Present almost everywhere in the Italian countryside, this plant has been used for centuries in traditional medicine. Plantain , whose scientific name is Plantago major , is a very useful plant full of benefits for our health: we will list some of them below .
Rich in vitamins A and C, but also in calcium, Native Americans used plantain to relieve insect bites, blocking the venom and relieving skin rashes. Thanks to its antibacterial properties, plantain can also be used as a natural mouthwash.
In addition to being antimicrobial and antibacterial, plantain has anti-toxic and anti-inflammatory properties, and can relieve burns, itching, wounds and pain. Some studies are verifying its ability to regulate blood sugar.
Benefits of plantain
- Lowers cholesterol;
- it helps in the treatment of diabetes;
- relieves the symptoms of hemorrhoids;
- it is useful in case of irritable bowel syndrome;
- calms the intestine in case of constipation or diarrhea;
- relieves kidney and gallbladder problems;
- relieves indigestion and ulcers.
Plantain is also excellent for relieving external inflammation caused by insect bites, skin rashes, eczema, psoriasis, sunburn, cuts and varicose veins.
It is possible to use plantain by applying its leaves directly to the skin to relieve skin problems. Alternatively, a plantain tea is great for relieving pain and treating digestive problems.
Plantain is available in herbalists in the form of essential oil, tincture and infusion.
Plantain leaves have astringent properties, and can be used to relieve inflammation such as hemorrhoids and respiratory diseases. Fresh leaves contain muciltannin, a compound that can speed up the healing process of wounds and stop bleeding.