MEDICINAL PLANTS

Greater Plantain is an herb belonging to the family Plantaginaceae, in which almost all the species that compose it-about 400 - are a genus of plantains or plantago. These are all varied transport facilities have in common and contain abundant mucilage in the seeds. This greater plantain forms a thick trunk buried, yellowish or brownish, with long white hair roots all the same. The leaves and stem from this strain are very large, radial, with entire or slightly wavy edges. A variety of the plantain, which is exactly like him but in miniature. One grows in gardens, slopes and generally in wetlands throughout the country.

FLOWERING

Flowers with the arrival of spring and continues well into the fall. Mainly interested in harvesting the leaves, although some people use the whole plant.

APPLICATIONS

As in almost all the plantains, we find abundant mucilage in the seeds, consisting mainly of arabogalactano. It also has pectins, tannins, mannitol and sorbitol. In the leaves and roots is the glycoside aucubin. The pharmacological actions attributed to this plantain are: antitussive, emollient, anti-inflammatory, astringent, antibacterial and antipruritic. For all these actions is especially useful in cold, pharyngitis, bronchitis, asthma, ulcers, diarrhea and rheumatism. It is also used externally in eczema, herpes and as a mouthwash in gingivitis or conjunctivitis eye baths. Interestingly, the birds are very fond of immature fruits of Greater Plantain: finches, canaries, finches, etc.. Are pleasantly entertained with a successful spike this green plantain, hence comes its Catalan name of "grana of Canarias", since in this area of Spain is widely used as an appetizer for these animals.

ADMINISTRATION

Decoction. It uses a tablespoon per cup of boiling it for no longer than 5 minutes. It may take 3 to 4 cups a day. This concoction, used by domestic channel, is used to combat bronchial catarrh. Sometimes also used externally to soothe and reduce inflammation of the mouth and throat. When used in this way, some add a little boric acid, in which case nothing should not be swallowed with fluid and that this acid is toxic.
Macerado. Boil about 40 grams. Plant per liter of water. After a few minutes then remove from heat and allow to macerate for 8-10 hours. You can drink as much as you want throughout the day.
Ointment. Formerly plantain ointment prepared by crushing the fresh leaves and add the juice they release to the melted butter cow. This ointment is used to relieve discomfort caused by hemorrhoids.
Fresh leaves. They are cleaned with water and then blanch in boiling water and once that is done is difficult to apply on wounds and ulcers of long duration.

SUMMARY

FAMILY: Plantaginaceae
HABITAT: Wetlands in the country
FLOWERING: April
PART USED: Leaf and whole plant
CASTILIAN: Llantén común
CATALAN: Plantatge
BASQUE: Zain-belarr
GALICIAN: Chantaxe

USES

Emollient Moderate, Balsamic Moderate, Moderate inflammatory.