Plantain middle - a perennial herb. Distributed throughout Europe. It is widely used in folk medicine. What is medium plantain? Description of the beneficial properties of the plant, read this article.
Appearance and habitat
The root of the middle plantain is pivotal. The stem is simple, without leaves, thin, in height can reach 15-70 cm. The leaves in shape resemble an ellipse, sinewy, collected basal rosette. The flowers are small, pale pink. They are collected on the top of the stem with a thick cylindrical spike. The fruit is a box. The average plantain blooms in the period from May to August.
The plant is widespread in Europe, in Russia and Ukraine is found everywhere. Plantain grows on the shore of lakes, rivers, in forests, near roads.
Composition
Plantain leaves contain aucubin glycoside, carbohydrates, enzymes, tannins, phenol carboxylic acids, alkaloids and volatile. In addition, they are saturated with vitamins (C, B and K). All terrestrial parts of the plant contain phenolcarboxylic acids and flavonoids. The composition of plantain seeds includes fatty oils, saponins, oleic acids, tannins and protein substances and mucus. The roots are saturated with linoleic acid. Also found in their composition are cholesterol, campesterol, sitosterol and stigmasterol.
Collection and Harvesting
Middle plantain, a photo of which is presented in the article, is widely used to treat various diseases. For the production of medicines, leaves and seeds of a plant are used. Leaves are harvested during the flowering period. Dry them in a well-ventilated area until the petioles become brittle. Also, the leaves of medium plantain are used fresh for making juice. Seeds are harvested and harvested in the fall. Finished raw materials can be stored in a dry place in a glass container for 3 years.
Pharmacological properties
Useful properties of medium plantain :
- anti-inflammatory;
- antiseptic;
- bactericidal;
- hemostatic;
- wound healing;
- blood purifying;
- expectorant;
- hypnotic;
- enhances the secretory function of the stomach;
- normalizes cholesterol metabolism;
- painkiller;
- has an antiulcer effect.
Medical use
- Fresh leaves accelerate the healing process of wounds, so they are applied to cuts, burns, abscesses and boils.
- Plantain juice is used to treat skin rashes (acne, dermatitis).
- Dry frayed leaves are used as a powder for bleeding wounds.
- Plantain ointments accelerate the treatment of pustular skin diseases.
- Decoctions and tinctures of plantain medium - an effective blood purifier. They are used for urticaria, atherosclerosis, scurvy and fever.
- Plantain has a beneficial effect on the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract and the genitourinary system. Decoctions of the plant drink with flatulence, diarrhea, gastritis, kidney disease, inflammation of the bladder.
- Juice and infusion of medium plantain rinse the mouth with stomatitis, gum disease.
- A decoction of the plant liquefies sputum and accelerates the process of its elimination, therefore it is used in the treatment of diseases of the upper respiratory tract.
Prescription drugs
Plantain tincture
Take 1 tbsp. l dried leaves of plantain, fill them with 200 ml of boiling water and leave for 2 hours. This infusion is used for kidney disease and urinary incontinence. It can also be used to treat cracks in the skin and corns.
Plantain broth
2 tbsp. l dry leaves of medium plantain, pour 200 ml of boiling water and boil in a water bath for half an hour. Take the medicine before meals 3 times a day for 50 g. Such a decoction is used as an expectorant for cough, bronchitis, flu, colds. Outwardly, the medicine can be used in the form of compresses for inflammation of the eyelids. In addition, plantain broth is drunk for cancer during chemotherapy to protect healthy organs from harmful radiation.
Plantain Syrup
Grind the fresh leaves of the plant, mix them with honey in a ratio of 1: 1 and leave in a cool place for 10 days. After this, drain the formed syrup. The tool is used for colds to strengthen immunity.
Application in cosmetology
Plantain is of average use not only in folk medicine, but also in cosmetology. The plant has an anti-inflammatory, moisturizing and tonic effect, therefore it is used to care for the skin of the face, hands and body. Plantain tincture is included in many cosmetics (creams, lotions, tonics, etc.). It is important to note that this plant is suitable for all skin types. Plantain quickly relieves inflammation, clears acne and rashes. The juice from the plant is used to cleanse dry skin. It perfectly moisturizes and nourishes it. For sensitive skin, masks based on plantain are used. They carefully cleanse, nourish and tone. Girls whose skin is prone to oiliness are recommended to wipe their faces with ice from the plantain tincture. In addition, a decoction of the plant is used to moisturize and nourish dry hair.
Plantain medium: contraindications
- Individual intolerance of plantain.
- The use of tinctures and decoctions of the plant inside is contraindicated in people with high acidity of the stomach.
- Drugs that include medium plantain are not recommended for people with poor blood coagulation.
- Medicines based on this plant are contraindicated in patients who have an increased tendency to form blood clots.