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This inconspicuous little plant is so common and widespread that it occurs almost everywhere.
Few people know that it is one of the most beneficial medicinal herbs.
It grows all over Europe; you can find it anywhere – in the cracks of damaged sidewalks, in gardens, grassy areas, even in dumps and places with little sun.
There is an old saying that plants grow where they are most needed.
And plantain is very much needed in urban society, where most of us live today. We suffer from many ailments that this little plant can effectively help with.
It is a hardy herb that grows in rosettes, reaching a height of approximately 10 cm.
Two basic species occur here – broadleaf plantain (like the one in the introductory picture) and narrowleaf plantain (with elongated leaves).
Both have comparable effects, but narrowleaf plantain is somewhat more effective for respiratory problems.
But now let’s take a closer look at its amazing range of uses.
1. Wound healing
If you’ve heard of plantain before, it’s probably in connection with wound healing, which is its best-known property.
To stop bleeding, it is applied to injured skin as a blended mash.
If you get injured outdoors and don’t have any tools with you, you can chew it in your mouth and apply it to the wound that way.
It has soothing and cooling effects. It heals cuts and scrapes.
It can also be used as an antidote for insect stings (not snakes) thanks to its blood-purifying properties.
2. Healthy digestion
Plantain aids digestion through its antibiotic effect.
Its leaves and seeds reduce inflammation in the digestive tract and help restore the lining of the small intestine.
Its seeds also cleanse the intestines, as they act similarly to psyllium by absorbing toxins and creating more consistent stools.
3. Respiratory problems
Plantain has a high silica content, which helps with expectoration. It clears blocked airways and loosens phlegm.
It is very beneficial for coughs, colds, and several other respiratory illnesses.
4. Blood disorders
Plantain is very effective in treating almost all blood diseases and disorders of the glands with internal secretion.
It also helps with mercury poisoning, diarrhea, women’s ailments, as well as skin rashes and eczema.
5. Hemorrhoids
Plantain has astringent effects, which makes it ideal for treating not only cuts and bleeding but also hemorrhoids.
In the form of a blended paste it is applied to hemorrhoids to stop bleeding.
It is also suitable for treating bladder inflammations when they are accompanied by bleeding.
6. Toothache
The plantain root can be dried and crushed into a powder. It is then applied to aching teeth.
If you don’t have time to dry the root, simply dig it up, wash it, and chew it in your mouth.
Plantain also has anti-parasitic properties. Make a tea from it, which should help eliminate parasites in your body.
Conclusion
It seems that spring has finally arrived in our regions, bringing the growth of green grass, many spring flowers, and of course plantain.
If you suffer from any of the ailments mentioned in this article, it shouldn’t be a problem to go outside and pick some plantain.
