Plantain as a medicinal plant. Large plantain

Plantain– herbaceous medicinal plant, representative of the Podorozhnikov family. Scientists consider Europe to be its homeland, but plantain is distributed almost everywhere. This inconspicuous plant can be found on roadsides, in the steppes, and in wastelands.

Plantain is a rosette of egg-shaped green leaves (see photo). Arrows form from the middle of the rosette, on which seeds form after flowering. Everyone knows that the plant received the name “plantain” because of the places where it grows, since most often it can be found on the side of roads. Another name for plantain sounds like “seven-core travel companion.” It became seven-veined because its leaves have vertical veins, and it was nicknamed a travel companion because the ripened seeds of the plant stick not only to the fur of animals, but also to the clothes of people. Thus, the plantain seems to be asking to be a travel companion.

There is a legend that one day two snakes were basking in the sun, when suddenly a cart came around a bend. One snake managed to crawl away, while the second landed right under the wheels. The surviving snake crawled away somewhere and soon returned with a plantain leaf, which cured the crippled snake. People who saw it with their own eyes did not believe it at first. miraculous effect, but soon they began to use the green plant themselves, which more than once helped the inhabitants of their village. The second legend says that a long time ago there lived a grandfather who was famous for healing with living water. When the king’s own son was dying from a serious illness, the father-king found the old man and ordered him to cure his son. Grandfather agreed to help, but accidentally dropped a vessel with living water. The old man cried at first, but then he saw that in the place where he spilled the water, an inconspicuous plant grew, which said: “I took yours.” living water, take me and save the sick.” So, thanks to the plantain, the grandfather cured the king’s son, and then spent a long time healing ordinary people.

Types of plantain

There are many types of this plant. The most common types are:

Medicinal properties

Medicinal properties plantain due to its valuable chemical composition. For medicinal purposes, as a rule, the seeds of flea plantain and Indian plantain are used, which contain mucus and glycoside, which makes them a valuable medicinal raw material. The leaves of the plant are rich in vitamin C and carotene. Phytoncides or volatiles, which are secreted by plantain leaves, have a beneficial effect on the human immune system, disinfect the air, and kill harmful microorganisms.

Long-term Scientific research, which have been repeatedly carried out by scientists around the world, have proven that plantain leaves contain special substances that positively affect cholesterol levels and are also a powerful tool in the treatment of ulcers. At severe forms tincture of plantain, as well as its infusions, are effective against ulcers. The juice of this plant contains antibacterial components that help with Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Plantain is recommended for hemolytic staphylococci, as well as for various infections.

Plantain is wonderful natural antiseptic . When used externally, its leaves help wounds heal faster and reduce inflammation.

At internal reception plantain has a beneficial effect on the secretion of gastric juice, which ensures chemical processing of food, and also reduces pain and cleanses the blood. The plant is good relieves pain and also has an anti-inflammatory effect. Plantain is taken as a decoction for many diseases. It helps get rid of cough, and also in complex therapy gives good results with such serious illness like tuberculosis.

Use in cooking

In cooking, the plant has found application in the preparation of savory salads and main courses. For the salad you will need some young nettle leaves, plantain, celery, and green onions. The greens are thoroughly chopped, vegetable oil is added. This salad goes perfectly with meat dishes. It is very light and tasty. Salads with plantain are recommended to be consumed in spring, when the body lacks vitamins and minerals.

Very delicious dish counts spring salad with plantain and onion. To prepare this salad, you need to scald the leaves of plantain and nettle, and then chop them together with onions. Add to the finished salad boiled egg. The dish is served with homemade sour cream.

In Russia, a popular recipe for preparing plantain is pumpkin with the leaves of this plant. The pumpkin is washed, cut into pieces, without removing, but only peeling the peel. The prepared pumpkin is grated, and the seeds are crushed using a meat grinder. Plantain leaves are finely chopped and mixed with pumpkin. All ingredients are thoroughly mixed to a paste-like state and seasoned with vegetable oil. The resulting salad is served with meat or fish dishes. The salad can be seasoned with homemade sour cream, yogurt, and mayonnaise. If desired, you can add plants such as nettle, quinoa, and green onions are also good.

“Caviar” is also prepared from plantain. To do this, the leaves are washed, blanched in hot water and drained in a colander. Then grind it using a meat grinder, add leaves of nettle, sorrel, sorrel and season lemon juice and tomato sauce. This caviar is perfect for seasoning fish and meat dishes, as well as for preparing vegetable soups, sauces, and gravies. Plantain caviar can also be used as a sandwich spread.

Benefits of plantain and treatment

The benefits of plantain have long been known in folk and official medicine; it is widely used in European and Asian countries. Special infusions are obtained from the leaves that help treat gastritis and enteritis. IN medicinal purposes Juice from young plantain leaves is also used. It is taken to improve digestive processes. Such remedies successfully treat inflammation Bladder, haemorrhoids. When used externally, the plant heals skin rash, acne, sometimes it is used to treat lichen. Plantain juice helps cleanse the wound of pus, which speeds up the healing process. It is recommended to be used as first aid, especially in cases where it is not possible to obtain qualified medical care, for example, on hiking trips.

Plantain is included in various drugs for the treatment of bronchitis, diarrhea, dysentery. When used systematically, this plant cures the most complex diseases, For example pulmonary tuberculosis.

It is known that grass has sedative effect , it is indicated to be taken when increased irritability, sleep problems, neuroses.

How antihypertensive plantain is an excellent prevention of edema. Infusions of this plant are indicated for use at high pressure, they gently lower it, while simultaneously reducing the load on the cardiovascular system.

Traditional medicine uses plantain for the treatment of bronchitis. Preparations based on it enhance the formation of mucus in the bronchi, thus thinning phlegm.

The most in a simple way the use of this herb is considered to be the use fresh leaves as an external agent. To do this, you need to pick a large leaf of plantain, mash it until the juice appears and apply it to the wound.

To obtain the juice of this plant, its leaves must be collected along with cuttings. All parts of the plant are thoroughly washed, scalded and ground in a meat grinder. Next, they are squeezed through cheesecloth and the resulting mass is boiled for several minutes. The product should be taken several tablespoons, diluted in a glass of water, for one month.

Harm of plantain and contraindications

The herb can cause harm to the body when individual intolerance. Although plantain is generally considered a non-toxic plant, you should still consult a doctor before using it.

It is not recommended to take plantain infusions for ulcers and gastritis with increased acidity, because the plantain increases the secretion of gastric juice.

It is contraindicated to use them people with increased coagulability blood, as well as if blood clots were detected.

Pregnant and lactating women can use plantain infusions after consulting a doctor. Plantain can be used to treat coughs during pregnancy if the woman tolerates this plant well.

The plantain, familiar to us since childhood, is a hardy and very unpretentious plant. It is widespread throughout our country. Everywhere in medicinal purposes They use various preparations from plantain - from freshly cut leaves and their juice to syrup and tinctures, which are offered in pharmacies. Plantain decoction is an easy-to-prepare but extremely effective remedy that helps strengthen the immune system and maintain health even with very serious illnesses.

Despite its simplicity and prevalence, plantain is a very valuable medicinal plant with wide range healing effects on a sick body. Preparations based on it are effective means with action:

• diuretic and diaphoretic;
• wound healing and hemostatic;
• antibacterial and anti-inflammatory;
• antitumor and analgesic;
• sedative and hypotensive;
• secretolytic and antiallergic.

Based on plantain, herbal preparations are made that successfully protect internal organs and body systems from the destructive effects of chemotherapy and radiation therapy.

Attention! The most best time for collecting and preparing raw materials - from May to September.

The benefits and harms of plantain preparations

A decoction of plantain leaves, the beneficial properties of which have been known since ancient times, is used in the treatment of many ailments:

• periodontal disease, gum inflammation, scurvy;
• diseases of the throat and respiratory system, accompanied by thick mucous discharge: sore throat, bronchitis, tonsillitis, pleurisy, whooping cough, pulmonary tuberculosis, bronchial asthma;
• stomach diseases associated with low acidity, colitis;
• dysentery;
• increased gas formation in the stomach and intestines, diarrhea, hemorrhoids;
• gallbladder disease;
• early stage hypertension;
• illnesses blood vessels, arrhythmia, headaches;
• skin inflammatory processes, rashes, acne;
• inflammatory processes genitourinary system, parametritis;
• eye inflammation;
• urticaria, dermatitis;
• exhaustion, neurasthenia, insomnia;
• swelling, lymphostasis;
• leukemia, cancer of the stomach and lungs, malignant skin ulcers.

A decoction of plantain seeds has the following medicinal properties:

• cures female infertility on hormonal grounds;
• helps relieve diabetes;
• gently envelops and soothes the gastric mucosa, protecting it from irritating factors, relieves inflammation;
• improves intestinal motility, cleanses it of accumulated harmful toxins.

Caution: contraindications!

Plantain decoction is contraindicated:

• with exacerbation of stomach diseases caused by high acidity - gastritis, peptic ulcer;
• with increased blood clotting, the tendency of blood vessels to form blood clots;
• in case of hypersensitivity and individual intolerance to drugs of this plant.

Plantain decoction: how to prepare?

From fresh or dry leaves

Recipe 1. To prepare a decoction of plantain leaves, you will need 2 tbsp. (10 g) raw materials and 200-250 ml hot water. Heat in a water bath under the lid for half an hour, strain.

Recipe 2. 1 tbsp. l. steam the raw materials with 1 liter of boiling water, keep on low heat for 10 minutes, leave for a day under the lid. Then strain and take as directed.

From seeds

Recipe 1 (For diseases of the stomach and intestines). 1 tbsp. seeds are poured into an enamel bowl, a glass of water is added and boiled for a minute, then left under the lid for half an hour and filtered.

Recipe 2 (For hemorrhoids, impotence). 1 tbsp. seeds, pour 350 ml of boiling water, simmer over low heat for 15 minutes. Take 100 ml 3-4 times a day.

Advice: To prevent impotence, this decoction can be drunk by men after 35 years of age. Regular intake is important between September and March.

Use of decoction for medicinal purposes

1. To get rid of cough, it is recommended to take a tablespoon of plantain decoction 4 times a day for 20 minutes. before meals. The course of admission is a week.

   Tip: This remedy can additionally relieve coughing attacks and soothe a sore throat by taking it like warm tea. It is useful to add 1 tsp to it. honey

2. For gastritis, colitis and stomach ulcers, take a third or half a glass of decoction orally for 15 minutes. before meals 3-4 times a day.
3. A decoction of fresh plantain leaves is effective in treating various skin diseases traumatic nature, inflammation, boils. It is recommended to wash wounds with it, apply wet bandages and compresses (2-3 times a day), and make lotions with it.
4. In case of infertility that has developed due to hormonal reasons, should be taken 1 tbsp. decoction of plantain seeds three times a day before meals (course 1-2 months). Recipe for making this decoction: 1 tbsp. boil the seeds in 250 ml of water for 5 minutes, then 30 minutes. insist and strain.
5. For diabetes mellitus, it is recommended to take 2 tbsp. decoction 3 times a day before meals.

Recipe 1. To moisturize dry skin, use compresses made from plantain decoction or infusion. You will need 2 tbsp. dry plantain leaves and 200 ml of hot water. Pour boiling water over the raw materials and hold in a water bath for 2-3 minutes, turn off the heat and leave for half an hour, strain, cool. The compress should be applied for several minutes, changing it 3-4 times. You need to start with a hot one, then apply a cooler one, and at the end of the procedure leave the cold one on the skin for 5 minutes.

Recipe 2. To make cosmetic ice, you need to freeze the plantain decoction prepared according to the previous recipe in ordinary cube molds. It is beneficial for them to wipe the skin 3-4 times a week. The procedure should last up to three minutes, rubbing is carried out slowly, along massage lines. After it, you do not need to lubricate the skin with any products.

Recipe 3.Rinsing dry hair with a decoction of plantain will restore its shine and shine. To prepare the product you need to take 1 glass of water, 1 tbsp. dry or fresh crushed leaves, bring to a boil and turn off. Leave for 20 minutes, cool to 30-35°C and use on washed hair. Do not rinse off.

Recipe 4. To prepare eye lotions that will help relieve inflammation and fatigue, and also smooth out fine expression wrinkles with regular use, you need to mix 2 tsp. plantain seeds and cold water. Then add 6 tbsp to this mixture. boiling water Cool and strain the liquid, soak cotton pads in it and place on the eye area for 10 minutes.

Recipe 5. To prepare a hand bath, you need to mix dry crushed plantain leaves, chamomile and calendula flowers in equal parts. Steam with boiling water (1 cup) 1 tbsp. raw materials, soak in a water bath for 15 minutes. Let cool and strain, add 1 tbsp. glycerin. Keep your hands in this bath for 10-15 minutes, then wipe dry and lubricate with nourishing cream.

About other beneficial properties of this amazing plant– plantain – you can learn from the video.

Great plantain (Plantago major) belongs to the perennial herbaceous plants of the Plantain family (Plantaginaceae). Plantain growth area: temperate and subtropical zones. In the territory of the post-Soviet space, it is distributed everywhere, with the exception of the Far North. Although the great plantain is recognized as a cultivated plant, its abundant growth is observed along highways and trails, in wastelands and on sandy soils, in steppe and meadow zones. Anemophilous (wind-pollinated) crop reproduces by seeds.

Plantain is also found under other names: roadside plant, cutter, traveler, boil grass, seven-zilla, rannik. We will talk about all of its contraindications for use in this article.

Plantain photo

Composition of plantain

The composition of the leaves of the medicinal plant includes:

• iridoids;
• tannins;
• vitamin C (ascorbic acid);
• lemon acid;
• carotenoids;
• lipophilic vitamin K;
• vitamin U (methylmethionine);
• plant polyphenols – flavonoids;
• mannitol;
• sorbitol;
• oleanolic acid.

Oleanolic acid, natural high-molecular carbohydrates - polysaccharides, mixtures were found in the seeds esters – fixed oils(Olea pinguia), nitrogenous substances (proteins, amino acids, enzymes, alkaloids).

Medicinal properties

Leaves, seeds, and seed husks of the plant are used as a source of medicinal raw materials. For the procurement of raw materials, collection is carried out in the following periods: leaves - before or in the initial phase of flowering; roots - in the fall, after the sap flow in the plant has stopped, or in early spring before the process begins; seeds - during full ripening.

In order to protect against possible processes fungal and bacterial decomposition and, as a consequence, loss active substances, the collection of above-ground parts is carried out in dry weather after the morning dew has disappeared. It is prohibited to use raw materials collected near highways, since such material is poisonous and toxic due to carbon monoxide (carbon monoxide) absorbed by the plant.

The collected parts of the plant are carefully sorted and foreign impurities are removed. Drying of the prepared material is carried out in the open air, avoiding direct sunlight, or in special dryers at temperatures up to 60°C. Store harvested raw materials in dry, ventilated areas for two years.

Application

Plantain is used for medicinal purposes both internally and externally. The plant is taken orally in the form of:

• juice squeezed from leaves;
• syrup;
• infusions;
• tinctures;
• alcohol and water extracts;
• decoction

Externally used for baths, wraps, lotions, compresses, ointments.

Interesting! Not everyone knows, although it is not at all difficult.

Large plantain - natural medicine, having unique properties. Preparations based on it active ingredients used as a means:

• diuretics;
• sweatshops;
• painkillers;
• anti-inflammatory;
• bactericidal;
• antitumor;
• sedatives;
• expectorants;
• hypotensive;
• to restore immune status.

Drugs for water based(infusions, extracts) regulate the secretory activity of the stomach, reducing hypersecretion. They produce an anti-inflammatory effect, act as strong antispasmodics, perform protective function for defects in the gastric mucosa ( ulcerative lesions). Used for gastric ulcers and hypoacid gastritis (read about the treatment of gastritis with plantain).

It is recommended to take the plant juice for illnesses gallbladder: acute and chronic. The seed husk supports the proliferation of beneficial lacto- and bifidobacteria, which are necessary for normal intestinal function. It is also often present in weight loss diets due to its characteristic property of inducing a feeling of fullness. When combined with water, the husk swells and acts as a natural detoxifier for the body.

Attention! When taking the husk, you should drink at least 2 liters of water to prevent constipation.

Effect on the cardiovascular system

Medicines based on plantain leaves normalize the content of b-lipoproteins, total lipids. They reduce the complication of atherosclerosis – aortic atheromatosis. They have a mild sedative effect. They have antihypertensive properties (reduce arterial pressure). Plantain is recommended as adjuvant therapy at cardiovascular diseases: arrhythmias and acute heart failure.

Effect on the respiratory system

Plantain preparations are expectorants, mucolytics, and antitussives. They protect the epithelium of the respiratory tract, help thin sputum, have an anti-inflammatory effect, normalize the properties of pulmonary surfactant, and restore the function of the ciliated epithelium.

When conducting complex treatment, including an infusion of the leaves of the plant, can be cured of serious pathologies: pulmonary tuberculosis, pleurisy, whooping cough, upper catarrh respiratory tract. The herb suppresses the effect of hemolytic streptococci and is used in the complex treatment of sore throats and pneumonia.

Impact on skin defects

For local application, scratches, ulcers and other damage to the dermis. This medicinal plant accelerates the process of skin regeneration, has a hemostatic, bactericidal, anti-inflammatory effect. Plantain juice inhibits growth pathogenic staphylococci and helps get rid of purulent abscesses, boils, carbuncles on the skin. Traditional healers The herb is used for compresses in the treatment of malignant neoplasms.

Impact on the genitourinary system

A decoction of plantain seeds is effective in the treatment of endocrine infertility. Products containing this plant are recommended for women to take inflammatory processes in the uterus and ovaries. This herb is also effective in treating uterine bleeding. Plantain preparations are prescribed for diseases inflammatory in nature: nephritis, urinary incontinence. The beneficial properties of the plant will help men with pain, activating the functions of the gonads.

Impact on immune status

Recent scientific studies have established the high effectiveness of plantain preparations in the fight against oncological pathologies: leukemia, lymphogranulomatosis and other malignant neoplasms. They are reducing Negative consequences carrying out chemotherapy procedures. The plant activates the protective properties of the immune system, helping the body resist autoimmune diseases and diseases of viral origin. The presence of oleanolic acid in the composition allows the herb to be used in the treatment of HIV infection.

Impact on the psycho-emotional sphere

Plantain is included in herbal preparations prescribed for increased emotional excitability, sleep disorders, irritability and anxiety. Helps with mild forms of insomnia, neuroses, anxiety-phobic disorders.

Plantain contraindications

Although drugs plant origin have a versatile effect on the human body and in most cases their use is justified; only a doctor can foresee unwanted side effects after a comprehensive examination. The use of plantain preparations is contraindicated:

1. With increased stomach acidity and excess production of gastric juice.
2. With increased blood clotting.
3. With an intensive process of blood clot formation.
4. In case of individual intolerance to the components of the plant and the presence allergic reactions on him.

Persons with serious somatic pathologies, it is recommended that before starting treatment with plantain-based drugs, consult a therapist, and, if necessary, undergo examination by narrow specialists.

Preparation and use of plantain preparations

Fresh leaves

Used to disinfect injuries skin and as a hemostatic agent for external use.

Freshly collected, undamaged leaves must be thoroughly washed with running water and applied entirely to the damaged surface. More active action has a “mush” of plantain: leaves of the plant finely chopped with a knife.

Juice

Juice is the most rational and effective drug in most cases of treatment. It is recommended to use freshly squeezed juices that have not been subjected to heat treatment, however, the value of juices processed by pasteurization or boiling should not be denied.

Attention! To preserve biologically active ingredients All parts of the plantain must be processed within 2 hours after they are collected.

The collected leaves of the plant are washed with water and cut with scissors. To extract juice, use a press, juicer, juice cooker or meat grinder. The resulting liquid is processed by canning or pasteurization, poured into sterile containers, and carefully sealed.

The juice of the plant is taken 20–25 ml 3 times a day half an hour before meals. Optimal duration course of treatment – ​​one month.

Syrup

Natural has a number of advantages over synthetic ones pharmacological agents, used in the treatment of colds, viruses, infectious diseases. Fresh leaves of the plant are used to prepare syrup.

Recipe 1. Finely chop the washed raw materials and place them in a container in layers, sprinkling each layer with sugar. Seal the container with the workpiece tightly and keep the composition for 2 months. cool room. Carefully strain the syrup.

Recipe 2. Mix the prepared raw materials with liquid honey in a 1:1 ratio, place in a glass container and a saucepan with warm (not hot!) water until it cools completely. Strain the composition.

Syrup take 1 tsp. 3 times a day half an hour before meals.

Tinctures – liquid form a preparation in the preparation of which healing chemicals are extracted from the plant using alcohol compositions of 40–70% strength. In most cases, vodka is used at home.

If you don't know, here are some recipes.

Recipe 1. Prepared raw materials - crushed plantain leaves, place in a glass vessel, add alcohol-containing

drink, seal tightly and leave in a dark room at room temperature for 7 days. For one part of crushed leaves, take four parts of alcohol. Drain the finished tincture, carefully squeeze out the remaining plant and strain. The strained composition should be transparent, regardless of its color.

Recipe 2. Combine 400 ml of juice with 400 ml of vodka. Infuse for at least two weeks in a cool room, away from sunlight, then strain.

Alcohol tinctures are suitable for use after a long period of storage in tightly sealed dark glass containers. Use the composition 1-2 times a day, dosage from 10 to 30 drops per dose (depending on body weight, an individual dose is calculated). The duration of treatment is one month.

Infusions – aqueous extracts from plantain leaves. The starting raw material must be poured into a container and filled with boiling water in a ratio of 1:10 to internal use, 1:5 for outdoor use. Cover the contents of the container tightly with a lid and leave in a water bath for 10 minutes. After complete cooling, strain the infusion.

Decoction

Plantain decoctions - extraction by water method useful substances from leaves, seeds and roots of a plant. The recommended daily portion is 1 liter: a quarter of the warm mixture is taken on an empty stomach, the rest of the dose is drunk during the day in 3 doses after meals. Decoctions spoil quickly, so it is recommended to cook fresh composition daily and store the resulting drink in the refrigerator.

Recipe 1. Pour the sorted, washed and crushed raw materials with water at room temperature in a ratio of 1:10 for internal use and 1:5 for external use. Mix thoroughly, bring to a boil and keep on low heat for half an hour. After cooling, strain the broth through cheesecloth.

Recipe 2. Required amount pour raw materials into a container, pour raw water in the proportion indicated in the recipe, mix and leave for 12 hours at room temperature. Bring to a boil and boil in a container with a closed lid for 5 minutes. Leave the dishes covered for 30 minutes, strain the broth through cheesecloth.

They are very popular because they have a beneficial effect on the skin.

Use this miracle plant and be healthy!

Or Larger plantain (Plantago major) - a herbaceous plant of the plantain family ( Plantaginaceae). Plantain grows almost throughout Europe, Central Asia, North America, in Russia, except the Far North. It can be found even in the subtropical zone. The wide growing area is due to the plant’s unpretentiousness to climatic conditions and soils. It grows both on clay and on sand, in the shade and in the sun; plantain is resistant to trampling. The name of this plant fully reflects its habitat - along roads. It can also be found in meadows, fields, and forests. Plantain can form a carpet by crowding out other herbs. Due to their medicinal properties Great plantain was cultivated, this facilitated the procurement of raw materials on an industrial scale. has many beneficial properties for humans.

Among the people, plantain has received many names, the most common being roadside grass, boil grass, seven-zilla grass, fellow traveler, cut-grass.

Large plantain description

Plantain has a shortened main root, from which adventitious roots extend in bunches, in the form of a brush. They go deep into the soil up to 20 cm or more.

The stem is arrow-shaped, straight, glabrous or slightly pubescent, up to 60 cm tall. The leaves are wide, ovate, forming a basal rosette. The edges of the leaflets are entire or slightly serrated, the surface of the leaf is covered with arched veins. The inflorescence is a long cylindrical spike. Peduncles are ascending and erect at the base. The flowers are small with broadly membranous bracts, four-parted calyx. The sepals are membranous along the edges. The corolla has four bent lobes, ovoid in shape, dry and brownish. There are four stamens, they are twice as long as the corolla tube. The anthers are dark purple, the filaments are white. The plant is odorless and has a slightly astringent and bitter taste.

The fruit is a two-locular capsule, oblong-ovoid in shape. One box can contain from 8 to 16 seeds. The seeds are small, almost matte, brown in color, approximately 1.3 mm long, 0.8 mm wide. WITH inside the seeds are convex, almost flat on the back, covered with small sinuous wrinkles. In the middle of the inner side of the seed there is a rounded white scar.

Flowering period from May to September. Plantain reproduces mainly by seeds. The plant is extremely prolific, with just one plant producing between 8,000 and 60,000 seeds, depending on development. Seeds easily fall onto the soil, clogging it. They are spread across the earth's surface along with grains of soil on the paws of animals and human feet, on the wheels of vehicles and agricultural machinery.

Seeds germinate quite quickly, approximately 40 days after sowing, 50% of the seeds will germinate, in laboratory conditions the percentage is much higher – 98%. The most optimal planting depth for germination is considered to be 2-3 cm. The viability of seeds is high; ungerminated seeds remain viable for up to 7 years. Vegetative propagation of plantain is also observed. In the axils of the leaves, baby bulbs are formed, which after wintering develop into independent plants.

Plantain forms thickets not only along roads, but also in fallow fields, fallow lands, and crops cereal crops and forage grasses. Its rosettes are tightly pressed to the soil, which harms crops, drowning out their seedlings at the initial stages of development.

Plantain is a great control measure

Mowing or cutting at soil level does not kill the weed. Deep tillage will lead to death or significant weakening. In addition, this weed plant is sensitive to the herbicides 2,4-D and 2M-4X. It is imperative to maintain the purity of sowing seeds, especially for forage grasses.

Great plantain uses

The healing properties of plantain have been known since ancient times. This plant is quite popular and significant in both traditional and folk medicine. Range of application medicines based on plantain is very wide. The drugs have anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, wound healing, analgesic, blood purifying, sedative, expectorant effects, and also enhance the secretory activity of the stomach.

For medicinal purposes, leaves are used as raw materials, which can be collected throughout the summer. The leaves dry quickly, this can be done on fresh air under a canopy or in an electric dryer at 40-50°C. Seeds must be harvested together with peduncles in a mature form. Raw materials are stored for two years.

Decoctions, infusions, and juice are prepared from plantain. Plantain infusion is prescribed for bronchitis, tuberculosis, chronic catarrh of the bronchi and lungs, and pleurisy. It helps thin and release mucus when coughing. Plantain juice and infusion are used quite effectively for gastritis, dysentery, in the treatment of stomach and intestinal ulcers, and for diseases of the bladder. Infusions are also used as a mild sleeping pill and sedative.

For rashes, furunculosis, lichen and other skin diseases, plantain decoction is used as a blood purifier. Plantain leaves are applied to wounds, abscesses and insect bites, this relieves inflammation and stops bleeding. At internal bleeding and hemorrhages, plantain will help, as it has an amazing hemostatic property.

Decoctions of inflorescences are prescribed as an analgesic for stomach and intestinal pain. Clinical experiments have proven that plantain seed decoction has a laxative effect. The seeds are not poisonous, and their mucus can protect the intestinal mucosa from various kinds irritations.

Great plantain shows excellent results in the treatment of cholecystitis, kidney diseases, it destroys Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and streptococci.

It is worth including plantain in your diet, it has a beneficial effect on digestion, and long-term use prevents the occurrence of diabetes and cancer.

The use of drugs based on plantain is contraindicated in cases of increased blood clotting and a tendency to thrombus formation. Before starting treatment, you should consult a doctor to receive qualified advice and prescribe the correct dosage.

Large plantain photo

Great plantain Plantago major
Great plantain Plantago major Great plantain Plantago major 29

Dear readers, today on the blog we will talk about the medicinal properties of plantain. Even children know that plantain is a useful and medicinal herb. Remember your childhood - as soon as there was a scratch or abrasion, and all your friends were already looking around for plantain to apply to the wound. I think many people have treated their knees this way. And they did everything absolutely right. The ability to stop bleeding and heal a wound, and even prevent it from becoming infected, is the most known property this grass. However, in addition to it, plantain can be useful for the digestive system and in the fight against cough. This is exactly what our conversation will be about the beneficial and medicinal properties of plantain.

Moreover, the beneficial and medicinal properties of plantain are preserved in its fresh, and dry. And in dry form we can brew it and use it for health all year round. We can prepare it ourselves or buy it at the pharmacy.

Already from the name itself it is clear where plantain usually grows - near the road, in meadows, in wastelands, in garbage areas. And its name can also be interpreted as a companion of one who walks along the road. Plantain is an ancient plant, known since the times Ancient Greece and Rome, where doctors already used it for healing. Plantain is also called “tears of travelers.” Legend has it that travelers who had traveled long distances rubbed their feet blood and were unable to continue their journey. Then they began to cry, and their tears that fell on the edge of the road became plantains. They applied its leaves to their wounds and were thus healed and were able to continue on their way.

About 250 species of plantain are known, but the most common type of plantain in our country is the great plantain.

Plantain grass. Medicinal properties and uses

• As already mentioned, the most famous and main “usefulness” of plantain is its hemostatic, anti-inflammatory, bactericidal and wound-healing effects. The reason for this beneficial property is high content tannins and phytoncides, which provide a bactericidal effect, as well as the presence of polysaccharides that promote fast healing and reducing inflammation.

But the properties of plantain do not stop there. It will be useful to know that plantain also:

• Plantain increases appetite, has a beneficial effect on digestive system. Helps with flatulence, colitis, gastritis and ulcers with low acidity.
• Strengthens the immune system, increases the effectiveness of other drugs in the fight against malignant tumors, leukemia. Protects internal organs from damage due to radiation or chemical therapy.
• Copes with respiratory diseases, effective against bronchitis, tuberculosis and pleurisy.
• Good effect on nervous system– depending on the type of infusion, it can tone or vice versa – calm and lower blood pressure.

Plantain grass. Medicinal properties

Plantain is interesting because not only the leaves, but also the seeds can be used for medicinal purposes. And from the leaves you can prepare an infusion or obtain juice, which can also be useful.

Plantain leaf. Medicinal properties

According to research, plantain leaves contain special substances that affect cholesterol metabolism in the body and also help fight ulcers. This is how my dad treated his trophic ulcers on foot. I also applied fresh plantain leaves (before this, they must, of course, be washed and dried) and burdock leaf. Everyone takes turns. And be sure to tie your leg with an elastic bandage.

Fresh leaves and the juice extracted from them can also be used as antibacterial agents, have a detrimental effect on pathogenic microbes, staphylococcus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli.

Young plantain leaves are great for making salads and soups. Use everything in the summer season.

Plantain grass. Healing properties for the stomach

1. Thanks to its wound-healing effect, plantain can be useful in the treatment of certain stomach diseases: gastritis, enterocolitis, ulcers. However, it is important to remember that treatment with plantain can only be done if the acidity of the stomach is reduced. But with high acidity, you should not use plantain-based preparations.
2. For stomach pain, you can simply chew a few green plantain leaves.
3. Plantain infusion. Recipe. For treatment chronic gastritis, stomach ulcers and duodenum, enteritis, colitis, you can prepare the following infusion: pour 1 tablespoon of dry plantain leaves with a glass of boiling water, let it brew for 10 minutes. Then strain the infusion and drink it within an hour. This - daily norm and a glass of this infusion should be drunk every day.

Medicinal properties of plantain juice

In order to increase the acidity of gastric juice, you can take juice from plantain leaves. To do this, juice is squeezed out of fresh leaves collected from May to September - about 1-2 tablespoons. Mix it with one tablespoon of honey, dilute all 100 ml warm water. This mixture should be taken 3 times a day before meals for a course of one month.

With the help of plantain juice, you can also effectively fight suppuration of wounds and speed up their healing. Fresh Juice very useful during the first treatment and helps well if wounds do not heal for a long time.

I suggest watching a video about the medicinal properties of plantain.

Plantain grass. Medicinal properties for cough

The use of plantain for respiratory diseases is especially relevant when there is an allergy to pharmaceutical drugs or a ban on the use of chemical medications. And the effectiveness of plantain is also recognized official medicine. After all, plantain is part of natural extracts and essential oils, which are the basis of many cough syrups. But with your own hands, from the raw materials collected with your own hands, you can prepare natural remedy From cough.

3 tablespoons fresh leaves and 3 tablespoons sugar, and better than honey, if there is no allergy, mix in a fireproof container and place under a closed lid on a warm stove. You need to ensure that the heat is minimal and simmer for four hours. Take the resulting syrup half an hour before meals, one teaspoon 4 times a day.

The whole secret is that decoctions or syrups from plantain stimulate the functioning of the bronchi and especially excretory system. The secretion of mucus is activated and sputum is thinned, which is exactly what is necessary to get rid of a cough. And the flavonoids contained in plantain grass help increase immunity and strengthen the body during the period of illness and during the recovery process.

Another recipe that will help with bronchitis and whooping cough will relieve dry cough.

Pour 200 ml of boiling water over 1 tablespoon of dry leaves, leave for two hours and strain. Take a tablespoon before meals (20 minutes before) four times a day.

Plantain grass. Medicinal properties for infertility

Another useful property miraculous plantain - the ability to help in the fight against infertility. Moreover, it is used by both men and women. Plantain is especially useful, the medicinal properties of which are also used in gynecology for women. In particular, because it contains a special substance - phytosterol, whose composition is close to female hormones. With its help, women can restore hormonal balance, which so often accompanies, and is mainly the cause of menstrual irregularities, problems with ovulation and untimely menopause.

The most common recipe for women with ovulation disorders:

1 tablespoon of dry plantain leaves is poured with a glass of boiling water and infused for two hours. Next, the infusion is filtered and taken 20 minutes before meals, 1 tablespoon four times a day. The period of administration is important, namely the first phase of the menstrual cycle.

A recipe that is suitable for both men and women

1 tablespoon of dry leaves is brewed with a glass of hot water, then heated in a water bath for another five minutes and then left for an hour. The resulting decoction should be drunk half an hour before meals, 2 tablespoons three times a day. Course – 21 days. Next, you should take a break for a week and repeat the course if necessary.

Plantain seeds. Medicinal properties

Another "component" natural medicine– seeds. They are also used in the fight against infertility. Moreover, an infusion of plantain seeds has a positive effect on both men and women.
Plantain seeds need to be ripe (this is the case if you prepare them yourself). They already have a color close to brown, and not green or yellow, like that of a young, immature plant.

1 tablespoon of plantain seeds is poured into a glass of boiling water (200 ml) and left to cool. You should get a kind of jelly-like mass. Some healers believe that such a recipe is “unfinished.” And they recommend that after the seeds have been poured with boiling water, cook for a maximum of 5 minutes in a water bath. Drink the resulting decoction half an hour before meals 3 times a day.

Another recipe using plantain seeds helps with diarrhea.

Pour 1 tablespoon of plantain seeds into half a glass of boiling water and let it brew for 30 minutes. Take 1 tablespoon half an hour before meals. Usually improvement occurs quite quickly.

Plantain root. Medicinal properties

Let me note once again that not only the leaves, but also the roots of plantain are valuable. They are also used as remedy. Our grandmothers used the simplest recipe for toothache. To stop tooth pain, plantain root, wrapped in gauze, is placed in the ear on the side where the tooth hurts. You can rinse additionally oral cavity plantain decoction. Of course, this is emergency help in cases where it is not possible to quickly see a doctor. However, using this method, ignoring the necessary medical care, is not worth it and even dangerously complicates the situation with a bad tooth.

Dried plantain roots help with illnesses thyroid gland and diseases of the adrenal glands.

An extract is also extracted from the roots of plantain, which is used for bites of snakes, bees and other insects. By the way, just a chewed plantain leaf applied to a bee sting will become an “ambulance” in conditions where it’s difficult to quickly get to medical institution does not work, and the reaction to insect bites is unknown.

Plantain. Medicinal properties and contraindications

Do not forget that plantain is still a medicinal product. And any medicinal product has its own indications and contraindications. Plantain is not recommended for use by people with increased blood clotting and those who have blood clots. And even unjustified long-term use Plantain-based drugs increase the risk of blood clots and increase blood clotting.

Despite the fact that plantain is used in the treatment of stomach diseases, it can only be used for patients with low acidity. This means that those who have high acidity should not use recipes with plantain.

And as always, be careful if your body reacts with an allergy to any medicinal plants. Start “acquaintance” with the drug with small doses – preferably half the doses indicated in the recipes.

And for the soul, we will listen today KVATRO Group. Volare . A famous group performs a wonderful song. I hope you have a rest and positive emotions.

I wish everyone health, harmony in the soul, simple joys in life. Apply simple recipes to maintain your health.