Plantain

Plantain is a medicinal plant distributed throughout the world. Its healing properties have been 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.

Plantain is a low herbaceous plant. The leaves, depending on the species, can be rounded or oblong, with clearly visible longitudinal stripes. Inflorescences are tied on thin, straight stems. Flowers are fluffy, pink or light lilac. Seeds ripen in long, scaly brown capsules.

The genus Plantain has about one and a half hundred species, but only a few of them are considered useful. The most famous types of this plant:

• sandy - has a branching stem and narrow, long leaves;
• deer-horned - distinguished by thick, serrated leaves;
• lanceolate (lanceolate) - has large, elongated leaves and purple inflorescences;
• large - can reach 45 cm in height, has large, rounded leaves;
• marine - has thin, oblong leaves pointed at the ends, grows along the banks of reservoirs;
• medium - differs in ovoid, pointed leaves and pink flowers.

For the healing properties of lanceolate plantain, see the following video.

Different types of plantain can be found in almost all countries of the world. The largest number of species of this plant grows on the Eurasian continent, as well as in the northern regions of Africa, North and South America. In Russia and in the CIS countries, there are about three dozen species of plantain. The plant prefers a temperate climate and settles in open places accessible to the sun.

The most favorable time for harvesting medicinal raw materials from plantain is from late spring to late summer. Only healthy, green leaves should be collected, avoiding red and yellow ones. It is better to trim the leaves and stems with sharp scissors or a small pruner so as not to damage the root system of the plant. Dry the raw materials on the floor in a room with good ventilation, stirring from time to time.

• dark green color;
• slight mushroom smell;
• bitter taste.

You can learn more about the beneficial properties of plantain, its preparation and use in traditional medicine from the following video:

• 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.

• 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.

External use of drugs based on plantain is harmless and has no contraindications.

Contraindications for internal use are:

• exacerbation of stomach ulcers;
• severe gastritis;
• predisposition to the formation of blood clots;
• pregnancy;
• lactation period.

Oil infused with plantain leaves is a wonderful folk remedy that is used to cleanse and heal cuts, scrapes and abrasions. It can be prepared on the basis of dried or fresh raw materials.

The glass jar must be sterilized and filled to the top with plantain leaves, fresh grass must first be crushed. Then pour vegetable oil into a jar, tightly close the lid and leave to infuse in a dark, warm place. After 14 days, filter the oil and pour into a clean container.

Fresh psyllium leaf juice has been used since ancient times to treat a variety of ailments, including colds, insect bites, digestive problems, and purulent skin inflammations.

The juice is squeezed from well-washed raw materials and stored in the refrigerator. To prevent plantain juice from spoiling for many months, you need to dilute it with vodka or medical alcohol in the required proportion. Also, the juice of this plant is sold in pharmacies.

Plantain syrup is a proven folk remedy for the treatment of colds. It works especially well against coughs.

To prepare plantain syrup, you need to pick fresh leaves of the plant, rinse and grind with a meat grinder or blender. Then pour granulated sugar on the bottom of the glass jar, and put a layer of chopped grass on top. Alternate layers of plantain and sugar until the container is full. Close the jar tightly and put 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.

Psyllium can be used to treat and relieve symptoms of a wide range of conditions, including:

• ARI and SARS;
• angina;
• bronchitis;
• pleurisy;
• whooping cough;
• dysentery;
• dyspepsia;
• uncomplicated diseases of the gastrointestinal tract;
• menstrual irregularities;
• allergic reactions;
• insomnia;
• hypertension;
• inflammation of the skin and mucous membranes;
• kidney infections.

• In violation of the gastrointestinal tract - 1.5 tablespoons dry or fresh plantain leaves pour a glass of boiling water and leave overnight. Drink 1/3 cup 3 times a day after meals.
• With severe cough - 1 tbsp Pour plantain herbs with a glass of 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.
• For open wounds and purulent inflammations - 5 tablespoons crushed plantain leaves pour 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.
• With male impotence - 1 tbsp plantain seeds pour 300 ml of boiling water, put on a slow fire and cook for 15 minutes. Take half a glass 3 times a day.

Plantain is known for its ability to lower blood cholesterol levels and improve the functioning of the digestive tract. That is why it is a good aid for those who are struggling with being overweight. A decoction of plantain seeds is especially helpful in this difficult task.

It is very easy to prepare it: 1 tbsp. seeds, pour 250 ml of boiling water, cover and leave for half an hour. You should drink 1/3 cup of decoction 30 or 40 minutes before meals.

Plantain-based cosmetics can be used for skin and hair care.

Cosmetics prepared using plantain:

• tightens and tones the skin;
• relieves minor inflammation;
• cleanses pores;
• moisturizes and nourishes the skin;
• evens out complexion;
• softens rough skin on the hands and feet;
• treats corns;
• nourishes and strengthens hair.

Today, plantain is practically not eaten, but in former times this herb was added to a variety of dishes, for example:

• green soups;
• cutlets;
• vegetable salads;
• cottage cheese and kefir;
• herbal teas;
• cooling drinks.

Pour water into the pan (you can also use the broth from any meat or poultry) and bring to a boil. Pour in the diced potatoes and leave to cook over medium heat. Cut into small pieces two carrots, onion and parsley root. Add vegetables to potatoes and cook until tender. Then finely chop a bunch of plantain leaves, pour into soup, add bay leaf, salt and pepper to taste. Before serving, add a spoonful of sour cream to the plate and sprinkle with herbs.

Boil 4 medium potatoes in their skins. Peel, twist through a meat grinder.Add raw egg and 2 tbsp. flour. Chop the onion and pour into a frying pan greased with vegetable oil. Put 300 g of minced meat on top and fry until tender. Mix minced meat with potatoes, add finely chopped plantain leaves, salt and pepper. Blind cutlets, roll them in flour and quickly fry. Serve with sour cream.

• According to legend, the plantain came to America in a very unusual way - by sticking to the soles of the shoes of the first settlers.
• In ancient times, the Anglo-Saxons considered plantain a sacred plant. Later, when the Catholic Church banned the treatment of certain medicinal plants, this ban did not apply to plantain, since it was considered one of the symbols of the Christian faith.