Some of the most vivid memories of childhood are bruised knees, smeared with brilliant green. My mother worked with brilliant green over the bloody abrasions, but friends provided first aid, scouring the sides of the road in search of plantain. Then it seemed that one leaf would help, almost instantly, get rid of the pain. It turns out that such a statement is not so far from the truth.
The leaves of this plant contain phenylcarbolic acids, flavonoids, as well as organic acids, including vanillic, protocatechuic, fumaric, ferulic and chlorogenic acids; and plantain face masks are enriched with vitamins K and C, tannins and bitter substances. They have become so popular due to their tonic and cleansing effects.
We will tell you about the simplest, but at the same time, the most effective mixtures, the regular use of which will make you fresher and younger. Ready? Then go ahead!
Rinse several fresh leaves of the main component with boiled water, and then pass through a meat grinder. Squeeze out the pulp. Morning and evening, lubricate your face with the resulting juice.
- If you have an oily type, this procedure will tighten the pores and relieve inflammation, get rid of acne and blackheads.
- If you have a dry type, the juice of this plant should be diluted with water (ratio 1:3).
- If you have a normal type, dilute the juice in water in a 1:1 ratio.
Plantain mask for aging skin
So where to start? You need to chop the leaves of the plant and pour boiled water over them (ratio 1:3). Bring the mixture to a boil and simmer for 3 minutes. Cool the broth and soak in it the previously prepared gauze with cutouts for the mouth and eyes. Keep it like this for 20 minutes, and then wash with warm water. Repeat the procedure every two days for three weeks. This will improve your blood circulation.
If your skin is too light, you are likely to get sunburned very often. To restore the skin after such a merciless influence of the sun, chop plantain leaves (2 tbsp) and add 1 tbsp. or sour cream. Apply the mixture for 15 minutes and rinse with cool water.
Anti-inflammatory mask
To stop the inflammatory process, mix the juice of the main ingredient with 10 g. dry yeast and 1 tbsp. sour cream. Mix all ingredients and apply the mixture to your face. Leave it until it dries, and then gently rinse off the residue with cotton pads soaked in warm water.
Another possible option is to use nettle and plantain leaves (1:1). After mixing, add a couple of drops of lemon juice, mix everything and apply to the inflamed areas for a quarter of an hour. Later, rinse everything off with cool water. There are other masks made from various herbs.
It has long been known that rubbing the skin with ice cubes helps it stay fresh and toned. Cubes from the decoction of our main ingredient guarantee even better care. First, chop the leaves of the plant and pour one glass of boiling water over them. Leave for 2 hours for the broth to infuse, and then strain it. Pour the broth into ice cube trays and place in the refrigerator.
Wipe your skin with it several times a day. This simple method will help get rid of sharp and deep wrinkles. Plantain face masks are indeed considered effective. Many people have already tried their capabilities on themselves. Why don't you resort to this method?
Since cosmetics were not sold in stores before, women used the gifts of nature to preserve beauty and youth. Plantain was considered one of the most effective plants, from which masks, lotions and other cosmetics were prepared.
Plantain is still famous for its medicinal properties, as it accelerates wound healing and has an anti-inflammatory effect. However, this plant also has many beneficial properties from a cosmetological point of view:
- Substances contained in plantain relieve inflammation and heal wounds;
- Promotes regeneration of damaged tissues;
- Helps get rid of skin diseases (eczema, acne, etc.);
- Effectively cares for oily and problematic skin, eliminating shine and normalizing the functioning of the sebaceous glands;
- The components of the plant strengthen the walls of blood vessels, remove toxins and excess fluid, which is why plantain is often used to combat cellulite.
In addition, plantain effectively softens the skin and is often included in hand creams. Plantain is also useful for hair, as it restores shine and silkiness to dry and damaged hair. This, at first glance, common plant will be useful for women with mature age, since plantain not only tones the skin well, but also saturates it with useful substances and vitamins.
And although the plant has some contraindications, they apply only to plantain-based preparations for internal use (for example, increased stomach acidity).
For cosmetic purposes, plantain can be used without restrictions. But you should still keep in mind that plantain, like any other plant, can cause allergies, so before using any product you must conduct a sensitivity test.
Effective recipes
There are many recipes for plantain masks that are suitable for almost any skin type.
Against dryness and flaking
A fresh plantain leaf should be crushed to a pulp and mixed with a tablespoon of cream of maximum fat content. The mask must be thoroughly mixed and lubricated on dry and flaky areas of the skin.
After ten minutes, the product is washed off with cold water. To eliminate severe peeling, you can add a few drops of lemon juice to the mask, but in this case the duration of the mask should be no more than five minutes.
To refresh and nourish facial skin
This is a very simple mask that... Two plantain leaves are thoroughly crushed and mixed with two large strawberries. The mixture is applied to the face and neck for 15 minutes and washed off with plain water.
Rejuvenating mask for mature skin
Three leaves of fresh plantain are finely chopped and filled with water (proportion 1:3). Next, the liquid is put on fire and boiled for three minutes. After this, the product should cool down. You need to moisten a fabric or gauze mask with holes for the eyes and lips in it and apply the compress to your face for 20 minutes. After this, you just need to wash your face with clean water.
To relieve irritation
To soothe irritated skin and relieve fatigue, prepare a mask of plantain and oatmeal. Crushed plantain leaves (a tablespoon) are mixed with three tablespoons of flour, a teaspoon of sugar, the juice of half a lemon and a tablespoon.
The mask must be mixed very thoroughly so that the mixture becomes homogeneous and evenly distributed over the face. You need to wait a maximum of 15 minutes and just wash with water at room temperature.
For normal skin
To keep your skin young and beautiful for a long time, you can make a plantain mask once or twice a week as a preventative measure. Plantain leaves are crushed and mixed with linden flowers. A mixture of herbs (a tablespoon) is poured into a third glass of warm milk and allowed to brew for 15 minutes.
For hydration
A mask made from plantain and cream will be a good nourishing and moisturizing product. To prepare it, pour a pinch of finely chopped leaves into a glass of hot water and leave for half an hour. After this, you need to strain the herbal decoction and prepare a mask: take a tablespoon of decoction and cream, two teaspoons of honey and an yolk.
The product is applied to the face for 20 minutes and washed off with plain water. To achieve maximum effect, after washing, you can rinse your face again with the remaining herbal decoction.
Other cosmetics
You can also make other cosmetics from plantain, not only for the skin of the face, but also for hair and hands. Eg:
- A lotion made from a tablespoon of freshly squeezed plantain juice and 100 grams of vodka is used to wipe the face in the morning and evening;
- To eliminate deep wrinkles on oily skin, you can prepare ice using plantain infusion. To do this, pour two tablespoons of leaves with 200 grams of hot water, infuse and cool, and then pour into ice molds. Subsequently, the face is rubbed with herbal ice for rejuvenation.
- Fresh plantain juice is also added to creams to further enrich them with beneficial substances.
- A paste of fresh plantain leaves is used to eliminate acne by simply applying the product to the skin.
An infusion of fresh plantain leaves is also used as a hair rinse, and a paste of crushed leaves of the plant is used to relieve burning and redness after sunbathing. In addition, decoctions of the plant are used to prepare baths for hands and feet, as plantain softens and nourishes rough skin well.
At first glance, plantain may seem like an unsightly and simple plant. But at the same time, its beneficial properties are undeniable.
The plant has been successfully used by cosmetologists for a long time.
It is especially good at fighting acne; the main thing is to properly prepare the cosmetic product with plantain.
Plantain has healing and soothing effects. The plant contains silicic acid and carotenoids, due to which it is possible to fight problematic facial skin!
Acne lotion made from fresh plantain juice
Almost every girl has a bottle of facial lotion at home.
At the same time, preparing the lotion yourself is very simple, you just need to have fresh plantain juice at home.
You can squeeze it from the crushed leaves of the plant. Then mix the resulting juice with a small amount quality vodka(half a glass will be enough). Shake well.
Use lotion daily - morning and evening.
Just keep in mind that before going outside, you should wait until the product on your skin is completely dry. Otherwise the skin may become chapped. In addition, you may feel that the skin is a little “tight” - this is a normal phenomenon caused by alcohol.
Recipe for effective lotion with milk
Getting ready based on cow's milk.
Pour ten parts of milk over fresh plantain leaves and leave for twenty minutes.
Now a decoction is required strain, remove the remaining plantain - they have already done their job.
The difference between this lotion and alcohol-based products is the expiration date. You can store lotion with alcohol for quite a long time - several months in a closed container, but milk lotion The lotion will keep for a couple of days.- until the milk turns sour.
So it is advisable to make small portions of the product.
When the lotion deteriorates, it is strictly not recommended to use it on the skin!
Plantain masks
Plantain is often used to make masks.
Of course the easiest way is rub plantain juice into problem skin.
Do this simple procedure every day. You will notice an improvement in skin condition after a couple of days of use.
But you can cook it from plantain and full mask. You will spend a minimum of time on this, as well as ingredients.
Finely chop fresh plantain leaves, grind to a paste, and apply on your face.
Wash off the mask after fifteen minutes. Course of application - two to three weeks. The mask is worth doing, if not every day, then at least in one day.
After just a few masks, you will notice that your skin has become clearer, and acne has become isolated.
The problem of the formation of pimples and acne is probably familiar to every person. Such pathogenic elements can appear at any age and regardless of gender. Of course, such formations cause a lot of grief, and you want to get rid of them as quickly as possible and in any way. Today, there are many traditional medicines available to eliminate acne, but most people now strive to use traditional natural remedies in treatment. Plantain is also often used for acne, known to everyone for its unique healing properties.
Benefits of the plant for facial skin
The medicinal properties of this simple plant have been known to people for several centuries. To this day, plantain leaves are actively used to treat boils, pain in joints and muscles, diseases of some internal organs, as well as to accelerate the healing of wounds and various skin lesions. Today, this plant is often used in cosmetology, including for preparing homemade skin care products.
The benefits of the plant for epidermal cells are explained by the unique composition of the leaves and the content of many important components in them, in particular:
- Tannins, which quickly normalize the functioning of the sebaceous glands and can eliminate even serious inflammatory processes in a very short time;
- Flavonoids, which strengthen skin tissue, increase their elasticity and overall tone, tighten and rejuvenate the epidermis;
- Organic acids that effectively cleanse the skin surface of impurities and dead cells, eliminate acne and pimples, and also help smooth the epidermis.
In addition, plantain leaves contain:
- Polysaccharides that help maintain the normal condition of the skin with a mixed type of epidermis, drying out oily areas and intensively moisturizing dry areas.
- Many vitamins provide nutrition to the skin, strengthen its protective functions, and prevent harmful elements from penetrating the skin tissue. Vitamins also effectively slow down the aging process.
The main advantage of the plant, which many cosmetologists call the “secret of the plantain,” is that it contains venison, thanks to which the use of the plant helps to quickly stop bleeding and restore damaged tissue.
In most cases, plantain-based products are used to care for oily skin, but there are many recipes for products that are suitable for any skin, helping to maintain health and beauty.
With the help of plantain, you can eliminate various cosmetic problems, for example:
- Get rid of irritation, inflammation, itching and redness;
- Eliminate pimples, acne, blackheads and their marks;
- Heal various skin damage and smooth out scars;
- Eliminate age spots, peeling, wrinkles;
- Provide the skin with deep hydration and nutrition;
- Heal burns, including sunburns;
- Slow down the natural aging process;
- Narrow enlarged pores, clean out all impurities in them, including sebaceous plugs;
- Normalize the functioning of the sebaceous glands.
You need to use plantain products correctly
In order for masks, lotions and other preparations to bring maximum benefit to the skin, these products must be used correctly.
It is very important to prepare the skin by removing all dirt and traces of decorative cosmetics from its surface. Why you need to thoroughly wash your face using your usual product.
To improve the penetration of valuable substances and cleanse the deep layers of the skin, it is recommended to steam your face over a decoction of medicinal herbs before applying masks with plantain.
You should not use plantain-based masks frequently. The best option is to apply such products twice a week for several months. As a rule, lasting results will be noticeable after 1 or 2 months of regular use of the drugs.
Plantain-based products and rules for their use
Modern cosmetology offers many options for products based on this unique plant that can help solve many skin problems.
Plantain decoction for acne and facial skin care
Using this product daily for washing your face or routinely wiping the skin allows you to get rid of unpleasant oily shine, normalizing the functioning of the sebaceous glands, eliminating inflammation, acne and fine wrinkles.
To prepare the drug, you need to take fresh plantain leaves, wash them with running water, dry them slightly and chop them finely. In a small saucepan you need to put 2 heaping spoons of the prepared raw material and fill them with half a liter of boiling water. The mixture should be quickly brought to a boil, reduce heat to low and boil for about 10 minutes. After this, the saucepan must be removed from the stove, covered with a lid and left for half an hour to infuse, then strain the broth, squeezing out the grounds and cool.
You can use plantain decoction for regular wiping of the skin, compresses and lotions, for preparing ice cubes and diluting masks.
Plantain tincture for face
This product is very effective in eliminating acne and other pathogenic elements. To prepare, you need to take 1-2 cups of dried plantain herb, pour the raw material into a glass jar (made of dark glass, 500-600 ml in volume) and fill it with high-quality vodka or medical alcohol to the very top of the container. Close the jar with a lid and put it in a cool, dark place for 2 - 3 days, shaking several times a day. After this, the liquid must be filtered into another dark glass container and used for daily wiping the skin of the face after cleansing it.
Plantain lotion for acne
Daily use of this lotion effectively removes impurities from the pores and from the surface of the skin, tightens the pores, and gives the face a matte and pleasant color.
To prepare the product, you need to take fresh plantain leaves, wash them, shake off excess water and chop them finely. Place 3 full spoons of the prepared raw material in a container with a lid and pour a glass of boiling water over it, cover with a lid and leave for 2 to 3 hours to infuse. After this, the liquid must be filtered into a dark glass bottle and alcohol added there in an amount of 20% of the total volume of the resulting plantain infusion.
Compress for dry skin
This version of the mask perfectly moisturizes dry skin, smoothes it, eliminates irritation and fine wrinkles.
To prepare the product, you need to grind fresh, washed plantain leaves, then take 2 full spoons of the prepared raw material and pour a glass of boiling water. Leave covered for about an hour, then strain and heat the liquid in a water bath.
The skin of the face should be washed thoroughly. After this, you need to take a soft cotton napkin, moisten it with the infusion with heat, squeeze it lightly and apply it to your face. You need to change the compress 4-5 times during one procedure as it cools.
Plantain mask for acne and acne
Regular use of this mask allows you to very quickly eliminate acne and other pathogenic elements from the surface of the skin and prevent their further appearance.
To prepare the product, you need to take fresh leaves of the plant, wash them and grind them using a meat grinder. Squeeze the juice out of the prepared raw materials through several layers of gauze. A large spoonful of plantain juice must be mixed with half a glass of high-quality vodka. This product keeps well in the refrigerator for one year.
The use of the drug consists of wiping the skin with a cotton pad and applying compresses-masks to problem areas of the skin. The treatment should be carried out daily after washing your face.
Plantain and honey mask
This product helps to quickly eliminate the feeling of skin tightness and flaking of the epidermis.
To prepare the mask, you need to chop 2 - 3 fresh plantain leaves and mix the resulting mass with natural liquid honey in the amount of 1 spoon. If your skin is very dry, you can supplement the product with a spoon of natural olive oil. The finished product should be applied to cleansed and steamed skin, leave for 15 minutes and rinse with cool water.
Most women, when choosing care products, prefer natural cosmetics made from medicinal plants.
For example, a unique biochemical complex with antiseptic and regenerating properties makes it possible to actively use plantain in cosmetology.
Plant-based products are used to treat acne, rashes and inflammation, increased oiliness of the epidermis, as well as to prevent age-related changes.
Traditionally, plantain was used in cosmetology as a disinfectant and anti-inflammatory agent: for redness and irritation of the skin, insect bites, cuts, burns and abscesses. Of no less interest was the plant’s ability to initiate renewal and regeneration processes.
Thanks to its universal properties, plantain is suitable for any skin type: it makes oily skin matte and dry skin moisturized. An affordable “green doctor” can solve a whole range of cosmetic problems.
Plantain for the face: action and problem solving
- Anti-inflammatory, bactericidal: cleanses and tightens pores, fights acne (acne), eliminates inflammation on the skin;
- Toning, moisturizing, regenerating: increases firmness and elasticity, triggers collagen synthesis, restores and revitalizes the skin;
- Tightening, decongestant, anti-cellulite: activates lymphatic drainage, eliminates swelling of the face and eyelids, provides a sustainable lifting effect;
- Venotonic, vasoconstrictive: smoothes out the manifestations of rosacea, eliminates redness and irritation of the skin;
- Exfoliating, whitening: thanks to the high content of salicylic and other organic acids, it produces natural peeling, evens out skin texture and tone.
Plantain for problem skin
The astringent, bactericidal and healing effect of plantain juice makes it the No. 1 remedy in the treatment of various inflammations and skin damage. Plantain is ideal for oily and combination skin, prone to the formation of comedones and other inflammatory elements. Simple and effective plantain remedies for facial acne can be prepared at home.
Lotion for cleansing problem skin
- Fresh plantain leaves – 3 tbsp. or
dry plantain grass - 2 tbsp;
- Water – 0.5 cups;
- Ethyl alcohol – 20 ml
Pour boiling water over the crushed leaves of plant material and leave for half an hour. Then filter, add the specified amount of alcohol, mix well. Store the lotion in a cool place. We treat problem areas in the morning and evening.
Result: cleanses and tightens pores, makes the skin matte.
As a base for preparing lotion, you can take fresh plantain juice, which is filled with a mixture of water and vodka: 1 tbsp. juice half a glass of diluted vodka (1:1). Ethanol-based products last a long time and clean and dry the skin well.
If alcohol-containing cosmetics are not suitable for you, try compresses from concentrated plantain infusion: 1 tbsp. dry herbs to 1 glass of water. Leave in a warm place, strain, cool. We apply gauze soaked in the infusion to problem areas of the face, or use the decoction for washing.
Plantain juice for face
Plantain juice is a concentrate of active substances, the most active medicinal form of the plant. It contains components valuable for the skin and the body: flavonoids, polysaccharides, phytoncides, vitamins and microelements, tannins and organic acids. The juice is squeezed from fresh young plantain leaves: they are washed, dried, crushed and ground in a mortar, and then filtered through cheesecloth. This juice can be stored in the refrigerator for no more than two days.
Plantain juice mask for oily skin
- Plantain juice – 2 tsp;
- Chicken egg white
- Oatmeal – 2 tsp.
Mix all ingredients and gently apply to face, avoiding the eye area. After 15 minutes, wash with warm, then cool water. Course – 5-10 procedures, 2-3 times a week.
Result: the skin tightens, becomes matte and elastic, pores become narrower, pockets of inflammation disappear.
For dry and sensitive skin, plantain juice should be diluted in a ratio of 1:2 or 1:3 (1 part juice to three parts water).
Plantain also helps against boils - purulent inflammations on the skin. It is advisable to use fresh leaves or juice of a medicinal plant. The latter can be bought at the pharmacy, but it contains ethanol, so it can only be used for short-term cauterization or as a lotion for problematic and porous skin.
Applications from plantain leaves (juice)
Applications are made from fresh plantain leaves to the site of inflammation. To do this, the leaves are washed with warm boiled water, crushed into a paste and applied to the affected area of the skin. Secure with a bandage. Every 2 hours it is necessary to apply a new portion of leaves. You can also apply whole young plantain leaves, previously cut in several places.
Sterile gauze wipes are moistened with plantain juice and replaced every one and a half to two hours.
When using plantain for boils at home, you must strictly follow the antiseptic rules: carry out all manipulations with clean hands, and also thoroughly rinse the leaves of the plant before applying it to the area of inflammation. You can first scald the leaves with boiling water. If after several procedures the condition does not improve or, on the contrary, worsens, the temperature rises, you should seek help from a medical facility.
As an antimicrobial agent, plantain can be combined well with other medicinal herbs that have similar properties: calendula, string, chamomile, St. John's wort. Moreover, these natural remedies can be used both externally - in the form of masks and applications, and internally (tinctures and decoctions).
Plantain for dry and sensitive skin.
The universal properties of plantain make it recommended for the care of dry and sensitive skin. As a result of a course of herbal treatments, the skin is calmed, moisturized, its tone is evened out, spider veins and age spots become less noticeable.
Plantain mask for sensitive skin
- Plantain (dry herb) – 1 tsp;
- Water – 2 tbsp;
- Potato starch – 1-2 tsp.
Pour boiling water over the dry herb and leave in a warm place for 20 minutes. Mix the strained infusion with a teaspoon of starch (the consistency of thick sour cream) and apply to the skin of the face for 20 minutes. After washing with warm water, you can apply a light moisturizing cream to your face.
Starch can be replaced with white or blue clay.
Result: evening out and brightening tone, eliminating dryness and irritation, skin rejuvenation.
Cosmetic plantain oil for dry skin
- Dry plantain herb - 1 tbsp. l.
- Olive oil – 100 ml;
- Wheat germ oil – 10 ml.
Pour the indicated amount of crushed dry herbs into a glass vessel, fill it with a mixture of warm oils and close tightly. Infuse in a dark, warm place, shaking the contents of the container periodically. After two weeks, the herbal oil is ready: carefully drain, strain, squeeze out the remaining mass and pour into a convenient bottle. Store in a cool place.
Plantain oil is such a soft and safe product that it is used as a means of preventing diaper rash and irritation for delicate baby skin. Nature's miraculous elixir is perfect for mature, aging skin. After applying the oil to the skin (face, neck and décolleté), it is recommended to do a light massage. A series of such procedures will help in the fight against sagging skin and significantly reduce the depth of wrinkles.
Plantain for mature skin
Mature, tired skin will be revived by home cryoprocedures - rubbing with frozen cubes of herbal infusions.
Tonic ice based on plantain infusion
A concentrated infusion of plantain is prepared (2 tablespoons of crushed plantain per glass of boiling water). Pour the cooled infusion into an ice tray and freeze. We wipe our face daily in the evening and in the morning - after or instead of washing.
Result: increased skin turgor, improved microcirculation, lymphatic drainage.
Rejuvenating mask for mature skin
- Fresh plantain leaves – 3-4 pcs.;
- Honey – 2 tsp;
- Olive or almond oil – 1 tsp.
Grind the leaves, add liquid honey (can be melted in a water bath) and vegetable oil. Having mixed the resulting mass well, carefully apply the mask to the skin along the massage lines. We hold it for a quarter of an hour. Remove the remaining mask with a cotton pad and rinse with warm water.
Fresh plantain leaves are an excellent remedy for sunburn: it relieves pain and redness, and promotes cell regeneration. To do this, a paste of fresh crushed leaves is applied to damaged skin for 15-20 minutes. Wash with cool boiled water.
Plantain is used in cosmetology not only for the face, it is an excellent remedy for cracked, dry skin on the hands, improves hair structure, and is included in creams and gels. Another beneficial effect: plantain leaf relieves inflammation, itching and swelling from insect bites.
Contraindications for use
Individual sensitivity to the active components of the plant, which is extremely rare, increased blood clotting. Before use, apply a small amount of plantain juice to the inside of your forearm. If there is no reaction within half an hour - no irritation or redness on the skin - then the product is suitable for you.