Plantain large (Plantago major L.). Plantain medicinal properties and contraindications

Plantain- a herbaceous medicinal plant, a representative of the Plantain family. Scientists consider Europe to be its homeland, but plantain is widespread almost everywhere. This inconspicuous plant can be found on roadsides, in the steppes, 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 the name "plantain" the plant received because of the places of its growth, since most often it can be found on roadsides. Another name for the plantain sounds like "seven-fellow traveler." He became seven-veined because his leaves have vertical veins, and he was called a fellow traveler because the ripe seeds of the plant stick not only to animal fur, but also to people's clothes. Thus, the plantain, as it were, suggests itself as a fellow traveler.

There is a legend that two snakes were basking somehow in the sun, when suddenly a wagon suddenly drove out from behind a turn. One snake managed to crawl away, while the second hit right under the wheels. The surviving snake crawled away and soon returned with a plantain leaf, which cured the crippled snake. People who saw it with their own eyes did not at first believe in such a miraculous effect, but soon they began to use the green plant themselves, which more than once saved the inhabitants of their village. The second legend says that a long time ago there lived a grandfather who was famous for curing with living water. When the son of the king himself was dying of 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 had grown, which said: “I took your living water take me and save the sick." So, thanks to the plantain, grandfather cured the king's son, and then healed ordinary people for a long time.

Plantain species

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

Medicinal properties

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

Long-term scientific studies, 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 powerful tool in the treatment of ulcers. In severe forms of ulcers, plantain tincture, as well as its infusions, are effective. The juice of this plant contains antibacterial components that help with Escherichia and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Plantain is recommended for hemolytic staphylococci as well as various infections.

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

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

Application in cooking

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

Very delicious dish considered a spring salad with plantain and onions. To prepare this salad, plantain and nettle leaves must be scalded, and then chopped together with onions. Add to salad boiled egg. The dish is served with homemade sour cream.

In Russia, a pumpkin with the leaves of this plant is considered a popular recipe for preparing plantain. The pumpkin is washed, cut into pieces, without removing, but only peeling the peel. The prepared pumpkin is rubbed on a grater, and the seeds are crushed with 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. Salad can be seasoned with homemade sour cream, yogurt, mayonnaise. If desired, you can add plants such as nettle, quinoa to it, green onions also work well.

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

Plantain benefits and treatment

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

Plantain is included in various preparations 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 a sedative effect, it is shown to be taken with 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 reducing the load on the cardiovascular system.

Traditional medicine uses psyllium for the treatment of bronchitis. Preparations based on it increase the formation of mucus in the bronchi, thus thinning the sputum.

by the most in a simple way The use of this herb is considered to be the use of the fresh leaves as an external remedy. To do this, you need to break big leaf plantain, knead it until the juice appears and apply to the wound.

To get the juice of this plant, its leaves must be collected along with the cuttings. All parts of the plant are thoroughly washed, scalded and ground in a meat grinder. Then they are squeezed through gauze and the resulting mass is boiled for several minutes. Take the remedy should be a few tablespoons, spreading in a glass of water, for one month.

Plantain harm and contraindications

The grass can cause harm to the body with individual intolerance. Although psyllium is generally considered a non-toxic herb, you should still seek medical advice before using it.

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

It is contraindicated to use them people with increased clotting blood, as well as in the event that blood clots were found in the blood.

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 the herb well.

It is a perennial herb of the Plantain family. In the people, the plantain received the name: wayfarer, tripodnik, rannik, wayfarer, cutter. Official name gender in Latin plantago(from planta - " sole of the foot», « sole”), referring to the shape of the leaves of the plant, resembling a footprint. It is noteworthy that the American Indians also called the plantain " after the white man", because before the arrival of Europeans on the American continent, this plant was not found there.

Plantain species

Botanists count 158 types of plantain among which the most common are:

1. 1 Plantain large- the area of ​​growth is very wide. A plant with numerous healing properties, used both in official and in folk medical practice.
2. 2 Plantain flea- the species is common in Transcaucasia. Has medicinal value.
3. 3 Indian plantain (sandy)- grows in Europe, in northern Africa, in India, in the temperate zone of Asia. The seeds of the plant are used for the preparation of medicinal material.
4. 4 Plantain lanceolate- a representative of the flora of the temperate climate zone northern hemisphere. Widely used in medicine.
5. 5 Plantain medium- found in the European region, Siberia, Central Asian countries. Medicinal properties are similar to those of the plantain.
6. 6 plantain ovoid- grows in the Mediterranean regions, in India, Pakistan, Iran, Afghanistan, the Canaries. Used in medicine.
7. 7 Plantain Kornuta – rare view, which can be found in the east of Europe, in Central and Asia Minor countries, in the Caucasus, in the Siberian regions. It is included in the Red Books of a number of regions.
8. 8 sea ​​plantain- a species with an extensive habitat, has found application in cooking.

Plantain large- perennial herbaceous plant. The rhizome is short, vertical, with multiple filiform roots extending from it. The stems are bare, arrows separated by furrows, from 15 cm to almost 0.5 meters high. The leaves are broadly ovate, with veins-arcs, connected in a basal rosette. The inflorescence is a simple spike on a long petiole. The flowers are small, dim, the fruit is a box. Plantain blooms from late spring to early autumn. The fruits are formed in August, ripen until mid-autumn. Plantain grows in yards, in abandoned areas, in areas planted with weeds, along roads, in clearings, in meadows. One plant produces several thousand seeds, which are distributed in the atmosphere for long distance.

Conditions for growing plantain

The method of reproduction is seed. Plantain does not take root well on heavy, structureless, floating soils. With the onset of winter, the site is plowed to a depth of up to 0.27 m. The optimal depth for sowing is 5 cm. If sowing occurs in the spring, the seeds must be stratified, and dry seed material can be sown in summer and autumn.

Harvesting the leaves of plantain large falls on the flowering period. Leaves are torn off by hand, or harvested with sickles, knives. It is forbidden to pluck the entire outlet, along with the rhizome, since this is a direct path to the "extinction" of the plant in this area. The collected raw materials are placed in a loose, light layer in portable devices. Dry the plantain, spreading out thin layer, shaking from time to time. A sufficient degree of dryness is determined by the fragility of the petioles. You can store plantain leaves for up to 3 years (if the raw materials were not crushed) or up to 2 years (if the leaves were cut during processing).

Power circuit

The nutritional value of plantain is that the plant is a food product for numerous species of butterflies.

Useful and medicinal properties of plantain

Chemical composition and presence of nutrients

What exactly is used and in what form

IN medicinal purposes psyllium leaves and seeds are used. The juice from fresh plantain leaves is used to relieve inflammation. Decoctions, infusions, tinctures, syrups are prepared from the leaves. On plantain created medicinal ointments. Seeds are part of the official preparations. For the preparation of medicines, an aqueous or alcoholic extract of plantain is also used. Outwardly, poultices are made from freshly picked leaves. Decoctions are used for rinsing. Essence from fresh plant used in homeopathy.

The healing properties of plantain

• The leaves of plantain large and lanceolate plantain contain aucubin glycoside, flavonoids (baicalin, scutellarin), polysaccharides, tannins, mucus, carotenoids (xanthophylls), silicic, oleanic, citrine and ascorbic acids, vitamin K, mineral salts, zinc, hydroxycinnamic acids.
• Plantain seeds contain mucus, fatty acid and the plantose carbohydrate.
• Among the biologically active substances contained in plantain leaves are pectin, iridoids, flavonoids and saponins. Pectin has healing properties. The glycoside aucubin and its decomposition products exhibit a pronounced anti-inflammatory effect. Saponins, pectins, flavonoids and hydroxycinnamic acids help lower blood cholesterol and have a hypocholesterolemic effect.
• The internal purpose is explained by the expectorant, antibacterial, hemostatic properties of plantain. Also, plant-based preparations help to improve the secretory gastric function, have an enveloping effect.
• Preparations and fresh plantain leaves (juice) act bacteriostatically on pathogenic microbes wound infections, hemolytic streptococcus and staphylococcus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Proteus, Escherichia coli. Under the influence of fresh plantain juice, the surface of wounds is cleaned faster from suppuration, inflammatory process and accelerated granulation.

Along with this, preparations based on plantain leaves are used in medicine as anti-inflammatory, hypnotic, analgesic, anti-allergic agents. Decoction of plantain is used in the treatment of diseases respiratory system, plantain extract on alcohol based reduces pressure.

Plantain is an integral part of various breast fees. traditional healers recommend an infusion of plantain leaves for diarrhea, hay fever, inflammatory processes in the bladder, hemorrhoids, fever. Ointment with the addition of dried plantain powder is effective for pustular lesions of the skin.

Psyllium seeds are useful for men and women with reproductive problems. Plantain root extract is recommended for coughs of tuberculous etymology, for fever, as an analgesic, for insect and reptile bites. In the form of wet compresses, plantain is used in folk medicine in the treatment of cancerous tumors, infusion on plantain leaves treat cancer of the stomach and lungs.

The use of plantain in official medicine

Plantain-based preparations that can be found in a pharmacy:

1. 1 Plantain leaves.
2. 2 Plantain juice. Liquid in vials, which is a juice remedy. It is prescribed for gastritis with low acidity, three times a day a quarter of an hour before meals. The course of treatment is a month.
3. 3 Granular agent for the preparation of the solution "Plantaglucid". At hypoacid gastritis, ulcerative lesions of the stomach with normal or low acidity are prescribed half or a whole teaspoon of granules, diluted in a quarter cup of heated water, up to 3 times a day for half an hour before meals.

The use of plantain in traditional medicine

• With gastric achilia, subacute and chronic diseases of the digestive system with concomitant minor bleeding, as a weak expectorant for children and externally, for making compresses on poorly healing wounds, use next decoction: half a tablespoon of plantain leaves is poured into 200 ml of water. Boil over low heat for about 10 minutes, let it brew. Take in small sips, half a glass up to three times a day.
• Plantain juice is used for asthma, cough, whooping cough, malaria, to cleanse the blood - they drink a tablespoon of juice three times a day. Plantain juice canned as follows: 1 kg of pre-washed and dried plantain leaves is passed through a meat grinder. The juice extracted at the same time is mixed with 1 kg of granulated sugar and 1 liter of water (sugar can be replaced with 1.5 kg of honey). The mixture is boiled over low heat until a thick consistency is obtained, then poured into jars and stored in a cool place. Plantain juice prepared in this way is also useful for a weak bladder, hemorrhoids, anemia and pulmonary tuberculosis.
• For catarrhs ​​of the throat, rinsing with juice from the lanceolate plantain, flowers of forest rolls (Althea officinalis) and larkspur root (1: 1: 1) is used. A tablespoon of a mixture of these juices is diluted with one third of a glass of warm boiled water. Rinse should be 4 times a day.
• As a restorative tea rich in vitamins, recommend the following drink: mix 300 g of plantain leaves and licorice root and 400 g of coltsfoot leaves. Pour a tablespoon of this collection with 400 ml of boiling water, let it brew for a quarter of an hour and take it warm, 100 ml every three hours.
• For the stomach, a collection is useful: combine 100 g of knotweed grass and goose cinquefoil and 200 g of plantain. Pour two tablespoons of this herbal mixture into 400 ml of boiling water and let it brew for 60 minutes. Strained drink is taken three times a day, 100 ml 40 minutes before meals.

In therapy chronic diseases bronchi and bronchial asthma are advised tea: 4 tablespoons herbal collection from elder flowers, sundew grass, plantain leaves and tricolor violet grass (take 100 g of each ingredient), pour 200 ml of boiling water and let the infusion stand for 60 minutes. Strained infusion drink three times a day for a third of a glass.

Plantain tea: To make this tea, you will need a cup of crushed plantain leaves, 2 cups of water. Wash the leaves thoroughly and dry. Boil water, pour plantain, leave in a container with a tight-fitting lid and let it brew until completely cooled. Store this tea in the refrigerator. You can add honey to taste. Tea is an excellent tonic. Helps with diarrhea, relieves cold symptoms. It can be used to wash wounds, boils, burns, to treat skin affected by eczema, rashes.

• Plantain ointment: you will need a small bunch of plantain leaves (washed and dried), 120 ml of coconut oil, 15 g of beeswax, glass jar(volume of 1 liter). Coarsely chop the plantain leaves, fill the jar with them halfway. Pour the coconut oil into the jar, filling to the brim. Cook the mixture in a water bath, over low heat, for 2 hours. After strain. Add melted beeswax to the filtered light green liquid. To stir thoroughly. Coconut oil and wax help to moisturize the skin, while psyllium helps to heal it. This ointment heals cracks, softens burned and weathered skin.
• In stomach cancer, plantain juice is effective inside: finely chopped fresh plantain leaf is mixed in equal proportions with granulated sugar, insisted in a warm place for 14 days. The resulting juice is taken in a tablespoon three times a day 20 minutes before meals.
• In case of peptic ulcer, an infusion is prescribed: two tablespoons of a mixture of plantain leaves and sage officinalis pour 400 ml of boiling water. Let it brew, drink one-third of a glass three times a day before meals for the first 10 days of treatment. Then 0.5 cups during a course lasting one or two months.
• For constipation and chronic colitis take a decoction of Indian plantain seeds: pour 10 g of seeds with a glass of boiling water. Drink a tablespoon a day, always on an empty stomach.

Externally:

For treatment malignant tumors apply compresses from the juice of plantain large. For rinsing, washing, lotions and compresses, an infusion is prepared at the rate of 50 g of raw materials per glass of boiling water. For purulent skin diseases and skin lesions recommend ointment: 10 g of powdered plantain leaves are mixed with 90 g of petroleum jelly.

Poultices from crushed psyllium psyllium seeds soaked in hot water are used for inflammation of the mucous membrane of the eyes, for skin ulcers, for cracked nipples of the mammary glands in nursing mothers (poultices are applied to cracks after each feeding).

With inflammation of the eyes and purulent discharge from them, compresses from water infusion leaves of plantain lanceolate.

With a toothache, cotton wool soaked in an alcohol tincture of plantain is put into the hollow of a diseased tooth.

The use of plantain in oriental medicine

In China, plantain has long been used as a remedy for intestinal disorders in children. Also used as a birth aid and attributed to him the power to change wrong position fetus (with breech presentation etc.)

In Burma, plantain is used to treat high blood pressure and manifestations of tropical fever.

Avicenna in his practice used both wound healing and hemostatic properties of the plant. He used parts of plantain in the treatment of tumors, non-healing ulcers of a malignant nature, in inflammatory processes in the kidneys and liver, and in eye diseases. Plantain seeds are recommended by the healer for intestinal disorders and at deep focal lesions lungs.

Plantain in scientific research

In the 18th century, the British explorer and physician, author of the famous "Botanology" (1710), William Salmon wrote about plantain in the Herbalist of England ("History of Plants"): " Plantain juice helps to separate sputum in diseases of the upper respiratory tract… Plantain is a remedy for debilitating coughs and lung diseases. It is believed that plantain can be used for epilepsy, dropsy, jaundice, diseases of the liver, spleen ... It relieves the inflammatory process in the eyes ... Plantain juice, buried in the ears, alleviates pain and restores damaged hearing ... Powdered plantain root in equal parts removes with chamomile toothache. Crushed psyllium seeds stop vomiting, stop epilepsy attacks and convulsions ... An ointment made from psyllium juice and rose oil relieves headaches...»

The Podorozhnikov family is a topical object of study for scientists representing modern medicine.

Comparative analysis chemical components and useful substances plantain greater, plantain lanceolate and plantain medium (growing in the southeastern regions of Spain) is given in a study by J. L. Gil-Guerrero.

The work of F. Hassan, A.S. Mansour and others.

The hepaprotective and anti-inflammatory functions of the substances contained in the plantain are described in the article by I. Turel, H. Ozbek, R. Erten and others.

Biologically active substances, the chemical composition and the use of plantain in medicine are the subject of research by A. B. Samuelsen.

I. Stanisavlevich, S. Stozhievich, D. Velikovich and others studied the antimicrobial and antioxidant properties of the extract obtained from the leaves of the plantain.

The question of the chemical composition, pharmacological effects, medicinal properties of Asian plantain is covered in the article by K. Liu, K. Wu, H. Huang.

The use of plantain in traditional medicine analyzed in scientific work K. Haddadian, M. Zakhmatkash.

The study of Olennikova D., Samuelsen A.B., Tankhaeva L.M. is devoted to the use of plantain large in official medicine, the characteristics of its chemical components.

Plantain in cooking

Plantain smoothie

You will need: one cup of young, freshly picked plantain leaves, two sprigs of mint, a little honey, two cups of almond milk, one banana and one apple. Puree all ingredients in a blender and drink chilled.

Sauce a la "pesto" of onion arrows and plantain

200 g of onion shooters, one small bunch of plantain leaves, half a cup of olive oil, a small handful of walnut kernels. Puree all ingredients and season with salt to taste. You can add some grated cheese. Serve with pasta, fish or use as a sandwich spread.

Pizza with plantain

For the test you will need: 1.5 cups of warm water, 2 cups of flour, 1.5 teaspoons of sea salt, 0.5 teaspoons of dry yeast.

To fill the pizza, you need products: 150 g of mozzarella cheese, 1 tomato, a few plantain leaves, a little olive oil and tomato sauce.

Dissolve yeast in water, mix flour with salt. Combine yeast diluted in water with flour and long time knead. Shape the dough into a ball and keep in a warm place for 4 hours. Divide into 2 parts.

cut mozzarella thin plates, tomato - slices, chop plantain leaves.

Preheat the oven to 280 degrees, roll out half the dough into a thin layer, bake for 5 minutes, then grease the pizza olive oil, tomato sauce, put cheese, tomatoes, sprinkle with plantain and bake for another 3 minutes.

plantain salad

To prepare this amazingly tasty dish, you will need: a bunch of plantain leaves, a tablespoon of sesame oil and soy sauce, a clove of garlic and sesame seeds. Rinse the plantain, boil the leaves in salted water for 4 minutes, then lower them for a couple of seconds in a very cold water. Season the leaves with soy sauce, sesame oil, sprinkle with crushed garlic and sesame seeds.

Plantain leaves stuffed with meat and rice

Required ingredients: 400 g ground beef, two cups of boiled rice, one clove of garlic, a bunch of plantain leaves, 1 egg, salt, pepper to taste. Blanch plantain leaves. Mix ground beef, rice, beaten egg, salt and pepper. Wrap the filling in plantain leaves (one tablespoon per leaf), bake in the oven at 160 until cooked.

Plantain chips

To prepare chips you will need: 2 cups of fresh young plantain leaves, 2 teaspoons of sesame oil, 0.5 teaspoon of ground fennel seeds, 0.5 teaspoon of ground cumin, 0.25 teaspoon of ground ginger, 0.5 teaspoon of salt. Mix all the ingredients, spread the plantain leaves, oiled and sprinkled with spices, in one layer on a roasting pan covered with baking paper and bake for 6 minutes at a temperature of 220 degrees.

Use in cosmetology

Plantain is popular in cosmetic purposes: based on the plant, they create face masks, decoctions for washing hair, and produce various cosmetic care products.

Herbal ice tones and rejuvenates the skin: a decoction of plantain is frozen in molds and pieces of such ice are rubbed on the face.

For problematic skin useful steam baths with plantain.

Plantain for the face is used in the form of masks. Suitable for those with normal skin next mask: Steam a tablespoon of finely chopped plantain leaves with boiling water. Squeeze out the real plantain, mix with a tablespoon of sour cream and egg yolk. Apply the mixture to the face and neck area. Wash off after a quarter of an hour.

Dry skin will favorably accept a mask based on plantain, aloe and sunflower oil: heat 65 ml of oil in a water bath, add two teaspoons of finely chopped plantain leaves, boil for a couple of minutes, pour 0.5 tablespoon of aloe juice into the decoction. Apply the mask with a cotton swab to the face and décolleté. Hold the mask for 20 minutes, then gently wipe the face and wash off the remnants of the mask warm water.

Plantain-based masks for oily skin

• Face mask of plantain, wild rose, nettle and mint: steam the herbal mixture with 50 ml of boiling water and leave for half an hour in a thermos. Take 2 teaspoons of plantain leaves, rose hips and nettle herb - one teaspoon each, mint - 0.5 tablespoons. Squeeze out the infused gruel and apply on the face and neck. Remove the mask after 20 minutes.
• Plantain helps with comedones (black dots): pour a tablespoon of a mixture of equal parts of plantain leaves, dandelion and sorrel a small amount boiling water. Mix cooled mixture with egg white and apply on the face. Remove the mask from the skin after 20 minutes.
• Good cleans the problematic oily skin mask of plantain, oatmeal and lemon juice. Pour a teaspoon of crushed plantain leaves with one third of a glass of boiling water. Insist for half an hour. Strained infusion pour a tablespoon oatmeal. Mix softened flakes with a teaspoon lemon juice. Apply to a cleansed face for a quarter of an hour, then rinse with warm water.
• With increased work of the sebaceous glands, a mask of plantain, starch and kefir is useful. Pour a teaspoon of plantain leaves with 0.3 cups of boiling water. Let it brew, strain. In 0.5 cups of kefir, dilute 1.5 tablespoons of starch. Heat over low heat until thickened. Add strained infusion of plantain to the kefir-starch mixture, mix. Apply the mask to your face with a cotton swab. Wash off with warm water after 25 minutes.

Plantain for hair

The plantain mask strengthens the hair: two tablespoons of plantain leaves pour 0.5 cups of milk in a state of boiling water. Insist plantain in milk for 20 minutes. Rub the paste-like mass into the scalp. Wrap your head with polyethylene and a towel. After an hour, wash off the mask, thoroughly rinsing the hair with warm water.

Plantain is used in body lotions, body wraps, cosmetics with whitening and softening effect.

Other uses

Plantain is in demand in the veterinary business: based on the leaves of the plant, preparations are made that accelerate the blood clotting time in animals, to heal open and festering wounds in them.

The plant inspired the poetess Anna Akhmatova to create a collection of poems " Plantain”, in a peculiar preface to which the author calls the plantain “humble”. The central character is this grass and on the canvas of Albrecht Dürer - watercolor " Plantain».

Until the 14th century, plantain grew only in the eastern hemisphere. During the great sea voyages, sailors accidentally brought plantain seeds to the lands of the New World. Indian tribes called the plantain " next white man ».

In the USA, the plantain that took root later was also called " snake grass”, believing that the plant is able to heal a person in case of a snake bite.

Dangerous properties of plantain and contraindications

Patients taking lithium should be aware that the simultaneous use of this drug with psyllium seeds significantly slows down the absorption of lithium, reducing its effectiveness.

When using psyllium, the following side effects may occur: feeling of tightness, squeezing in the chest, allergic reaction- sneezing, tearing, development of asthma.

Plantain also has contraindications for gastritis resulting from increased secretory function of the gastric glands (hyperacid gastritis); stomach and duodenal ulcers, accompanied hyperacid gastritis (gastritis with high acidity); and with increased blood clotting and a predisposition to the formation of blood clots.

Or Plantain greater (plantago major) is a herbaceous plant of the Plantain family ( Plantaginaceae). Plantain grows almost throughout Europe, Central Asia, North America, in Russia, except for the Far North. Even in the subtropical zone it can be found. The wide area of ​​growth is determined by the unpretentiousness of the plant to climatic conditions and soils. It grows both on clay and sand, in the shade and in the sun, plantain is resistant to trampling. The name of this plant fully reflects its habitat - along the roads. It can also be found in meadows, fields, forests. Plantain can form a carpet, crowding out other herbs. Due to its medicinal properties, plantain was cultivated, which facilitated the procurement of raw materials on an industrial scale. has a lot useful properties for a person.

Among the people, the plantain has received many names, the most common are wayfarer, boil grass, seven-veiner, fellow traveler, cutter.

Plantain big 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.

Stem arrow-shaped, straight, glabrous or slightly pubescent, up to 60 cm tall. The leaves are broad, ovate, form a basal rosette. The edges of the leaflets are entire or slightly serrated, the surface of the leaf is covered with arcuate veins. The inflorescence is a long cylindrical spike. Peduncles ascending at the base, erect. The flowers are small, with broadly membranous bracts, a four-parted calyx. The sepals are membranous along the edges. Corolla with four recurved ovoid lobes, it is dry, brownish. Four stamens, they are twice as long as the corolla tube. Anthers are dark purple, threads are white. The plant is odorless and has a slightly astringent and bitter taste.

The fruit is a bilocular capsule, oblong-ovoid. One box can contain from 8 to 16 seeds. The seeds are small, almost dull, brown in color, about 1.3 mm long, 0.8 mm wide. From the 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 overly prolific, with only one plant producing between 8,000 and 60,000 seeds, depending on development. Seeds easily crumble to the soil, clogging it. They spread over 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, about 40 days after sowing, 50% of the seeds will germinate, in laboratory conditions the percentage is much higher - 98%. The most optimal 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, onion-babies are formed, which, after wintering, develop into independent plants.

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

Plantain great control measures

When mowing or cutting at ground level, the weed does not die. Deep tillage will lead to death or significant weakening. Besides this, this weed sensitive to herbicides 2,4-D and 2M-4X. It is imperative to observe the cleanliness of sowing seeds, especially for forage grasses.

plantain large use

The medicinal properties of plantain have been known since ancient times. This plant is quite popular and significant in both traditional and folk medicine. The range of use of medicines based on plantain is very wide. The drugs have anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, wound healing, analgesic, blood-purifying, sedative, expectorant effects, and also enhances 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 outdoors under a canopy or in an electric dryer at 40-50°C. Seeds must be harvested together with flower stalks in a mature form. Raw materials are stored for two years.

Decoctions, infusions, juice are prepared from a large plantain. Infusion of plantain is prescribed for bronchitis, tuberculosis, chronic catarrh of the bronchi and lungs, pleurisy. It helps loosen and loosen mucus when coughing. Quite effectively, the juice and infusion of plantain are used for gastritis, dysentery, in the treatment of stomach and intestinal ulcers, and in diseases of the bladder. Also, infusions are used as a mild hypnotic, sedative.

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

Decoctions from inflorescences are prescribed as an analgesic for stomach pain and intestinal pain. In the course of clinical experiments, it was proved that a decoction of psyllium seeds has a laxative effect. The seeds are not poisonous, and their mucus is able to protect the intestinal mucosa from various kinds irritations.

Plantain shows excellent results in the treatment of cholecystitis, kidney disease, it destroys Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and streptococci.

It is worth including plantain in the 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 with increased blood clotting and a tendency to thrombosis. Before starting treatment, you should consult a doctor for qualified advice and prescribing the correct dosage.

Plantain large photo

The healing properties of plantain and contraindications have been known since ancient times. Recipes for the treatment of this plant were also familiar to Eastern healers of the early Middle Ages. Avicenna mentioned this plant in his writings, talking about its effectiveness in colds and malignant ulcers. Since ancient times, the herb has been distributed throughout Europe. Plantain was accidentally brought to North America by Europeans, so locals called it "the white man's footprint". Russian name the plant received thanks to its favorite distribution area - by the road. In Latin, the word "plantago" (the fusion of the words "planta" and "agere") means - "to move the sole."

Features of a medicinal plant

What healing power plantain? How to collect it correctly and what types of this medicinal plant can be harvested? Is it possible to harm health in the treatment of this popular "favorite" and "doctor"?

area

The plantain plant is a "cosmopolitan", it can be found in many parts of the world - in Europe, Asia, North Africa and America, India. You will not see it except in the Far North and in the desert. Feels good in temperate, subtropical latitudes. Unpretentious, gets along well with various types plants, its growth is not hindered by trampled, dense soil, so it can often be seen near roads. But also loves wet places, the coastal part of reservoirs, wastelands and slopes, often found near housing, in summer cottages, in bushes. Because of the longitudinal veins on the leaf, this grass is called the "seven-vein fellow traveler." Inflorescences easily stick to the clothes of passers-by, transport wheels, animal hair, and thus the plant turns into a "fellow traveler". But in nature there are no accidents. In this way, psyllium seeds are spread.

Plantain lanceolate, or lanceolate. Plantain flea. Plantain is medium.

Plantain species

In nature, there are about 250 species of this plant. Most plantains are perennial weeds. Many of them rightfully occupy a place of honor in pharmacology. The most common "doctor" is a large plantain. What other species can be collected as medicinal raw materials?

• Lanceolate or lanceolate. Its feature is lanceolate sharp leaves with long petioles and pubescent veins. The seeds are grooved, depressed from the inside, and the spike of the inflorescence is thicker compared to other species. Unlike other varieties, it can take root on dry slopes, tolerates heat well. It is valued in folk medicine and pharmacology in the same way as the big plantain.
• Flea. It is also called flea, sandy, Indian, grungy. What is the botanical description of psyllium plantain? Unlike other varieties, it is an annual plant with a branched, glandular pubescent stem (up to 40 cm), long pedicels, on which small flowers grow in the form of ovoid heads. The seeds, which are rich in mucus, are most commonly used as a medicine, but stems and leaves are also used to extract juice.
• Average . It has jagged leaves pressed to the ground, short petioles, flower arrows can grow up to 50 cm; the seeds are flat on one side only.

In some countries, plantain large, lanceolate and flea are grown for the pharmacological industry. Plantain, depending on the species and climatic zone, begins to bloom in June and ends in September.

Botanical characteristic

Plantain. Botanical illustration from the book "Naturgeschichte des Pflanzenreichs" by G. H. Schubert.

What does a large plantain look like? Every child is familiar with this plant. There is no need to make a detailed botanical description of it. And yet, if you resort to botanical terms, then the “portrait” will be the following:

• root: short, filiform and thin, with a developed, branched rhizome;
• leaves: collected in a basal rosette, wide, oval, smooth, with long petioles;
• flowers: located in the axils of the bracts, small, brown, inflorescence in the form of a long spike, and a straight flower stem (arrow) can be 15 to 30 cm high;
• fruits: in the form of a multi-seeded box that opens across.

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Plantain grass is valued for its leaves, inflorescences, seeds and roots. The collection of this raw material is carried out in different time. Most often, leaves are harvested.

• collection. The leaves can be harvested from May to August until they start to turn yellow. Re-collection is possible after haymaking, it is held in August and September. The leaves are cut or the grass is mowed, and then raw materials are selected from it. It is recommended to collect plantain only in dry weather. This is due to the fact that the seeds from moisture are abundantly covered with mucus and this quickly deteriorates. It is also important to pluck a medicinal plant in an ecologically clean place. If a plantain root is required, it is carefully dug up and pulled out along with the stem and leaves, thoroughly washed and dried. It is better to harvest in the fall.
• Drying. dried in vivo. Sheds, attics, enclosed spaces with good ventilation are suitable for this purpose. It is recommended to lay out the leaves in a thin layer and stir so that they do not rot. How to determine the readiness of raw materials? If the petioles are cracking, then you can pack and put away for storage.
• Storage . Raw materials are laid out in linen bags, protected from sunlight and moisture. Can be stored for 2 years.

In addition to drying, the leaves can be frozen by packing them in small portions. At the same time, all the healing properties of the herb are preserved. But they must be used within 6 months. Seeds are harvested when fully ripe, from August to October.

healing action

Why is plantain so valued in folk medicine and pharmacology?

• Medicinal properties of psyllium root. The root extract contains substances that give an analgesic, anti-inflammatory effect. Therefore, infusion and alcohol tincture from the root is used for toothache, periodontal disease. Also in herbalists you can find a recipe for tincture of red wine from psyllium root, which is drunk with a herpes infection. The tool is used externally in the form of lotions to relieve swelling.
• Medicinal properties of plantain leaves. People who are far from traditional medicine and pharmacology know that the plantain leaf is the first remedy for stopping bleeding with cuts and scratches. This natural antiseptic. It is applied to wounds entirely or crushed and bandaged. The leaves of this plant are unique in their chemical composition: they contain an abundance of phytoncides, potassium, glycosides, enzymes, alkaloids, resins, organic acids, flavonoids, polysaccharides, carbohydrate, protein, steroid and tannins, chlorophyll, as well as carotene, vitamin C and K.
• Medicinal properties of seeds. Appreciated high content essential oil, complex organic compounds(especially saponins), mucus, oleic acid. In pharmacology, they are used along with the leaves.

Wide spectrum of pharmacological action:

• wound healing;
• antiseptic;
• antiallergic;
• enveloping;
• emollient;
• sedative;
• expectorant;
• secretory;
• hemostatic;
• regenerating;
• anti-inflammatory;
• bactericidal;
• bronchodilator;
• antidiabetic;
• hypotensive (lowering blood pressure);
• restorative.

List of indications and contraindications

What are the indications for the treatment of plantain? Can this plant harm the body?

• Respiratory system . This is the first cough remedy for colds, flu, SARS, bronchitis and pneumonia, tracheitis and laryngitis. It also stops hemoptysis in tuberculosis, relieves attacks of obsessive whooping cough, acts simultaneously as an expectorant, enveloping and anti-inflammatory medicine. It liquefies well and removes thick mucus.
• Digestive organs. A well-known remedy for gastritis with low acidity, stomach ulcers and duodenum. They also treat diseases of the gallbladder and intestines, relieve colic, spasms in colitis and enterocolitis, act as a carminative, cholagogue. Helps with dysentery, normalizes appetite and digestion in general.
• urinary system. It does not apply to medicinal plants of the first choice for diseases of the kidneys and bladder. However, it is beneficial for polyuria, nocturnal enuresis.
• Metabolism. It affects cholesterol metabolism, stimulates metabolic processes, is taken for diabetes, obesity, cleansing the body of toxins and toxins.
• Outdoor use. They treat not only wounds, but also abscesses, boils, allergic lesions skin, phlegmon, lichen, acne, trophic ulcers, erysipelas, insect and snake bites. It can be used for rinsing the mouth and throat in dentistry and otolaryngology. This remedy is also effective for inflammation, eye injuries.
• Tonic and sedative. It is recommended for chronic fatigue, loss of strength, insomnia, neuroses, irritability. Take for the prevention of anemia, beriberi, anorexia.
• Pain reliever and antihypertensive. It relieves ear, headache and toothache well. Reduces pressure in hypertension, removes puffiness, has a beneficial effect on the functioning of the heart and blood vessels.
• Gynecology. Plantain is useful for women with gynecological diseases. It is used externally for douching with inflammation, treatment of cervical erosion, the herb promotes rapid tissue regeneration. Taken internally as a hemostatic agent uterine bleeding(stimulates blood clotting).

In folk medicine, this plant is represented as anticancer agent. It is difficult to defend or, conversely, challenge this method of treatment. No scientific evidence its effectiveness, however, there are reviews of cases of healing from cancer of the stomach and intestines during the course of psyllium therapy. It is also believed that the remedy helps with external malignant tumors. Most often, the juice of the plant is taken for treatment.

List of contraindications: any exacerbations of chronic diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, chronic gastritis with increased secretion, blood clotting diseases, thrombophlebitis, an allergic reaction in the form of a rash, itching, swelling, shortness of breath. Side effects can manifest as such symptoms: nausea, vomiting, dizziness, diarrhea, abdominal cramps. If they are detected, stop taking and consult a doctor.

Application in pharmacology and traditional medicine

What is the use of psyllium officinalis in traditional medical practice and traditional medicine? In the pharmacy you can buy medicines from this valuable raw material. But you can also prepare decoctions, infusions, alcohol tinctures, fresh juice at home.

Pharmacy preparations

Decoction and infusion

Some application features:

• A decoction of inflorescences is a good pain reliever, quickly relieves intestinal colic, stomach cramps.
• An infusion from the root is used as an analgesic, antitumor medicine, it is also effective for colds and tuberculosis.
• If you add nettle to the infusion of plantain leaves, you get a strong hemostatic agent (drink inside with hemorrhoidal, uterine, nosebleeds).
• Strong, concentrated infusions are applied externally, applied to wounds, abscesses are treated.

Preparation of plantain infusion

1. Pour in a glass of boiling water.
2. Insist 2 hours.

Take in filtered form, 2 tbsp. l. 30 minutes before meals. The infusion is beneficial for gastritis, stomach ulcers, inflammation of the intestines, as well as for diseases of the bronchi and lungs.

Plantain decoction preparation

1. Take 1 tbsp. l. dry leaves.
2. Pour in a glass of boiling water.
3. Insist half an hour.
4. Strain.

The decoction can be drunk in a larger dosage - ¼ cup 4 times a day.

Preparation of alcohol tincture

1. Take 2 parts of crushed fresh leaf.
2. Pour in 1 part vodka.
3. Shake well.
4. Insist 3 weeks in a glass container.
5. Strain.

The drug is taken in small doses - 1 tsp. before meals. Reduces blood pressure, normalizes hormonal background stops uterine bleeding.

Juice and fresh leaves

Plantain juice refers to antibacterial agent. He is able to stop the development bacterial infection at an early stage. Fights staphylococcus, streptococcus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, coli. It also gives a powerful wound healing effect, stops purulent processes, promotes intensive growth of granulation and tissue regeneration. Plantain juice recipes with egg white are a popular remedy for burns. Fresh Juice with gruel applied to wounds and bruises.

Preparation of a mixture of fresh plantain

1. Take 3 tbsp. l. crushed fresh leaves along with juice.
2. Add 3 tbsp. l. honey.
3. Put in a closed container.
4. Insist in a warm place for 4 hours.

Take 1 tbsp. spoon half an hour before meals with water. The drug is taken for the prevention and treatment of malignant tumors. Externally used in the form of lotions.

Preparation of cough syrup

1. Take in equal proportions crushed fresh leaves and sugar.
2. Place the ingredients in layers in a sterilized jar.
3. The jar is closed and the syrup is infused for 2 months in a cool place.
4. Ready syrup is stored in the refrigerator.

Take 1 tsp. three times a day.

seeds

What helps the infusion of psyllium seeds? Acts as an emollient, enveloping, anti-inflammatory medicine. The most valuable substance in the seeds is mucus. It has a beneficial effect on the respiratory and digestive organs, and on reproductive system. It is useful to drink with cough, hemorrhoids, constipation, gout, especially in diabetes. It is noteworthy that from hemorrhoids, the infusion of seeds is drunk cold. How else are seeds used?

• Psyllium seeds for infertility. The agent affects the production female hormones and normalizes the menstrual cycle. It is prescribed for infertility due to ovarian dysfunction.
• Psyllium Seeds for Men. They are prescribed in combination with other herbs for male infertility. Seeds increase the activity of spermatozoa. The course of treatment is long.
• When coughing. It can be used mixed with leaves, but for a greater therapeutic effect, an infusion is prepared from seeds alone.
• Outdoor use. A slurry of steamed seeds is applied to wounds and affected areas of the skin.

Making a decoction of seeds

1. Take 1 tbsp. l. seeds.
2. Pour in ½ cup boiling water.
3. Hold in a water bath for 5 minutes.
4. Insist until completely cooled.

Before use, filter, drink 2 tbsp. l. before every meal. It is also recommended to drink an unstrained broth along with seeds in the morning and evening. It helps well with constipation, normalizes digestion, eliminates bloating and spasms in colitis.

Application during pregnancy

During pregnancy, decoctions and infusions of plantain are allowed, the medicinal plant does not pose a danger to the development of the fetus. Grass is prescribed orally and externally for such diseases and symptoms:

• inflammatory diseases of the respiratory system, colds, SARS, cough;
• indigestion, constipation (pregnant women often suffer from them);
• diseases of the digestive tract;
• externally for the treatment of skin and mucous membranes.

We must not forget about general contraindications. pregnant women with sharp forms diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, thrombophlebitis, bleeding disorders, plantain is contraindicated. Consultation with a doctor before use for any indication is required.

The beneficial properties of plantain and contraindications are known not only among the people, but are also described in detail in scientific medicine. What should you know about plantain? It is not only a powerful antiseptic with wound healing and hemostatic properties. It is also an effective bronchodilator, expectorant, enveloping, antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory, sedative.

Plantain- This is a semi-shrub from the plantain family. Around the globe, there are about 200 species of it. It is also called a cutter, a tripod, a companion, a chiry grass, a wounder, a seven-veiner. The leaves of the plant are lanceolate, basal, ovate, with longitudinal veins. It has a thick and short rhizome with thin roots. The flowers of the plant are small, and the fruits are in the form of a multi-seeded box in which the seeds different shapes. The plant is pollinated by the wind. Plantain grows in Africa, America, Eurasia and in the CIS, in meadows, in the steppe, along the roads.

The chemical composition of plantain

His healing properties plantain is obliged to the carotene contained in it, vitamins K and C, citric acid, phytoncides, enzymes, aucubin glycoside (has an anti-inflammatory effect), bitter and tannins. There are many useful substances in the seeds of the plant. It is oleic acid, saponins carbohydrates

Plantain treatment

Plantain as a medicinal plant was known by the doctors of Rome and Ancient Greece. This plant has anti-inflammatory, hemostatic, analgesic, bactericidal, wound healing, expectorant, anti-allergic and hypnotic effects. Preparations from plantain leaves help with metabolic disorders, headaches, diabetes mellitus, eye diseases, anemia, neurasthenia, gallbladder diseases, as well as heart failure and arrhythmias. This plant stimulates the secretion of gastric juice, has an effect on the digestive system. Plantain preparations strengthen the immune system, help in the treatment of malignant tumors and promote their resorption. Young plantain leaves have always been used at all times for wounds, burns, bruises, insect bites and as a hemostatic agent.

Plantain infusion is used in the treatment of:

• cough
• respiratory diseases
• respiratory diseases
• pleurisy
• pulmonary tuberculosis
• catarrh of the upper respiratory tract
• bronchial asthma
• whooping cough

Treats plantain and stomach ailments:

• gastritis
• enteritis
• enterocolitis
• ulcer of the stomach and intestines

Traditional medicine recipes

Green healer successfully treats inflammation of the bladder, hemorrhoids, malaria, rashes, acne and lichen. If skin damage occurs, then plantain also helps here. Syrups, ointments, decoctions and juices, as well as various mixtures are prepared from it. getting ready medicinal potion from plantain is very simple.

• You need to cut fresh leaves and mix with honey in equal parts. Keep the mixture covered for three hours on a warm stove. Apply warm, 1 tbsp. with gastritis.
• Mix yarrow and plantain herbs in equal parts. Pour in vodka and leave overnight. Use the infusion as an antiseptic for bruises, cuts and scratches
• Grind plantain leaves, apply to the affected area. Change the bandage after 2-3 hours.
• Plantain is used to make salads, soups, meatballs, and dried leaves for herbal tea.

Use in cosmetology

• Plantain leaves can be used to make a wonderful lotion, which is used to moisturize the skin. Pour 1-2 tbsp. dry crushed grass leaves with a glass of boiling water. Infuse for half an hour, strain. Change the compress 3-4 times. First it should be hot, and the last time - cold.
• Plantain juice can cleanse dry skin. To do this, the juice must be diluted with water in proportions of 1: 3. At sensitive skin faces can be added to plantain infusion potato starch. Ratio 1:3. Apply this mixture on your face for 20 minutes. Then wash off with cool water.

• If the face is covered with deep wrinkles, then you can wipe it with ice, which is made from plantain infusion. 2 tablespoons dry grass pour 1 tbsp. boiling water. Cool the infusion and pour into molds for ice, place in the freezer. Wipe the face with the resulting ice. Cream after this procedure should not be used.
• Plantain - excellent remedy for tired legs. If cracks and scuffs have formed on the legs, then you can make baths from plantain infusion. 2 tablespoons chop the herbs and pour 1 liter. hot water. Insist 20 minutes. The infusion is poured into the basin, warm water is added. Hold the legs for 15-20 minutes. You can put plantain leaves on the corns and bandage your feet. Leave overnight. Take a foot bath again in the morning.

Contraindications

Plantain and preparations from it cannot be used if there is an individual intolerance, as well as if the body intensively produces gastric juice, or there is a tendency to thrombosis, increased blood clotting.