Collection of medicinal raw materials and the preparation of plantain preparations

Before collecting any plants, including plantain, you should be well acquainted with the description of each species, carefully study the drawings, know the calendar dates of collection. It should also be recalled that medicinal raw materials should be harvested in an ecologically clean place: away from industrial enterprises and highways, since plants perfectly adsorb all carcinogenic substances from the soil and air.

Each plant during the year passes certain stages of development, differing from one another by the nature of the biochemical and physiological processes occurring in them. AT different time   years in different plant organs, the biochemical composition will be neo-dinak, and, consequently, medicinal properties   it will be different. In stems, leaves, flowers, the largest amount of medicinal substances accumulates during the period from the beginning of the plant growth to the beginning of seed formation. In fruits, seeds, intense accumulation of drugs occurs during their full ripening. In roots, tubers, rhizomes, and bulbs, the maximum deposition of reserve organic substances, and, consequently, of medicinal substances, occurs by the end of the vegetative period — in September-November.
  should be in the period of the greatest accumulation of physiological substances in them. The periods of plant development are shifted depending on the weather conditions of the year and geographic location.

The moon also greatly affects the quality of the collected parts of a plant. In this regard, in practice, the following collection rules apply: in the first phase of the moon, it is best to collect rhizomes, roots and roots, especially on the sixth and seventh lunar days. During this period, energy and trace elements are maximally located in the underground part of plants. The second phase of the moon is most favorable for collecting above-ground plant organs. Energy; going from the bottom up, takes out the mass of microelements. It is best to collect herbs when the moon is visible. The third phase of the moon is similar to the first. During this period, it is also good to dry herbs: micronutrients and other beneficial substances are better preserved. The fourth phase of the moon is similar to the second in its properties when collecting herbs.

The quarter-moon short development cycles (phases) are conveniently simulated by a seven-day social cycle — a week. So, seemingly absurd at first glance, the statements of experienced herbalists that they should be gathered on Sunday, actually have a solid scientific basis, namely, knowledge of the characteristics of plant rhythms.

Elevated organs of medicinal plants (stems, leaves, flowers) should be collected in a good clear weather, after a drop of dew. Wet plants are difficult to dry, can mold, darken and lose their healing properties. Underground organs (roots, rhizomes, club-ni, bulbs) can be harvested in any weather, because they should be washed before drying. Poisonous plants should be collected in compliance with the following rules: the harvested parts of plants should be placed in separate containers and strictly monitored so that they do not fall into other medicinal plants, do not taste them, do not allow children to harvest; wash hands thoroughly after collection; dry and store them separately.

Buds of trees and shrubs are harvested at a time when they are swollen, but have not yet begun to bloom - in March-April. At this time they contain the most medicinal substances. Large buds (pine, etc.) are cut from the branches with a knife, and small buds (birch, etc.) are cut together with the branches, dried, then threshed or cut off by hands. Harvesting buds can only be done from trees intended for felling.
The bark is easier to harvest during the period of intensive co-movement, in April-May; At this time, it is rich in active medicinal substances and is easily separated from the wood. Collect the bark from young stems and branches. The old cracked bark is poor in active medicinal substances. Before harvesting the bark, it is necessary to find out in the forestry authorities where this can be done.

Leaves should be collected shortly before flowering and at the beginning of flowering. The exceptions are plants, in which the radical green leaves appear after flowering.
   Flowers are harvested at the beginning of flowering, later they become unsuitable for therapeutic purposes. They harvested-vayut without peduncles. Compositae baskets are torn down to the horizontal phase of reed flowers, with the exception of mountain arnica, which is harvested in an earlier phase, when reed flowers are still vertical. Baskets of hard-colored, non-reed flowers are harvested at the beginning of the blooming of the edge tubular flowers. Tmi-sandy baskets, cat paws   and other plants, in which the superficial rhizomes loosely held in the soil, should be cut with scissors, and not cut off with your hands. The rhizomes left intact in the soil will produce new shoots every year, and the stocks of these plants will remain constant or even increase.

Herbs, as in pharmacognosy, are called medicinal plants harvested as a whole, with stem, leaves, and flowers.
   Grass should be collected at the beginning of flowering, cutting off the whole aboveground part of the plant at the level of the lower leaves with a knife, shears or sickle.
   Fruits and seeds are harvested during their full maturity. At this time they are the richest in medicinal substances. In plants with constantly blossoming buds, for example, shepherd's bag, fruit ripening does not occur simultaneously. In these cases, the inflorescences are cut at a time when half of the fruits ripen, the cut inflorescences are tied in bunches and suspended in a dry room so that all the fruits ripen. Juicy fruits are removed completely mature, carefully, so as not to bruise or crush, they dry immediately.
Rhizomes, tubers, roots, bulbs are dug out in the fall at the end of the growing season. By this time, the fruits and seeds of the collected plants are showered into the soil, which contributes to their renewal. Rhizomes, tubers and roots can be harvested in early spring, before the start of the growing season, when the plant has not yet started growing. The underground organs of perennial and biennial plants are removed from the soil along with the earth, then shake off and cleaned from large clumps of soil, residues of the stem and leaves, washed in cold water. It is impossible to wash the underground organs of plants containing saponins (root of a male fern, cyanosis, burdock). They are cleaned from the ground with brushes and remove the upper skin.

To preserve it active therapeutic substances. The optimal drying temperature depends on the durability and other properties of the active medicinal substances contained in them. Plants containing essential oils   (herb of St. John's wort, peppermint, thyme, etc.), dried slowly, spreading in a thick layer, at a temperature of 25-30 ° C at a temperature of 50-60 ° C. Rose hips, primrose leaves, strawberries and other plants, where there are vitamins, are dried quickly at a temperature of 70-90 ° C.

Drying of medicinal raw materials can be carried out on wooden shelves, paper, panels, laying it out with a thin layer and periodically carefully turning it. Raw materials that require drying at high temperatures are placed in a dryer, a drying cabinet, a Russian stove with an open damper, on a stove bench, which is covered with paper or cloth. In order for the dried plants to not further lose their medicinal qualities, they should be stored in separate, non-residential, clean, dry, cool rooms in the dark. These rooms should be well ventilated. Dried raw materials are placed in paper bags, bags, cardboard boxes, plywood boxes, lined with paper.

Poisonous plants are stored separately from the rest under lock and key, with the inscription on the container “Toxic!”.

Natural stocks of medicinal plants are not infinite; with intensive, continuous and irrational use, they can quickly decrease and disappear. Therefore, you should treat them carefully. Many medicinal plants with therapeutic purposes only rhizomes are used: calamus, serpentine butt, paw-chatka erect, comfrey, valerian, etc. Given that their rhizomes are reproductive organs, during harvesting, the entire growth should not be completely destroyed. This is especially important for such plants as calamus, which in our climatic conditions does not form seeds and reproduces exclusively by rhizomes. When harvesting plants, propagating, seeds, also need to leave part of the plant. Perennial plants that have stems, leaves or flowers are used for healing purposes should not be pulled out with roots.

Plantain leaves harvested during flowering; seeds-after they ripen. The juice of a fresh flowering plant is squeezed and preserved with alcohol immediately after collection. It must be remembered that psyllium preparations are contraindicated for gastritis with increased acidity of gastric juice and with a predisposition to thrombosis.

Fresh leaves of the plantain or gruel of them is easy to put on abrasions and scuffs, ulcers and mozole. The improvised medicinal product is especially useful during a hike, at work in the forest and in the field. The crushed fresh or steamed dry leaves of the plantain in the form of dressings, compresses (changing 3-4 times a day) are used for burns, purulent wounds and boils, and fresh leaves, ground with chalk, with erysipelas. Fresh leaves (12-15 pieces per day) are also recommended for stomach ulcers.
   In order to prepare the juice, the fresh leaves of the basil are scrolled through a meat grinder. The resulting watery gruel is squeezed through a piece of dense tissue, the residue is mixed with a small amount   water and once again squeeze. The juice thus obtained co-contains all water-soluble components of the plant. Medicated substances pass into fresh juices: glycosides, bitterness, tannins, etc. Drink 1 tbsp. l 3 times a day for 15-20 minutes before meals with hypoxic. Fresh juice of plantain helps with chronic diarrhea. This remedy is also useful in inflammation of the oral cavity and respiratory tract.

The juice from the fresh leaves of plantain is effective in the treatment of corneal wounds. Juice stimulates hemoglobin formation, weight gain, useful in atherosclerosis.

For cooking broth 1 tbsp. l psyllium seeds 250 ml of water boiled for 5 minutes, insist 1 hour, filter-vayut. Take 15 ml 3-4 times a day (treatment course - 1-2 months) with female infertility   on the basis of hormonal insufficiency and in diabetes mellitus.
   Plantain infusion can be prepared in the following ways:

1) 20 g of dried leaves of the plantain 200 ml of boiling water insist 2 hours, filter. Take 1 tbsp. l 3-4 times a day as an expectorant for bronchitis, whooping cough, gastritis with low acidity of gastric juice, atherosclerosis, the initial stage of hypertensive illness;

2) 1 tbsp. l the leaves of the plantain 350 ml boiling water-soak for 1 hour, filter. Take 100 ml 3 times a day for acute laryngitis, pancreatitis;

3) 25 g of psyllium seeds in 200 ml of boiling water are agitated for 30 minutes, filtered. Take 1 tbsp. l 3 times a day before meals for constipation, inflammation of the urinary bladder.

Plantain leaves can be prepared balm. To do this, mix the crushed fresh leaves of pod-rhozhnik and sugar (1: 1), insist 14 days, filter (the resulting liquid is stored in a dark container). Take 1 tsp. 3-4 times a day 20 minutes before meals for cancer of the lung, stomach.

In order to prepare the ointment, 10 g of crushed dried leaves of the plantain per 100 g of peach oil insist in a warm place, filter. Apply with festering wounds. There was a rapid cessation of the separation of pus, epithelialization and scarring of the surface of the wounds.
   Plantain seed powder is taken 1 g 4 times a day for chronic diarrhea, intestinal inflammation and dysentery.
   To receive alcohol tincture   fresh leaves and alcohol are taken in equal volume. Insist at least 7 days in a dark place. Take up to 30-40 K-pell shortly before meals.

Hello dear readers. Remember our childhood? What did we do when our knees fell and smashed? We put the plantain! And everything miraculously healed itself and hurt less. He broke his knee, hit, hurt himself, a bruise, a bite. From all we helped this cool green leaf. Any magic or childish self-suggestion? Let's see if this plant has healing properties. Plantain is a scientific and popular name at the same time. The leaves of the plant stand out brightly for their thick streaks, and they provide resistance to the plant. Thanks to this structure, the leaves of the plantain do not break and do not die from the fact that it is attacked.

Plantain grows almost throughout the territory of Russia and the countries of the former Soviet Union. You can find it at any path, even in the city. For its habitat, he received the name.

Plantain grass - chemical composition

The chemical composition of the plantain is rich in rare and useful components for the human body: K, Ca, Mg, Br, Ba, Cu, B.

These elements are especially rich leaflets. They also contain tannic acids, organic acids, glycosides, alkaloids, flavonoids, polysaccharides, ascorbic acid, as well as a substance that stimulates blood clotting.

But they are rich in protein, carbohydrates, mannitol, starch, saponin, fatty oils.

Plantain - medicinal properties and application of the plant

Due to its chemical composition, plantain has a number of useful and healing properties:

1. Helps to stop bleeding.

2. Kills microbes.

3. Promotes tissue regeneration after injury. Yes, yes, that is why our wounds healed rather.

4. Stimulates the processes of expectoration.

5. Reduces pressure.

6. A positive effect on the regulation of gastric secretion.

7. It has a slight analgesic effect.

8. Contributes to the removal of pus from wounds.

9. Prevents puffiness.

10. It is used as a means to combat depression, nervosa and insomnia.

11. Effective in the treatment of diseases of the ovaries.

12. Diuretic effect.

13. Stimulates sweating.

14. Antiallergic action.

15. Beneficial effect on the muscles of the intestine.

16. Strengthens the immune system.

The healing properties of plants are known since ancient times, and today they are used in pharmaceutical production for the manufacture of drugs against gastritis and ulcers.

Plantain - this is a great first aid, when getting wounds, abrasions and scratches.

How to cook plantain broth - features

Plantain decoction is prepared in several ways. The first option - the preparation of decoction of leaves.

Can be used both fresh and dry. Pour 30 grams of plantain with a glass of hot water. Place in a water bath. Cover with a lid. Let the broth warm for half an hour. Scete.

Or the second method of cooking from foliage. It is longer. Fill in 15 grams of foliage with four glasses of boiling water. Cook on a slow flame for 10 minutes. Then remove from heat. Let the broth settled under the lid for 24 hours. Strain after. Broth ready to receive.

Plantain seed decoction

The second option - a decoction of the seeds. Here the methods differ depending on the purpose of the decoction.

The first method is suitable for the treatment of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. Put 15 grams of seeds in an enamel bowl. Fill with 250 milliliters of water. Boil a minute. After let it stand for half an hour, and then strain. For the treatment of infertility boil for 5 minutes.

The second way is suitable if you plan to treat hemorrhoids or impotence. Here you need to add 15 grams of seeds and a half cups of boiling water. After put on a weak flame and cook for 15 minutes.

It will help to cope with such types of diseases as:

1. Inflammation of the gums and oral cavity. Rinse your mouth with broth.

2. Inflammations of the throat. Rinse.

3. Inflammation of the respiratory organs.

5. Diseases of the stomach associated with impaired acidity. Take 125 milliliters three times a day, 15 minutes before meals.

6. Excess gas formation.

7. Diarrhea.

8. Hemorrhoids. Take a decoction of seeds 100 ml four times a day.

9. Dysentery.

10. Disorders of the gallbladder.

11. Treatment of the first stage of hypertension. Take 30 drops of plantain tincture three times a day.

12. Diseases of the blood vessels.

13. Heart rhythm disorders.

14. Headache.

15. Comedones.

16. Inflammation of the skin, treatment of wounds. Make compresses with a decoction of fresh leaves.

18. Inflammation of the pelvic organs.

19. Inflammatory processes   organs of vision.

20. Skin diseasessuch as dermatitis and urticaria.

21. Sleep disturbances.

22. Nervous and depression.

24. Cancer formation. This method   refers to the unconventional, but still it is worth trying. Take 15 milliliters of broth three times a day before meals.

25. Impotence. Take a decoction of seeds 100 ml four times a day. It is also fashionable to use for prophylaxis in the period from early autumn to early spring.

26. Cough. Take a decoction of 15 milliliters four times a day for a quarter of an hour before the meal.

27. Treatment of infertility, which arose as a result of hormonal disorders. Take a decoction of seeds three times a day before meals. The course of treatment is 45 days.

How to make plantain tincture - a simple way

Prepare an infusion of leaflets or juice. You will also need a bottle of dark glass. You can set up with either vodka or diluted with alcohol.

Vodka is filled based on the proportion of the two parts of the leaves and one part of vodka. In the case of juice divorced one to one. Close the bottle tightly, shake a little and put 18 days in a dark place. Shake the infusion periodically.

Cooking juice

Fresh leaves should be washed with boiling water. Let dry. Then grind them with a meat grinder. After wring out. is ready. If it is too thick, you can dilute it with some water.

Instructions for use

Take the same way broths, but the rate of admission is calculated based on the weight of the person. Not more than 5 milliliters per 10 kilograms of weight. That is, if you weigh 50 kilograms, then your rate will be about 45, and a maximum of 50 milliliters.

To cure a sore throat, use a gargle.

To speed up sputum discharge, take an infusion of 125 milliliters three times a day.

If you have a cold, you can make a syrup from juice. Knead several spoons of syrup and honey in equal parts. Consume 15 milliliters of the mixture four times a day.

Plantain leaf - the use and treatment of a unique medicine

Plantain leaves really good remedy   in order to cure various injuries and diseases of the skin.

Plantain leaf will disinfect the wound, accelerate healing, and help pull out pus. If you need to cure a wound, a burn, or even a boil, then:

1. Wash the leaves.

2. Apply to the damaged skin.

3. Secure with a bandage or patch.

4. After a couple of hours, replace the leaves.

If there are no fresh leaves, just soak in the water dry.

Additional recipes

1. We treat an ulcer. Mix 5 grams of dried plantain with 5 grams of sage. Fill up herbal tea   125 milliliters of water heated to boiling. Next, give five minutes to simmer. Then let stand. The broth should be drunk for 10 days, 125 milliliters at a time. After, increase the dosage to 3 doses.

2. We struggle with cholecystitis. Heat 250 milliliters of water to a boil. Fill with this water 15 grams of plantain. Let insist 15 minutes. Then strain. Once in 24 hours, consume 250 milliliters.

3. Getting rid of constipation. Just in the morning before breakfast, take 15 grams of seeds, washed down with warm water.

4. We treat eye inflammation. Fill with 250 milliliters of boiling water 15 grams of crushed leaves. Boil a couple of minutes. After let insist for half an hour. Scete. Do compresses broth.

5. We treat kidney disease.   Also effective for enuresis. It is necessary to chop the leaves. Pour 15 grams of grass, 250 milliliters of boiling water. Wrap the dish and let it stand for 60 minutes. Scete. Eat 15 milliliters of broth three times a day, 20 minutes before a meal.

6. Healing of trophic ulcers. It is effective home-made ointment.

Spread dry plantain leaves. Knead with a few drops of vegetable oil. And then add petroleum jelly. The ointment is ready.

How to procure plantain for treatment

Plantain leaves should be collected after the flowering period, as a rule, these are the first weeks of September and the end of August.

And make the collection of seeds at the moment when they are brown. This indicates their maturity.

According to the time for collection, it is better to choose the period of dry weather, and the time of day is the morning when the dew dries.

Make cuts with scissors or a knife. Cutting height is recommended about 3 centimeters below.

For storage, the plant can be dried, laid out on paper. When drying, ensure the flow of air and agitate regularly. You can store in cloth bags.

Plantain Beauty Recipes:

The unique and affordable plantain plant, the healing properties of the plant tell us a lot, but it is possible to use the plantain leaf not only for treatment, but also for beauty.

Means for dry skin type

If you have dry skin, then plantain is great tool   for moistening. Pour 30 grams of plantain boiling water. Soak in a water bath for a couple of minutes. Then let it infuse 25 minutes. Decant and let cool. Next, make a compress with a decoction.

Leave for a couple of minutes, then re-wet the fabric and apply. The first compress is hot, and reduce the temperature to cool. Cold hold on the skin for about 5 minutes.

Cosmetic ice from plantain

In order for the skin to stay young longer, you should wipe the face every morning. cosmetic ice. This is a great way to moisturize and refresh the skin. Just fill in the form of plantain decoction, and freeze. By the way, this is an excellent tool for the treatment of oily skin.

We treat dry hair

Hair will begin to shine again. Crush 15 grams of leaflets. Fill with 250 milliliters of water. Heat to boil. After let it stand a quarter of an hour. Let the decoction temperature drop to 30 degrees Celsius. Rinse with clean hair.

Oil Masochka to strengthen hair

Knead 50 milliliters of flaxseed and burdock oil. Crush 100 grams of fresh plantain leaves. The mixture of oils should be heated in a water bath to 40 degrees Celsius. Then pour the oil into the leaves. Let everything cool. Refrigerate in a glass container and leave for 14 days. Strain after. Oil is ready. Keep it cold.

If necessary, make a mask, melt the oil. Let it warm to 40 degrees. Then apply on the entire length of clean and slightly damp hair. Warm with cellophane and cloth. Leave for 120 minutes. After wash your head.

Plantain leaves from cracks on the heels

If you are concerned about cracks on the heels, then you can prepare a bath with the addition of plantain infusion. And if you are worried about corns or rubbed skin, then do a compress of crushed leaves all night.

Plantain - contraindications, if they?

When using plantain, do not forget about precautions and contraindications.

Before you begin to treat a serious disease by taking a decoction, infusion, or other folk remedies, you should definitely get the approval of your doctor. Your condition may not allow you to take such measures.

Before using any drug based on plantain, you should start with very small dosages to eliminate the allergic reaction. With extreme caution should take these drugs to people with asthma.

Do not take funds from the plantain, if:

1. You suffer from high acidity.

2. You want to cure an ulcer or gastritis, but did not receive the advice of a doctor.

3. You have high level   blood clotting, and increased risk of blood clots.

4. There is an exacerbation of the disease of the gastrointestinal tract.

5. Allergy to this plant.

As you can see, plantain also has contraindications for grass, and they should be taken into account.

Plantain - really healing plant. Use it safely for skin injuries and for cosmetic purposes. If you plan to treat more serious diseases, and taking the funds from the plantain inside, you should consult with your doctor.

Remember folk remedies   as good as helping in the main treatment of diseases. When using tinctures on vodka, remember to comply with the dosage. Moderation and a regular approach are needed in any treatment.

Even children know. After all, how many times their mothers put on the cuts and abrasions washed leaves of this plant! Plantain grows on the sides of roads, along paths, fences, on waste grounds and in vegetable gardens. This is due to the fact that small seeds easily stick to the sole of a person passing along the path and are thus spread to any distances.

Plantain is a perennial plant. Under favorable conditions (if it is not uprooted), the plantain grows along and in breadth, occupying large areas, forming real thickets. The appearance and size of the leaves depends on the type of plant. Most often used for drying plantain large, but other types are also suitable for harvesting.

Useful properties of plantain

1. In plantain leaves there are vitamins K and C, carotene, citric and oleanolic acid, tannins, mucus, aukubin glycoside, phytoncides, potassium, enzymes (invertin and emulsin).

2. It is used in gastritis with low acidity, acute colitis.

3. Plantain leaf infusion is an excellent expectorant.

4. Psyllium has hemostatic, anti-inflammatory, bacteriostatic, diuretic action.

5. It is a good antitumor agent.

When and how to collect plantain leaves

Plantain harvested for drying during flowering from May to August. To do this, choose a dry, sunny weather soon after the rain, when the plants are completely dry from moisture, receiving a portion of the natural shower.

Plantain leaves grow out of the rosette. Cut them together with petioles, but do not touch the outlet. Otherwise, the next year, the plantain may not grow.

With extensive thickets of plantain, you can mow all the plants, and immediately make a selection.

After the plantain is collected, it is necessary to sort it again, removing the rotten, diseased, yellowed or, on the contrary, reddened leaves, thereby safeguarding the raw material from damage.

How to dry plantain

Plantain leaves are dried in the shade with enough fresh air and ventilation, spreading them on sheets of clean paper or on fabric.

Drying leaves should be periodically gently agitate, avoiding their caking.

Plantain leaves need to be dried very quickly so that they do not have time to turn black from moisture. The optimum temperature for drying is 40-45 °. During drying, the leaves curl, but their color remains green or becomes brownish-green.

Well dried leaves are easily rubbed between the fingers, and the petioles break.

The smell of dried plantain is weak, the taste is slightly bitter.

Then you need to once again sort out the ready-made raw materials, removing yellowed and very brown leaves.

The yield of finished raw materials is obtained approximately 15% of the original volume.

How to store dried plantain:

Dry plantain is stored in paper bags into which fresh air penetrates well, in cardboard boxes or wooden boxes.

Raw materials are stored in a dry, dark, cool room.

Shelf life is 3 years.

The benefits of psyllium seed

Plantain seeds have an enveloping and astringent action. Powder from the seeds taken with dyspepsia, pain in the stomach, constipation, colitis.

When to collect seeds

Plantain seeds are collected immediately after flowering, when they accumulate a greater amount of nutrients.

Seeds are well dried. Properly dried seeds have no taste or smell. In the dried raw material of unripe seeds should be no more than 3%, and the remaining impurities should not exceed 1%.

Benefit fresh juice   plantain

Fresh juice is shown in low acidity and colitis.

Fresh juice is drunk when gastrointestinal diseases   and atherosclerosis.

How to make plantain juice at home

Freshly picked leaves and parts of the stalks should be washed well, rinsed with boiling water, minced, and then squeezed out. If the juice is thick - diluted in half with water. Freshly squeezed plantain juice can be preserved with alcohol and stored in the refrigerator.

Contraindications for the use of plantain

1. Preparations with plantain, as well as plantain itself, are not recommended for those with increased blood clotting.

2. With increased acidity of the stomach.

3. At allergic reactions   on this plant.

Plantain knew even ancient healers. At that time it was used for the treatment and prevention of many diseases. Now herbal therapy is not very common, as there is enough pharmaceutical products from pharmacies. But if necessary, provide emergency medical care with available means you can use the plantain, beneficial features   and contraindications to the use of which will be discussed in this article.

How and when to collect plantain?

It is best to do this in the summer months, as well as at the beginning of autumn, after it has faded. Plantain, and contraindications to the use of which are listed in the encyclopedia of herbs, can be collected together with roots and seeds. Seeds need to be harvested only when they are fully ripe (will turn brown). Leaves are picked a couple of times per season. On dry days, the plantain is torn off in the morning, after the dew dries on the leaves. In no case do not collect the plants near the roads, as the leaves absorb the decay of fuel. and contraindications to the use of which are known to all doctors, it is better to collect in places with good ecology. As tools for collecting use a knife, sickle or scissors. Collected plants can be dried in the attic or under a canopy, spreading the roots, seeds and leaves on paper. It is important that the raw materials are under the influx of fresh air. Then it will not rot and will not lose useful properties. It is better to store dried plants in linen bags or wooden boxes.

Beneficial features

The plant is rich in enzymes, phytoncides and tannins. Plantain leaves contain carotene as well as citric acid. There are seeds in his seeds that can cure many diseases. Plantain, useful properties and contraindications to therapeutic use of which are known to almost everyone, is the first remedy for scratches, abrasions and broken knees. Many people know about his healing action. And the antiseptic properties of this plant is similar to iodine and green. Therefore, the plantain is used in medicine. In addition, it can relieve pain, reduce inflammation and stop bleeding. Separately, I want to say about this drink, like plantain tincture. It is used as an expectorant and is released only by prescription. Some use the plantain in cooking, adding it to cereals, salads, omelets and casseroles. By the way, if you put the leaves of this plant in soup, they will not only acquire an interesting taste, but also become a source of certain vitamins.

Contraindications

Although the plantain has many positive properties, before using it you should be familiar with the contraindications. For example, if you have broken acidity, then plantain treatment can not be carried out. Also, before using the plant, be sure to donate blood to determine the tendency to thrombosis.

Plantain - the grass, the benefits of which most people know from early childhood. Many mothers, if a child suddenly got an abrasion or a cut, immediately applied a bright green oblong leaf to the sore spot. amazing plant. And there was a small miracle: the blood stopped, and the pain gradually subsided.

Moms did quite right, because stopping bleeding, relieving inflammation and pain, and preventing infection from getting into the wound are the most common beneficial properties of psyllium. But his help does not end there. It is also effective in treating coughs and in fighting inflammation. digestive tract, and even as part of cosmetics.

What is plantain?

Plantain - one- or perennial grass belonging to the family Plantain (lat. Plantaginaceae). The leaves are oblong, sometimes ovoid, bright green, characterized by the presence of several longitudinal streaks. It has a rosette, from the center of which grow long flowering stalks. The inflorescence is an ear, the fruit is a box with small seeds.

In Latin plantain sounds like "plantago". This word comes from the words “planta” - the foot, and “agere” - to move. Indeed, the leaves of this plant, lowered to the ground, are a bit like traces of human sole.

Old names of plantain: road builder, traveler, fellow traveler. There are also names that reflect its useful properties: a wound, a cutter, boil grass, and even an unusual one - “grandma” (apparently talking about grandma-healer).

The grass is distributed throughout Russia, except for the northern regions. It grows in the forest, and along the roads, and near houses, and in the fields, and in gardens, and in vegetable gardens.

An interesting point: plantain adapts well to any type of soil, it can grow even on vacant lots and in arid areas. It is considered a weed, but this does not detract from its healing properties.

On cooking medicines   go stalks, leaves and seeds of the plant. They can be harvested during all the warm months, from May to September. Most of the beneficial properties of this plant material is stored in a dried form.

The composition of the various parts of the plantain

The healing properties of the plant are due to its unique chemical composition. All its parts contain:

• vitamin C;
• beta carotene;
• vitamin K;
• bioflavonoids - powerful antioxidants;
• enzymes;
• citric acid and uronic acids;
• tannins;
• aukubin glycoside, which is responsible for the anti-inflammatory properties of the plant;
• phytoncides - substances that prevent infection;
• alkaloids;
• trace elements: potassium, calcium, copper, magnesium, iron, molybdenum, cobalt and selenium.

The composition of the seeds of plantain requires separate consideration. Due to their healing qualities, they are used in official medicine and homeopathy for the treatment of a whole range of diseases. In addition to the above substances, the seeds contain:

• mucus - the content reaches 44%;
• saponins (bitterness) - substances that dilute phlegm in the bronchi, help with coughing, increase the secretion of gastric juice;
• essential fatty acids (oleic and oleanolic);
• proteins;
• amino acids.

Properties of psyllium and its use for medicinal purposes

The best-known beneficial properties of this plant are hemostasis, pain relief, rapid healing of wounds, abrasions, or cuts. This is due high content   vitamin K, tannins and phytoncids that reduce inflammation and prevent infection.

The plantain will help with insect bites and shallow burns. To do this, it is enough to wrinkle the leaf in your hand a little to make the juice stand out and apply it on the sore spot.

By this healing properties   plants are not limited. Also:

• improves the appetite and increases intestinal motility;
• strengthens the immune system;
• increases the effectiveness of drugs in the fight against cancer;
• softens side effects   from chemotherapy and radiotherapy;
• positive effect on the human nervous system: helps with neurosis and depression, relieves stress.

The scope of therapeutic use of plantain is very extensive. Based on it, a large number of drugs are produced that have the following useful qualities:

• antiseptic;
• hemostatic;
• painkillers;
• anti-inflammatory;
• expectorants;
• soothing;
• diuretic;
• laxatives or stiffening;
• hypnotics;
• reduce the level of "bad" cholesterol in the blood;
• normalizing blood pressure.

Plantain leaves in folk medicine

The leaves of the plant are used in the manufacture of ointments, tinctures, decoctions, extract and juice. They have a negative effect on streptococci, staphylococci and the pyocyanitis, and therefore do an excellent job with purulent wounds on the skin, abscesses and phlegmon (a type of acute suppurative inflammation).

Decoctions and tinctures from the leaves of the plantain have pronounced mucolytic properties. In other words, they liquefy the sputum and help its discharge from the bronchi and lungs; therefore, they are not only effective in treating simple forms of respiratory infections. These medicinal drinks improve well-being in such severe conditions as bronchial asthma, pulmonary tuberculosis, whooping cough and pneumonia.

To prepare a healing infusion, vegetable raw materials are poured with hot water, infused and filtered.

The leaves of the plant are used both as a mild laxative in case of difficulty in stool, and as an anchoring agent for intestinal infectionssuch as dysentery. And the extract is indispensable for gastritis, enteritis and gastric ulcer or duodenal ulcer, inflammation of the pancreas.

Prepared from the plantain syrups. For these purposes, the juice pressed from the leaves is mixed with honey. This composition is effective for ARVI, angina and catarrhal diseasesaccompanied by high fever.

Useful leaves of the plant have been used in dentistry. They are used for stomatitis, gingivitis, periodontitis and periodontal disease. In these cases, conduct rinsing of the mouth with a decoction 3-4 times a day.

Plantain seeds in traditional medicine

Useful mucus contained in the seeds envelops the irritated mucous membrane of the stomach or intestines and helps relieve inflammation, and therefore they are good in the complex therapy of diseases of the digestive tract: gastritis with low acidity, colitis, enteritis, ulcers of the stomach and duodenum.

Plantain seed decoction is often used in complex treatment diabetesas well as infertility in men and women. But for patients suffering from these diseases, there are contraindications, so treatment should be carried out only with the permission of the attending physician.

Plantain can reduce cholesterol in the blood. With regular use of seeds of a plant, the risk of atherosclerosis and heart disease is reduced.

This herbal remedy helps the body get rid of toxins and bile acids.

Hormonal disorders and diseases of the genital sphere in women (adnexitis, endometriosis, adhesive processes in the small pelvis) - an indication for the use of psyllium seeds.

In addition, a decoction of the seeds of the plant is considered an effective tool for the treatment of pediatric or senile enuresis. It has a diuretic effect and relieves swelling. Wadded disks moistened with warm broth help with inflammatory eye diseases (for example, conjunctivitis).

Poultice from the infusion or decoction of the seeds of this herb perfectly helps nursing mothers to get rid of nipple cracks. To do this, just put a clean gauze into the broth, squeeze and apply as a compress to the sore spot for about 1 hour.

Plantain in cosmetology

The properties of psyllium found application in cosmetology. The juice from the leaves cleanses the skin of the face, reduces inflammation, eliminates acne. As a result, the skin becomes clean, healthy and acquires a radiant appearance. Juice can be frozen in molds and daily wipe your face with ice cubes - a very useful and simple procedure. Also on the basis of vegetable juice plants can make homemade soap.

Plantain is endowed with excellent moisturizing properties. The following mask will help dry skin: the infusion of the plant is mixed with starch to obtain a pasty mass, it is applied evenly on the face and neck for half an hour, then removed by means of a cotton swab.

Fresh leaves of plantain are also suitable for accelerating the healing of corns and cracks on the heels. Vegetable raw materials need to grind and attach to the sore spot at night.

Plantain has a beneficial effect on the skin of the hands. You can make a simple homemade cream: mix the plant's infusion with honey and butter. Apply the composition on your hands before going to bed.

Contraindications

Plantain - not as harmless grass, as it may seem at first. The specific properties of the plant impose a number of restrictions on its use for medicinal purposes.

Main contraindications for use:

• Individual intolerance - is rare, but even the smallest probability should be considered.
• Tendency to the formation of blood clots, as the plant contains a large amount of vitamin K, which increases blood viscosity.
• Phlebeurysm.
• Gastritis with high acidity.

The listed contraindications do not concern external use of a plant. But if you want to take decoctions or infusions of the plant inside, medical consultation is necessary. Only he can take such crucial decisions.

It is contraindicated to collect and harvest the leaves of the plant in areas with a polluted environment, in industrial areas, within the city limits or along roads. Plantain absorbs all chemicals from the air and soil, and this “medicine” will not bring any benefit at all - only harm.

Plantain in cooking

The plant is widely used in cooking. Healthy salads, soups, snacks are prepared with it, it is added to homemade preparations (canned tomatoes, cucumbers). The leaves of the plant give a fresh touch to casseroles, puddings, omelettes, cereals, meatballs and mashed potatoes. They make very tasty soup, the recipe of which is almost the same as the recipe of nettle soup.

Plantain is suitable as a fresh green, and as a seasoning. By the way, in Japan, this plant is grown on an industrial scale for use in the food industry and pharmacology.