Plantain is a herbaceous perennial with a short root system and a chic rosette of basal leaves. Flowers are collected in five-centimeter cylindrical spikelets. Waterlogged meadows are the usual habitat for plantain, but it also grows along roads.
For medicinal purposes, both in folk and traditional medicine, leaves and seeds are used.
Plantain, useful properties
The leaves contain:
• lemon acid;
• tannins and bitter substances;
• vitamins A, C and K;
• a small amount of alkaloids;
• polysaccharides;
• glycoside aucubin;
• potassium salts;
• enzymes;
• volatile production.
The seeds contain:
• saponins;
• fatty oil;
• polysaccharide planteosis;
• protein, tannins and mucous substances;
• oleanolic acid.
The beneficial properties of the plant have anti-inflammatory, analgesic and secretolytic effects. They are used for diseases of the respiratory organs, accompanied by mucus eruptions. The leaves are effectively used in chronic catarrh of the lungs, with diarrhea, colic, flatulence, duodenal ulcer and other gastrointestinal diseases.
Plantain, useful properties in decoctions and infusions of traditional medicine
Infusion of seeds is used to normalize the activity of the stomach (constipation, inflammation). To prepare it, crushed seeds (10 gr.) Pour 1/2 cup boiling water. The mixture is insisted for 30 minutes and filtered. The received medicine is taken in 1 dose, taken 3 times a day. A fresh portion is prepared for each meal.
An infusion similar to the previous one is accepted as an expectorant. 10 gr. crushed seeds are poured with a full glass of boiling water. Take a tablespoon three times a day. Once in the digestive tract, the infusion envelops the mucous membrane, protecting against irritants (food, drink). Taken in large quantities, the infusion has a nasal effect, because it is recommended for chronic constipation.
Plantain. Useful properties of the root system
The extract prepared from the roots is used for chronic and non-infectious diseases of the kidneys and the genitourinary system. This drug is effective for bites of flying and crawling insects, as well as vipers (taken orally). Preparations obtained from plantain, excellent pathogens of appetite, contribute to the increase of red bodies in the blood, reduce the level of "bad" cholesterol, have an anti-sclerotic effect.
Plantain. Useful properties of leaves
In traditional medicine, juice obtained from the leaves of plantain is widely used. It is recommended to take it with an ulcer and anacid gastritis with low acidity, chronic and acute colitis. 1 tbsp. a spoonful of ready-made pharmaceutical juice of plantain is bred with a quarter cup of chilled boiling water. Eat a month, 20 minutes before meals three times a day.
Plantain is known to many as a wound healing and hemostatic agent. With success, it is used for cuts, abrasions, abscesses and nosebleeds. To do this, attach the plantain (clean mashed leaf) to the sore spot. Shredded fresh leaves are effectively used for weeping eczema, swelling caused by insect bites, and with furunculosis. At the same time, it is recommended to apply the pulp and cover it with a fresh clean leaf.