Plantago tea ( Plantago major ) is a home remedy indicated to treat inflammation in the uterus, respiratory problems such as pharyngitis, thrush and even gastrointestinal diseases such as heartburn and diarrhea .
The plant’s leaves and seeds are rich in various compounds that make it serve not only to treat these ailments, but also for many other health problems.
Best of all, it grows in several places in Brazil, is easy to find, and has few contraindications. Find out more below!
Table of Contents
What is the purpose of closing tea?
Treat inflammation and problems in the uterus
One of the main indications of plantain tea is in the treatment of uterine problems, such as inflammation, severe cramps and discharge.
Aucubin, a bitter-tasting substance used to defend the plant, helps to prevent the inflammatory process from starting, as it inhibits the release of some substances that are responsible for increasing blood circulation in the injured or irritated area and that cause discomfort, such as burning and pain.
The infusion is also antibacterial and antifungal. What makes it a home treatment for vaginal infections , which are usually caused by bacteria and fungi in the vaginal flora and which usually cause discharge.
Aucubin also relieves severe menstrual cramps as it helps to relax the muscles of the uterus, preventing intense contractions during your period.
Fighting gastrointestinal problems
A cup of this tea can reduce diarrhea and relieve abdominal pain.
The tannins, flavonoids and alkaloids found in the plant’s leaves prevent the intestine from producing a secretion that is responsible for leaving the poop in a liquid state, in addition to reducing the movement of muscles in the region.
The result of this is a decrease in the concentration of so-called aqueous fluids, which make the stool soft, in the pain caused by abdominal contraction and, consequently, in the number of bowel movements throughout the day.
Plantain tea is also full of polysaccharides, compounds that absorb water and ferment, and that help to strengthen the local bacterial flora , making the region more acidic.
The combination of all these properties is what makes the intestinal tract protected against the actions of harmful invading microorganisms, which is one of the main causes of diarrhea.
Heal thrush
Plantain tea is a treatment option for canker sores , those whitish little sores that appear inside the mouth and cause a very uncomfortable inflammatory process.
In addition to reducing tissue inflammation, the herb can stimulate the formation of granulation tissue (the scab of the wound) and also increase the proliferation of the cells that make up the tissue in the mouth.
The result is that using the infusion in mouthwash or drinking it helps to speed up the healing time of these lesions and also brings quick relief to the pain they cause.
Take action against breathing problems
Do you know one more benefit that derives from the anti-inflammatory property of plantain tea? The ability to treat bronchitis , a disease that causes inflammation of air pockets inside the lungs, and other problems that affect the respiratory tract.
The plant extracts can inhibit the degranulation of mast cells, which are a type of cell that stays in the mucous membranes (wet part) of the organs, preventing them from having the exaggerated reaction that causes inflammation.
As a result, this tea works against bronchitis, but also against asthma, flu and cold.
To top it off, the herb is a potent anti-tussive, that is, it helps to calm the cough in a very similar way to codeine, a common ingredient in syrups.
Prevent kidney problems
Do you suffer from recurrent urinary infections or even kidney stones? If so, know that plantain tea is a home treatment for these two problems, as it has antibacterial and diuretic properties .
In the treatment of urinary tract infections, these mechanisms are useful because they prevent the proliferation of problematic bacteria, while decreasing their time in the urinary tract, as the increase in urine production facilitates their expulsion from the body.
In addition, it can prevent the formation and dilute stones formed by calcium oxalate, being effective in preventing and expelling kidney stones .
Relieve the pain
Finally, having a cup of plantain infusion helps relieve pain quickly and naturally and can be used to reduce muscle and inflammatory pain.
That’s because the herb is full of phytochemicals that can block pain stimuli that the body sends to the brain, providing relief.
How to make and use tea?
To prepare the tea, just put two tablespoons of the herb leaves in a liter of filtered water and bring to a boil. As soon as it comes to a boil, turn off the heat and cover. Let it sit for about 10 minutes.
Once this is done, just strain and drink the infusion throughout the day, always without adding sugar .
Care and contraindications
Plantain tea has few contraindications, as it does not contain compounds considered toxic to humans.
However, pregnant women should not drink the tea without medical supervision as it can relax the muscles of the uterus and cause miscarriage.
With the supervision of a health professional, however, this can have benefits for pregnant women. But only in sitz baths, which are used to treat vaginal and urinary infections.
The herb can also cause allergies and symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, sensitivity and itchy skin and even diarrhea in people sensitive to its components. For this reason, it is recommended to avoid drinking more than three or four cups of it a day .
My name is Ellie Lauderdale, MD and I am USA based professional Nutritionist .
I am a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and board certified specialist in sports dietetics who is trained in integrative medicine. I have worked with hundreds of clients, from those suffering with chronic disease to professional and olympian athletes. My goal is to help optimize you from the inside so that you can feel, perform, and look your best on the outside.