The plantain leaf benefits have been traced back to the 1500s to cure health conditions such as the cold, fever or flu. It has antibacterial, anti-irritant and antiseptic properties. Packed with tannins, aucubin [an iridoid glycoside], and mucilage, the plantain leaf extract is known to have expectorant and anti-irritant properties as well. 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. As well as, it is loaded with vitamins, and minerals that are good for your body, especially the hair and skin.
Benefits for Skin
Adding plantain leaf to your daily or weekly skin care routine will enhance the look and feel of your skin.
1. Natural Sunburn Relief
If you’ve received a sunburn from the beach or pool, plantain leaves can be used to reduce the effect. Extracting the juice from the leaves by crushing it and applying cool water to it. Then, apply it to the affected area using your hands or a brush. The anti-inflammatory nature will go into effect to sooth the burn.
2. Cures Insect Bite
Insect bites cause our skin to become itchy. And, the plantain leaves contain anti-irritant properties to cure it. Thus, reducing the itchiness or rash from ants, flies, bees or wasps. Hence, the skin will heave faster and properly.
3.
Aids in Quicker Healing of Wounds
The leaf of the plantain contains allantoin which has antibacterial properties. Therefore, once the leaves are applied to wounds it kills the germs as well as bacteria. Thus, speeding up the healing process with the production of new skin cells.
Benefits for Hair
As much as it tastes good, it is amazing for our hair.
1. Eases Scalp Infections
Products rich in antiseptic and antimicrobial properties aids in reducing scalp infections such as dandruff, dry scalp, psoriasis and many more. These properties reduce the inflammation in the scalp that causes these scalp infections. Hence, allowing the scalp to function smoothly by producing oil to coat the new growth with moisture and protein needed. Thus, promoting hair growth.
2. Hair
The leaf can be used as a hair rinse to remove product build-up, debris or excess oil. As well as to condition the hair shaft with moisture and protein needed for length retention. You can boil the leaves or crush it then add cool water. Adding additional ingredients such as apple cider vinegar, and essential oils will increase the potency. In addition, the leaf will reduce the pungent smell of the apple cider vinegar.
Benefits for the Body
Applying or digesting plantain leaves comes with a number of health benefits
1. Indigestion, Heartburn and Ulcers
When the leaves are used to make a tea or tincture, it is said to help with indigestion, heartburn and ulcers.
2. Natural diuretic
When ingested, it is believed that plantain leaves enables frequent urination. This allows the body to eliminate toxins from the kidneys and bladders.
3.
Eases Tough Periods
Working as an antispasmodic, it provides relief from painful periods cramps and slows heavy bleeding.
