Greater Plantain is a perennial plant with a short, vertical taproot covered with countless small roots. The leaves of the plant are large, expanded ovoid, with 3-9 veins. The leaves form a rhizome rosette. The inflorescence is formed on a long cylindrical stem, 15-30 cm high. The flowers are small, brownish, inconspicuous, with a green basket. Fruit a two-part capsule containing 6-30 seeds. The plant blooms from May to September, the fruits ripen from August to October.

For medicinal purposes, the large leaves, as well as the ripe seeds and juice, are used. The leaves are collected at the moment when the plant blooms, cutting them with a knife. It is not allowed to cut all the specimens of the plant in the stands, because in this way you will destroy the entire stand. It is not acceptable to collect dirty, damaged or diseased plants. Plants are dried in well-ventilated and ventilated rooms on sieves or forced dryers, not exceeding 40-50C. Under favorable conditions, the plant can be harvested several times in one summer.

This plant is grown for medicinal purposes even in plantations - in Russia, France, Spain, USA.

The leaves of the plant contain up to 20% pectin. Pectinic acid, galactoarabinan, galactan are found in the polysaccharide complex. Plantain leaves contain flavonoids: luteopolin, apigenin, quercetin, scutellarein, hispidulin, baicalein, luteolin and its derivatives. Iridoid glycosides have also been found in the plant: aukubin (0.37%) and catalpol, saponins, coumarin esculin, bitter substances, tannins, steroid substances, traces of alkaloids; organic acids: benzoic acid, salicylic acid, ceric acid and others; phenolic acids: chlorogenic acid, cinnamic acid, paracoumaric acid, ferulic acid, caffeic acid, vanillic acid and others; amino acids, triazole, essential oil, phytoncides, vitamin K and C, B5, micro and macro elements.

Medicinal significance

The setting of the leaf of the Greater Plantain increases the secretion of the bronchial glands, creates a mucolytic, covering and anti-inflammatory effect, stimulates the secretion of bile and increases its acidity.

The water concentration of the plant increases the activity of the cilia of the respiratory tract epithelium, which increases the secretion of bronchial mucus, accordingly, the sputum dissolves and its output during coughing increases.

Clinical studies have proven that water decoctions of the kidney accelerate the healing processes of ulcers and wounds, reduce the formation of pus, promote granulation and epithelization. Ointments are often prepared on the basis of Greater Plantain , which has strong anti-inflammatory properties and promotes epithelialization and the prevention of scarring.

The extract of the leaves of the great celandine has a calming effect and even has a sleep-inducing effect, reduces arterial pressure, has blood-stopping, anti-inflammatory and bactericidal properties. Plant juice suppresses the development of pathogenic staphylococcus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and hemolytic streptococcus. The phytoncides present in the plant produce an antimicrobial effect.

When treating a gastric ulcer with reduced or normal content of gastric juice, preparations of Greater Plantain have a protective and antispasmodic effect. In patients, the content of gastric juice increases, its acidity increases, pain decreases or disappears, signs of dyspepsia, constipation and flatulence disappear, and spastic pain (cramps) of Greater Plantain decreases.

When using the juice of Greater Plantain , in case of chronic gastritis, pain and dyspeptic disorders disappear, appetite is restored, bowel movements are normalized, well-being improves, patients regain weight. The juice is also used to heal corneal injuries.

In folk medicine, the leaves of various species are used in crushed form to treat wounds, lacerations, bruises, burns and as an anti-inflammatory agent in case of insect bites. In case of inflammation of the eyes, rinse the eyes with the setting of large amount of water

Greater Plantain is considered an effective remedy in the case of disorders of the digestive organs: gastric catarrh with reduced acid content, acute gastritis, enterocolitis and gastric ulcers.

Not recommended for use

Due to the specific effect of the juice of Greater Plantain , there are some limitations in the medicinal use of the plant. Individual intolerance - but the influence of this factor is quite rare. However, there are factors in which the Greater Plantain should not be used at all - the tendency to clot formation, because the Greater Plantain accelerates the coagulation of proteins in the blood.

As we have already understood, the plant can be successfully used for the prevention of various digestive system problems, but if a stomach ulcer or a duodenal ulcer has formed on the basis of increased stomach acid content, then this plant should not be used.

You can also get poisoned with celandine, especially when using its extracts in large quantities - it will cause drowsiness and dizziness, which is often the result of a drop in blood pressure. Accordingly, it would not be advisable to use this preparation in people who have low blood pressure.

Medicinal Recipes

Sterilization of the leaves of the great sage: pour 25g of the drug with 200ml of boiling water, let it steep for 1 hour, it separates the layers. Use 1 tablespoon 3-4 times a day.

Planting of the seeds of the great path: pour 25 g of the seed with 200 ml of boiling water, stir for a long time and then separate the thickets. Use one tablespoon 3 times a day, before meals.

Elderberry in juice: squeezed from fresh leaves of the plant, which can be harvested from May to September. Rinse the leaves with a small stalk in cold running water, let the water drain, rinse, grind through a meat grinder and squeeze through a dense cloth. If the juice thickens, dilute it with water 1:1. Boil for 1-3 minutes. Use 1-2 tablespoons, together with honey, 3-4 times a day before meals (juice is poured into ½ glass of water). Treatment course 30 days.

A decoction of the Greater Plantain : used to rinse the oral cavity for a long time against inflammation of the gums, toothache and as a compress in case of eye pain. In order to use this decoction orally, it is prepared as follows: 15 grams of leaves per 200 ml of boiling water, leave for 15 minutes, use 1 tablespoon 3-4 times a day.

Hot infusion: 1 tablespoon of dry leaves per 1 glass of boiling water, set in a warm place for 10 minutes, drink the resulting daily dose within an hour, taking small sips.

In folk medicine, a decoction of the leaves of the elder is used for bronchial inflammations (especially chronic), as well as for internal bleeding (coughing up blood), dysentery, as well as stomach and intestinal inflammation, heartburn, liver diseases and jaundice. Fenugreek seeds are used as a mild laxative and as an anti-diarrheal agent, they have anti-inflammatory and covering properties, because when you pour boiling water over the seeds, they release mucilage. In case of constipation caused by inflammation of the Greater Plantain , the mucilage contained in the seeds reduces the inflammation, and thanks to its properties, it improves the movement of feces in the intestines. Whole or crushed seeds are used for 1 tablespoon at night, or sprinkle them with ½ cup of boiling water, cool and drink together with all the seeds. The effect appears after 6-12 hours.

Staging of Greater Plantain enhances the functional activity of the respiratory epithelium, enhances secretion and evacuation from the bronchial glands, promotes expectoration and reduces cough. It is usually prepared like this, take one tablespoon of drug and pour one glass of boiling water, let it sit for 15 minutes and separate the layers. Take one tablespoon 3 times a day before meals. In case of bleeding, make a decoction of 2 tablespoons of the drug of the great celandine and 2 tablespoons of the nettle, on two glasses of boiling water (daily dose). In case of toothache, the root of the big canal is placed in the ear (on the painful side). After about half an hour, the pain will go away.

A decoction of the leaves of the elderberry: pour 10 g (2 tablespoons) of the drug into an enameled container, pour 200 ml of hot water, close the lid and bathe in warm water for 30 minutes, cool for 10 minutes at room temperature, separate the thickness, squeeze out the excess. Boiling water is added to the obtained decoction, up to the initial volume. Take 1 tablespoon 3 times a day, 15-20 minutes before meals.

Recipe from a reader: 

A small recipe for the autumn-winter season.

We collect the leaves, keep them to wrap a little, then roll them up in our hands so that the juice forms, flatten the leaves, and put them in the honey... 
Honey carefully, thawed in a water bath to 40 degrees.
We keep for 3 days in a warm place.
When everything has fermented, we roll the balls, put them on a plate and put them in the oven at 100 degrees, take care of them. Then to 70-80.

Importance of food

Different plantains are used in food: Plantago major, narrow-leaved plantain (Plantago lanceolata) and medium plantain (Plantago media). Use the young leaves of the plant as an addition to soups, stews and salads, especially in the "Spring Power Salad", which is designed to recover after winter. Plant seeds are also collected for food, which are fried and made into flour, which is added to various sauces. The seeds can also be fermented in milk, which is then added to meat and fish dishes.

In order to improve the taste of kejteka, it is necessary to add acidic plants, such as sorrel and sorrel.

Young plantain leaves are great for cooking soups. They boil well.

Diet recipes 

Salad made from watercress and onion

120 gr. the young leaves of celandine, 80 gr. onion, 50 gr. grated horseradish, 50 gr. large nettle, 1 egg, 40 gr. cream, salt, vinegar.

Rinse leaves of nettle and nettle in boiling water for 1 minute, drain, chop. Add chopped onion, horseradish, salt and vinegar. Cover the salad with egg and add cream.

A side dish for veal soup

The dried leaves of plantain are crushed into powder. Used as an addition to soup.

Cosmetic significance

Yarrow has been used for centuries as a wound-healing and bleeding-stopping agent. Traditionally, the juice of this plant is used to heal wounds, burns and skin tears. Understandably, this ancient experience served as a reason to create cosmetics based on this plant. Fenugreek can be considered a universal remedy for all types of skin care, therefore, this plant can be used in all types of cosmetics.

Polysaccharides, including gums (<11%), glycoside aucubin, bitter substances, carotenoids, salicylic acid and ascorbic acid, as well as choline and various trace elements are found in the cetacea.

Without paying attention to the fact that there is not a particularly large variety of different active elements in cetacea, cecetace can be considered one of the most valuable ingredients in cosmetics. Calendula extract works: soothing, antiseptic, astringent and wound-healing. In cosmetics, celandine is used for its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.

Calendula extract is also known for being a powerful revitalizing element - it is able to restore damaged skin cells and additionally stimulates collagen synthesis, improves skin strength and elasticity. Calendula extract also has a toning and astringent effect - it reduces pores and helps eliminate dark circles around the eyes.

The plant creates a lymphatic drainage and soothing effect, mainly, frees cells from excess water. You can also create a protective barrier for the skin and moisturize the skin with plantain extract in cosmetics. In addition, plantain helps strengthen blood vessel walls. Due to its anti-aging and toning properties, celandine is often used in cellulite programs.

There is information that plantain can help treat external hemorrhoids, prevent exudative rashes, and cure conjunctivitis. Due to the properties of the tea tree, it will be useful for people with hypersensitive skin.

Pathetic products can be aimed at eliminating many cosmetic problems:

• Acne (complexes with other plants). The antimicrobial properties of plantain suppress the growth of pathogenic bacteria that contribute to acne flare-ups. On the other hand, anti-inflammatory properties relieve redness and rashes. In addition, plantain is able to cleanse the skin.
• Couperosis, rosacea and other vascular pathologies. The anti-inflammatory properties of the kneecap can relieve inflammation and redness.
• In the fight against the signs of aging, especially useful for the skin of a mature person. Seaweed reduces the formation of wrinkles, stimulates the regeneration of new cells and enhances the synthesis of collagen.
• Varicose veins. The kelp has a toning effect on the veins and reduces the visibility of the blood vessel network on the skin.
• Swelling around the eyes. The lymphatic drainage effect will help get rid of bags under the eyes.
• Diseases and skin pathologies. Calendula helps to soothe the skin, also after insect bites. The emollient and astringent properties help to prevent skin dryness and manifestations of dermatitis. Cetheka remedies are also often used against the herpes virus on the lips and in the oral cavity.

The path does not usually cause side effects. Except for cases of individual intolerance to it - but that is also extremely rare!