Wild rosemary: therapeutic properties and contraindications

Daubenton holly (placunculus grass) is a perennial herbaceous plant belonging to the family Derbenniaceae. Grass got its name because of the ability to get rid of excess moisture from the leaves, on which the droplets accumulate. It is found almost everywhere, as it is undemanding to the soil and surrounding conditions. The plant is appreciated not only by folk healers, but also by gardeners. The flowering period falls in summer, and the merlin gives the garden a unique look. It is also a honeybee and attracts bees to the garden.

Chemical composition

The roots, stems and even the seeds of the plant have useful properties. They contain many useful components:

1. Saponins. They stimulate the respiratory system by helping to remove sputum and infection from the bronchi, have a laxative and diuretic effect, stimulate hormone production and help in the treatment of atherosclerosis.
2. Glycosides. Have the ability to strengthen the cardiovascular system, having a tonic effect on it. Able to fight the microorganisms that cause various skin diseases. Some glycosides become components of shampoos and detergents. They are also used to treat herpes.
3. Flavonoids. Slow the aging process and can fight free radicals, preventing the destruction of cells. This substance is the prevention of atherosclerosis. Flavonoids can slow down inflammatory processes in the body and resist viruses, strengthening the immune system.
4. Alkaloids. They have a sedative effect and are used to treat some diseases of the nervous system. Some varieties have an analgesic effect and the ability to stop bleeding.
5. Tannins. Mostly contained in the roots. They have anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and antiviral effects, have a positive effect on the gastrointestinal tract and can remove toxins from the body. Tannins have the ability to stop both external and internal bleeding. In addition, they improve the condition of blood vessels, making them more elastic, and are a precaution against the deposition of heavy metals in the body.
6. Phenolcarboxylic acids. Their ability to stop inflammation in the body, in addition, improve the functioning of the kidneys, liver, biliary tract and contribute to the rapid removal of bile.
7. Anthocyanins. They have diuretic, analgesic and sedative effects, help get rid of edema and protect the body from bacteria. These substances cannot be synthesized in the body. Anthocyanins can also improve eye function and prevent cholesterol plaques.
8. Gallic acid. It has a wide range of positive properties. It is used as an antioxidant and in the treatment of diabetic patients. Gallic acid is also effective in fighting parasites and has a positive effect on the heart and liver. According to some reports, it can even slow down the development of hepatitis B. It speeds up wound healing and helps with internal bleeding.
9. Vitamin C. It has a restorative property, has the ability to improve the immune system and increase the body's defense against viruses and bacteria. It is one of the most important vitamins for the human body. Its lack can cause many diseases, including scurvy.
10. Carotene. This vitamin takes part in many processes in the body, is distinguished by its ability to strengthen the immune system and support the work of the reproductive system. It is also a very important vitamin for vision and the cardiovascular system.
11. Choline. Can restore the function of the liver and normalize the process of fat metabolism. Choline improves digestion of food by the body and prevents oxygen deprivation. A stronger effect is paired with other vitamins.
12. Pectin substances. Supplies the body with soluble fiber, so have a positive effect on the gastrointestinal tract. Once in the intestines, fiber is transformed into another substance that can slow down the digestive process. This makes it possible to keep a feeling of fullness longer, which is important for people who lose weight. The substances are also effective remedies for diarrhea.

What it looks like and where it grows

In total, the family Derbenninae numbers more than 20 species, with no more than 10 found in Russia. All plants are similar to each other.

The willow-leaved merlin has one long tetrahedral stem, which can grow up to 1.5 m in length. The stem itself is covered with stiff tufts and along its entire length there are elongated leaves of a deep green color, which turn purple in the fall. The leaves do not exceed 10 cm in length. They look similar to willow leaves.

The flowers are gathered in spike-like inflorescences and are star-shaped. The flowering period falls in July. At the end of flowering, small fruits appear in the form of an oval box that contains seeds. Over 30,000 seeds can be found on a single plant. Inflorescences reach a length of 30-35 cm. The flowers are colored in pink or purple shades. The roots of the plant are strong, creeping, shallow.

In the wild, the herb is widely distributed in Europe, Asia, Australia and even in North Africa. In Russia it is found in almost all regions, except for the North. The plant is undemanding to the soil, but likes wet soil the most, so it often grows along rivers and banks of other bodies of water.

Gathering and storage

Collection of the above-ground part of the plant occurs before the beginning of active flowering. This period falls in June-July. Go get herbal remedies in the morning when the weather is sunny. It is advantageous if you can catch the sun on sunny days, but the dew is still there. Leaves, flowers and stems are used for medicinal purposes. They should be cut with scissors. It is better to collect only young and tender shoots, which are located at the top of the plant. It is very important to collect plants away from roads, railway lines, businesses, cemeteries, etc.

To dry the plant, you need to spread newspaper or cloth in the shade of a tree, and lay out on it an even layer of grass. From time to time the merlin should be stirred. The plant is considered ready when the stems break without much effort.

You can also dry the merlin in the attic or in the house, gathering the branches into bunches and hanging them in a dry room. It is important to make sure that the grass is not exposed to direct sunlight.

Ready-made raw material can be immediately crushed and stored in paper or cloth bags for no more than 2 years.

The flowers of the plant are collected after the beginning of flowering. They are best dried only outdoors under a canopy. The roots are harvested in the fall. It is easiest to do this after the rain, when the ground is wet. But it is also desirable to do it in sunny weather. The plant should be slowly pulled out, and then carefully cut off the roots. To avoid grass degeneration, it is advisable to leave a small percentage of the plants intact.

The roots are also dried outside under a shelter, away from the sun's best. In bad weather, they can be taken inside and stored in a dry room, ensuring constant access to air, for two years, not only in cloth bags, but also in a glass container.

Therapeutic properties of Merlin

The plant has been known to folk healers since ancient times. Traditional medicine also knows about the positive properties of the herb, but it is not used in pharmacology. The plant contains a large set of useful substances.

1. Derbennik has a disinfectant property, is used to heal wounds and relieve inflammation in the body. It also has a sedative effect and is able to stop bleeding.
2. Folk healers recommend taking medicines based on derbennica for dysentery and intestinal disorders. The herb will be useful for various stomach ailments and colds. Decoctions and infusions are recommended to drink in case of exhaustion. Derbennik can help with migraines and venereal diseases.
3. It is used as a first aid in case of bites of wild animals or snakes.
4. There are herbal gatherings based on this herb, which are recommended to drink in case of depression. They strengthen the nervous system and improve mood.
5. The leaves of the plant are also used fresh to stop bleeding. They are applied both in whole and in crushed form.

Derbennik willowleaf in folk medicine

Since ancient times, this herb has been used in folk medicine by healers from different countries.

With prostatitis and diseases of the gastrointestinal tract

Prepare an infusion that has anti-inflammatory effects. It can help relieve men with prostatitis. It is also used for depression, such an infusion has a beneficial effect on the nervous system and helps with hemorrhoids. It can be used not only for internal use, but also for external use. The medicine will be effective for rheumatism, bruises and some diseases of the skin.

To prepare an infusion, the ground part of the plant is used. Require 60 g of dry crushed raw materials and 2 cups of distilled water. Bring the water to a boil and pour the medicine, then leave to insist for 1 hour. Drink 1/4 cup three times a day - in the morning, at lunchtime and before going to bed.

You can also add it to the bath when bathing or apply lotions to wounds and bruises. When regularly used internally, the infusion can reduce hernias, but you should first consult a doctor.

In diseases of the upper respiratory tract

With such a problem, an infusion of the flowers of the plant will help. It can also be drunk with some diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, colds and nervous disorders. Such an infusion can be rinsed in the mouth with inflammatory processes and wounds.

To prepare it, you will need 1 tbsp. spoon of flowers and 200 ml of boiling water. Pour boiling water over the flowers, cover and insist for 1 hour. Strain the prepared medicine and drink three times a day with 1 tbsp. spoon before a meal.

With a headache and toxemia.

A decoction of fresh leaves can help with these problems. It is also recommended to drink for cramps and upper respiratory diseases.

Green branches and leaves will be needed. Finely chop the raw materials, then pour a glass of boiled water at room temperature. Then put the medication on a water bath and boil for 15 minutes. Leave the medicine until it cools, then strain the liquid. Drink 45-60 ml three times a day, regardless of meals.

Fresh herbs can also help with wounds. To do this, you need to grind the leaves of merlin to a pulp and apply to the wound, then wrap with a bandage. Change the plant as it dries. In the case of small cuts, you can apply the whole leaf. This will protect against infection if the wound is sustained in nature and no medication is on hand.

For migraines.

This disease causes people a lot of discomfort, but tincture from the stem of merlin will alleviate the condition. Such a tincture can be taken for headaches caused by other causes. It can strengthen the immune system, but you need to take it carefully.

You will need 10 g of the crushed stalk of the plant and 100 ml of vodka. You can also take another amount of raw materials, but it must be mixed with vodka in the proportion 1:10.

Pour vodka over the stem of the plant in a glass container, then cover it tightly and put in a dark place for 5-6 weeks. Approximately once every 3-4 days, shake the medication. When the tincture is ready, strain it with gauze.

Drink the tincture at 20-30 drops 30-40 minutes before a meal. It must necessarily be diluted with water in the proportion 1:4 to avoid burns of the esophagus. Store the ready-made medicine in the refrigerator.

With diarrhea

From this ailment helps decoction made from the upper part of the plant. Such a remedy has a diuretic effect and can be used as a lotion for diseases of the joints and bruises.

For preparation, you need leaves and stems. Grind the raw materials thoroughly, then take 3 tbsp. spoons and pour them in a glass container with 300 ml of boiling water. Pour water into a saucepan, bring to a boil, place the container with the decoction in it and cook for another 15-20 minutes. Cover the finished medication with a lid and wrap with a blanket for a few hours. You can also pour the broth into a thermos along with the raw material and close it tightly.

The daily rate of such a broth is 200-250 ml. It should be divided into 3 parts and drink three times a day. It is better to pour out the rest of the medicine, because the next day it will lose its therapeutic properties.

With weakness and insomnia

Folk healers in such a case recommend brewing tea. It can also help relieve fevers.

To prepare it, take a teaspoonful of crushed herb and pour a glass of boiling water. Folk healers advise adding the same amount of crushed merlin to a cup of black or green tea. Adding lemon will strengthen the immune system. Tea to drink throughout the day, it helps to restore strength.

With insomnia, it is recommended to mix merlin with chamomile and motherwort, you can also add a little honey. Such a tea should be drunk warm before going to bed.

With a cold

Use an infusion of stems and leaves. It strengthens the nervous system and helps with its various disorders. Also, this medicine can be used for rheumatism.

To prepare the infusion need 1 tsp. crushed stems and 250 ml of boiling water. Pour water over the raw material, then cover and insist for 4 hours. Then strain the drink thoroughly, using folded gauze several times. Drink 1/4 cup three times a day, regardless of the meal until the condition improves. Infusion, like decoction, quickly loses its properties, so prepare it daily.

When ulcerative colitis.

Apply an infusion of the herbal collection on the basis of derbennik. It is important to remember that this remedy should be taken only with the permission of a doctor, otherwise there may be more harm from it.

To prepare the infusion must be mixed merlin, long-leafed veronica, winterberry and buddure ivy in a ratio of 2:2:1:1, pre-chopping all the herbs. The collection is thoroughly mixed, then separate 20 g and pour 150 ml of boiling water. Cover the medicine with a lid and leave until completely cooled. Then strain through gauze and drink 1/2 cup 3 times a day.

Types of medicinal compositions

A variety of medicines are prepared from Dervinok willowleaf. Each has a unique property and is used to treat certain diseases. From this herb are prepared infusions, decoctions, tinctures.

Infusion .

This remedy has a number of positive properties. Infusion is used for stomachaches and migraines. From it make lotions for wounds and sore joints and for severe bruises. The infusion has an anti-inflammatory effect and improves the immune system. Such an infusion is also effective in treating hemorrhoids. It will also be useful for acne, thanks to the ability to relieve inflammation.

To prepare it, you will need 20 grams of leaves and 1 cup of water. Grind the raw material thoroughly, then pour boiling water over the plant, then leave to infuse for 40-50 minutes. Ready to cool the medication, strain, and take 50 ml 4 times a day, regardless of meals.

Tincture .

Tincture is used to treat many diseases. It is effective for migraines and diarrhea, strengthens the immune system and has antibacterial properties.

For its preparation, you will need chopped leaves and stems. Mix them with vodka or alcohol in the proportion 1:10, then cover it tightly and put it in a dark and cool place for 2 weeks. Periodically shake the medicine. After 14 days, strain the medication. Store the finished tincture in the refrigerator in a glass container. Drink three times a day at 20 drops diluted in water. Take the medicine 20-30 minutes before a meal.

Decoction .

Decoction is famous for its diuretic. It is also used to treat wounds and sores from infections. The prepared decoction is often added to a hot bath. It helps to get rid of tension and relieve stress. The decoction has a calming effect and can help with various venereal diseases. Women have been taking it for menstrual disorders since ancient times, but you should first consult your doctor.

Decoctions from the roots of the plant are used to treat cramps and upper respiratory tract diseases. It has expectorant and anti-inflammatory properties. Decoction from derbennik is used to rinse the mouth for ulcers and flus.

To prepare a medicine from the roots, you will need 1 tsp of crushed raw materials and 200 ml of water. Pour boiling water over the roots, then bring to a boil over low heat and simmer for another 15-20 minutes. The finished broth insist 60 minutes, then strain. This broth is mainly used externally to treat wounds, bruises, etc.

To prepare a decoction of leaves and stems will require 1 tbsp crushed raw material and 200 ml of boiled water. Pour water over the plant, then put on a water bath for at least 15 minutes. Infuse the decoction for 1 hour. Only then can it be strained and drunk 50 ml three times a day.

Tea

Tea has a restorative effect. It increases the body's defenses, helps to resist viruses and bacteria, and is a diuretic. It can even stop internal bleeding, but it is better to consult a doctor immediately if you have this problem. Tea can also help with diarrhea and abdominal pain.

The flowers of the plant are used to make the tea. It takes a handful of raw materials and 1 liter of boiling water. Pour the flowers with water, then cover with a lid and insist for 20-30 minutes. Drink 3-4 small cups a day. You can add lemon, honey or other beneficial herbs to the tea, such a drink will be even more effective. You can also add a small amount of the herb to regular tea.

Growing merlin in the garden

By planting this plant in the garden, you can not only provide yourself with medicinal raw materials, but also give the garden a beautiful and unique look. Designers liked the merlin so much that some decorative varieties have been bred. They appreciate it for its long blooming period. Although you can plant it in the garden in the wild as well.

Merlin grows on almost any soil, with the exception of alkaline or loose soils. It grows best on moist soil, so if possible, it is better to plant it in a low place or next to a pond.

You can find small shrubs of this plant in the markets, but you can also plant it from seeds collected in the fall, when the plant is in bloom. Derbennik does not require special care, tolerates winter frosts well and does not need sheltering.

The only thing this plant needs is frequent watering. It is necessary to constantly keep the soil moist. Derbennik can survive a short-term drought because of the good root system, but with a constant lack of water the grass will develop less well and will not please with beautiful blossoms. In addition, such a plant contains fewer useful substances.

Contraindications to use

Such an amazing plant will not be useful for everyone. First of all, it is forbidden for pregnant women and nursing mothers, although some sources claim that it is safe to drink during the fetal period. Nevertheless, it is better to consult a doctor first, because the plant can do more harm than good. It is also not recommended to give it to children under 12 years of age.

It is forbidden to take derbennik with problems with blood pressure, tendency to form blood clots, frequent constipation. Some stomach diseases and inflammatory bowel processes and hypertension are also contraindications to use, despite the anti-inflammatory effect. It is also strictly forbidden to use the herb in case of high blood clotting.

Some components in the plant are useful for atherosclerosis, but in combination with other elements, they can even be dangerous, so in this disease you should refuse to use derbennik.

Before taking the plant, it is necessary to check whether there is an allergy to some components or individual intolerance. To this end, you can prepare an ordinary decoction, apply it in small amounts to the hand and leave it for 30-40 minutes. If in the place of application, the skin has not reddened, no itching has appeared, and in general the condition has not deteriorated, then it can be taken without fear.

Before using the herb, even healthy people should preferably consult a doctor.

Nature has given people many medicinal herbs, and merlin is one of them. Unlike other plants, it does not have many contraindications. Derbennik can help with many ailments. This herb has a beautiful appearance and will be a pertinent addition to the garden. Gardeners value it for its honey-bearing properties and often grow it on their plot. It attracts bees to the garden, which is very important for the pollination of some crops.

Photo of the hollyhock