In this article, you are going to discover amazing health benefits, uses and side effects of Plantago Asiactica.
It is commonly known as Asian Plantain or Chinese Plantain.
What is more striking about this plant are the salubrious properties which one might be unaware of. Yes! This weed is healthy!
Table of Contents
Habitat And Origin
It is believed that this plant is being consumed since the prehistory.
Although its herbal properties were discerned only 1800 years ago by the Chinese it is native to Europe, China, and North America.
How does this plant look like? Well, the flowers usually blossom in June till August. Further, the flowers are hermaphrodites and are self-fruitful.
Let’s talk about its habitation now. This plant could be localized throughout the world but its abundance is mainly in the regions of East Asia, especially China and Japan.
What makes this plant so copious? Well, this herb is an independent one. Yes! It is. The plant is a self-seeder wherein, a single cutting is capable of producing 1000-2000 seeds at a time.
Well, this might explain its abundance. Also, what makes this plant more unique is that this could be grown anywhere, Like, literally anywhere!
It could grow well near the roads, dirty muds, mountains, etc. But the preferred ideal habitat is a light, well-drained soil.
The pH of the soil is not an issue as it could grow well in alkaline, neutral as well as acid soil. The usual places it could be found are damped shades, plowed beds, humid, sunny corners of the woods.
It is also believed that the plant is one of nine sacred herbs mentioned in the ancient Lacnunga, a compilation of the sacred Anglo-Saxon medical texts.
The Europeans used the plant for every single thing, including a dog bite or flu.
Uses And Health Benefits Of Plantago Asiatica
The major modules of plantain include the mucilage, tannins and come glycosides, particularly Audubon.
Together, they could be used to possess strong actions against irritations, and harmful micro-organisms. The plant possesses medicinal properties, like antibacterial, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, etc.
Around the world, the leaf of the plant is being used which helps to relieve health disorders for a very long time.
In short, the whole plant could be a considered as a pill. But what is mostly utilized out of it are the leaves and seeds.
The young leaves are either consumed directly or are partially cooked, depending upon one’s choice.
You might think, why leaves? Well, the leaves are exclusively rich in anti-inflammatory, cardiac, antiseptic properties, hence extensively used.
Other than the antiseptic and antibacterial chattels, there are additional uses of the plant leaves.
The leaves are an excellent assistant in joint repair. Further, these could be used and aid for bladder problems, fever, hypertension, headache, tc.
I am sure, you might have ascertained some distinctive uses of the plant. The leaves are useful, yes, no doubt in that, but these are less powerful than the seeds.
Yes! The seeds are even more potent. Studies have shown that the seeds contain around 30% mucilage, a kind of a laxative, which when consumed, swells up the gut, and thus ease the membrane irritation.
Research Work
Of course the plant being a beneficial one, research is a customary affair. What you might be unaware of, is the diverse research work that’s being done. Here are some highlights of it:
- The German Commission in an experimental study confirmed that the leaves possess some beneficial properties which can help to reduce the irritation of lung tissues thus reducing discomfort. The researchers recommended the consumption of the leaves by children who are usually a victim of the lingering infuriated cough.
- Continuous trails in Bulgaria also developed the plantain plants effectiveness for prolonged bronchitis.The plant contains certain kind of demulcents which are very beneficial in alleviating the irritation and discomfort and soothing the affected mucous membrane. Not only bronchitis, common cough and cold could also be treated using this amazing plant.
- A recent study in Taiwan discovered that the along with medicinal properties which cure respiratory, urinary, etc problems, the scientists discovered that the hot water wrists from the plant were resistant to certain harmful organisms.
Side Effects Of Plantago Asiatica
“With great power, comes great responsibility” this quotation is well applicable for this plant. Though a plant with enormous uses, one shouldn’t consume it directly. There might be certain elements which could cause allergic reactions depending on the person.
Always, consult your doctor before consuming anything as it could be dangerous. Further, a high dosage could also be vulnerable, hence, only a prescribed amount should be taken.
That’s strange, isn’t it? So many amazing properties in a single plant. The earth is definitely full of surprises, no doubt in that. There are many more encounters which are yet to be faced by the humans.
