed with two tablespoons of leaves of a large plantain (such a variety), covered with a lid on top, and then placed in a boiling steam bath and kept for about half an hour. The remedy must be allowed to cool, passed through gauze or a strainer and drunk ten or fifteen minutes before meals, half or a third of a glass of decoction three or four times a day. The same composition is used to wash the wound, as well as make a lotion. A strong dry cough causes a lot of suffering and discomfort. To relieve seizures and soften sputum, decoctions prepared from the collections of various plants, which include plantain, are recommended.

Recipe #1: you need to mix 3 tablespoons of plantain leaves, coltsfoot leaves and pine buds. 2 tablespoons of the mixture is poured into 300 ml of warm water and boiled for 5-10 minutes. Then the medicine must be removed from the fire, insisted for 1 hour in a dark place and taken 100 ml 2 times a day.

Recipe #2: you should take 2 tablespoons of large plantain leaves, the color of black elderberry and common violet grass, mix everything well, add 250 ml of warm water, bring to a boil and cook over low heat for 5 minutes, then wrap well and leave to infuse for about 1 hour. Take this remedy 2 times a day, 100 ml.

Plantain infusion. Plantain infusion is indispensable for whooping cough, tuberculosis, bronchitis and bronchial asthma due to its expectorant effect. An aqueous infusion of the leaves of the plant heals and disinfects abscesses, wounds, skin ulcers, boils and cuts. The juice obtained from the leaves helps with chronic gastritis, ulcers and other diseases of the intestines and stomach. His recipe: to insist raw materials on vodka, taking yarrow and plantain in the same amount, and use it to stop the blood, to disinfect and heal various wounds. The infusion is usually prepared from the tender parts of the plant - the leaves, poured with warm water and insisted for the time necessary to saturate, or kept for several minutes in a water bath, and then insisted.

Recipe #1: you will need 3-4 tablespoons of crushed leaves and half a liter of not very hot water. The composition is insisted for about 1.5 hours and taken 1-2 tablespoons several times a day.

Recipe #2: 25 g of raw materials are poured into 200 ml of boiling water, insisted for 1 hour, filtered and taken 1 tablespoon 3-4 times a day.

Plantain tincture. For medicinal purposes, extracts are prepared from plant materials using alcohol or vodka. This is how the tincture is made. To do this, parts of the plant are crushed, poured into a dark glass dish, poured with an extracting liquid and tightly sealed. The tincture is aged for a certain time at room temperature in a place protected from light penetration, it needs to be shaken from time to time. Alcohol tincture can be stored for a long time, it is dosed as needed in the quantities indicated by doctors or traditional healers. Recipe for plantain tincture: 200 ml of plantain juice is required to pour 200 ml of vodka and infuse in a dark place for 15 days, then strain. Take this remedy 1 time per day at the rate of 10 kg of human weight 3 ml of tincture. The duration of the course is 3-4 weeks.

Plantain leaf. Plantain leaves help to disinfect the wound, and are also a hemostatic agent. To do this, the leaves of the plant must be washed, and then either applied whole to the wounds, or crushed and applied to it. The result will be a weakening of painful sensations, as well as stopped blood. Plantain is a sedative and is used for both insomnia and allergies. Plantain remedy: you need to mix a glass of very hot water with three tablespoons of plant leaves and leave for four hours, and then pass through a strainer or gauze, after which you can drink the medicine three times a day for a third of a glass.

The leaves contain aukubin glycoside, ascorbic acid, carotene and vitamin K. They contain enough bitter and tannins called methylmethionines. Fresh leaves contain flavonoids, mannitol, sorbitol, citric and oleanolic acids were detected. Raw materials are hygroscopic, so they should be stored in airtight containers. Means from plantain leaves are saturated with pectins, saponins and other beneficial substances that have a positive effect on the male sex glands. It is good to use leaves for colitis, abdominal pain, dyspepsia, and preparations from plantain leaves are also used to treat cholecystitis.

Infusion of plantain leaves: 1 tablespoon of herbs is brewed with one glass of boiling water, infused for 10 minutes. It is recommended to take the medicine one hour before meals, distributing the entire amount per day. The effect of such a drug on the inhibition of the motor activity of the stomach, the antispasmodic effect of the drug, its ability to normalize the content of cholesterol, b-lipoproteins, lipids, phospholipids, and blood pressure has been experimentally proven. Crushed or ground leaves of the plant are also used to stop the blood. It must be remembered that before using blood-stopping agents, an analysis of prothrombin is necessary, as well as a preliminary consultation with a doctor, otherwise it can be harmful to health by increasing the index, the result may be a stroke.

Plantain seeds. Psyllium seeds are used to tighten nipple cracks in mothers who are breastfeeding, and seeds are also used to make poultices to relieve inflammation in diseases of the skin or mucous membranes. To do this, the seeds are placed in hot water, and then, after allowing them to swell, they are crushed. For the treatment of diabetes mellitus or female infertility, a decoction of seeds is used, it is taken three times a day for one or two months in a tablespoon. The seeds of various types of plantains contain mucus. Fatty oil, oleanolic acid and nitrogenous substances are also found in them. Daily intake of seeds helps reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. Psyllium seeds cleanse the body of bile acids, reduce blood sugar levels. A decoction of seeds is used for hormonal deficiency in women.

Infusion recipe number 1: 1 tablespoon of seeds is poured into 250 ml of water, boiled for five minutes and infused for 30-40 minutes. Apply the remedy 1 tablespoon 3 times a day. The course of treatment is 1-2 months. A decoction is also suitable for men in order to prevent impotence and prostate diseases after 35 years.

Infusion recipe number 2: 25 g of raw materials are poured into 200 ml of boiling water, shaken for a long time, then filtered. Take 1 tablespoon 3 times a day before meals. Disorders of the stomach are treated with seed powder, which has a fixing property.

Decoctions and infusions of seeds are used for achilia, constipation and the presence of chronic spasms of smooth muscles. In this case, you need to take 1 tablespoon of seeds on an empty stomach and drink warm water.

In the article we discuss the large plantain - use and contraindications, botanical description and distribution area. You will learn how to collect and store the plant, how to prepare decoctions and infusions for coughs, constipation, gastritis and infertility.

Large plantain (lat. Plantágo májor) is a herbaceous plant of the Plantain family (Plantaginaceae). The plant has gained its distribution due to the unique healing composition.

Many other names are known - roadside or boil grass, seven-veiner, fellow traveler, cutter. The appearance of the plantain

What does it look like

The plant has a short rhizome dotted with threadlike roots. The leaves are petiolate, broadly oval, collected in a basal rosette. The petioles are equal in length to the leaf blade. The peduncle is straight, 15-45 cm long, with a cylindrical inflorescence in the form of a spikelet. The flowers are small, four-membered, the sepals are membranous, the corolla is light brownish. The flowering period falls on May-June and lasts until August-September. The fruit is in the form of a box.

Where does it grow

In Russia, plantain grass grows everywhere, except for the regions of the Far North. Grows in sand, clay, shade or sun. Doesn't get trampled. Plantain can be found along roads, in fields, forests and meadows. It actively reproduces, over time displacing other herbs.

plantain leaves

Plantain leaves have medicinal properties. Decoctions and infusions from the leaves are used to treat many diseases. Fresh leaves are applied to boils, wounds. An ointment from the dried plant is considered an effective remedy for treating skin abscesses.

Chemical composition

Chemical composition:

• flavonoids;
• vitamins A, C, K;
• tannins;
• alkaloids;
• polysaccharides;
• organic acids;
• saponins.

Plantain seeds contain 44% mucus, 22% fatty oils, 22% protein, and 16% amino acids.

Plantain leaves are used for medicinal purposes.

Medicinal properties

Pharmacological properties of the plant:

• painkiller;
• regenerating;
• anti-inflammatory;
• antiallergic;
• antitumor;
• wound healing;
• hypnotic.

The medicinal properties of plantain have been known since ancient times.

The plant supports the protective functions of the body. Due to its unique composition, plantain is used to normalize cholesterol levels.

The antibacterial components included in the composition effectively fight Escherichia coli, normalize the work of the gastrointestinal tract. For various infections, plantain infusions are used.

Due to its antiseptic properties, psyllium topical treatment is suitable for healing scratches.

Plantain has an anti-inflammatory effect. A decoction based on a plant is used to treat cough, viral infection, and restore immunity.

How to collect

Collect leaves during the flowering period. Collect the medicinal plant with your hands, cut with scissors. Pick only the leaves, leaving the rosette of the plant. Store the leaves in wicker baskets or bags. Dry in a well-ventilated area, under a canopy outside, in the attic.

To evenly dry the leaves, lay them out in a thin layer on paper.

During drying, periodically stir the medicinal raw materials. You can judge sufficient drying by the fact that the petioles break easily, as they are dry enough. With proper storage, whole leaves retain their beneficial properties for 3 years, crushed raw materials - 2 years.

How to apply

In plantain, the use should be according to indications or as a preventive measure.. Before using plant-based products, read the instructions for use of psyllium.

Cough syrup

In folk medicine, not only decoctions and infusions are used, but also plantain syrup. Treating cough with plantain syrup is quite effective. The sweet taste of the syrup is liked by children. Also use the syrup to treat colds.

Plantain is an effective remedy for treating upper respiratory tract infections. Sometimes they take coltsfoot and plantain together.

Ingredients:

1. Young leaves of the plant - 3 tbsp.
2. Honey - 150 gr.
3. Boiling water - 150 ml.

How to cook: Wash the leaves, dry, pass through a meat grinder. Pour boiling water over the leaves in the indicated dosage, let it brew for 30 minutes. Add melted honey to the mixture, put on fire and warm for 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat, cool, strain. Next, send the syrup to the refrigerator until completely cooled. Keep the syrup no longer than 8-9 months.

How to use: Take syrup no more than 3 times a day, 1 tsp.

Result: Expectorant, loosens phlegm.

Infusion for constipation

All plant-based remedies are effective only if taken regularly. If you suffer from constipation, it is recommended to review your diet and consult a gastroenterologist.

As a complex therapy to normalize the stool, try taking an infusion from the plant. Plantain acts as a laxative for constipation. Do not exceed the dosage indicated in the prescriptions.

Ingredients:

1. Dried plantain leaves - 1 tbsp.
2. Boiling water - 1 cup.

How to cook: Pour boiling water over the leaves, leave for 2 hours.

How to use: Take 30 minutes before meals, 2 tbsp. infusion.

Result: The plant relieves spasms, helps to empty the intestines. Effective in inflammation and ulcers.

Decoction for gastritis

Plantain for gastritis is used as an anti-inflammatory and analgesic. With regular intake of plant-based decoctions, psyllium acts as a mild laxative for the stomach.

Ingredients:

1. Dried leaves of the plant - 1 tbsp.
2. Boiled water - 1 cup.

How to cook: Pour dried leaves with water. Leave the decoction for 30 minutes.

How to use: Strain the decoction before use. Take ¼ cup up to 4 times a day.

Result: Pain reliever, relieves spasms, colic in the stomach.

Infusion for infertility

Use psyllium as a bath infusion for infertility. Conduct water procedures in a course. To achieve an effective result, take a bath with infusion for 15 days.

Ingredients:

1. Leaves and rhizomes of the plant - 50 gr.
2. Boiling water - 1 liter.

How to cook: Pour boiling water over all parts of the plant. Give time for the mixture to infuse, strain.

How to use: Infusion of plantain for conception, add to the bath. Take a bath with infusion for no more than 20 minutes a day.

Result: Stimulates ovulation, relaxes, relieves inflammation.

plantain juice

If you study the beneficial properties of the plant, then the juice of the plantain is used to treat digestive problems and eye infections. Plantain juice relieves inflammation, eliminates infection, and promotes wound healing.

Oriental healers add plant juice to honey and give to children in minimal amounts to treat coughs. The juice is also used to treat infections of the nasopharynx. Juice is suitable for face treatment. Acne on the face disappears, no traces remain on the skin.

Plantain for children

Plantain for children is used from the age of 3 years. Pharmacies have factory-made syrups that contain plant components, but it is better for children to give syrup prepared on their own at home.

When coughing, give syrup to children in a dosage of no more than 2.5 ml at a time. Starting from the age of 6 years, the dosage is 3.5 ml, from 12 years old - 5 ml.

Please note that if the child suffers from dermatitis, allergies or diabetes, then syrup should not be given, as it contains sugar. In this case, replace the syrup with a weak decoction of plantain.

Plantain during pregnancy

With a competent approach to treatment, plantain can be useful for pregnant women. In the absence of contraindications, the plant is used at all stages of pregnancy.

In a pregnant girl, resistance to infections is lowered, immunity is weakened. To protect a pregnant woman from viruses, doctors prescribe decoctions based on medicinal herbs, as they do not contain chemicals. The plant is considered a natural, effective antiseptic that improves immunity.

It is not uncommon for plantain to be prescribed to eliminate toxicosis and constipation. To normalize the work of the digestive tract, use weak tea or decoction.

Before use, check with your doctor about the possibility of using a medicinal plant, the optimal dosage and personal recommendations. Despite the usefulness of plantain, pregnant women need to be careful about treating with any drugs, including folk remedies.

Contraindications

Use plantain during pregnancy only after consulting a doctor.

Contraindications:

• chronic diseases of the gastrointestinal tract in the acute phase;
• blood clotting disorders;
• thrombophlebitis;
• intolerance to plant components;
• children's age up to 3 years.

Every person experiences side effects differently. Before applying the juice or ointment, apply the mixture first to the exposed area of ​​​​the skin and evaluate the result after 5 minutes. If redness, itching or other symptoms are not found, then the plant can be used.

Adverse symptoms are as follows:

• nausea;
• dizziness;
• diarrhea;
• cramps in the abdomen.

If they are detected, you should stop taking plant-based drugs, consult a doctor.

Before using different means, study the properties of psyllium and contraindications.

Classification

The plant belongs to the genus Plantain of the Plantain family, the order Lamiaceae, the class Dicotyledons, the department Angiosperms.

Varieties

To date, there are more than 30 varieties of plantain. Almost all species are considered weeds and grow in uncontrolled areas, but some varieties are listed in the Red Book.

The plantain has the most healing and beneficial effect. Along with it, for medicinal purposes, such species as flea, lanceolate and medium are used.

Flea is an annual herbaceous plant, from 10 to 40 cm in height, the stem is slightly branched. The leaves are linear, 2-3 cm long, 1-4 cm wide. At the top, the umbrella inflorescence is collected in an ear. The fruit is an ellipsoidal box 3-4 mm. Blossoms in June, fruits ripen in July.

Lanceolate is a perennial herbaceous plant with furrowed stems 20–50 cm high. Leaves are lanceolate, located in a basal rosette, entire have from 3 to 7 veins, 4–15 cm long, 0.5–2 cm wide. Fruits are elliptical boxes , 3 mm long. Seeds have one side convex, the other grooved. Blooms in May - June. Fruit ripening occurs in June.

Medium - a perennial herb with a furrowed stem, 15–50 cm high. The leaves are slightly pointed, ovate, located in a basal rosette, 4–20 cm long, 2–8 cm wide. Fruits are ovoid boxes, each of which contains 2 to 5 seeds. Flowering period from May to September. Fruit ripening occurs in June.

For more information about plantain, see the video:

Plantain big infographic

Photo of a large plantain, its useful properties and applications:
Plantain infographic

What to remember

1. Plantain is a medicinal plant that grows everywhere in Russia.
2. The plant is effective in the treatment of infertility, gastrointestinal problems and skin infections.
3. Before using plant-based products, study plantain medicinal properties and contraindications.
4. Properly collect and store the leaves of the plant. Only in this case you will receive healing raw materials, which are stored for about 3 years.
5. In the absence of contraindications, decoctions and infusions based on the plant can be taken during pregnancy.

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