10 Surprising Benefits of Plantain Leaves for Skin, Hair and Health
10 Surprising Benefits of Plantain Leaves for Skin, Hair and Health
Image Source: Roastedneutron
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.
Before we continue, lets make sure we are all safe and be sure to read responsibly. I am not a physician. I am sharing my discoveries found during my journey. Now lets get back to the wonders of plantain leaves….
SKIN
Benefits for Skin: Adding plantain leaf to your daily or weekly skin care routine will enhance the look and feel of your skin.
Image Source: Unsplash/Ramez E. Nassif
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 Bites: 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.
Allantoin is a urea hydantoin that is found in URINE and PLANTS and is used in dermatological preparations. Allantoin is a diureide of glyoxylic acid with the chemical formula C4H6N4O3. It is also called 5-ureidohydantoin or glyoxyldiureide. It is a product of the oxidation of uric acid.
4 – Reduces the Effects of Scarring: Remember when you were younger and you fell off your bike and got a cut, bruise or boo-boo? And, the scar is still there decades later? Plantain leaves help to reduce the chances of scarring. The antimicrobial properties in the plantain leave aids in the skin regeneration process which allows the skin to heal properly from a wound.
5 – Treats Acne: The plantain leaf has a cooling effect. Thus, using products that contain plantain leaves to be applied topically aids in reducing inflammation. Thus, reducing the chances of getting acne. As well as, inducing faster healing and regeneration of healthy skin cells too.
BODY
Benefits for the Body: Applying or digesting plantain leaves comes with a number of health benefits
6 – 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.
7 – 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.
8 – Eases Tough Periods: Working as an antispasmodic, it provides relief from painful periods cramps and slows heavy bleeding.
HAIR
Benefits for Hair: As much as it tastes good, it is amazing for our hair.
Image Source: Unsplash/Leighann Renee
9 – 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.
10 – 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.
This plant offers great medicinal benefits. However, always make sure to do your research, follow the instructions, and consult a doctor to be safe.
Have you ever tried using plantain for medicinal use? What was your experience? Share with us right below in the comments section.