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In an age of almost unlimited availability of medicines, not only in pharmacies but also in all kinds of shops, we've ceased to notice the healing properties of plants. It's half the trouble when a particular specimen is widely recognized as a useful herb or spice. Weeds are the worst of all. Plantains belong to this group. Fortunately, we're returning to the basics and, as a society, are increasingly interested in supporting health naturally. Ribwort plantain is an extremely hardy plant. It's very difficult to get rid of it from the garden, and it's even relatively resistant to mechanical damage. It's these qualities that sparked such great interest in this plant centuries ago.
Lanceolate plantain – what is worth knowing about it?
Ribwort plantain is a perennial plant in the Plantain family. Today, it can be found almost worldwide. However, its original habitats were Europe, Africa, Western Asia, and the Himalayas. In Poland, it is a widespread species and widely recognized as a weed. It's worth noting that there are many types of plantains. The easiest way to tell them apart is by looking at their leaves. The flowers of all plantains are almost identical. For example, we can mention the common, sandy, and ovoid plantains . Appearance isn't the only difference. Each plantain has slightly different characteristics. However, we'll focus on the plantain because, among the multitude of species, it is the most valuable to us. A major influence on the growing interest in plantains centuries ago was its careful observation. Attentive observers noted the plant's amazing resilience to environmental influences, as well as its resistance to damage. Therefore, it has been hypothesized that this extraordinary resilience must be somehow related to its properties. It wasn't long before it was used as a natural remedy to accelerate wound healing. The first mention of this plant dates back to ancient times, and according to tradition, it was used as a remedy for scorpion and snake bites. Throughout these centuries, plantain leaves and stems have been the plant's raw material. These parts of the plant contain the most active ingredients.
What does ribwort plantain hide?
Ribwort plantain is a plant with medicinal properties. This is determined by the amount of active ingredients it contains. It's truly amazing how much good this popular herb can do for us. It contains large amounts of flavonoids. These are natural antioxidants that, in addition to fighting free radicals, also have anti-inflammatory, repairing, and anti-aging properties. It also contains pectins and polysaccharides, which, in turn, have expectorant properties. This is an extremely beneficial property, even for people who have problems with coughs. Ribwort plantain also contains substances called iridoids. More specifically, it is aucoside, a substance characterized by strong antibacterial properties. However, it is worth noting that this compound degrades under the influence of high temperatures. Of course, like most plants, it also contains vitamins and minerals. It is characterized by a high content of vitamins C and K, as well as beta-carotene. Let's not forget silicon and zinc, too. These minerals also make up a significant percentage of the composition. In addition, it also contains various tannins with vasoconstrictor effects, which reduce possible bleeding and swelling. Interestingly, it also contains unsaturated fatty acids. However, keep in mind that these are only found in the seeds of this plant.
Plantain for various wounds
The effect of plantain preparations on wound healing has been confirmed by clinical studies. This is also the most well-known area of its activity. It is also worth noting that applying it to wounds was one of the first uses of ribwort plantain. The substances it contains act as a natural bandage, accelerating wound healing while also having a bacteriostatic effect and preventing infection. Dressings based on this plant are equally effective in treating burns and bedsores. Highly concentrated preparations, those with a high content of active plantain ingredients, are best suited for this purpose. In addition, they can be used to treat various insect bites. In addition to accelerating the healing of such an area, they successfully reduce swelling and possible inflammation.
Plantain preparations for the respiratory tract
All types of plantain -based infusions, as well as extracts and essential oils, are excellent remedies for various respiratory ailments. This effect is largely due to the presence of mucus-forming substances. Simply put, their function is to coat the mucous membranes with an additional layer. This facilitates the expectoration of residual secretions. They also relax the bronchi, which significantly contributes to the reduction of swelling and inflammation. Ribwort plantain's health-promoting properties for the respiratory tract also include the relief of hoarseness, smoker's cough, and mouth diseases.
Plantain and the digestive system
Thanks to its content of active ingredients from various groups, ribwort plantain can have a comprehensive effect on our entire body. The digestive system is no different. Thanks to its high content of pectins, which, incidentally, act similarly to fiber, it has a beneficial effect on our intestines. It increases peristalsis and also prevents constipation. Plantain extracts also reduce gastric secretion. This is particularly important in the prevention and treatment of stomach ulcers. The seeds, on the other hand, can be used similarly to flaxseed. In this form, they are excellent for relieving inflammation in the stomach and intestines. They can also be useful in cases of food poisoning, mucous membrane irritation, and vomiting.
Ribwort plantain for various skin diseases
Products based on plantain extract can be excellent for our skincare. In addition to its anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties, it perfectly moisturizes the skin. Furthermore, its wound-healing effect will also help with various skin conditions. It can also relieve itching, hives, and skin swelling. It is also effective for various rashes and skin infections. However, it is worth checking beforehand whether you are allergic to any of the active ingredients in ribwort plantain. However, the benefits don't end there. Ribwort plantain infusions are also good for caring for the scalp and eyelids, as well as supporting the treatment of acne. The same applies to its effect on broken capillaries. Plantain decoctions are also used to treat conjunctivitis and eliminate dandruff.
Effect of ribwort plantain on immunity
The effect of ribwort plantain on our immune system has not yet been fully researched. However, it has been confirmed that some of its active ingredients can modulate our immune system. More specifically, they increase the number of lymphocytes in the blood. Plantain extracts promote their proliferation. This can be very helpful in cases of reduced immunity, but also in the desire to protect oneself from certain diseases, especially in autumn and winter. Antiparasitic and antibacterial effects have also been proven. After using plantain preparations, the research group observed an interesting finding: increased secretion of interferons, substances with potent antiviral effects.
Plantain - dosage and contraindications to use
Ribwort plantain is a relatively safe plant and does not exhibit many side effects. However, the daily dosage of plantain powder varies between 3 and 5 grams. Of course, we are talking about internal use. There are no restrictions on external use, but it's worth approaching its use with caution. It is generally not recommended for pregnant women, breastfeeding women, or children under 12 years of age. The reason for this is simple: there is no precise study of its effects on the aforementioned groups. It is also worth remembering that all types of active ingredients can interact with many medications, and the effects of those found in plantain are no different. Caution is advised for patients taking neurological and psychiatric medications. Patients who take regular medications should do the same. Consult your doctor in this case. Furthermore, taking larger amounts may cause side effects. These include flatulence, diarrhea, nausea, and laxative effects. The use of ribwort plantain preparations is best started with small doses to test our body's tolerance. If no side effects occur, this dose can be gradually increased as needed.
Summary
We hope that after reading this article, you'll view plantains with a more positive eye. This unassuming weed conceals the best of nature. It's a perfect complement for the treatment or prevention of various diseases. However, keep in mind that the content of many active ingredients also means potential interactions and side effects. Therefore, it's worth using with caution, and if in doubt, we recommend consulting your doctor.
