The Health Benefits of Plantain: Leam More About the Plantain Plant and Your Health
The Plantain Plant
The plantain leaf health benefits date back to the Anglo-Saxon days when it was used as an ointment to heal wounds. It is still used today to reduce swelling and itching and to draw out toxins from spider bites and bee stings. Plantains are found in north America, Australia, Europe and parts of Asia. It is often found growing wild in meadows and fields. The plaintain can be harvested in midsummer. Allow it to dry away from direct sunlight and store in a glass jar.
Plantain Leaf Health Benefits
Plantain leaf health benefits are due to the iridoid glycosides called aucubin and mucilage it contains, especially in the young leaves, which gives it astringent properties and makes it able to soothe membranes. It also contains flavonoids which help to relieve irritations and it is rich in potassium, zinc, iron and magnesium.
The Uses of Plantain
Plantain is used as an ointment to heal wounds, reduce swelling and itching, for inflammations of the mouth, to relieve irritation of the mucus linings of the entire respiratory tract including the mouth and throat. It contains expectorant qualities for unproductive, dry coughs. Plantain can also be used externally to heal wounds quickly, reduce inflammation, relief from itching like from poison ivy, poison oak, bug bites or stings.
Preparing Plantain For Use
Plantain tea can be used to relieve stomach irritations by pouring one cup of boiling water over one teaspoon of dried or two teaspoons of fresh herb. Allow this to steep for ten minutes and then strain. Drink one cup sweetened with honey if you choose, three or four times a day. Prepare a mouth rinse by pouring four cups of cold water over three tablespoons of dried or one half cup of fresh plantain and allow to steep for two hours. Drink one cup three to four times a day. This can also be applied topically as a compress to reduce the inflammation from insect bites and bee stings. A spray can be made for the relief of poison ivy, poison oak or hives by mixing one ounce of plantain tincture and one half ounce each of calendula and grindelia tinctures in a two ounce glass spray bottle. Add 5-10 drops of lavender essential oil. This can be applied to the skin as often as needed.
Disclaimer
The information in this article should not be considered medical advice. The information in this article is not meant to treat, diagnose, prescribe or cure any ailment. Always check with your physician before taking any products or following any advice you have read on
Brighthub.com. Always consult your doctor before you start, stop or change anything that has been previously prescribed. Certain herbs and holistic remedies are unsuitable to take if you are pregnant or nursing and must always be cleared by your doctor before use.