Plantain chastuha is a medicinal herb common in swampy areas. It has a pronounced diuretic effect. In folk medicine, it is used to treat kidney diseases, hemorrhoids and other ailments. So what are the useful properties of the plantain chastuha? Read the description of the beneficial qualities of this plant in this article.
Appearance
This plant has leaves round at the base with longitudinal veins and long petioles, which looks like a plantain. Chastukha flowers are small, pale pink. The fruits are small (2-3 mm), they are a combined achene. Chastukha blooms from June to August. The fruits ripen in late summer - early autumn.
It should be noted that the appearance of this plant under the influence of natural conditions can change greatly. In different areas, the color of the leaves and flowers of the chastukha, as well as the length of the stems, may vary.
Distribution
Plantain chastuha is common in Europe, Asia, North America and Africa, in temperate zones. This plant grows in damp, but well-lit places: on the banks of swamps, lakes, rivers, in the shallow water of stagnant reservoirs. In China, Chastukha has been grown in irrigated areas since ancient times as a valuable source of starch. Also, this plant is often used to decorate various water bodies.
Composition
The rhizomes of the plant contain starch (23%), essential oils, glucose, proteins, sucrose, fructose, lecithin, gum and choline. Chastukha grass is saturated with poisonous alkaloids, which lose their properties when dried. The main active elements of this plant are trithepene compounds (alismol, alisole A and B, 23-o-acetylalysole B). They cause the diuretic properties of Chastukha and help lower blood pressure in kidney diseases.
Application
In folk medicine, for the treatment of diseases of the genitourinary system, chastukha plantain is actively used. The use of this plant for the treatment of many diseases began in the Middle Ages. Tibetan monks used chastukha to treat wounds and abrasions. In Japanese folk medicine, this plant has been used since ancient times as a diuretic. In many countries, the decoction of chastukha was used to treat the bites of wild animals.
Today, rhizomes with adventitious roots and leaves of chastukha plantain are also used in folk medicine, but less actively. Despite the benefits, thisthe plant is poisonous and requires special care in application.
Useful properties
- Diuretic action. This plant is actively used in folk medicine in the treatment of nephritis and oliguria. Chastukha is also used for frequent urination, which is accompanied by acute pain, enuresis, diarrhea, etc. This plant has a unique property to crush kidney stones and stimulate their excretion.
- Chastuha is often used as an aid in the treatment of diabetes. The components of this plant reduce blood glucose levels.
- Common chastukha (plantain) is used to lower cholesterol levels.
- Tincture of Chastukha leaves is an effective remedy for reducing milk production in nursing mothers. It is used during weaning.
- Has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects.
- Used to prevent diseases of the upper respiratory tract, staphylococcus and pneumococcus.
- Chastukha-based medicines can be used to treat frequent dizziness and headaches.
Tinctures and decoctions
In order to prepare a decoction of chastukha for the treatment of diseases of the genitourinary system, it is necessary to chop the roots of the plant and 1 tbsp. Spoon pour 2 cups boiling water. After that, the mixture is boiled over low heat for 10 minutes and infused. This decoction should be used in the treatment of nephritis, which is accompanied by edema, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, diarrhea, frequentdizziness. Also, this medicine can be used for painful menstruation with scanty discharge.
In case of inflammation of the kidneys, a tincture of chastukha is used. To prepare it, you need to finely chop the root of the plant and 1 tbsp. spoon pour 150 ml of sweetened boiling water.
Contraindications
Plantain herb in folk medicine is used only dry or in the form of decoctions and tinctures. A fresh plant can cause reddening of the skin and the formation of blisters. Any medicines based on chastukha can be used only after consulting a doctor.
It is also important to remember that the plant is contraindicated during pregnancy and lactation (as it reduces milk production).
