Plantain, also known as wheel grass, ox ear grass, pig ear grass, plantain, etc., is a typical medicinal herb, it not only has ornamental value, but also is a plant with medicinal value, properly boiled water with plantain to drink, has many benefits to human health, but also helps to improve the symptoms of some diseases. So, what exactly are the benefits of boiling water with plantain in moderation?
Plantain, an ancient and precious medicinal material, can be traced back to the medicinal book "Shennong's Materia Medica", which is respected as one of the top grades. The description of its efficacy in the book is very positive, saying that it has the magical effect of "relieving pain, facilitating urination, removing dampness and paralysis, and wearing light for a long time and resisting aging".
Entering the Ming Dynasty, medical scientists have made a new breakthrough in the study of plantain, and it is recorded in the "Compendium of Materia Medica": "(Plantain) grass and roots, sweet smell, cold, non-toxic, cure urine and blood, can replenish the five organs, brighten the eyes, facilitate urination, and pass five showers." ”
The reason why plantain is highly respected, stems from its unique pharmacological effect and a wide range, long-term use of plantain can also nourish the five organs, bright eyes, light body and anti-aging, in the theory of traditional Chinese medicine, the five organs are closely related to human health, plantain can nourish the five organs, which shows its high medicinal value.
In addition to this, modern studies have found that plantain is also rich in nutrients:
Protein:Plantains are rich in protein, especially glutamic acid and bud acid, and the protein content depends on the variety of the plant and the environment in which it is grown;
Fiber:Plantains are rich in dietary fiber, both soluble and insoluble;
Vitamins:Plantain is rich in a variety of vitamins, including vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin K, and a variety of B vitamins (such as niacin, folic acid, pantothenic acid, etc.);
Minerals:Plantains are rich in a variety of minerals, including calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, and potassium, among others
Antioxidants:Plantains are rich in antioxidants, such as vitamin C and polyphenolic compounds.
Plantain and psyllium are two different plants that have a distinct distinction between them.
Plantain is a kind of herbaceous plant, belonging to the psyllium family, widely distributed in all parts of China, with the effects of clearing heat and detoxifying, cooling the blood, diuresis and so on.
Psyllium is a seed, which is the mature seed of plantain, which also has medicinal value and can be used for a variety of diseases, such as urinary diseases, ophthalmic diseases, etc.
Morphologically, plantain is an herbaceous plant about 20 centimeters tall with oval or ovate leaves with serrated teeth on the edges and white or pale green flowersPsyllium, on the other hand, resembles a small bean with raised small particles on the surface, which appear grayish-brown or black.
Expectorant and cough relieve
Plantain is a precious herb, is widely used in traditional Chinese medicine**, it can not only be used to soak in water to drink, but also can be used to make herbal soup and herbal tea, plantain has the effect of expectorant cough, for cough, phlegm and other symptoms have a good effect.
Plantain can clear phlegm and dampness in the body, improve symptoms such as phlegm and cough, and can effectively alleviate symptoms and improve quality of life for patients with chronic bronchitis, asthma and other respiratory diseases.
Secondly, plantain also has a cough suppressant effect, it is able to soothe the smooth muscles of the respiratory tract, reduce the frequency and intensity of coughing, for patients with long-term cough, plantain can help them reduce pain and shorten the duration of the disease.
Slows down aging
Plantain can not only be used for a variety of diseases, but also has the effect of beautifying and delaying aging, mainly because plantain is rich in a variety of nutrients, such as polysaccharides, flavonoids, etc., which are very beneficial to human health.
Drinking plantain water is a very easy way to easily enjoy the benefits it brings, drinking plantain water in moderation every day can help us maintain the elasticity and luster of the body, and at the same time can also regulate the body's endocrine, improve the body's immunity, and delay aging.
In addition to the beauty and anti-aging effects, plantain also has a wide range of medicinal properties, but some people may experience allergic reactions or uncomfortable symptoms, so it is best to consult a doctor or pharmacist before using plantain.
Improves gout
Gout, a painful condition that often causes endless suffering to sufferers, and psyllium, as a natural herb, contains a lot of nutrients and bioactives that can effectively help relieve gout symptoms.
By soaking in water and drinking, the active ingredients of plantain can be fully released, absorbed and utilized by the human body, the effect of plantain to improve gout is not groundless, scientific research has proved that the active ingredients in plantain can inhibit the formation and accumulation of uric acid, and can also promote the excretion of uric acid.
In this way, the symptoms of gout can be effectively relieved, and psyllium also has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and diuretic effects, which all help to improve the symptoms of gout.
Antibacterial and anti-inflammatory
Plantain is a very valuable plant, is widely used in traditional Chinese medicine and folk**, it has a lot of pharmacological effects, the most significant of which is antibacterial and anti-inflammatory, by soaking in water and drinking plantain, people can effectively prevent and ** various inflammatory diseases.
Plantain contains a large amount of active ingredients such as flavonoids and organic acids, which have a good antibacterial effect and can effectively inhibit the growth and reproduction of various bacteria and viruses.
At the same time, plantain can also enhance the body's resistance by regulating the body's immune system, further preventing and reducing the occurrence of inflammation.
Plantain + eggs
Plantain and eggs are boiled together in soup, which can play a role in nourishing yin and moisturizing dryness, diuresis and swelling, and has a certain auxiliary role in nephritis and urethritis.
Plantain + crucian carp
Plantain and crucian carp stewed together can play a role in clearing heat and detoxifying, diuresis and swelling, and have a certain auxiliary role in liver cirrhosis ascites, nephritis edema, etc.
Plantain + barley
Cooking porridge with plantain and barley can play a role in clearing heat and dampness, strengthening the spleen and stopping diarrhea, and has a certain auxiliary role in damp heat diarrhea and loss of appetite.
Plantain + dandelion
Plantain and dandelion decoction together can play a role in clearing heat and detoxifying, diuretic and drenching, and has a certain auxiliary role in urinary tract infection and prostatitis.
Plantain + honey
Plantain and honey soaked in water and drunk together, can play a role in clearing the lungs and relieving cough, moistening the intestines and laxative, and has a certain auxiliary effect on cough and constipation.
Choose fresh plantains
Fresh plantain leaves are brightly colored, fragrant and rich in nutrients for better health care. At the same time, fresh plantain can avoid safety issues such as bacterial contamination.
Master the correct way to soak in water
Put the plantain in a cup, brew it with boiling water, cover it and simmer for 5-10 minutes, so that the active ingredients of the plantain are fully dissolved in the water, do not boil or soak the plantain in water for too long, so as not to destroy the nutrients in it.
Pay attention to the amount of plantain
Generally speaking, 3-5 grams of plantain can be used each time you soak in water, and do not use too much, so as not to burden the body.
Avoid using with Chinese herbs that are mutually restrictive
Some Chinese herbs may have a chemical reaction with plantain, affecting the efficacy or producing adverse reactions, so do not use it with other herbs when using plantain soaked in water.
Causes diarrhea
The ingredients in psyllium may irritate the intestines, causing symptoms such as diarrhea, abdominal pain, and for some people, the effects may be more pronounced, especially when first drinking or drinking in large quantities.
Affects the body's electrolyte balance
Since psyllium has a diuretic effect, it helps the body flush out excess water and salt, which can lead to electrolyte imbalances such as low sodium, low potassium, etc.
Other risks
In addition, excessive intake of psyllium water may be at greater risk for certain groups of people, such as pregnant women, lactating women, children, the elderly, or frail people, who have a more specific physiological state and may metabolize and respond differently to drugs than the general population.
Choose the right time and place
It is best to pick plantain in the morning or evening, when the grass is more tender and has a higher nutritional value, and should be stored immediately after harvesting to avoid exposure to the sun or prolonged exposure to the air.
Handle plantain before storage
After washing the plantain, wipe it dry with a clean cloth, or place it in a cool and ventilated place to dry it naturally, taking care not to store the plantain in a plastic bag to avoid ethylene and leaf rot.
Choose to store it refrigerated or sun-dried
If you want to store it for a long time, it is recommended to store it after drying it. Leave the plantain to dry in a sunny place, and when it is completely dry, seal it in a bag so that it can be stored for a long time and can be taken out and used at any time.
If you want to store it for a short period of time, you can choose refrigeration
Put the plantain in a sealed bag, remove the air and try to keep the air inside the bag dry, and then put it in the refrigerator freezer for preservation, the refrigerated plantain can be stored for a few days to about a week, but be careful to avoid contact with other foods to avoid smell.