Melon: medicinal properties and contraindications

Mistletoe is a weed plant of low growth - in height it can reach 30 cm. The flowers of this herb seem to be covered with a haze. Dumpling forms large thickets in meadows, vegetable gardens and orchards, as well as near landfills. The flowers of this crop are rarely used in floristics, but occupy a special place in folk and modern medicine. To know what are the useful properties of this plant, and how it can be used at home, it is necessary to study all its characteristics. As for folk healers, they have long been aware of the effectiveness of the use, as well as contraindications of melanum medicinal.

The crop under study is valued for its positive effects on the organs of the digestive tract. Namely, it should be noted the choleretic effect of preparations on the basis of smokestack. In this regard, it is called a liver herb. In addition, this herbal product has an anti-inflammatory effect, which allows its use in the treatment of dermatological diseases. Today, pharmaceutical factories produce many preparations on the basis of smokestack for the therapy of liver pathologies.

Chemical composition

The healing properties of the plant are explained by the presence in its composition of useful substances for the human body.

1. For example, alkaloids have been found in smokestack. This group of substances is represented by components that affect the synthesis of bile, as well as other liquid elements of the digestive tract. Alkaloids provide better digestion of food.
2. Flavonoids in the product counteract pathogens. They are natural antioxidants, provide strengthening of blood vessels.
3. Glycosides are responsible for redox processes in the human body.
4. In addition, tannins were found in the composition of the studied plant. They strengthen the cells of the body, as well as reduce the development of harmful microorganisms.
5. Smokestack also contains organic acids. This group of compounds is represented by malic, citric, succinic, caffeic, chlorogenic and other acids. They are characterized by bactericidal action. In addition, organic acids remove toxins and ballast substances from the body.
6. There is also a large amount of ascorbic acid. And, as we know, vitamin C is also a strong antioxidant. It helps to carry out regenerative processes.
7. Phylloquinone affects blood clotting processes, as a result of which wounds are healed. This vitamin helps to reduce the burden on the liver.
8. In addition, beneficial resins and plant sugars have been found in the composition of smokestack.

What it looks like and where it grows

Smokestack is otherwise known as smoke weed or wild ruta. The crop is a member of the Smokestack family. It is an annual plant that varies in height from 8 to 35 cm. It usually grows upright, in some places there may be a loping growth. The flowers of the smoke grass are very fragile, and the leaves are thin.

The stem usually branches strongly, but it is very thin and hollow inside. The plant is also characterized by a peculiar patina, due to which it has a greenish-gray color. The leaves are gray-green in color, quite thin, their arrangement is alternate.

Flowers of wild ruta have an elongated shape, their edges are uneven, pedicels shortened. The inflorescence is presented in the form of a brush. The flowers are colored pink, and the shade can be either pale pink or deep crimson. There are black and maroon spots on the top of each flower.

The fruit of the melon is represented by a nut, which has a dark brown coloration. The grass blooms most of the summer. Fruits ripen from midsummer to mid-autumn.

Smoke grass is widely distributed throughout the European part of Russia, in the Caucasus, in the southern regions of Siberia. You can find the plant in the vegetable garden, fields, desert areas.

Gathering and storage

Harvesting of wild ruta is carried out during the active flowering period, most often it is June-July, depending on the region. This should be done away from roads and industrial plants. In folk medicine for therapeutic purposes, the ground part of the plant is used, that is, the leaves with flowers and stems.

It should be noted that prolonged contact with the herb can lead to irritation, so it is necessary to collect the raw material in gloves. You should try to touch the herb with the open parts of the body as little as possible. When you finish harvesting, you need to wash your hands with soap and water.

Dry the plant under sheds, in the shade. Ventilated attics can be used for this purpose. The grass should be spread in a thin layer. Periodically it should be turned over. This is to prevent the raw material from turning black and beginning to rot.

If drying is carried out in special ovens, the temperature should be 45-50 degrees. Dried raw material should be placed in paper bags or glass containers. Useful characteristics of smokestack retains for 12 months.

Medicinal properties of smokestack

The therapeutic qualities of smoky grass were discovered back in ancient Russia. Back then, the herb was applied to open wounds, included in food and drinks, added to bathing water. As a medicinal remedy, chimneyweed has been used recently. A number of clinical studies conducted by scientists in the twentieth century have shown that this herb has beneficial effects on humans. In particular, it was found that the components included in the culture have a diuretic and choleretic effect. For this reason, the substances of smoky grass are included in preparations designed to cleanse the body of toxic compounds.

In addition, chimneyweed activates the activity of the digestive tract. Decoction on the basis of such plant raw materials can stop diarrhea, as well as nausea and vomiting. The flavonoids in the same herb will help reduce headaches and muscle pain.

For smokestack is characterized, in addition, anti-inflammatory, analgesic and tonic effects. Regular use of remedies based on this plant will solve the problem with rashes on the skin associated with allergic reactions.

A decoction based on wild ruta is indicated for internal bleeding. Also such a healing composition will help normalize the material metabolism and stimulate the appetite. The fresh juice of the leaves is used for lotions, which are used to treat acne, dermatitis and ulcers.

The presence of organic acids in the composition of medicinal plant raw materials allows its use in the therapy of gastritis. The seeds of smoke-grass increase blood flow, strengthen the walls of blood vessels and thin the blood. Due to these properties, the plant can be used to treat hypertension.

In addition, smokestack is excellent against anemia, disorders of the digestive system, tuberculosis, bronchitis, inflammatory processes of the urogenital system, skin infections. Pathologies of the liver and gallbladder can also be eliminated by using preparations from this plant.

Melanum in folk medicine

In alternative medicine, smoke-grass is used as a decoction, tincture and infusion. Such compositions are designed to treat various kinds of diseases. In order to preserve all the valuable substances in the plant, it should be collected in summer, during the period of active flowering. It should be remembered that the collection of such medicinal plant raw materials should be carried out with gloves, because prolonged contact of the skin with such a plant can lead to irritation. Drying is carried out in a ventilated place, protected from direct sunlight.

For the manufacture of medical preparations, the melon is used whole. For cosmetic purposes, the head and stem of the herb are usually used.

In dermatological and neurotic pathologies

Alcoholic tincture is made from the leaves of this culture, which can treat dermatological and neurotic pathologies. If you regularly use such a composition, namely to drink 20 drops of liquid a day, such a product will help to cure liver failure.

The maximum number of valuable substances is concentrated in the stem of this plant. From it, a juice is made, which is endowed with anti-inflammatory properties. The dried flowers of the herb are usually added to tea. Crushed leaves are most often used to create tinctures and medicines.

As mentioned above, smokestack has a diuretic effect. This suggests that the plant is able to normalize the metabolism, as well as increase the appetite. Often such a product is recommended for children, it is also shown to patients during the rehabilitation period after surgical operations.

To improve the metabolism

To activate the metabolism, you need to use dried leaves of an annual herb. To obtain such a healing infusion, take 3 tbsp. The mixture should infuse in a dark place for several hours. The composition should infuse in a dark place for several hours. After that, filter the liquid. Prepared a solution to take every day for 100 ml for half an hour before a meal. The course of treatment lasts from 2 to 4 weeks.

For appetite

Preparation of infusion, which can increase the appetite, is as follows: you need 20 g of dried grass pour 0.5 l of water and boil the composition in a steam bath. Boil the mass for 30 minutes. After that, pass the solution through a filter, add 1 tbsp. honey and a pinch of cinnamon. Take 1/4 cup in the morning every day.

For the gastrointestinal tract.

Due to its rich chemical composition, chimneyweed can increase acidity in the stomach, therefore, the plant is recommended as a medicinal composition in the treatment of gastritis and other diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.

A medicinal decoction consisting of several herbs is considered effective. To prepare such a medicinal infusion should be combined 50 g of smoke-grass, 15 g of chopped chicory root and gentian, 20 g of herbs St. John's wort, Milk thistle and yarrow. Pour the resulting collection of 1 liter boiling water and insist 10-12 hours. Then heat the decoction in a water bath. Take the composition every day for 100 ml after a meal. The therapy lasts a month.

Effective with gastritis is also considered to be a tea of smokestack. To obtain it, 1 teaspoon of raw material pour 100 ml of boiling water and insist half an hour. Take the composition after each meal for two weeks.

Decoction of this plant with milk is effective for colitis. To obtain such a composition of medicine, you need 50 ml of fresh squeeze of the studied herb combined with a glass of heated, but sour milk. Such a drug to take 2 tablespoons three times a day for 7 days.

In catarrh of the stomach with decreased secretion is useful medicinal infusion, which is prepared as follows: mix 10 g of dried grass, 1 tsp. centaury, as well as wild chicory, yarrow, gentian and St. John's wort taken in equal proportions. The resulting mixture pour 1 liter of boiling water and insist 60 minutes. Then daily drink 100 ml of the resulting broth three times a day.

When poisoned

With poisoning, it is recommended to prepare a medicine according to the following recipe. It is necessary to crush the fresh leaves of the plant using a blender, squeeze the juice, using gauze, and send it to the shelf of the refrigerator. Such a liquid to drink 1 tsp. daily for half an hour before a meal.

In thrombosis and hemorrhoids.

Dyme is also popular for thrombosis and hemorrhoids. In this case, it will help reduce pain and have an anticoagulant effect. When exacerbating the symptoms of these ailments at home you can get a remedy for which you need to make 25 ml of freshly squeezed juice, pour 100 ml of steep boiling water and insist until the liquid cools. Such an infusion to take 3 times a day for 50 ml. This remedy is also suitable for lotions and compresses, which are applied to the inflamed areas for 15 minutes.

When hemorrhoids

When hemorrhoids, a medicinal ointment can be prepared. To do this, crush with a blender 20 g of fresh herbal raw materials. The resulting mass should be mixed with a small amount of petroleum jelly or pork fat. The mixture is applied to the skin massaging movements three times a day. Treated in this manner should be two weeks.

Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a chronic disease that cannot be cured completely. However, such a pathology can regress. If you have this disease, it is recommended to rub the skin every day with an alcoholic tincture obtained from wild ruta. This is done as follows: 20 g of tincture first dilute in a glass of water. Then soak a cotton swab in the resulting composition and apply it to the affected areas for a third of an hour. Repeat such procedures should be repeated several times a day for a month.

With psoriasis you can also prepare a medicinal infusion. To do this, place 10 grams of dried leaves of the smoke herb in a dark container, pour 50 ml of ethyl alcohol and insist a week. Next, filter the infusion, pour into a convenient container and send it to a cool place. Take a composition of 25-30 drops three times daily before meals. You can be treated in this way for 4 weeks.

The effectiveness of the juice also has smokestack. To create it, 20 g leaves should be steeped, crushed and squeeze the juice with gauze. Then add 50 ml of milk. Take the mixture three times a day, 1/2 cup half an hour before a meal.

German scientists have conducted numerous studies in which it was found that wild ruta has properties that promote bile elimination. Such a product can relieve stomach cramps, stabilize the outflow of acid in the biliary tract. For this reason, smoke-grass is used as a medicine for acute and chronic liver pathologies.

To prepare a tincture, which has a choleretic effect, you need to pour 1 tsp of the herb 100 ml of boiling water and insist the mixture for 10 minutes. After the specified time, filter the liquid and squeeze. Take the solution three times a day for half an hour before meals, the treatment should last two weeks.

To strengthen the body

In addition to the above-described valuable qualities, such a herb as smokestack has general strengthening properties. It provides removal of bile, toxins from the body, takes part in cell regeneration, strengthens defenses, enhances immunity, characterized by anti-inflammatory action. On the basis of this plant you can make a restorative tea, which can cope with a number of diseases.

With weakness, frequent constipation and edema, it is recommended to drink a tea made from the leaves of the dried plant every day. To do this, 20 grams of dried raw materials pour 2 cups of water, bring to a boil and boil for another quarter of an hour. Then filter the liquid, sweeten if desired. Take the medicine 2-3 times a day for a week.

With skin infections

Due to its anti-inflammatory qualities, medicinal wild ruta is used in the fight against skin infections. With the help of this product, you can eliminate allergies, cure furunculosis, acne and acne, get rid of psoriasis, lichen and fungus. In this case, you can take the drug based on this herb both externally and internally.

To treat allergies, you need to prepare a remedy, which can easily be obtained by pouring 2 tsp of dried herbs 0.5 liters of boiling water. Infuse the solution for 12 hours, and then filter it. Take the medicine in the morning half an hour before breakfast.

In the presence of lichen, abscesses, boils and other dermatological diseases, you need 3 tbsp of dried plant combined with 2 cups of boiling water and insist a couple of hours. Then filter the solution and apply to the affected areas several times a day.

To combat fungus, you need to prepare a special ointment, which is applied to the clean dermis twice a day. To obtain the composition, combine 2 tbsp of fresh, crushed leaves with 100 g of petroleum jelly and mix well. Store the resulting preparation in a sealed container in the refrigerator.

Chimneyweed contains vitamin K, flavonoids and other substances that have beneficial effects on the cardiovascular system. They thin the blood and promote its rapid clotting, as well as have a positive effect on the functioning of the heart. It follows that smoke herb is recommended for patients who suffer from low or high blood pressure, angina pectoris, arrhythmia and other heart conditions.

For the heart

To protect the cardiovascular system, a tea consisting of 20 g of wild ruta, 15 g of chamomile and 5 g of juniper should be drunk every day. The resulting herbal collection should be poured 500 ml of boiling water and insist a third of an hour. After that, you can add to the liquid a teaspoon of natural honey. Prepared infusion take 2 times a day before meals.

For normalization of pressure

With high blood pressure, an alcohol-based tincture will be effective. In this case, 20 drops of such a composition diluted in 50 ml of water. Drink such a medicine every morning.

When cholecystitis

To treat cholelithiasis, it is recommended to combine in equal proportions the herb of smokestack, the fruits of juniper, as well as the root of dandelion and chicory. From the resulting mixture to measure 4 tbsp. and pour a glass of hot water. Allow the mass to infuse. After this subject it to filtering. Prepared a solution to take twice a day, 1 cup.

There is also another recipe for the preparation of medicine used in cholelithiasis. In this case, mix in equal parts the following plants: melon, thyme, tricolor violet, yarrow, calamus root, peppermint and chandra. A glass of boiling water is enough 2 tbsp. of the resulting collection. Infusion should be prepared for 1 reception. The frequency of intake is 3 times.

With nonspecific ulcerative colitis

A remedy consisting of 1 tsp of medicinal herbal raw materials and a glass of boiling water will help. The herb should be poured over boiling water and infused for about 5 hours, after which the solution should be strained. It should be used before each meal 2 tbsp.

With uterine bleeding, cystitis and hypoxia

You should pour a large spoonful of raw materials with 2 cups of water at room temperature. The solution should insist at least 7-8 hours. Ready to take the drug at 100 ml for 30 minutes before a meal three times a day.

Types of medicinal compositions

Preparations obtained from smokestack have a positive effect on the body in case of arrhythmia, the presence of inflammatory processes, and are also used in the form of diuretic and tonic agents. In addition, they are useful in the treatment of scabies, malaria and other ailments. In folk medicine, there are many recipes that include this plant. Such remedies can treat bleeding gastrointestinal tract, hemorrhoids and uterus. Such preparations are also shown in the chronic form of gastritis with reduced acidity, with exhaustion and reduced appetite.

Infusion

Infusion of wild ruta has a choleretic effect. It is prepared very easily and in a short time. To do this, you need to take 1 tsp of plant raw materials and pour it with 100 ml of boiled water. After that, the solution should cool completely. Now filter it and take 30 minutes before a meal, 2 tbsp. 3 times a day.

Tincture .

To obtain a tincture, you need only 1 tbsp of the herb and 50 ml of alcohol, the concentration of which is 70%. It is necessary to pour the raw material with alcohol and insist for a week. During this time, the solution should be periodically shaken. At the end of 7 days, filter the liquid. Ready to take 30 drops 3 times a day for 20 minutes before a meal. In this case, the drug should be diluted with a small amount of water.

The course of treatment is 14 days. Then take a break of 2 weeks and then repeat the therapy again. For dermatological problems, the tincture can be taken both internally and as an external remedy. From such a tincture you can make lotions, which should not hold for more than 10 minutes. If there are problems on the face, you can not make lotions, it is better only to gently wipe the affected areas of the skin.

Decoction .

To prepare a decoction, you need to take 3 grams of the seeds of this plant and pour a glass of boiling water over them. Then place the mixture on a water bath and simmer for half an hour. After that, filter the solution and use 2 tbsp several times a day after meals.

Tea

Wild ruta tea helps in the fight against psoriasis. To obtain it, you will need to take in equal parts of the herb prolesnika and chokecherry. Then you need to measure 3 tsp. of the resulting collection and pour 0.5 liters of boiling water. The mass should infuse for 5 minutes. After cooling, pass the tea through a filter. Ready to take the preparation 25 minutes before a meal, 150 ml three times a day.

Such composition is also indicated for weakness, tendency to constipation and increased edema. You can use it in the recovery period after an illness. Allowed the use of chronic liver disease and gall bladder in remission.

Ointment

Such a dosage form as an ointment based on chimneyweed is shown to reduce pain, as well as for use with swelling of external and internal hemorrhoidal nodes. Due to its anti-inflammatory and analgesic action, the remedy can be used to treat pustules and furuncles.

To get the ointment, you should grind the dry raw material to a powdery consistency. In this case, you can use a coffee grinder. Then 1 tsp. of the resulting powder should be well mixed with 20 g of petroleum jelly. The resulting composition to treat hemorrhoids several times a day. To cure pustules with this ointment, you need to apply the drug to the sore and wash it off after an hour. Repeat this procedure several times a day. Continue treatment until the patient's condition improves. Ready ointment can be stored for no more than 7 days. After the specified period, it is recommended to prepare a fresh portion.

You can also prepare an ointment from the fresh plant. In this case, it is necessary to pass the fresh herb through a meat grinder and combine it with melted pork fat in equal proportions. Such a preparation can be used to eliminate scabies and other skin ailments.

Pharmacy remedies based on smokestack

The extract of smokewood is used not only in folk medicine. There are several known medicinal preparations with such a herb, which are manufactured in industrial conditions. All of them are effective, as a result of which they have received a lot of positive feedback from both patients and doctors.

1. Such a combined herbal medicine as "Hepabene" is used for the therapy of the liver and gallbladder. In addition to smokestack, it contains milk thistle. Extracts of these plants activate the process of separation of bile, ensure its flow to the intestines, relieve pain in this organ. The drug is indicated for chronic hepatitis, toxic liver damage, as well as biliary dyskinesia. In addition, the drug is prescribed to people who have undergone cholecystectomy. Such a drug helps to stabilize the peristalsis of the digestive tract, helps to normalize the secretory function of the stomach and activate the production and excretion of bile.
2. The drug "Psorilom" is a homeopathic immunomodulator. It is a combined composition, where the extract of smokestack acts simultaneously with other medicinal plants. This medicine helps to relieve itching, inflammation, has a disinfecting effect, allows the restoration of the epidermis. The indications for this medicine are such diseases as dermatitis, psoriasis, eczema and others. The composition is designed for daily care of the affected dermis. The cream helps to cope with increased dryness of the skin.
3. Oddibil" tablets consist of crushed powder of this plant. The drug is used to relax the bile ducts, has analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects. As a result, it helps eliminate pain and other discomfort in the gallbladder and liver. Means indicated for cholelithiasis, biliary colic and various liver diseases.
4. Fitodrug "Liv-52" is a hepatoprotective agent. It can be tablets or capsules that are used as a dietary supplement and for the prevention of intestinal diseases.

It should be noted that in the veterinary field the poisonous properties of this herb have found application in the treatment of animals with scabies.

Cosmetic applications

Thanks to its cleansing and healing properties, the herb is widely used in the field of cosmetology. Experts recommend using this plant for problem skin, especially if it is oily, has clogged pores and blackheads. If other cosmetics and salon procedures are not effective, you can use proven folk recipes based on smoke-grass.

For example, you can prepare a decoction for washing. To do this, it is enough to pour 20 grams of liverwort grass with a glass of water, bring it to a boil and insist for 60 minutes. After that, filter the liquid and use 2 times a day.

For serving and cleansing pores it is recommended to use a mask, for which you need to mix in equal parts fresh wild ruta and yarrow herb. Grind the raw material with a blender, slightly dilute with water and pass it through gauze. Now add a small amount of rye flour so that you get a thick mask. The resulting mass is applied to the face in an even layer and leave for 15-20 minutes. After that, rinse the mixture with cool water. Repeat such procedures should be repeated several times a week.

Infusion, intended for external use, can be used for rashes, pimples, boils and other dermatological problems. To obtain such a composition, you need 3 tbsp. of plant raw materials pour 500 ml of boiling water and insist a couple of hours. After that, filter the liquid and use it to treat the affected areas 2-3 times a day.

Tincture can also be used for skin diseases.

To eliminate rashes and fight uneven skin tone is used decoction, for the manufacture of which should be combined 25 g of herbs and 200 ml of boiled water. Infuse the solution for 5 minutes, and then strain and cool. The solution is used to wipe the skin. In the presence of pigment spots, the composition can be used for lotions. To do this, a soft cloth must be soaked in the liquid and kept on the problem areas of the skin for 15 minutes.

Contraindications for use

Yarrow is a poisonous plant. Take it for therapeutic purposes should be taken with extreme caution. Exceeding certain doses can provoke intoxication, cause allergies and diarrhea.

This plant is contraindicated for children under 3 years old, women expecting a baby, as well as those who are breastfeeding. In acute symptoms of hypertension, as well as individual intolerance to the components of the herb should be abandoned such a product.

Numerous clinical studies have been conducted, which have confirmed the healing properties of such a plant. Due to the high concentration of mineral elements, acids of organic origin and vitamins, this culture can relieve a person from various diseases, but it should be used only as an auxiliary, not the main medicinal agent.

A photo of a smokestack