Health Benefits Of Plantain
- Cold And Cough. Plantain has been traditionally used to treat coughs and colds for centuries. ... Plantain also...
- Bronchitis. Plantain can be a helpful natural remedy if you have bronchitis. This is a condition where an infection...
- Skin Irritations. Plantain leaves have been used over the ages to deal with inflammation and...
What can I use instead of plantain in a recipe?
What can I use in place of plantains?
- Unripe banana. Most of us have made the mistake at least once in our lives of trying to eat a green banana. ...
- Yuca root. Yuca root is a part of the cassava plant and roughly the same shape and size as a sweet potato. ...
- Potato. ...
- Yam. ...
- Breadfruit. ...
- Jackfruit. ...
- Sweet potato. ...
What to serve with plantains?
- Pork: Pork and plantains go insanely well together.
- Rice: Puerto Rican Chicken and Rice, or arroz con pollo, is a classic dish to serve with fried plantains.
- Beans: Serve your Tostones with black beans for a delicious sweet and savory combo.
What is the plantain plant used for?
Traditionally, plantain leaves have widespread medicinal use in poultices to treat insect bites and stings, or to soothe cuts and scrapes. Broad-leaved plantain is very easy to propagate by collecting dried seeds and planting them in any suitable garden location.
How to identify and use the plantain plant?
- Plantago major, also called broadleaf plantain, has broad, oval-shaped leaves.
- Plantago lanceolata, also called narrowleaf or ribwort plantain, has narrow, lance-like leaves that come to a point.
- Plantago rugelli, also called blackseed plantain, looks like a taller broadleaf plantain with purple where the leaf and stem meet.
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What is the benefits of plantain leaves?
Despite being considered a weed, the common garden plantain has edible leaves and seeds. It may even provide health benefits, such as improved digestion, enhanced wound healing, and lower inflammation. Furthermore, plantain weed is widely available as a supplement, tea, and skin care product.
What are the benefits of drinking plantain leaf tea?
The leaves can be made into a tea or tincture, and this is said to help with indigestion, heartburn and ulcers when taking internally. Externally, Plantain has been used for insect and snake bites, and as a remedy for rashes and cuts.
What are the uses of plantain root?
Great plantain is used for bladder infections, bronchitis, colds, and irritated or bleeding hemorrhoids. It is also used to kill germs and reduce swelling. Some people apply great plantain directly to the affected area for skin conditions or eye irritation.
Can you drink plantain tea?
Plantain tea can soothe internal, inflamed intestinal conditions such as inflammatory bowel issues and peptic ulcers because of its anti-inflammatory effects and tissue-healing properties. Drink a tea made from 1/2 tsp of dried plantain leaves steeped in a cup of water.
What does plantain cure?
Miscellaneous uses. The psyllium in plantain has been used as GI therapy, to treat hyperlipidemia, for anticancer effects, and for respiratory treatment. In human studies, plantain has been effective for chronic bronchitis, asthma, cough, and cold. Clinical studies show that psyllium seed is useful as a bulk laxative.
How is plantain used for medicine?
Simply crush or chew your plantain leaf, place it over the area with the sliver, bandage and leave overnight. In the morning the sliver should easily pop out. You can use fresh plantain juice to treat poison ivy, sunburn and other skin irritations, but infused oil or salve is easier to apply.
How do you make tea from plantain leaves?
Directions: Pour boiling water over the leaves and allow them to infuse for 10 minutes. Next, strain out the leaves and sweeten with honey, maple syrup, or another sweetener if desired.
Can you eat plantain leaves?
How to Eat Common Plantain. The broadleaf plantain weeds that you find in your yard can be eaten entirely, but the young leaves are the tastiest. Use these raw in any way you would spinach, such as in salads and sandwiches. You can also use the older leaves raw, but they tend to be more bitter and stringy.
Can you smoke plantain leaves?
Can you smoke plantain leaves? The North American wild herb, plantain (Plantago major), helps reduce cravings for cigarettes. That could be one of the main reasons it is being used in many commercial smoking cessation products. For long-term storage, use fresh or dry leaves to create an infused herbal oil.
How do you cook plantain leaves?
Cooking Plantain Leaves. Blanch the leaves to soften them. Place the plantain leaves in a wire strainer and lower them into a pot of boiling water. Heat the leaves for 3-5 minutes, then remove them and plunge them into a bath of cold water to stop the cooking process.
How do you use dried plantain leaves?
A strong tea can be made of dried plantain leaves and cooled then applied to sunburn or brush burns to speed healing. It can be added to a bath to cool a sunburn. It's also good for rashes and poison ivy. Some people have found it helps with eczema also as it is very soothing to the skin.
Can you drink boiled plantain water?
Simply boil the fresh leaves in water. Drink a glassful twice daily. However, pregnant women should not take this preparation, as it is capable of stimulating the uterus, thus promoting miscarriage. The whitish fluid that shows when plantain leaf is cut is very effective for treating wounds, especially fresh wounds.
What is the name of the plantain?
Plantain is also a common name for unrelated plants of the genusPlantago(family Plantaginaceae).
Where do plantains come from?
Plantains are believed to have originated in Southeast Asia. Two groups of plantains are thought to have a common origin: the horn plantain and the French plantain. Both types grow in India, Africa, Egypt, and tropical America. The French plantains also occur in Indonesia and the islands of the Pacific. In some parts of East Africa the plantain is an important beer -making crop, notably in central and eastern Uganda and Tanzania. Globally, plantains account for about 85 percent of all banana cultivation worldwide.
How tall is a plantain plant?
Physical description. The plantain plant is a gigantic herb that springs from an underground stem, or rhizome. Most varieties are 3–10 metres (10–33 feet) tall and have a conical false “trunk” formed by the leaf sheaths of long spirally arranged leaves.
Can plantains be dried?
Plantains may also be dried for later use in cooking or ground for use as a meal, which can be further refined to a flour. plantain bananas. Plantain bananas ( Musa species). Plantains are starchy fruits and are a staple food source in many tropical areas. Jupiterimages—Photos.com/Thinkstock.
What are plantains used for?
Native Americans used plantain leaves to relieve the pain of bee stings and insect bites, stop the itching of poison ivy and other allergic rashes, and promote healing in sores and bruises. “Plantain has been used as a panacea in some Native American cultures and with some very good reasons. Many of its active constituents show antibacterial and antimicrobial properties, as well as being anti-inflammatory and antitoxic. The leaves, shredded or chewed, are a traditional treatment for insect and animal bites and the antibacterial action helps prevent infection and the anti-inflammatory helps to relieve pain, burning, and itching. There is some investigation ongoing to study its affects on lowering blood sugar.
What are the nutrients in broadleaf plantain?
The edible leaves of broadleaf plantain are rich in calcium and other minerals and vitamins, including Vitamin K. This vitamin helps stem bleeding from cuts and wounds. Tender leaves can be eaten fresh in salads, but older leaves have to be cooked.
What is the best herb to draw out splinters?
Plantain leaf is also used for “drawing,” pulling out irritants like bee venom and helping to release splinters. A popular herb for what are called drawing salves, plantain can also work to draw out splinters by soaking the area in hot plantain tea with a tablespoon of salt.
How to use styptic herb?
Just chew the leaf or make a paste of it to be applied topically on the bleeding zone.
What are the parts of a Chinese plant that help to cool the body?
The leaves and the seeds have anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, antitussive, cardiac, diuretic, expectorant, haemostatic efficacy. The roots can be made into a decoction to treat coughs.
Is plantains good for diarrhea?
Plantains also have an astringent property that has a cleansing effect on the body. It helps dry up excess secretions in the respiratory tract and the digestive system, thus being useful in treating colds and diarrhea. The astringency is moderated by the demulcent effect of the mucilage in the herb, so this herbal remedy is much gentler than other commonly used astringents.
Can you chew plantains?
You can chew or smash fresh plantain leaves to make a poultice and apply directly to wounds or bruises to promote healing and pain relief. The astringent properties will help pull out impurities. It also works well on rashes, abrasions and blisters
What are plantains used for?
Uses. Plantains are eaten as a vegetable and are cooked prior to consumption. They are an important component of many dishes in Western Africa and Caribbean countries. In addition, the leaves of Musa species can be used as a source of fibre for thread, cloth string, thread or can be used as thatch and roofing.
How do plantains grow?
Requirements Plantains grow best in hot and humid climates, require a rainfall of at least 1000 mm (39.4 in) per year to survive and have a high light requirement. Plantains will grow optimally at 27°C (98.6°F) and require a deep soil, rich in organic matter which is well draining and well aerated. The plants will grow optimally in soil with a pH between 5.5 and 7.0. Young plantains are very susceptible to wind damage and it is recommended that they are planted in sufficient shelter or in a block so that the plants will protect one another. Suckers Plantains are vegetatively propagated, most often from suckers (shoots that grow from a bud at the base of the plant) or from corms (underground bulbs known as rhizomes). The use of whole corms is very laborious so it is more common to grow from small pieces of corm. There are three different types of banana suckers which are produced by the mother plant; maidenheads, sword suckers and water suckers. Maidenheads have a large pseudostem which does not produce fruit. Sword suckers have a narrow base, short pseudostem and narrow, blade-like leaves. They produce healthy, fruitful pseudostems when they mature Water suckers have short pseudostems and broad leaves. Water suckers are not strongly attached to the rhizome and generally produce weaker plants and less fruit. Maidenheads and large sword suckers are preferred over water suckers. Planting The desired pieces of the plant are usually planted 30–60 cm (11.8–23.6 in) deep in the soil and should generally be planted at the end of the dry season or the beginning of the wet season. Plant spacing is dependent on the cultivar being planted. Frequent weeding is required until plants are tall enough to shade out competing plants and should be started about 6 weeks after planting. Plantains are fast growing and require the frequent addition of nutrients as well as additional irrigation in the dry season. Plantain is often grown alongside other crop plants with similar requirements, indeed, the young banana plants make excellent 'nurses' for other crops such as papaya or cocoa which can be grown very close to the young plantains.
How long does a plantation tree grow?
However, a plantation can grow for 25 years or more if managed properly. The trees can reach heights between 2 and 9 m (6.6–29.5 ft). Plantains and the cultivated varieties are derived from ancestors which originated from the Malaysian peninsula, New Guinea and South-East Asia. Plantain tree. ‹ › ×.
What is the insect that is found between leaf sheaths?
Reduced plant growth; reduced fruit production; tunnels may be visible in corm as rounded holes up to 8 mm in diameter; plants wilting and toppling over; destruction of root system; plant death; adult insect is a hard-shelled beetle which is almost black in color; adult is commonly found between leaf sheaths; larvae are creamy-white, legless grubs with a red-brown head
Is a plantain a plantain?
Plantain, Musa × paradisiaca (syn. Musa sapientum) is an herbaceous perennial belonging to the family Musaceae. Plantains are distinguished from bananas by their fruit which, although morphologically very similar to bananas, are actually longer, firmer and possess a higher starch content and thicker skin than their sweeter relative.
What is the plantain leaf used for?
Skin Irritations. Plantain leaves have been used over the ages to deal with inflammation and irritation of the skin. Plantain contains a compound known as allantoin that promotes the growth of healthy tissue and has soothing, anti-irritating, and healing properties.
How to use plantain leaves?
How to use: Traditionally, plantain leaves are mixed with antibacterial honey and applied on wounds to promote healing. 9 You can also apply fresh leaves directly on minor injuries.
How to use black psyllium seeds?
How to use: Mix 10 g of black psyllium seeds in about 100 ml of water. After having this, drink at least 200 ml of water. Without sufficient water, these seeds can choke you when they swell up and block your throat, or cause an obstruction in your bowels.
How long does it take to make plantain tea?
How to use: Steep around 1/4th to 1/2 a teaspoon of the herb in a cup of hot water for around 10 to 15 minutes to make plantain tea. Around 3 cups of this healing tea a day should give you relief. 6. Advertisements. 3. Skin Irritations.
What is the best herb to use for wound healing?
Plantain has been used for ages to treat wounds and even finds mention in Shakespeare’s Romeo And Juliet for its wound-healing properties! It contains long -chained saturated primary alcohols which help heal minor wounds. And then there’s allantoin. You can also use this herb for minor cuts, sores, as well as bee, wasp, and insect stings.
How to make plantain cough syrup?
How to use: You can make a plantain cough syrup by simmering 2 ounces of fresh leaves in 2 cups of water for around 10 minutes. Keep the pan covered. Strain and add 3 cups of brown sugar to the liquid. Bring to a boil and as soon as the sugar dissolves, turn off the heat. Allow it to cool.
What is a plantain?
Plantain is a medicinal herb with a long history. In fact, the Saxons included it in their list of nine sacred herbs way back in the 10th century. There are over 200 species of plantain. Some common ones are: Plantago major, which is also known as common plantain, broad leaf plantain, devil’s shoestring, or white man’s foot; Plantago lanceolata L., which is also known as narrow leaf plantain, English plantain, buckhorn, or ribwort; and Plantago media L., which is also known as hoary plantain.
Why is plantain tea good for you?
The tea is particularly useful for calming gastrointestinal inflammation and supporting restoration of damaged mucosa , and, because it has both astringent and demulcent properties, plantain is also useful for helping to ease diarrhea. When you put these qualities together, you can see why plantain is often used to support conditions such as IBS, leaky gut or intestinal permeability, colitis, esophagitis, and gastrointestinal ulcers.
What is a plantain leaf?
Plantain leaf (Plantago spp.) is one such wonder “weed” that’s found all over the globe. Two of the most common species, broadleaf plantain (P. major) and ribwort plantain (P. lanceolata), have followed human migration from Europe and Asia and are now naturalized in most temperate and subtropical regions of the world (CABI, 2020a; CABI, 2020b). Plantain is often considered invasive, and thrives in disturbed or compacted soils.
How to make a plantain face mask?
Directions. Place plantain leaf and water in a blender and blend on high for 1-2 minutes. Strain out the juice and compost the fibrous plant material (or use it for the Plantain Face Mask recipe below!). Enjoy as-is or on ice!
Is plantain a salve?
Plantain leaf also works well as an infused oil or salve, and can be applied as a wash or compress. Any way you prepare it, plantain is a premier wound-mending herb; it’s high in mucilage and a number of inflammation-modulating compounds (Adom et al., 2017), which give it a moistening, soothing, emollient quality.
Is plantain a diuretic?
Plantain leaf also has diuretic properties, and is sometimes classed as an alterative, an herb that helps promote the elimination of metabolic waste, thus acting to restore general health.
Is plantain good for a dry throat?
Plantain is ideal for an allergic presentation that involves red, dry, or itchy eyes or dry throat with irritated cough. It can also be used for other respiratory tract irritations, such as a dry cough or mucosal irritation from inhaling smoke or dust.
Does plantain help with asthma?
Because of its inflammation-modulating properties, plantain also works well to soothe respiratory allergies and asthma. It contains compounds that help to inhibit mast cell degranulation and histamine release, which is what drives the classic allergy symptoms of redness, irritation, and itching (Najafian et al., 2018).
Why do people use plantain leaves?
Another traditional use for plantain leaf was to ease coughs and other types of respiratory problems. The leaves contain a good amount of mucilage, which helps to soothe, moisten, and protect the throat and respiratory system.
What Is Plantain Leaf?
Plantain ( Plantago sp.) is a large genus of plants with over 200 different species. Two of these species are commonly used medicinally: Plantago major and Plantago lanceolata.
What is the plantain that is used for psyllium?
A third species of plantain ( Plantago ovato) is where psyllium comes from. Psyllium is a popular dietary supplement used to treat mild constipation and promote regularity. Psyllium husk is a main ingredient in Metamucil, but can also be used on its own as a fiber source to promote healthy digestion.
What is the best herb to use for wounds?
Modern herbalist Rosemary Gladstar calls plantain a "poultice herb supreme". Its fresh leaves can be mashed and applied directly to insect bites and stings, burns, skin eruptions, and wounds. She also recommends using plantain alone or with an herb like yarrow on wounds that are still bleeding to slow or stop the flow. (Rosemary Gladstar. Medicinal Herbs: A Beginner's Guide, pg. 189-190)
What are the vitamins in plantain leaves?
Plantain leaves are packed full of vitamins and other nutrients. They are especially high in vitamin s A and C , which can boost immune health, and also contain calcium and various minerals.
Why is plantain leaf used for snake bites?
Plantain leaf is unique among herbs because of its ability to draw out toxins from your skin and body. It was once used to draw out venom from snake bites and other animal and insect bites. Its drawing action can also be highly effective on stings, whether from an insect or a plant like stinging nettle.
Why is plantain called healing blade?
Earning the nickname "Healing Blade," plantain was once used in Scotland to stop blood flow and heal tissues from sword wounds. It was also valued by the Native Americans for treating stings, burns, rashes, and wounds. ( 2)
What is plantain weed?
Plantain weed is a plant with edible leaves and seeds that have longstanding medicinal uses.
Where does plantain grow?
Plantain, also known as broadleaf plantain ( Plantago major ), is native to Europe and certain parts of Asia. This perennial plant produces greenish flowers and has large, oval-shaped leaves that can be eaten raw or cooked. Despite sharing its name, plantain weed is unrelated to plantain fruit, which is a type of banana.
What to do if you harvest plantains?
If you harvest plantain weed from your yard, try to avoid plants that have been treated with pesticides, are growing near the road, or are located in areas frequented by pets.
Does plantain weed help with digestive issues?
Several compounds in plantain weed’s seeds and leaves have been shown to alleviate certain digestive issues ( 1. Trusted Source. ). In particular, the seeds contain psyllium, a type of fiber often used as a natural laxative since it absorbs water as it moves through your digestive tract ( 9. Trusted Source.
Is plantain weed a cancer treatment?
That said, plantain weed should not be considered a cancer remedy. Human studies are necessary to evaluate this plant’s anti-inflammatory effects.
Is plantain weed the same as banana?
Despite sharing its name, plantain weed is unrelated to plantain fruit, which is a type of banana. Notably, several types of edible plantain weed belong to the same family as broadleaf plantain. These include: narrowleaf plantain ( Plantago lanceolata) blackseed plantain ( Plantago rugelii)
Is plantain weed edible?
Known for growing everywhere from parking lots to playgrounds, plantain weed is often dismissed as a pervasive garden pest. However, it’s not only edible and readily available but also has been used for centuries in traditional medicine. In fact, plantain weed contains plant compounds that may reduce inflammation, improve digestion, ...
Where do plantains grow?
The plantain tree, also known as plátano in Spanish-speaking countries, is a tropical tree of the banana genus ( Musa ), which originated in the region between Malaysia and northern Australia. It is found in all tropical areas where bananas are grown.
What is a plantain called in Costa Rica?
In Costa Rica, there is a small plantain that is short and stubby called cuadrato, or guineo. It is commonly boiled for use in soups like arroz de maiz. It is can also be fried and salted, or it can be pickled. Pickled cuadrato is often served in Costa Rica with fried chicken orders.
How long does it take for a banana tree to grow?
(However, seeded varieties are used in breeding programs for plant improvement.) After planting, it takes about a year and a half (plus or minus a couple of months) to produce fruit. Factors that affect the rapidity of fruiting include the size of corm pieces used, or, if using suckers - the type is important. "Maiden" suckers are preferred over "water suckers" because they have developed broad leaves and are more vigorous. Other factors which help establish a vigorous stand are:
How many banana plants per acre?
Plant spacing. Plantain roots compete heavily for moisture and nutrients. Spacings that allow from 400 to 600 plants per acre have been found optimum for yield production.
Why don't banana trees produce seeds?
They don't produce seeds because of the same mechanism that occurs in seedless watermelons. So if you were to take off the flowers, you would still get fruit. In fact, some cultures eat the flower parts and later they enjoy the fruits.
What is the trunk of a tree called?
Its trunk is actually called a pseudostem. If you cut the trunk, you can see the overlapping leaves that are layered from within. True trees have an epidermis (bark) and phloem vascular tissues around the circumference. Xylem, or water conducting tissue, is deeper into the trunk towards the pitch core.
Why do banana plants need to be planted at the end of the dry season?
Planting at the proper time. Plant at the end of a dry season so there is constant moisture available for growth. However, staggered planting is also practiced to help reduce surplus production during summer months. Irrigation methods must be in place if there are extended dry periods, however. Banana plants don't survive when there are two successive months without moisture.
How tall is a plantain tree?
They are a hybrid of two species of banana: Musa acuminata and Musa balbisiana. Climbing up to 12 to 15 feet tall, the plantain tree is known for ornamental beauty, even without the fruit.
What temperature does a plantain tree survive?
The good news, however, is that the plantain tree's rhizomes will survive in the ground at temperatures down to 22 degrees Fahrenheit. So, if your tree does die off above the ground, the rhizome will send up new shoots come spring.
What is the best plant to grow bananas?
If you happen to enjoy bananas or potatoes, the plantain tree ( Musa paradisiaca) might be the perfect choice for you. Not to be confused with the plantain plant, these herbaceous perennials produce firm, starchy cooking bananas from an underground rhizome.
Can a plantain tree survive freezing temperatures?
The plantain tree is a tropical tree plant that cannot withstand freezing temperatures --the cold will kill off its fruit, flowers, and leaves. As a result, you may have to take extra steps to protect your tree when the cold weather arrives.
Do plantains need to dry out?
One of the most important rules of plantain tree care is not to let them dry out, these are trees that crave moist soil as well as regular watering, particularly during hot, dry weather.
Can plantains grow in full sun?
The plantain tree will grow best in full sun. When planting, if you can take advantage of any reflected heat that might be radiating off paved areas or nearby buildings, that's even better.
Is a plantain the same as a banana?
While not the same as bananas, plantains do look quite similar. However, they have a firmer, less sugary fruit, and they are generally cooked rather than eaten fresh. Featured Video. Both the banana tree and the plantain tree are members of the Musa genus.
What Is Plantain?
- Plantain is a perennial weed with almost worldwide distribution. There are about 250 species. P. lanceolata and P. major are among the most widely distributed, and they grow aggressively. Plantain is wind-pollinated, facilitating its growth where there are no bees and few other plantai…
Interactions
- Patients taking lithium or carbamazepine should avoid coadministration of plantain. Caution patients receiving lithium or carbamazepine to consult their health care provider before using herbal products.
Side Effects
- Adverse events include anaphylaxis, chest congestion, sneezing and watery eyes, occupational asthma, and a situation involving the occurrence of a giant phytobezoar (a gastric concretion composed of vegetable matter) composed of psyllium seed husks.
Toxicology
- The pollen contains allergenic glycoproteins, as well as components that bind IgE. IgE antibodies have been demonstrated. The IgE-mediated sensitization has contributed to seasonal allergy.
Further Information
- Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances. Medical Disclaimer