Thorn: medicinal properties and contraindications

In folk medicine, plants are used that can cause irreparable harm to health if used incorrectly. This includes datura grass. It has hallucinogenic and narcotic properties. That is why when used in folk medicine and cosmetology, it requires careful dosage and intake.

Chemical Composition

Durmum is also called bleached or datura. Despite the fact that it can cause serious consequences if used improperly, the plant is widely used in both traditional and folk medicine. This is due to the fact that the composition of the herb includes a sufficient number of useful and valuable substances for the body. These include:

1. Alkaloids. Scopolamine, atropine and goscyanine are present in datura. These substances can be found exclusively in plants. They affect the central nervous system, muscle tissue and joints. It is the alkaloids that are found in large quantities in datura, which is why the plant has hallucinogenic properties.
2. Carotene. This is a provitamin A, which is a pigment. First of all, carotene has the property of removing free radicals from the body, reducing the negative effects of internal factors. The substance helps to boost the immune system, support the work of defenses during illness, thereby speeding up the recovery process. Carotene also helps to reduce the level of cholesterol in the blood, which gradually accumulates on the walls of blood vessels, worsening blood circulation. The narrowing of vascular walls leads to the development of heart attacks and strokes. Thus, carotene significantly reduces the risk of such dangerous diseases.
3. Organic acids. They have a complex effect on the body, primarily by normalizing metabolic processes and acid-alkaline balance. Also organic acids have the property to normalize the stool, remove toxins from the body and improve digestion. The substances help to normalize the pathogenic microflora in the intestines by slowing the growth of pathogenic and putrefactive bacteria, have a positive effect on the organs of the digestive system, preventing the development of certain diseases.
4. Fatty oils. Such substances are involved in metabolic processes, regulating them, have a positive effect on the skin, preventing its dryness and peeling.
5. Tannins. They are the ones that give the plants and fruits tartness, astringency. Tannins contain a sufficient number of tannins, which have a beneficial effect on the body as a whole. They help to combat digestive tract disorders such as diarrhea, dysbacteriosis. In addition, tannins have a bactericidal effect due to the fact that they form a thin film, which prevents the entry of pathogens. They are distinguished and anti-inflammatory action, help stop bleeding. The benefits of tannins for the body also lies in their property of eliminating kidney stones, digestive disorders, inflammatory processes, intoxication.
6. Essential oils. They have a positive effect on the condition of hair and skin, protecting them from the harmful effects of various factors. In addition, such oils contribute to the normalization of the endocrine system organs, the nervous system, the restoration of the water-salt balance.
7. Steroids. In durman there are also steroids, which have a complex effect on the body. First of all, they help to improve the appetite, due to which they are often used for anorexia. Steroids help to gain weight quickly enough. They also help to normalize the functioning of the thyroid gland, strengthening bone tissue. The substances also have a positive effect on the cells, improving their nutrition, metabolism, and increase the number of red blood cells.

Such a composition and allows the use of the plant for medicinal purposes. All of them have a positive effect on the body, helping to improve the condition of the disease, restore disrupted processes. It is also used in cosmetology.

What it looks like and where it grows

Datura is an annual plant. It grows quite quickly and in the presence of fertile soil, favorable conditions, can grow more than a meter in height. Its root is branched and has a central stem. The stem is straight, bare and branched.

A distinctive feature of the datura grass is its fragrance. Not only the flowers, but also the leaves have quite a strong smell. Datura has large, dark green leaves. There are denticles and notches around the edges.

The flowers of datura are large, for which the plant of ornamental varieties and popular with gardeners, are funnel-shaped. The petals are pointed. White flowers are formed one at a time. But the duration of their flowering is short. Also a peculiarity of the grass is that the flowers bloom in the evening. During the day they are closed.

Thorn also has fruits, in which ripen small seeds of black color. The fruits themselves are spherical, always large, characterized by the presence of thorns.

It grows well in the Crimea, and can be found in southern and central Europe and Africa. Also the plant is widespread in the Baltics and the European part of Russia. The grass likes sunny warm places and often grows near houses, in vegetable gardens, fields and wastelands.

Species

To date, 13 species of datura grass are known. But the most common are only 4 species, which are used for decorative purposes and in folk medicine for the preparation of medicinal compositions. These include:

Common datura.
This is the most common species. It is considered a weed, as it is difficult to get rid of it in the garden plot. The height of common datura can reach 1.3 meters. The stem is straight, covered with large leaves. There are very few flowers on the bush. At the end of June, white corollas appear, which are 10 centimeters long. Ornamental variety of common durman is used to decorate garden plots.

Indian
This is a dangerous plant, as its use even in small quantities leads to the strongest intoxication. This is due to the fact that there are poisons in the composition of the herb. Durman of this species is characterized by ovoid-shaped leaves, which have a gray-green coloration. The flowers are small, only 12 centimeters in length, and they are swollen, white. Indian datura was formerly used by the inhabitants of North and Central America as a hallucinogenic and sleeping aid.

Indian
It is classified as an ornamental species. It grows as a branched shrub up to one meter tall. The leaves are large, oblong, attached to the stem with small petioles, distinguished by a dark green color. There are several varieties of Indian tansy, but the most popular are:

1. Medea. It has large white flowers, which are up to 20 centimeters in diameter.
2. Ballerina. Flowers are terry, consisting of several rows of petals. They come in yellow or light purple.
3. Flor Pleno. Features large purple flowers with fine speckles.

Fragrant .
Today it is referred to as fragrant brumgansia. It is a small shrub with erect shoots. A distinctive feature of the plant is that it is always green. The fragrant broomgansia has funnel-shaped, tubular white flowers. More often there is a terry variety. The fruits are juicy berries. The leaves of the sweet-scented woodpecker form alternately on both sides of the stem. Their apex is pointed and the plate itself is ovoid.

Each species of datura has its own peculiarities. But in folk medicine, cosmetology, common is used. It is important to remember that even decorative varieties of the plant can cause harm to the body, because they contain poisonous substances.

Collection and storage

Leaves, flowers, seeds and stems are used to prepare medicinal compositions, the roots are not used. It is harvested in the absence of rains, when the plant is in flower. Usually the harvesting period is in June-October. It is important to remember that the raw material should be collected and harvested before frosts.

Dry the plant under sheds, avoiding sunlight. Ultraviolet light destroys contained in the datura useful substances. Do not dry another plant nearby. Stir the datura frequently while it is drying.

Seeds are harvested only after they are fully ripe. They are also dried. Everything is stored in a glass container with a tightly closed lid. The storage period is no more than two years.

Medicinal properties of datura

The plant has in its composition certain substances, each of which has a certain effect on the body. This is what makes it possible to use datura-grass as a remedy for most diseases. The medicinal properties of the plant include:

1. Antispasmodic. Datura helps to eliminate the spasm of the tissues of the digestive system, which leads to unpleasant symptoms. Spasm is often the cause of painful sensations.
2. Anti-coughing. Durman has long been used by folk healers as an anti-cough remedy. Today, in pharmacies you can also find preparations based on the plant. Such an effect is achieved due to the content of tannins, carotene and essential oils.
3. Calming. In the composition of the herb there are components that have an effect on the nervous system. A small amount of them helps to relieve stress, get rid of depression. But it is important to remember that an overdose of datura will cause hallucinations, headaches.
4. Painkiller. It is known that datura herb also has narcotic properties. This allows the plant to be used as a painkiller. It is also important to calculate the dosage correctly. Pain can also be stopped as a result of the antispasmodic effect. It is spasms that are most often the cause of pain.
5. Anti-inflammatory. Durman herb also copes well with inflammatory processes. Thanks to the content of tannins, it manages to relieve inflammation on the tissues of the respiratory and digestive system.
6. Antibacterial. Durman does not fight germs, but helps to prevent them from reaching the mucous membranes. This effect is achieved due to the enveloping property of the plant. The active components form a special film on the surface of the mucosa, which is a barrier.
7. Strengthening. Datura has the property of strengthening the immune system, increasing the body's defenses. As a result, the healing process takes less time, and the risk of developing complications is significantly reduced.

The plant helps to strengthen bone tissue, normalize the digestive and nervous systems. The presence of steroids and tannins allows the herb to normalize the functioning of the endocrine system. It is the main source of hormones that control and regulate the functioning of the body.

Preparations based on datura

The plant has long been popular with folk healers. But it is also used for the production of pharmacy medicines. The most popular of these are considered:

"Scopolamine hydrobromide."

The remedy is available in ampoules. It is intended for subcutaneous administration. Available only with a doctor's prescription.

"Hyoscyamine sulfuric acid.

Refers to the means of Schedule A (potent, narcotic drug). The drug is available in the form of a solution, which is administered subcutaneously. The dosage is calculated carefully for each patient individually, depending on the disease. The drug is also made in the form of an alcohol solution. It is intended for oral administration. It is used for bronchial asthma, as it helps to stop attacks, as well as for spastic abdominal conditions. It can also be prescribed in the presence of diseases of the cardiovascular system.

"Asthmatin."

Represents a smoking mixture. It is used to treat complicated or neglected bronchial asthma. The composition includes the leaves of Henna, datura and nitrate in a certain ratio. The drug is available in the form of cigarettes.

"Aeron."

A Schedule B tablet drug. It is dispensed by prescription for air or sea sickness, toxemia during pregnancy, which is expressed by regular nausea.

Leaf powder.

Used as an antispasmodic and antiseptic. Can also be prescribed for airplane seasickness, shipboard seasickness, and for the treatment of certain digestive system disorders.

All medications require careful adherence to dosages and can only be dispensed with a prescription from a specialist. It is strictly forbidden to take them by yourself.

At what diseases datura is used

The plant in folk medicine is used in the presence of certain diseases. Due to its properties, datura is used in the following cases:

Diseases of the respiratory system

The plant helps to cope with bronchial asthma, whooping cough. The positive effect is achieved through the feature to relieve spasm of the smooth muscles of the bronchi. The use of drugs and remedies of folk medicine helps to get rid of intrusive cough, regular attacks.

Pathologies of the gastrointestinal tract

The plant contains atropine. It refers to antispasmodic substances and allows you to stop pain in the stomach area.

In the presence of parasites

The peculiarity of the plant is also its ability to rid the body of parasites. But in this case, it is not taken in the form of infusion or decoction, but burn the leaves and breathe the smoke. Durman is used to kill parasites that affect the visual apparatus and lungs.

In nervous agitation.

Thorn is used for seizures, excessive sexual excitability and neurosis. The dosage is calculated individually so as not to harm the body.

Durman herb can also be used for external use. On its basis make infusions that help relieve pain and inflammation in rheumatism, wounds, burns and cuts. Solutions are used for compresses, wetting them with gauze folded in several layers. Also decoctions are recommended for irrigation in the presence of diseases of the rectum and genital system in women.

With the help of decoctions make rubbing for tumors, sprains, mastitis, eczema. Such a remedy helps to get rid of toothache. It is believed that datura can help get rid of unwanted body hair.

The plant has been widely used in homeopathy. On its basis, a popular tincture is made, which is used for epilepsy, neuralgia, whooping cough and other diseases.

Thus, datura has a wide range of action and has earned the trust of folk healers.

Durman in folk medicine

The plant has long been used in folk medicine and on its basis various remedies are made.

Tincture for coughs

It is taken with regular, neglected cough, bronchial asthma, angina. For its preparation, the seeds of datura are used. They should be crushed and pour 70% alcohol in a ratio of 1:5. Insist everything for two weeks. Take 2 drops per glass of water before meals 5 times a day.

Baths for hemorrhoids

The disease is common among people who lead a sedentary life. It is characterized by marked symptoms in the form of pain in the anus and requires a comprehensive treatment.

To prepare it, take 20 pre-dried leaves of datura, pour a glass of boiling water and infuse for an hour. All dilute with a bucket of warm water, leave for another hour, then do sitting baths.

Remedy for depression

It is also used for nymphomania and epilepsy, it helps to establish the work of the nervous system. The solution is prepared from a drop of juice datura added to 2 large spoons of water. The remedy is taken three times a day.

Tincture for drowsiness and neuralgia

On the basis of datura-grass is made a remedy to help with bronchial asthma, neuralgia, constant sleepiness, cramps and whooping cough.

To prepare a tincture you need 2 large spoons of pre-dried plant pour a glass of boiling water. All put on a water bath for 5 minutes. Do not take the tincture orally, but inhale the steam for 20 minutes. The procedure should be carried out carefully so as not to burn yourself with hot steam.

Remedy for mastitis

In the presence of mastitis or tumors, the use of lotions is recommended. The solution for them is prepared on the basis of datura seeds. They need to pour a glass of water in the amount of 1 large spoon.

Insist the remedy for several hours, then strain. Make lotions using gauze, soaking it in the solution and applying it to the affected area.

Decoction for rheumatism

The disease is characterized by an inflammatory process that affects the membranes of the heart muscle. To eliminate it, a decoction based on datura leaves is recommended.

To prepare a remedy, you need to take 30 pre-dried, shredded leaves of the plant and pour all 10 liters of cold water. Place a container on the fire, bring to a boil and boil for half an hour over low heat. Then cool the solution, strain. The decoction is used for baths. They take them every 2 days for 15 minutes. The course of therapy is 20 days.

Mixture for motion sickness

Such a remedy can be bought at the drugstore or make it yourself. It is used when seasickness or on flights.

First of all, you should prepare a powder of dried leaves of the plant in an amount of 10 g. Then pour them with a glass of water and pour into a bottle. The remedy should be drunk when signs of motion sickness arise.

Mixture for parasites

Durman, according to folk healers, helps to fight parasites that affect the lungs and the human visual apparatus. These include cysticerca, schistostomes, acne, lungworms. They have a negative effect on the body, becoming the cause of intoxication.

With the help of the plant, a cleansing procedure is carried out. There are several ways to get rid of parasites:

1. Pour the fresh or dried leaves of the plant on a baking tray and put it on the fire. After a while, smoke begins to be released, which should be inhaled. At the same time, your eyes should be open. But the procedure should be performed with caution, because the plant is poisonous. It is recommended to approach the source of the smoke as close as possible. After a slight dizziness appears, it is important to stop the procedure, ventilate the room. Such measures will help reduce the risk of hallucinations and other side effects.
2. Before the procedure it is necessary to wear unnecessary clothing. Pour fresh or dried herbs into a frying pan and put it on the stove. Roast the herb until the room is completely filled with smoke. After a slight degree of intoxication, leave the room immediately, ventilate everything, and take off your clothes.
3. This method involves smoking datura using foil and using a plastic bottle. The container is bent in two parts, in the bottom make a small hole. On top of the bottle cover the foil, which should be pierced with a needle 8-9 times and the crushed herb should be poured on it. It should be set on fire and the smoke should be sucked in.

Just one procedure is enough to free the body from parasites. Thanks to the special properties of the plant, in a short time they leave their habitat.

Remedy for impotence

Durman helps to regain manhood. To prepare a remedy, you need to take 2 large spoons of dried leaves of the plant and pour a glass of 70% alcohol. All insist for two weeks.

Tincture take 25 drops after two hours after dinner. The course of therapy to continue for a month, repeat after six months.

In case of stroke

In order to alleviate the condition after a stroke and reduce the likelihood of development of an attack, the formation of blood clots is recommended alcoholic tincture based on datura.

To prepare it, you will need 0.5 liters of alcohol and 85 g of dried seeds. Combine all components, insist in a glass container for two weeks. It is important to shake the bottle daily. Daily use 25 drops diluted in 100 ml of water.

The course of therapy is one month. The tincture should be taken before meals. It also helps in the presence of thrombophlebitis.

Types of medicinal compositions

On the basis of datura, several types of medicinal compositions are made. All of them are used in the treatment of certain diseases. It is important when preparing them to carefully observe the dosages, so as not to have unpleasant consequences when using them.

Infusion

It is used for baths, ingestion in the presence of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, respiratory system.

Infusion is prepared from 20 grams of dried leaves. They need to pour a glass of boiling water. All insist for an hour and strain. In addition, the infusion can be used for asthma and whooping cough. In this case, it is necessary to breathe over the steam.

Tincture .

On the basis of datura, an alcoholic tincture can also be prepared. To do this, use a part of the seeds, which must first be crushed, 5 parts of 70% alcohol. All the components mix in a glass container and leave for a week, stirring daily. At the end of the week to strain the tincture. The remedy to take internally 2 drops three times a day, dilute them with a tablespoon of water.

Decoction .

The remedy is prepared both from the seeds and from other parts of the plant. To prepare a healing decoction, you will need a big spoonful of dried plant. All pour 2 cups of boiling water, put on the fire, bring to a boil. After boiling on low heat for half an hour.

After cooking, strain the decoction. Use it to gargle the throat when coughing, douches, compresses and lotions. You can also use it to make enemas. Decoction is also popular for hemorrhoids, muscle pain, uterine prolapse. In this case, it is added to the bath.

Tea

Such a remedy can be purchased at the pharmacy. It helps to relieve nervous tension, get rid of stress and depression. It should be used with caution. For preparation you will need half a teaspoon of dried plant and a glass of water. All insist 3-5 minutes, strain and consume.

Salve

A remedy based on datura is popular for burns, wounds, cuts and eczema. To prepare an ointment, you will need any fat and dried plant. Mix all the ingredients thoroughly, put in the refrigerator and use as needed. Shelf life of the ointment is one year.

Oil .

For its preparation, the seeds are used. Such a remedy helps to remove unwanted hairs on the body.

The oil can be purchased in a pharmacy or cooked yourself. To do this, take a tablespoon of seeds, pour olive oil in an amount of one cup. All insist for a day.

Usage in cosmetology

Durman herb is also used for cosmetic purposes. It helps to restore and maintain the beauty of hair, facial skin. There are several recipes, the most popular of which are:

Remedy against hair loss

Dried leaves in the amount of 30 g pour 150 ml of water. All insist for three hours, then strain. Apply the remedy to wet hair, rubbing thoroughly into the roots. Leave it for 15 minutes, then wash your hair thoroughly with shampoo. The procedure should be carried out once every three days.

Remedy for dandruff

Tincture is prepared from 10 grams of the plant and a glass of water. Infuse for one hour and strain. Use after washing the head, rinsing the hair. After the procedure, rinse everything with running water. Use the remedy once a week until the problem disappears completely.

Decoction to strengthen hair

It helps to strengthen thin and split hair. To prepare it, take 2 large spoons of the plant, pour 5 liters of water and put everything on a low heat. Boil for half an hour, cool and strain. Use once a week after washing your head to rinse.

Tincture against eczema

To eliminate eczema on the face can use a tincture of 20 grams of dried datura, pour a glass of boiling water. All insist an hour and strain. Ready to use in the form of compresses with eczema. Soak gauze in the infusion and put on the affected place for 15 minutes.

Mask for sunburns

The turmeric also helps to get rid of sunburns. To do this, you need to prepare an ointment consisting of any fat and dry plant. Mix the components. Apply the ready-made ointment to the affected areas of the skin. Such a remedy also helps to get rid of wounds, cuts.

Use cosmetics based on datura should be used with caution, because an allergic reaction can occur. It is also important to observe all the proportions, since the plant is poisonous.

Contraindications for use

Folk healers and doctors warn that licorice is a dangerous remedy and should be used correctly, observing the dosage. Independently determine the amount of the drug and the duration of admission is strictly prohibited.

The use of datura is not possible in the presence of the following contraindications:

• diabetes mellitus;
• Children under the age of 18 years;
• pregnancy and lactation;
• pus formations on the face, acne;
• dermatitis;
• allergies;
• glaucoma.

Incorrect and excessive use of remedies causes overdose. It is expressed in a strong thirst, dry mouth, dilated pupils, redness of the skin. Nervous excitement, farting, pulse rate are also observed. Among the signs of overdose are headache, hallucinations and speech disorders. If such symptoms occur, you should call an ambulance and take activated charcoal.

Durman is one of the plants that can not only benefit the body, but also cause irreparable harm. This is due to the fact that the herb is classified as poisonous. Its excessive or improper use can provoke the appearance of a number of unpleasant signs.

Despite the danger, the plant has been widely used in traditional and folk medicine, as well as in cosmetology. Because of its properties, datura helps to cope with a number of diseases, to alleviate the condition and maintain the beauty of the hair, face. But when using it, it is important to follow the prescription carefully and observe all dosages. If there are signs of overdose, you should stop taking the medicine and immediately consult a doctor.

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