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| Plantago major |
The next time you step out of your house, keep an eye out for this plant. It is a very commonly seen plant. It grows just about everywhere as a weed, between the cracks in the sidewalk, in gravel, in grassy surfaces. It is Plantago major.
It is commonly called Plantain, and it has immense medicinal value. Poultices made from the leaves are used to promote wound healing, because the leaves contain anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial compounds. It also has astringent properties and it prevents loss of fluids from the body by contacting tissues. This makes it useful in diarrhea.
In homeopathy, the tincture of Plantago major is used to relieve toothache caused due to caries. The tincture, when applied with cotton wool, also relieves teeth that are sensitive to hot or cold. In other potencies, it is useful to relieve headache that is caused by toothache, diarrhea. It is especially useful for people with nicotine addiction by creating an aversion to tobacco, and by relieving the symptoms of insomnia and depression caused due to tobacco addiction.
Such a common little plant, and so many uses!
Photo credit: Frank Vincentz
Here are 5 good reasons why you should take Homeopathy seriously:
1. It is a complete system of medicine that has constantly evolved and stayed up-to-date with the evolving health issues, while staying rooted to the basic principles that its founder Dr. Samuel Hahnemann formulated in the late 18th century.
2. Homeopathy addresses a wide range of health problems from headaches to infectious diseases to autoimmune disorders, with gentle administration and very low to nil side effects. It has been useful for adults, children, animals (veterinary homeopathy), and is also being used for plants (agro-homeopathy).
3. Homeopathic remedies are made from materials that are found in our natural world. Remedies need to be created synthetically only very rarely, making homeopathy an eco-friendly and sustainable system of healthcare. Many commonly used homeopathic remedies are made from plants (Calendula) or their parts, some from animals (Apis) or their parts, others from various minerals (Natrum mur). This makes Homeopathy a completely natural system of medicine that uses the resources that are already available on Earth.
4. Homeopathy is cost effective. Since most homeopathic remedies are made from natural materials, it does not take a huge financial burden to produce them. The methods of producing the remedies are also simple and follow natural laws. Single remedies in Homeopathy cannot be patented because they are made from naturally-occurring materials; so people who use single remedies won't pay extra as patents royalties.
One vial of a homeopathic remedy goes a long way because of the small doses used in homeopathy. All of this translates into a cost-effective system of healthcare that can reach across all economic boundaries.
5. Saving the best for last, homeopathy can be safely used at home for minor ailments, and regular use of homeopathy strengthens the immune system, because homeopathic remedies work with the body's natural immunity instead of against it. Using homeopathy will only help you to stay healthy longer, and recover from illnesses faster.
Continuing the Homeopathy in Your Garden Series, the second plant remedy you are going to get introduced to is Gelsimium. It is commonly known as Yellow Jessamine or Trumpet flower.
Gelsimium is native to Southeastern United States and is also called Carolina flower. It is the State Flower of South Carolina.
The root of this plant is used to make the homeopathic remedy Gelsimium sempervirens. Homeopathic Gelsimium is used for a range of symptoms like headache, flu, diarrhea, weakness of nerves, giddiness, anxiety, etc.
You can click on the highlighted text to read more about how to use Gelsimium for the flu or influenza.
Does this plant grow anywhere near you?
