Hydrangea ivy: therapeutic properties and contraindications

Representatives of the Common lily of the valley, among which is the ivy broom, are distinguished by the presence of specific aromas. Some are characterized by pleasant, others are endowed with a special, often unpleasant smell. Since the plant under study is considered a relative of peppermint and belongs to the same family, it is popularly known as dog mint. This is due to the fact that the crop has an odor that people most often do not like. This herb also has other names, such as catnip, catnip, ground ivy. Note that people often used to give plants names consonant with diseases they could cure.

The botanical name for bupus is of ancient Greek origin and translates as "field mint". As for the scientific species name "ivy", this is due to the fact that the crop leaves and creeping shoots resemble ivy.

Chemical composition

Knotweed is an aromatic herb. The flowers of the plant are small, endowed with a tubular structure. Their coloring varies from light purple to bright purple.

Despite the fact that the composition of budwort contains toxic substances, the herb still has many useful qualities. The top of the crop contains saponins, aldehydes, tartaric and acetic acids, carotene, vitamin C, choline, and amino acids such as cysteine and methionine, essential oils and alkaloids. In addition, resinous and tannic compounds are found here. The mineral range is represented by such elements as K, Zn, Ti, Mo, Mn and others.

Gathering and harvesting of medicinal plant raw materials should be carried out during the period from the beginning of flowering to the beginning of autumn, i.e. during the active growth stage. The valuable components are concentrated in the leaves and stems of the plant.

The therapeutic properties of the culture are not in doubt, but before using it, you should first consult with a specialist about the possibility of using buddle-based compositions and clarify the required doses.

What it looks like and where it grows

Budra ivy is a perennial plant, the stem of which reaches a height of 60 cm. The stem is tetrahedral, creeping at the bottom, rising to the top. Leaves are small, rounded-cordate shape. Small purple-blue flowers are in the axils of the leaflets above. The crop is characterized by a strong specific fragrance. Blossoms from May until the end of August. Leaves remain green in winter, which allows the herb to be used not only as a medicinal, but also as an ornamental crop.

The fruit is brown, egg-shaped and 1-2 mm long. It ripens in late summer. At this time, the fruit begins to break up into four parts.

Catnip occurs in glades, in forests, among bushes. It grows throughout Russia, Transcaucasia, in some parts of China and Asia. As for Russia, here the plant can be found, more often, in European regions, except in arid areas, as the herb does not survive in conditions of increased dryness. It likes deciduous forests and prefers nutritious soils in floodplains of rivers.

Types

Two varieties of this plant can be distinguished:

1. Budra mottled is a perennial plant that is a stalking plant. This species is considered a favorite among dacha gardeners, because it can act as a living decoration of front gardens. Such "mint" can also be used to decorate stony gardens, tree compositions and flowerbeds.
2. Budra ivy. As already mentioned, this is a plant that is 40-60 cm in height. It is characterized by a creeping root system. The stem of the herb is branched, long, and in some places pubescent with fine hairs. The calyx of the flower is tubular, with 5 teeth. The corolla is 2 cm long, bicubic, usually colored bluish-purple.

Flowering begins in late April and ends in early August. Flowers are located in the deciduous axils. Up to 6 flowers can develop on a single plant.

Gathering and storage

This medicinal herb is collected during the period of active flowering, namely from early May to June. Use a knife or special scissors to cut the top of the foliage stem. Since budwort usually grows in large groups, it is not at all difficult to make preparations of such raw materials.

Dry this plant in bundles by hanging them on a rope. You can also do this by spreading the raw material in a small layer on a clean surface.

Drying is done in the shade, in a ventilated room, as well as in special drying machines at 40 degrees. For preparing medicinal compositions, most often you only need to grind the dried leaves, first removing them from the stem.

Therapeutic properties of ground ivy

The therapeutic qualities of solutions based on buddle are that they contain a variety of useful biologically active components. In such a plant product, many essential compounds, flavonoids, minerals and vitamins are found. All these compounds are able to have a positive effect on the human body. Due to such a rich chemical composition, the plant is widely used in various recipes of informal medicine in most countries. For example, the use of herbal infusion helps to increase appetite, intensify the digestive process, improve substance metabolism.

It should also be noted that medicines based on such plant raw materials dilute phlegm and have anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, analgesic and regenerating effect.

External use of the plant provides increased bone repair processes for fractures.

Various teas and tinctures for internal use will have a choleretic and antibacterial effect. Essential oils in the composition of the plant component are endowed with antiseptic and wound-healing characteristics.

Note that only the above-ground part of the herb, namely, the leaves, flowers and stem of the culture, is endowed with medicinal qualities. This medicinal plant is included in various herbal teas that can be purchased in pharmacies.

The valuable constituents of catnip also have anti-cold, healing and anti-sclerotic effects.

Decoctions and infusions derived from this plant can enhance lactation and normalize blood pressure in hypertension.

Iris ivy relieves symptoms in abnormalities of the stomach and liver. Preparations from this plant will help to remove excrement from the kidneys. However, it should be borne in mind that such preparations are only auxiliary to the main treatment. Before using it, it is necessary to consult with a specialist.

Hydrangea ivy in folk medicine

1. Herbal decoction of catnip is indicated for epigastric pain, gouty arthritis, inflammatory processes on the gums, urolithiasis. The plant has a mild diuretic and sedative effect, so it is appointed for pain relief in diseases of the urinary system. Outwardly, such raw materials can be applied as compresses in the presence of boils and purulent wounds.
2. Infusions of catnip have become popular in the treatment of colds, pneumonia and bronchitis, dermatological pathologies, and diseases of the urinary system.
3. In Western European countries, the culture is used to prepare medicinal drinks that can cope with various inflammations of the mucous membranes, as well as with a painful cough, tuberculosis, a lingering runny nose, diarrhea, jaundice and the presence of kidney stones.
4. Folk medicine also suggests internal consumption of infusion based on budwort for gout, anemia, diseases of the respiratory system, pathologies of the liver, spleen and various gastrointestinal ailments.
5. A water infusion of the plant is suitable for baths, compresses and treatment of open wounds, therapy of cuts, bites, diathesis, skin diseases.
6. In the presence of rhinitis, chronic maxillary sinusitis rinses are carried out, if there is chronic laryngitis, budra can be used in inhalations.
7. If you crush the fresh leaves and apply the mush to the abscessed area, the recovery and cleansing of the affected area will be accelerated. In addition, such a procedure will reduce pain and provide rapid healing. Help such leaves and in case of toothaches. In this case, it is enough to put them to the painful tooth and hold them for a while behind the cheek. This will reduce the pain. If you boil such plant material, you get an excellent remedy for compresses in the presence of angina.
8. In the Caucasus it is customary to steep the crop and apply it as an application to boils and pimples. Such a method is also effective in the case of rashes, child urticaria.
9. Fresh or dried raw material can be used to create a vitamin tea. Young plants can be used in food like spinach, add them to soups. The finished dish in this case will acquire a specific flavor. Young shoots are used in the preparation of salads, the consumption of which helps to purify the blood and strengthen the body's defenses.

When coughing

When ailments of the respiratory organs, which are accompanied by a strong cough, it is recommended to prepare an infusion on the basis of kotatnik. In this case, you will need 1 tsp of fresh plant pour a glass of hot water and insist for half an hour. After the specified time, filter the solution. Prepared remedy to take 60 ml 3-4 times. The liquid should be warm. The course of treatment is about a month.

In lead poisoning

Budra ivy is indicated in lead poisoning. To do this, 1 tbsp. leaves pour 250 ml of boiling water, and then insist for 60 minutes. Filtered solution to drink 1/2 cup twice a day. The therapy also lasts a month.

Rhinitis

Rhinitis requires a combination of 2 tbsp. catnip and 1 tbsp. sage. The resulting herbal mixture pour 500 ml of boiling water, insist 60 minutes, then filter. Then draw the solution alternately first with one and then the other nostril several times during the day. The treatment lasts for 2-3 weeks.

With menopause.

Relieve the symptoms of menopause will help decoction made by infusing 3 tablespoons of herbs in 0.5 liters of steep boiling water. After an hour, you will need to filter the liquid and drink it warm by 250 ml three times a day. Repeat the procedure must be 14-20 days.

In diseases of the digestive tract

It is enough to pour 5 g of budwort 250 ml of boiling water and insist the mixture for 5-6 hours. After that, filter the decoction and drink 50 ml 3 times a day. The treatment lasts for 3 weeks.

With abscesses

It is recommended to grind the fresh leaves of this herb and apply to the affected area.

With gout

To eliminate the symptoms of gout and accelerate the process of regeneration of fractures, you should prepare a compound, for the manufacture of which you need only to simmer on low heat for 8-10 minutes a solution of 1 tbsp. vegetable raw materials and 250 ml of water. At the end of the specified period, leave the liquid to insist for another half an hour, and then pass it through a filter. The resulting composition is used for baths.

With acute respiratory infections.

For the prevention of a runny nose, a decoction of 1 tbsp of the herb and 200 ml of water will do. Boil the solution for 5 minutes. After that, the liquid is ready for inhalations. Such procedures are very effective for pathologies of the respiratory organs.

To obtain an expectorant, it is necessary to mix in equal quantities the herb of woodruff, hoary and dog mint. From the resulting collection, measure 1 tbsp of raw materials and pour it with a mug of hot liquid. Then boil the mixture on low heat for a few minutes, then infuse some time. Drink the medicine in 100 ml after a meal. Frequency of intake is 3 times a day.

For pulmonary diseases, as well as to normalize sleep, you can prepare buddle with milk. To do this, throw a small handful of plants in 1 liter of fresh milk and put on the fire. Prepared decoction take warm before going to bed. If the medicine is prepared for a child, take 2 times less herb.

Strong bronchial cough is treated with a tincture. To obtain it, you need to combine 1 tsp of budwort with 250 ml of boiling water and insist the mixture until it cools completely. Filter the ready liquid and take 1-2 tbsp. on an empty stomach.

From cellulite

To get rid of cellulite, you can apply hot compresses. The composition is prepared as follows: grind the leaves of the culture and in this form apply directly to the problem areas. Before using such a method, stir the remedy with linseed flour.

Universal infusion

A mixture of catnip and wine is also used to create a remedy. In this case, you will need 1 tbsp. of the culture and a glass of alcoholic beverage. Such a drink will get rid of parasites, regulate the menstrual cycle and cure jaundice. In addition, this composition helps to heal wounds. The solution will also be effective for periodontal disease, to rinse the mouth. The preparation of the medicine is very simple: you need to soak the medicinal plant material in wine and boil the mixture for 30 minutes until the formation of foam. After that, take the mass off the stove and cover it with a lid. To make the composition taste and enhance the healing qualities, you can add honey.

When skin diseases

Skin itching and various diseases of the dermis are also under the power to cure budre. To make a healing potion, you need to pour 15 grams of the plant in 100 ml of vinegar and send in a cold place for 7 days. This solution is subsequently used to wipe the affected skin once every 3 days.

Budra in cooking

As already noted, this plant has a slight bitterness, a pleasant taste and spicy aroma. In some countries, budra leaves are used as a spice. It helps to establish the absorption of fats in the human body. It follows that the herb will help those who seek to get rid of excess weight.

Such a component can be included in various salads, using instead of greens. Catnip has a beneficial effect on the entire digestive tract, restores intestinal microflora. Also the use of such a product provides a healthy appetite.

Moreover, this herb can be used to make homemade kvass according to an ancient recipe. The use of this ingredient provides the drink with a pleasant, subtle flavor. As a result, the potion is endowed with a pleasant bitterness.

Types of medicinal formulas

Budra ivy is a medicinal plant. It is used as an auxiliary method of treatment for certain diseases. Keep in mind that herbal preparations are folk auxiliary methods. You should not use them as the main treatment. It is important to consult with your doctor before using herbal remedies.

In a number of countries, the herb is popular and is an effective component, which is even recognized by official medicine.

Positive effects of the herb on the cardiovascular system, digestive tract, NS are known. The product prevents the formation of cholesterol plaques on the walls of blood vessels. Also catnip provides active tissue repair, has a hemostatic, diaphoretic, anti-inflammatory and antiseptic effect. In addition, preparations based on this herbal component stabilize metabolic processes, as well as improve the function of the organs of vision.

Infusion .

To obtain an herbal infusion, you should combine 1 tsp of raw materials with a mug of boiling water and infuse. Such a remedy is recommended to take 3-4 times a day in a warm form. Such a composition will help to cope with colds, bronchial asthma, kidney and liver pathologies. In addition, this drug is effective in diseases of the gastrointestinal tract and urinary system.

Tincture

Tincture of budwort on an alcohol base is prepared in a ratio of 1:10. At the same time you can use 40% alcohol. Tincture is carried out in a dark place for 10 days. The room should be at room temperature. During this time, you will need to shake the contents of the dish with the tincture several times. After the end of the infusion process, pass the solution through a filter and store in a dark place. The drug should be taken three times a day, 15 drops on an empty stomach. This remedy is indicated for diseases of the kidneys and bladder.

Tincture of budwort can be prepared with vinegar. In this case you will need 20 grams of dried grass, pour 100 ml of 9% vinegar. Insist the mixture for a week in a warm place protected from light. Shake the liquid every day. Ready to use the composition to rub into the skin twice a day in the presence of scabies.

Decoction .

To obtain a decoction, boil 15 mg of catnip in a glass of water, and then infuse the solution until it cools. The prepared potion should be used for diseases of the dermis, to treat rashes, abscesses, boils and acne.

You can also use other recipes for cooking herbal decoction. For example, 1 tbsp. dried shredded plant material should be poured over 250 ml of boiling water and infused for half an hour in a steam bath. Then let the solution infuse for 10 minutes, then subject it to filtration. Prepared drug take 1/3 cup three times a day before meals. This remedy will be effective for gonorrhea and pain in women in labor.

To prepare a decoction designed for washes, compresses and baths, you need 5 tbsp. raw materials mixed with 1 liter of water and boiled over low heat for 5 minutes. When the liquid cools, strain.

It should be noted that the inhalation of such a herbal decoction vapor can have antiseptic and anti-inflammatory effect when rhinitis and upper respiratory tract diseases.

Juice

Healing is also considered fresh buddle juice. To obtain it, fresh raw material should be ground in a blender. The resulting juice is squeezed with gauze. Such a drug is shown to adults 3 tbsp. three times a day. For children, the same dose is 1 tsp. in 3 doses. In this case, the tool should be diluted with water or tea.

Syrup

From this medicinal plant you can also prepare a healing syrup. To do this, combine a simple sugar syrup with the same amount of freshly squeezed juice of the plant. Such a composition to take every day 2 tbsp. pre-diluted in a cup of tea.

Honey from budwort: properties and uses

Among other things, boudre ivy is an excellent honey bearer. Bees visit the flowers of this plant from May to June. Thus, from a plot of 1 hectare you can get 15-20 kg of goodies. This bee product is characterized by a pleasant aroma and great benefit. The composition has a light, slightly golden hue, it concentrates many mineral compounds, acids of organic origin and vitamins.

Such an incredibly useful product will help restore the disturbed metabolism, make up for the lack of various elements that are required for the normal functioning of various organs and systems of the human body.

Contraindications to use

Despite the many useful properties, it should be taken into account that the herb is poisonous. In this regard, it is necessary to remember that take means on its basis in strictly defined doses. The negative effects of catnip are felt in case of an overdose of remedies. This is manifested by dizziness, headache, respiratory and heart rhythm disorders, increased sweating. Often the person has nausea, vomiting, may even develop pulmonary edema.

If any of the symptoms from the list above appear, you should always call an ambulance, take sorbent medications and try to induce vomiting. In addition to poisoning caused by overdose, the culture has some contraindications to use, which should be considered before use.

Do not use ground ivy during pregnancy and while breastfeeding. Other important contraindications are diseases of the digestive tract, in particular the low level of acidity of gastric juice. In addition, the product is contraindicated in hypertension, high blood clotting, tendency to blood clots. With some kidney and liver diseases, you should also refuse treatment with this drug. In some cases, individual intolerance is observed. If the body is prone to allergic reactions, such a plant should be used with caution.

For therapeutic purposes, the herb can be purchased in a pharmacy, as well as to harvest the raw material yourself. It should be remembered that the maximum content of useful substances is observed in the period of active flowering of the plant.

Apply the culture is allowed only to those patients who have no contraindications. It is also important to first consult with the attending physician. In this case, the specialist will determine the dose and prescribe a treatment regimen. When taking this medication, it is necessary to constantly monitor your well-being.

Photo of ground ivy