Plantain tea – What is it for, benefits and how to make it!

Plantain tea  ( Plantago Lanceolata ) is a perennial herbaceous plant of the Plantaginaceae family very common throughout Europe and North Africa. It grows practically everywhere between meadows, fields, hills and even in the cracks in the middle of sidewalks.

The name “tanchagem” derives from the Latin term “Plant” due to the shape of the leaves that resemble the sole of the foot, but also due to the use made by travelers. They used to apply fresh leaves directly on the damaged skin of the way or use it as an antidote for snake and scorpion bites .

Properties:

Tea has been appreciated since ancient times. In the Middle Ages, it was used to treat burns, ulcers , eye inflammations, nasal passages and dog bites, and also to stop bleeding and treat wounds.

Plantain tea  has gained the most reputation and is probably best known for its wound healing properties. The astringent, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effect of the tea makes it useful in treating minor wounds, cuts and scrapes.

It can be applied directly to damaged skin in order to stop bleeding, speed up healing, stop itching and relieve pain. It is considered useful in treating snake and insect bites and hives. Additionally, the herb has been used to treat eczema, psoriasis, and first-degree burns.

In addition, plantain tea  has astringent, antibacterial, irritation-reducing, expectorant, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, detoxifying, healing, depurative, decongestant, digestive, diuretic, sedative, laxative and tonic properties.

Benefits of plantain tea:

1. Helps prevent cancer:

The anti-inflammatory nature of this tea is well known. This allows it to work as an anti-cancer and anti-tumor agent as well. It slows down and suppresses the growth of cancer cells and tumors , thus being quite efficient in alleviating and preventing the spread of this malignant condition.

2. Good for the digestive system:

Drink a cup of plantain tea to relieve the inflammation bothering your belly. It also helps to improve digestive fire and even fight constipation problems in a healthy way. An effective cure for diarrhea, this tea is an effective remedy for gastric ulcers , intestinal ulcers, dyspepsia and dysentery.

3. Helps to deal with postpartum problems:

Studies suggest that plantain tea  can be used for faster postpartum recovery. While nature stretches helps in controlling bleeding, this herb is also known to aid in the elimination of the placenta. It is known to have positive impacts on controlling the cramps associated with postpartum recovery. It also helps to tone the uterus after the child is born.

4. Natural diuretic:

Plantain tea  is a natural cure for inflammatory conditions that affect the bladder and kidneys. Being a natural diuretic and a demulcent, it allows frequent urination, thus eliminating toxins from the kidneys and bladders. It is also effective in relieving edema conditions in various health issues. It can also be used as an effective cure for bed wetting in babies.

5. Helps relieve dandruff:

Plantain tea  has been touted as an effective remedy for dandruff and flaky scalp since time immemorial. The antiseptic and antibacterial properties of this herb protect your scalp from infections and offer relief from dandruff.

6. Treats acne and rosacea:

Inflammatory skin conditions such as acne and rosacea derive benefits from the topical application of plantain tea . In addition to relieving inflammation and preventing the region from infections, this herb also prevents scarring, inducing faster healing and skin cell regeneration.

7. Treats colds and flu:

Plantain tea  has expectorant properties. This means that it promotes the removal of mucus from the trachea and bronchi, opening the airways and improving the well-being of the patient suffering from bronchial catarrh, chronic bronchitis, cough, sinusitis, colds, or other catarrhal diseases.

8. Treats insect bites:

Plantain tea , for its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial action, is effectively used externally on the skin to treat wounds, insect bites and animal bites. They can be applied locally by bandages, after careful washing in boiled water on the bite. In addition to relieving pain and killing germs, the tea will act on the wound, blocking bleeding and accelerating healing, thanks to its healing action.

9. Helps treat conjunctivitis:

Also because of its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, plantain tea  is very useful for eye diseases such as conjunctivitis, eyelid and also allergic eye inflammation.

10. Helps treat problems in the oral cavity:

Plantain tea  is also extremely helpful in resolving inflammation of the oral cavity and upper airways. Its properties are reinforced by combining plantain with mallow leaves, using them together to prepare a hot herbal tea, to be used to make a wash that will have the ability to relieve inflammation caused by gingivitis, periodontitis , sore throat and pharyngitis.

Plantain tea helps to lose weight:

Plantain tea can also be used in slimming processes and diets. In addition, the plant has a great diuretic effect, which has already been proven in the laboratory. By eliminating water from the body through urine, there is a reduction in the swelling of the body.

This does not mean, however, that the loss of swelling is enough for the person to lose weight. These processes must always be accompanied by an appropriate diet and, of course, physical exercises recommended by doctors, such as walking.

How to use plantain?

To gargle, plantain must go through a boiling process that lasts at least 15 minutes, the approximate proportion would be 60 gr. of leaves in a liter of water, when it is ready the leaves are removed and the liquid is used for gargling.

To drink in infusions, the proportion would be approximately 30 gr. of leaves in a liter of water, boil for about 10 minutes, remove the leaves and set aside to drink up to 4 cups a day.

How to make plantain tea?

Ingredients:

– 1 cup of fresh plantain leaves.
– 2 cups of water
– Heatproof bowl with snap-on lid

Preparation method:

1. Wash the plantain leaves well and keep them in a bowl with a lid.
2. Boil the water and pour it over the leaves in the bowl, cover with the lid and let it steep until the bowl is cool to the touch.
3. Strain the tea and store in the fridge for up to two weeks.
4. Drink 1-2 cups a day to control diarrhea or relieve cold and fever symptoms.
5. You can drink it plain or add honey to taste.

Side effects:

People who are using any type of insulin need to know that plantain tea can lower blood sugar and avoid consuming plantains. Pregnant and lactating women should always consult their doctor before taking any type of herbal remedy.