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Plantain plantain is a plant that has been used in natural medicine for centuries. Throughout history, attempts were made to heal diseases of almost all organs with the help of plantain. Modern scientific research confirms the content of many he alth-promoting compounds in the plantain extract. It can be used in many forms, incl. syrup, infusion or tincture. In what diseases is it worth reaching for plantain? How to prepare and use plantain preparations? Can plantain plantain be harmful and when?

Plantain lanceolateis an example of a perennial with relatively low cultivation requirements. Thanks to its easy adaptation to various weather conditions, plantain plantain occurs almost all over the world. In Poland, the lanceolate plantain is found mainly growing wild: in fields, meadows and gardens. Plantain is cultivated for ornamental purposes, for the pharmaceutical industry and for scientific research.

What does a lanceolate plantain look like?

Plantain lanceolate blooms in May. It has a brown, spiky inflorescence covered with small, white petals.

The most valuable component of the plantain, however, are not its flowers or seeds. The treasury of active chemical compounds are oblong, lanceolate, parallel innervatedleaves of plantain .

To use them, collect them during the flowering period and then dry them. Although the plantain is commonly considered a weed, it is worth getting acquainted with the specific properties of this plant.

History of the use of plantain

Plantain plantain has been used in the treatment of various diseases for centuries. Initially, it was used mainly for the treatment of cuts and wounds. Observing the beneficial effect of plantain plantain on the healing process, it began to be used in many other diseases.

The broadest use of plantain is found in the descriptions of traditional Persian medicine. According to historical sources, the plantain was used in the form:

  • suppositories,
  • ointments,
  • syrups,
  • vaginal globules,
  • tinctures
  • and conjunctival and intranasal drops.

Plantain plantain was seen as a universal panacea. It has been believed to heal both diarrhea andas well as constipation. It has been used in infections of the respiratory tract, urinary tract and digestive system. Attempts were made to treat peptic ulcer disease, kidney stones, epilepsy, skin diseases, bone fractures, and even cancer with the help of plantain.

The advancement of medicine has made it possible to carry out a lot of scientific research with the use of plantain. Thanks to pharmacognosy (the science of medicinal use of plants), many chemicals contained in plantain leaves have been identified.

Although some of the historical uses of plantain are now a thing of the past, knowledge about this plant is still incomplete. Despite the passage of time, plantain is still used in some areas of medicine.

Active ingredients for plantain

Studies of substances present in plantain leaves prove its multidirectional action. Active ingredients that have been identified in the plantain plant include:

  • pectins and polysaccharides- mucilaginous compounds. In contact with water, they produce mucus, which has a soothing and anti-inflammatory effect on the tissues. They support healing, facilitate the expectoration of secretions in the respiratory tract,
  • flavonoids (baicalein, luteoilin, scoutelarein)- belong to antioxidants, i.e. free radical scavengers. They reduce inflammation, have anti-aging properties, repair cell damage,
  • iridoidy (aukuboside)- substances with antibacterial properties. Thermal treatment causes their inactivation, so they are present only in raw plantain leaves. The bacteriostatic effect is possible, among others, by faster wound healing,
  • tannins- constrict blood vessels, have an astringent effect. They reduce the swelling of inflamed tissues,
  • vitamins and minerals- plantain is a great source of silicon and zinc, as well as beta-carotene, vitamins C and K,
  • unsaturated fatty acids- contained mainly in plantain seeds. They have an antioxidant effect and slow down the aging process.

Application of plantain

The main application areas of plantain in medicine are respiratory infections and wound healing. Although preclinical studies show that this plant can be effective in other diseases as well, its effectiveness in human studies has not always been confirmed.

Still, plantain is often used as a traditional therapy aid. The beneficial he alth effects of plantain plantain include:

Wound healing

Plantain plantain has been used for centuries as a natural dressing to facilitate wound healing. Its ingredients accelerate the regeneration of the epidermis and have a bacteriostatic effect within the wound.

Plantain lanceolate can be successfully used in the case of insect bites - it will reduce pain, swelling and inflammation in the area of ​​the bite.

Plantain dressings are also used in the treatment of burns and bedsores. To facilitate wound healing, it is worth getting a preparation containing the highest concentration of plantain extract.

Respiratory infections

Plantain infusion helps to relieve symptoms of respiratory infections. The mucilaginous substances contained in the plantain leaves cover the mucous membrane with a coating that facilitates expectoration of the remaining secretions.

Plantain plantain extract has a relaxing effect on the bronchi, reduces their swelling and soothes inflammation. Plantain syrup with honey reduces dry cough and helps to get rid of hoarseness.

Immunostimulating action

Some components of the plantain have an active effect on our immune system. Research has shown the stimulation of lymphocyte multiplication (a group of white blood cells that perform immune functions) under the influence of plantain extract.

Some studies have also shown its anti-parasitic and antibacterial effects. Under the influence of plantain, the secretion of interferons, i.e. natural substances with antiviral properties, increases.

Relief of stomach discomfort

Plantain lanceolate contains many substances potentially supporting the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract. Pectins have an effect comparable to that of dietary fiber - they improve intestinal peristalsis and thus prevent constipation.

In animal studies, reduced gastric acid secretion caused by plantain extract has been shown, which may contribute to the alleviation of peptic ulcer disease. The anti-inflammatory effect of plantain seeds may be beneficial in treating inflammatory bowel diseases.

Dermatological diseases

Plantain plantain has been used in many cosmetic products. Its antiseptic and soothing effect significantly improves the condition of the skin and supports the regeneration of the epidermis.

Plantain lanceolate is effective in treating urticaria, it soothes itching and swelling of the skin. It is successfully used in the treatment of rashes and skin infections. Before using it, however, it is worth making sure that you are not allergic to it.

Products fromplantain

Products containing plantain can be used both topically and orally. Some plantain-based preparations are available from pharmacies.

Many of them can be successfully prepared at home. The most popular plantain products include:

Plantain syrup

Plantain syrup is a traditional product for cough and sore throat. We can buy it at a pharmacy, but also prepare it ourselves.

Wash a few handfuls of plantain leaves, blend them, and then pour water in a 1: 1 ratio. Then add 500 g of sugar or 250 g of sugar and honey.

Boil everything, then simmer it until the syrup thickens. Store the ready-made syrup in the refrigerator, eat 1 teaspoon 3 times a day.

Plantain tincture

The simplest tincture of plantain leaves is prepared by pouring vodka over fresh plantain leaves and leaving it for 2 weeks in a dark, cool place.

The tincture can be used externally in the form of compresses on the skin. If you want to use the tincture orally, add some honey to it.

Plantain ointment

Herbal ointment with plantain extract soothes problematic skin. It is worth using it in case of insect bites, burns and inflammations.

If we do not have a ready-made ointment, we can apply compresses made of fresh, crushed plantain leaves placed on clean gauze.

Plantain infusion

We can prepare the infusion from both fresh and dried plantain leaves. The leaves should be poured with water, boiled, and then set aside for about 15 minutes.

The infusion will be beneficial in case of gastro-intestinal ailments. The cooled down infusion can also be used as a hair rinse, improving the condition of the scalp.

Rinsing the throat with such an infusion will reduce irritation and relieve hoarseness.

Plantain cosmetics

Thanks to the content of many valuable ingredients, plantain is often found in natural cosmetics. Creams and masks for problematic skin, body lotions, hand and foot creams, as well as hair rinses and shampoos are just some of its applications. Regularly used lanceolate plantain firms, smoothes and regenerates our skin.

Raw plantain leaves

Fresh plantain leaves can be successfully used as an addition to summer dishes. If we like culinary experiments, we will certainly find uses for he althy leaves inour kitchen.

We can add them to a salad, blend them into a green smoothie, and even fry them in a pancake batter.

How to safely use plantain?

Plantain lanceolate is a relatively safe plant to use. Scientific studies did not reveal high concentrations of toxic substances in plantain leaves and seeds.A safe daily dose is considered to be 3-5 g of powdered plant.

The side effects of plantain plantain vary depending on the route of administration. When applied externally, there is a risk of an allergic reaction on the skin.

Oral administration in people hypersensitive to plantain ingredients may be associated with nausea, vomiting and flatulence. If the daily safe dose is exceeded, plantain may have a laxative effect.

The use of plantain is best to start with small doses, observing the reactions of your body.

The safety studies of the lanceolate plantain were not carried out in relation to pregnant women and children under 12 years of age. Due to the lack of data on the effects on children, pregnant women and fetuses, it is not recommended to use preparations with plantain in these groups. Substances in plantain may interact with other medications.

Plantain lanceolate reduces the effect of some neurological and psychiatric drugs (lithium, carbamazepine).

It is also worth emphasizing that despite many valuable properties of plantain, its beneficial effect on the treatment of many diseases has not been scientifically confirmed so far. So far, the effects of plantain plantain in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases or cancer have not been demonstrated.

In the case of coexisting chronic diseases or taking medications on a permanent basis, ask your doctor about the safety of the simultaneous use of plantain.

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