Pneumonia is an inflammatory condition of the lung primarily affecting the small air sacs known as alveoli. Symptoms typically include some combination of productive or dry cough, chest pain, fever and difficulty breathing. The severity of the condition is variable.

Pneumonia is usually caused by infection with viruses or bacteria, and less commonly by other microorganisms. Identifying the responsible pathogen can be difficult. Diagnosis is often based on symptoms and physical examination. Chest ...

pneumonia

What-are-antivitamins

What are antivitamins

What-are-antivitamins_0_0

Antivitamins are substances that inhibit the biological function of the real vitamin [ <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/labs/pmc/articles/PMC5369031/" target="_blank" data-ref="Focus: Drug Development: Penicillin&rsquo;s Discovery and Antibiotic Resistance: Lessons for the Future?" rel="noopener">[ref. 1]</a> ]. Some antivitamins have a similar chemical structure to those of the actual vitamin, the action of which blocks or restricts and can become their substitutes. And&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2020/08/200824131805.htm" target="_blank" data-ref="" rel="noopener">not only that</a>&nbsp;- antivitamins turn into "false" vitamins and become toxic to bacteria, which is catastrophic for them. It turns out that antivitamins are not a whole new concept in the world of biophysical chemistry. A slightly more in-depth study takes us <a href="https://www.cambridge.org/core/services/aop-cambridge-core/content/view/53B23EA5D9F6E8FB6D1C6AFAC6ACBFA4/S0007114549000670a.pdf/div-class-title-antivitamins-and-other-factors-influencing-vitamin-activity-div.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">to the Antivitamins and Other Factors Influenced Vitamin Activity report, compiled</a> in 1948&nbsp; at a conference examining the effects of certain antivitamins.&nbsp;

What-are-antivitamins_0_1

[&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/british-journal-of-nutrition/article/antivitamins-and-other-factors-influencing-vitamin-activity/53B23EA5D9F6E8FB6D1C6AFAC6ACBFA4" target="_blank" data-ref="Antivitamins and Other Factors Influencing Vitamin Activity | British Journal of Nutrition | Cambridge Core" rel="noopener">[ref. 3]</a>&nbsp;].

What-are-antivitamins_0_2

Contrary to expectations, medications are a common group of vitamin inhibitors, as well as stress on the human body in everyday life. Different substances and stress reduce the action of specific vitamins, causing problems in the human body and an imbalance of processes in it.&nbsp;

What-are-antivitamins_0_3

Antivitamins do exactly what their name suggests: they stop the functioning of vitamins. As we approach the end of the antibiotic era due to the rapid pace at which bacteria develop resistance to miracle drugs, researchers are increasingly looking at antivitamins as the basis for a new class of drugs that could potentially replace antibiotics to treat bacterial infections.&nbsp;

What-are-antivitamins_0_4

The-discovery-of-a-team-of-German-researchers

The discovery of a team of German researchers

The-discovery-of-a-team-of-German-researchers_1_0

Scientific data unequivocally shows that the resistance of pathogens is growing, and therefore it is extremely important that scientists identify a class of <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK513277/" target="_blank" data-ref="Access denied - NCBI Bookshelf" rel="noopener">drugs that could replace antibiotics [</a> [ref. 4] ]. One of them could potentially be the so-called "antivitamins."

The-discovery-of-a-team-of-German-researchers_1_1

The first and very important step is to understand how antivitamins work so that we can use them. For example, the antivitamin, which "cancels" vitamin B1, differs from the vitamin with only a single atom, and it is seemingly insignificant. At first glance, that shouldn't be enough, but it is. And researchers from the University of G&ouml;ttingen noted the same conclusion in their study documenting their discovery.

The-discovery-of-a-team-of-German-researchers_1_2

The antivitamin B1 occurs naturally and is produced by bacteria as a means of destroying competing bacteria. Its critical atom appears in an apparently insignificant place, deepening the mystery.

The-discovery-of-a-team-of-German-researchers_1_3

To see how this single atom does such an effective job, the researchers used high-resolution protein crystallography. This allows them to observe the interaction between antivitamin B1 and B1 at the atomic level.

The-discovery-of-a-team-of-German-researchers_1_4

What they notice is that the antivitamin completely interrupts the "dance of protons", which is observed in functioning proteins. Lead scientist in the research team Dr Kai Titman says that "only one additional atom in the antivitamin acts as a grain in a complex system of speeds, blocking its finely tuned mechanics."&nbsp;

Image by Clker-Free-Vector-Images from Pixabay

The-discovery-of-a-team-of-German-researchers_1_5

The-discovery-of-a-team-of-German-researchers_1_6

The extremely interesting discovery in this study is that although the inhibitory effect of antivitamin B1 on the functioning of B1 in bacteria, it does not interfere with the vitamin in humans. This information gives us hope that antivitamins can be developed to work to neutralize pathogens without harming our health.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The-discovery-of-a-team-of-German-researchers_1_7

The-discovery-of-a-team-of-German-researchers_1_8

Antivitamins are substances that inactivate or destroy vitamins or inhibit the activity of vitamin in metabolic reaction. The possibility that antivitamins at some point are ready to replace antibiotics is on our horizon, and the most important thing is to fully reveal their mechanisms of action. Antivitamins have actually been used in the development of antibiotic and antiproliferative drugs, such as prontozil and aminopterin. And already there are some antivitamin drugs that are used, in particular antagonists of vitamins B12, B9 and K. It is only a matter of time before we understand what the development of medicine will be in this direction - and hope it is sooner to face antibiotic resistance.

Focusing on Antivitamins - possible substitutes for antibiotics

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Antivitamins on focus - possible substitutes for antibiotics

Бетина Цветкова

_-1_0

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Danewort, but also known as dwarf elder and dane weed, is an herb that has been well known since ancient times.&nbsp;It is also described by the ancient Greek healer Dioscorides in his De Materia Medica, where many of its therapeutic applications are listed <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3029555/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">[ref.1].</a>

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The plant is widely used in Bulgarian traditional medicine to this day and is popular mostly as a powerful immunostimulant. However, some of its parts contain poisonous substances and we should always use it with caution.

How-to-recognize-the-danewort

How to recognize the danewort

How-to-recognize-the-danewort_0_0

Sambucus ebulus is a common species at our latitudes.&nbsp;You will find it almost everywhere - around roads, in bushes, in fields, around rivers. It spreads quite quickly and occupies large areas, which can suffocate the surrounding plants and is often referred to as a weed.

How-to-recognize-the-danewort_0_1

The plant is shruby, reaching up to2 meters. The stem is branched at its top and has a white and soft core. It blooms in July and August in white (or in rare cases pink), and the fruits are spherical, dark violet in color and facing upwards.

How-to-recognize-the-danewort_0_2

It should not be confused with another famous representative of the family - elderberry.&nbsp;Unlike the elderberry, this species is woody, blooms in May and June and the fruits fall like bunches down. From its flowers is prepared the favorite of young and old elderberry syrup.

How-to-recognize-the-danewort_0_3

Read more in the article the <a href="../../eng/p/top_10_medicinal_herbs_in_europe" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Top 10 Medicinal Herbs in Europe</a>

Bioactive-composition-and-collection-of-danewort

Bioactive composition and collection of danewort

Bioactive-composition-and-collection-of-danewort_1_0

Bioactive-composition-and-collection-of-danewort_1_1

The healing properties of the plant are due to the many bioactive compounds it contains. It is rich in anthocyanins, phytosterols, flavonoids, terpenes, phenols, tanines, lectins and others. The plant also contains the plant antioxidant quercetin.

Bioactive-composition-and-collection-of-danewort_1_2

Perhaps the most used part of the herb is its fruits. They&nbsp;accumulate sugars, fiber, minerals and vitamins <a href="https://www.bioseek.eu/en/eng/research/pubmed/A_systematic_review_on_the_sambuci_fructus_effect_and_efficacy_profiles_19548290" target="_blank" rel="noopener">[ref.2]</a>. In addition, the fruit has a rich chemical composition that contributes to their strong antioxidant, antimicrobial and antiviral properties.&nbsp;Here we must pay attention to one feature - unripe green fruits are poisonous. They contain the substance sambunigrin, which decomposes as they mature and significantly reduces its concentration. For this reason, we need to collect only well-ripened blue-violet fruits.

Bioactive-composition-and-collection-of-danewort_1_3

Nature has found its own way to warn us - the taste of unripe fruit is very bitter, while in those ready for consumption, it becomes sweet, although even then it remains an unpleasant aftertaste. Once collected, they should be dried very well and stored in a paper bag in a cool and ventilated place.

Bioactive-composition-and-collection-of-danewort_1_4

In addition to the fruits, the other parts of the plant are used - the roots, leaves and flowers. The roots are taken out, washed and cut into pieces. Once well dried, they can be stored.

Bioactive-composition-and-collection-of-danewort_1_5

The flowers and leaves are also collected, dried and then kept in a dry place.

Use-of-dane-weed

Use of dane weed

Use-of-dane-weed_2_0

Dane weed has been used as food and healing tool for millennia <a href="https://www.bioseek.eu/en/eng/research/pubmed/Biological_Effects_and_Clinical_Applications_of_Dwarf_Elder_Sambucus_ebulus_L_A_Review_28397551" target="_blank" rel="noopener">[ref.3]</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Use-of-dane-weed_2_1

In Persian folk medicine, the herb was used as an analgesic (suppresses pain) in various painful conditions of the musculoskeletal system such as joint pain, dislocations and fractures.&nbsp;It has been used topically for bites, burns, sore throats, diseases of the female reproductive system and others.

Use-of-dane-weed_2_2

In Romania, dane wort is used for the treatment of colds and rheumatic pains.

Use-of-dane-weed_2_3

In Turkey, the herb bears the nickname " the mother healer". This is by no means accidental and is due to its many&nbsp; applications. Externally it is applied to bites, wounds, eczema, rheumatic pains. Its internal use is also not foreign in these lands. Danewort is often taken in gastrointestinal irritations, hemorrhoids and as a diuretic agent.

Use-of-dane-weed_2_4

Last but not least, elderberry is an important part of Bulgarian traditional medicine.

Use-of-dane-weed_2_5

<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">difficulty urinating</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">kidney problems</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">liver problems</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">gastrointestinal disorders</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">exhaustion</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">anemia</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">metabolic diseases</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">wounds and bites</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">viral diseases</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">rheumatoid arthritis</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">neuralgia</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">lack of appetite</li>
</ul>

What-does-science-say

What does science say

What-does-science-say_3_0

Of course, the herb does not go unnoticed by modern science. Some of its researched properties include:

What-does-science-say_3_1

<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><a href="../p/kakvi_sa_polzitie_ot_antioksidantitie_za_zdravieto_i_koi_khrani_sa_nai_boghati_na_tiakh_0376155d_ea0c_4218_8ed2_114aed9f37c5" target="_blank" rel="noopener">antioxidant activity</a> - it is due to the high content of polyphenols in the plant, which have the property to protect against the harmful <a href="https://www.phcog.com/article.asp?issn=0973-1296;year=2009;volume=5;issue=19;spage=213;epage=218;aulast=Ebrahimzadeh" target="_blank" rel="noopener"></a>effects of free radicals. Of greatest importance in this case are anthocyanins <a href="https://www.phcog.com/article.asp?issn=0973-1296;year=2009;volume=5;issue=19;spage=213;epage=218;aulast=Ebrahimzadeh" target="_blank" rel="noopener">[ref.4]</a>, which are more abundant in elderberry than in other anthocyanin-containing plants.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">antimicrobial activity - there are studies that show the depressing effect of elderberry extracts against bacterial species such as Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Klebsiella pneumonia and Bacillus subtilis <a href="https://www.bioseek.eu/en/eng/research/pubmed/Biological_Effects_and_Clinical_Applications_of_Dwarf_Elder_Sambucus_ebulus_L_A_Review_28397551mbucus_ebulus_L_A_Review_28397551" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> [ref.3]. </a></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><a href="../p/bilki_v_pomoshch_na_stradashchitie_ot_avtoimunni_zaboliavaniia_i_transplantiranitie_patsiienti_3e10fd84_0336_4afa_a40c_d95d46603aef" target="_blank" rel="noopener">anti-inflammatory activity</a> - Elderberry shows suppressive activity against some mediators of inflammation, which confirms the meaning of the use of the herb in chronic inflammatory diseases <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3029555/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">&nbsp;[ref.1]</a>. Here we can mention ursolic acid, which exhibits such an effect.</li>
</ul>

What-does-science-say_3_2

These are just some of the studied properties of elderberry. The scientific literature on the subject is rich, but for the purposes of this article we will no longer ding on them.

How-to-use-the-herb

How to use the herb

How-to-use-the-herb_4_0

How-to-use-the-herb_4_1

As mentioned above, elderberry is most popular in Bulgaria with its immunostimulating function.&nbsp;For this effect, a sugar extract of the fruit is prepared:

How-to-use-the-herb_4_2

Mix water, fruit and sugar in a ratio of 1: 1: 1. It is best to leave the mixture at room temperature for 10-14 days without boiling it, so as not to lose its healing properties. It can then be stored in the refrigerator. Take 1 teaspoon in the morning on an empty stomach.

How-to-use-the-herb_4_3

Tea from flowers:

How-to-use-the-herb_4_4

You can prepare a decoction by pouring 2 tablespoons of flower with 400 ml of boiling water. The decoction sits for 1 hour under a lid.

Contraindications

Contraindications_5_0

The herb should be used with caution. Immature fruits should not be eaten because they are poisonous. Other parts of the plant are also considered poisonous, but in heat treatment, can be consumed in limited quantities. For this reason, be sure to consult a doctor or pharmacist to determine the exact dosage before use.

Contraindications_5_1

Excessive use can lead to diarrhea, dizziness, nausea, difficulty breathing and even death.

Danewort - a Useful Herb with Which We Must Be Careful

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 Danewort - a Useful Herb with Which We Must Be Careful

Силвия Маринова

Author: Rositsa Tashkova, Master of Molecular Biology and Microbiology

The broadleaf plantain (Plantago major) is best known for its ability to accelerate wound healing. It's also called white man's foot or greater plantain. The plant is widespread in Europe, Asia and America and is often found in gardens and other urban grasslands.

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The plantain is not distinguished by bright colors or large size, but despite its modest appearance, it hides a great healing potential, which extends beyond the treatment of wounds.

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Some of the properties attributed to it by folk medicine have been confirmed by recent research, including:

_-1_5

<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">wound healing,</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">antipyretic action (to lower fever),</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">cough suppression (antitussive),</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">against infections,</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">anti-haemorrhagic and haemostatic action,</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">anti-inflammatory,</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">diuretic,</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">laxative,</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">astringent.</li>
</ul>

_-1_6

In this article you will learn more about the traditional use of plantain in Iranian traditional medicine, as well as the modern evidence of its healing properties. The information is taken from the article Plantago major in Traditional Persian Medicine and modern phytotherapy: a narrative review, 2018, Electronic physician [<a href="https://www.bioseek.eu/en/eng/research/pubmed/Plantago_major_in_Traditional_Persian_Medicine_and_modern_phytotherapy_a_narrative_review_29629064" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref.1</a>].

Plantain-Use-According-to-Iranian-Folk-Medicine

Plantain Use According to Iranian Folk Medicine

Plantain-Use-According-to-Iranian-Folk-Medicine_0_0

The use of plantain for the treatment of various diseases dates back thousands of years. The earliest known account of the plantain is in "De materia medica", which was written by the Greek pharmaco-botanist Dioscurid in the 1st century (40-90 A.D.). The book is an encyclopedia of herbal treatment and pharmacopoeia from around the world.

Plantain-Use-According-to-Iranian-Folk-Medicine_0_1

Plantain-Use-According-to-Iranian-Folk-Medicine_0_2

Plantain finds the following applications in Iranian folk medicine:

Plantain-Use-According-to-Iranian-Folk-Medicine_0_3

<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">In neurological diseases such <a href="/p/iepiliepsiiata_koi_liechiebni_rastieniia_sa_izpolzvani_v_drievna_piersiia_d697132f_9082_456b_ac3a_9019ffa4be12" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer">epilepsy</a> or ear pain;</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">In diseases of the eyes;</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Against inflammation in the oral cavity and toothache (gargling and rinsing);</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">In lung diseases such as asthma and tuberculosis;</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">With gastrointestinal problems - bleeding, <a href="/p/profilaktika_klasichiesko_i_bilkovo_liechieniie_na_khiemoroidi_9e58f268_e51f_460a_8c66_6158a6575aac" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer">hemorrhoids</a>, stomach ache, <a href="/p/7_bilki_koito_obliekchavat_loshoto_khranosmilanie_i_dispiepsiiata_60bc6c30_0949_4ed7_933c_460f9104d318" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer">dyspepsia</a>, constipation;</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">In <a href="/p/chierniiat_drob_nie_boli_koi_bilki_podobriavat_zdravieto_mu_pri_khiepatit_stieatoza_i_tsiroza_ed55df70_c2be_430d_93f0_29a2aece49ff" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer">liver</a> and bile disease;</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">In urogenital infections and pain in <a href="/p/kamni_v_bbrietsitie_koi_bilki_priechat_na_obrazuvanieto_im_i_kak_da_sie_khranim" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer">the kidneys</a> and bladder;</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">For the treatment of various wounds and burns.</li>
</ul>

Plantain-Use-According-to-Iranian-Folk-Medicine_0_4

Many of these and other healing properties are also confirmed by modern medicine. You will learn about some of them in the following lines.

Broadleaf-Plantain-and-The-Immune-System

Broadleaf Plantain and The Immune System

Broadleaf-Plantain-and-The-Immune-System_1_0

In low concentrations, plantain possesses immunomodulatory activity, increases the number of lymphocytes and the secretion of interferon-γ, but at high concentrations this property can be suppressed.

Broadleaf-Plantain-and-The-Immune-System_1_1

Plantain tea can aid the immune system in leukemia and viral infections. [<a href="https://www.bioseek.eu/en/eng/research/pubmed/In_vitro_cytotoxic_antiviral_and_immunomodulatory_effects_of_Plantago_major_and_Plantago_asiatica_12856861" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref.2</a>]

Plantain-in-Gastrointestinal-Problems

Plantain in Gastrointestinal Problems

Plantain-in-Gastrointestinal-Problems_2_0

The seeds of plantain secrete mucus substances that have a laxative and protective effect for the mucous membrane of the stomach. Seeds are recommended for inflammatory bowel diseases, e.g. ulcerative colitis.

Plantain-in-Gastrointestinal-Problems_2_1

On the other hand, leaf extract reduces the mobility of the duodenum and has astringent effect.

Plantain-in-Gastrointestinal-Problems_2_2

Plantain-in-Urticaria

Plantain in Urticaria

Plantain-in-Urticaria_3_0

Broadleaf plantain contains substances that suppress the production of prostaglandins, the movement of white blood cells and the release of histamine, and this is relevant for the suppression of urticaria.

Antibacterial-and-Antiparasite-Effects-of-Plantain

Antibacterial and Antiparasite Effects of Plantain

Antibacterial-and-Antiparasite-Effects-of-Plantain_4_0

Some types of plantain extracts have shown an effect against the Giardia parasite.

Antibacterial-and-Antiparasite-Effects-of-Plantain_4_1

Plantain extract in ethyl alcohol shows antibacterial activity against the bacteria E. coli and Bacillus cereus, and acetone extract is also effective against Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Klebsiella pneumonia, Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Plantain extract also has good effectiveness against <a href="../../eng/p/home_remedies_for_vaginal_candidiasis" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Candida albicans yeast</a>.

Plantain-Helps-Wound-Healing

Plantain Helps Wound Healing

Plantain-Helps-Wound-Healing_5_0

Broadleaf plantain is traditionally used to heal wounds. With tissue damage, whether from bacteria, physical trauma, chemical, heat or any other phenomenon, the body reacts with an inflammatory response, which is by its very nature a protective reaction. Inflammation is manifested by redness, fever, edema and pain in the affected tissue.

Plantain-Helps-Wound-Healing_5_1

Plantain contains polyphenols and in particular plantamajoside, which are considered the main significant compounds for wound healing. For this purpose, aqueous extract of plantain can be used.

Plantain-Helps-Wound-Healing_5_2

Anti-cancer-Properties-of-Plantain

Anti-cancer Properties of Plantain

Anti-cancer-Properties-of-Plantain_6_0

Various studies have shown that both spirit and water extracts of plantain possess the property to inhibit the growth of certain cancer cell lines: melanoma (skin cancer), adenocarcinoma of the breast and kidney. [<a href="https://www.researchgate.net/publication/311913648_Evaluation_of_In_Vitro_Anticancer_Effect_of_Plantago_major_L_and_Plantago_lanceolata_L_Leaf_Extracts_from_Sivas" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref.3</a>]

Anti-cancer-Properties-of-Plantain_6_1

According to one of the studies, the greatest potential to inhibit the growth of cancer cells have the seeds of broadleaf plantain, in particular on the following cancer cell lines: MCF-7, MDA-MB-231, HeLaS3, A549 and KB. They also suppress inflammatory cytokines tumornecortising factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin 1β and 6 (IL-1β, IL-6) and interferon-gamma (IFN-γ).

Anti-cancer-Properties-of-Plantain_6_2

Extracts from the roots of the plant exhibit the same properties. However, the scientists who conducted this study offer the seeds of broadleaf plantain as a source of new drugs against oncological and inflammatory diseases. [<a href="https://www.bioseek.eu/en/eng/research/pubmed/Effects_of_Plantago_major_Extracts_and_Its_Chemical_Compounds_on_Proliferation_of_Cancer_Cells_and_Cytokines_Production_of_Lipopolysaccharide_activated_THP_1_Macrophages_28839362" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref.4</a>]

Q&amp;A

Q&amp;A_7_0

What side effects can the intake of broadleaf plantain have?

Q&amp;A_7_1

In general, plantain is considered a safe herb, but an overdose can lead to anaphylaxis (suffocation due to an allergic reaction). In milder cases of side effects, vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, anorexia, bloating, hypersensitivity or dermatitis may be observed.

Q&amp;A_7_2

How is broadleaf plantain used?

Q&amp;A_7_3

The usual dose is 3–5 grams of the powdered herb 1–3 times a day, but the most common dose in the form of tea (infusion) is 150 ml 3–4 times a day.

The Broadleaf Plantain: A Modest Plant with Great Healing Potential

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 The Broadleaf Plantain: A Modest Plant with Great Healing Potential

Rositsa Tashkova-Kacharova

Steam inhalations have been a means of alleviating conditions such as runny nose, bronchitis, sore throat and cough since ancient times. The first people who are reported to have used inhalation as a remedy are Egyptians.

Even steam inhalations with pure or salted water only may provide relief [<a href="/p/pomagha_li_inkhalatsiiata_s_fiziologhichien_raztvor_pri_pnievmoniia_a88e17b8_c712_4322_9962_9e1210a4bf23" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer">ref.1</a>]. Most inhaled microorganisms and particles fail to reach peripheral airways - they get stuck in a mobile layer of mucus secretions covering the upper respiratory tract. This is followed by mucociliary clearance, i.e. secretion and cilia movements of the respiratory epithelium, which return pathogens and contaminants back out through coughing and runny nose.

Steam inhalation supports this process and moisturizes the airways, which leads to relief. When herbs are added to the inhalation solution, they can have a therapeutic effect locally in the airways, as their healing substances are contained in the aerosols that are inhaled.

In this article, we will focus on herbs that are suitable for steam inhalation in infectious diseases of the respiratory tract and anxiety.

How-to-do-steam-inhalation-at-home

How to do steam inhalation at home

How-to-do-steam-inhalation-at-home_0_0

Steam inhalation is very easy to perform at home and with handy means, although special inhalers are also sold, which have both advantages and disadvantages.

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Steam inhalation with handy means is done by boiling water&nbsp;in a kettle or saucepan. Herbs, essential oils, salt or baking soda are added to the water. It is good to check in advance whether you are allergic to the herb or essential oil that you intend to use.

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Let the herbs boil for a few minutes and move the container from the heat, wait for the temperature to become tolerable, and only then proceed to inhale the vapor.

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This can be done by covering the head and vessel with a cloth, so as not to lose the steam, as well as with inhalation through a funnel, but with caution to avoid burning the mucous membranes (the funnel creates a concentrated jet that may be too hot).

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team inhalation is done no more than 10 minutes.

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Steam inhalation is not advisable for children up to 12 years, due to the risk of burning.

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The difference between inhalers and inhalation with handy means

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Inhalers are safe in terms of temperature - they maintain a vapour temperature of about 40 degrees, thus eliminating the risk of burning the mucous membrane that exists when inhaling over a saucepan or kettle.

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