By: Ivana Dragica |
Plantain – skin cure and lung protector |
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Plantain (Latin name Plantago major) is a widespread and easily recognizable kind of meadow plants.
There are over 200 species of plantain; the most popular being broadleaf and narrow-leaved plantain.
In China it was used in 3000 BC for treating many diseases.
Sebastian Kneipp said for that the wound, if treated with plantain juice, heals like it was sewn with gold thread.
Saint Hildegard used plantain juice for treating scorpion stings.
This old folk remedy is officially approved for treatment in several countries around the world.
Composition and healing properties of plantain
Plantain contains mucilage, bitter substances, silicic acid, glycosides Aucubin and antibiotic compounds.
The most famous use of plantain is in the treatment of cough, but it is effective for all respiratory diseases.
It helps all respiratory organs, especially in cases of diseases characterized by mucus discharge. Plantain is recommended for treating whooping cough, asthma, pneumonia, and even with pulmonary tuberculosis.
Scientists found that plantain creates an aversion to smoking and reduces the desire for nicotine.
Therefore, it is increasingly common ingredient in medicines aimed at helping people to quit smoking.
You can chew plantain leaf or drinking its tea to help you give up cigarettes.
Natural antibiotic
Plantain juice has antibacterial properties so strong that it does not need any preservative for preservation because it does not spoil.
Plantain contains antimicrobial compounds that are effective against staphylococci, streptococci and clostridia - bacteria responsible for skin infections, purulent angina and tetanus.
The most effective of these is iridoidni glycoside aucubin which showed significant effects against gram-positive bacteria, especially Staphylococcus aureus.
Adding lemon juice to extract of plantain can significantly boost its antimicrobial value.
Aucubin also stimulates the excretion of uric acid from the body through the kidneys, so it is beneficial for treating gout.
Freshly squeezed juice is recommended for cleansing the blood, for all types of ulcers, treatment for swollen glands and hemorrhoids.
Plantain seeds are used for destroying parasites, amoebas and worms.
It is recommended as a laxative, especially for children, and in inflammatory conditions of the mucous membranes.
Daily consumption of eight grams of seeds prevents the formation of gallstones.
Fosters cracked skin
A popular use of plantain is in all types of skin problems such as wounds, ulcers, cuts, lacerations, scratches, bruises, bruises, burns, blisters, calluses, cuticles, insect bites and rashes of various causes.
To treat skin ailments, wash fresh leaf and create a grind into a mesh and apply it on the affected area.
Due to the easy availability of plantain, it is an excellent first aid for bites.
It contains large amounts of saponins, which calm the skin and act as a natural antihistamine.
Treatment of teeth and gums
Plantain is excellent for quick healing of wounds on the face and in the mouth. Prevents festering and promotes healing, a property it owes to acubine.
Chewed plantain leaves set as a compress to the tooth and gum can help prevent tooth infection in the early stages.
Treatment of animals with plantain
This herb is well tolerated by dogs and cats, so you can spray a strong extract of plantain on their skin, if they suffer from a rash or sores.
If animals do not lick the affected area, you can use the fat, but since they tend to lick it off, it is desirable to put Elizabethan collar on the animal during the treatment.
Plantain is also good for horses, orally and locally, although horses will not voluntarily eat this plant.
Harvest
Plantain leaves are collected while the plant is in bloom from May to August, while the roots are collected from August to October.
The leaves are dried in a thin layer in a well ventilated and shady place. The roots are excavated after flowering. Clean the roots and put them on a string to dry them.
Plantain can be prepared for making balms, oils, tinctures, syrups in teas.
Young leaves can be added to soups, salads or you can stew them.
Plantain oil
Fill sterilized jars with chopped plantain leaves and pour in olive oil to completely cover leafs.
Close the jar and store it in a dark place. Shake once a day for two weeks, then strain. It can be used alone or as a foundation for other preparations.
Plantain tincture
Repeat the process as with oil, but instead of oil you use vodka.
The recommended dose of tincture is fifteen to twenty drops three times a day.
Plantain decoction
Put a cup of fresh or half a cup of dried plantain in 200 ml of boiling water. Cover and let the mixture simmer for 15 minutes.
Add one fresh squeezed leaf or a pinch of dried leafs and half a cup of lemon juice into concoction. Let it stand for 10 minutes then add the honey.
Drink it as hot as you can handle three times a day.
This concoction can be sprayed on open wounds or sores on animals.
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