There are over 40 species of this plant (Musaparadisiaca) which is widely distributed throughout the old world and new. To a great extent it is the fruit, – ripe and unripe – which is used by many families as food.

It has remarkable nutritional value in terms of its rare combination of energy value, proteins, vitamins A, C, B6, B12 and minerals. It is also a good souce of calories – a large plantain contains more than 100 calories-and is rich in solids and low in water content compared with other foods.

As a health food, plantain is beneficial in the treatment of intestinal disorders such as constipation, arthritis, gout, anaemia, allergies, kidney stones, tuberculosis and urinary disorders. It is known to promote healthy digestion, and enhances phosphorous and nitrogen retention which in turn helps regenerate healthy tissues.

If you eat fried plantains – green or ripe – at night they will provide relief from constipation. On the flip side if you are suffering from diarrhoea, a half of a ripe plantain with a pinch of salt will provide relief.

Eating green plantains relieves ulcers and sooths stomach pain. Consuming plantain after every meal helps reduce heart burn. To reduce menstrual bleeding, blend a mixture of boiled plantain and buttermilk and take two tablespoons daily. The burnt leaves of the plaintain mixed with honey helps relieves hiccups and the potassium and magnesium found in plantain helps the body to recover from the effect of withdrawal symptoms.

Those who suffer from alcohol addiction should drink a fermented mixure of 3 plantain peels, a small amount of tabasco and water or coconut milk, a pinch of brown sugar and a dash of alcohol every nine days.

In addition to its medicinal uses there are a great many other uses to which the plantain may be put.

Folk physicians of ancient Persia and India regarded this fruit as nature’s secret of perpetual youth.

As an anti-wrinkle treatment, mash half of a raw green plantain into a paste. Cover your face and leave it on for twenty minutes before rinsing with warm water followed by a splash of cold water. Pat face dry.

To treat skin allergies, mash one ripe plantain with a cup of soymilk and drink two to three times a day. If you add honey you will get a mixture that is good for relieving hangovers and leg cramps.

The inside of the plantain peel is useful for the treatment of warts and bruises. Just cut a piece of the plantain- green or ripe- and tape it on to the warts. Once the peel turns black, remove it and keep repeating the process until the wart goes. Plantain can also be used to treat rashes from poison ivy and nettles. Rub the inside of the peel over the rashes for a soothing and cooling effect.

So there you have it.

In a nutshell, the many reasons why you should consume plantains – in their various forms – on a daily basis.

To your youth and health!

Buckston Harrison is well known for his work as a herbalist, especially in western Jamaica. He resides in Sheffield, Westmoreland.