Eleutherococcus: therapeutic properties and contraindications.

Eleutherococcus is a compact shrub that grows up to 4 m. In September the plant stands out in any forest for its weighty bunches of large black berries. But in the wild it is usually found in coniferous thickets near spruces and cedars. The shrub has received a host of nicknames - wild pepper, devil bush, blackberry.

In folk medicine, eleutherococcus is compared to ginseng. The range of useful and tonic properties is similar. But this plant is universal, it helps both men and women, it tones up when they are active in sports. Cosmetology and folk medicine uses eleutherococcus leaf and root.

Chemical composition

Bark, wood and roots are rich in plant glycosides. The stable presence of groups of eleutherosides A, B, C, D, E is noted. These substances tone the nervous system, improve cellular respiration processes.

The composition can vary greatly depending on the variety and location of cultivation. Also much depends on the condition of the base bush, its age and the mineral set in the soil. Eleutherococcus contains:

• essential oils;
• polysaccharides;
• wax;
• gum;
• resins;
• vitamins of various groups (leaves are rich in C and carotene);
• coumarin;
• aramine, a special alkaloid that is rich in eleutherococcus;
• starch;
• trace elements, especially magnesium and zinc;
• tannins.

How it looks and where it grows

Eleutherococcus grows separately from other species. The bush is sturdy and strong, often containing 25-30 trunks. The plant can also be identified by its branched rhizomes running horizontally on the ground. The system usually covers up to 20 m² around the shrub.

The leaf is deep green, having a regular oval shape with a pointed end. It can easily be mistaken for cherry at the top, but on the opposite side there are many slightly brownish streaks.

It flowers in beautiful umbrellas by July and each flower is very small. The berries ripen in August-September, they also grow in clusters, each individual fruit being 8 to 10 mm in diameter. They can be consumed as food, but are not used medicinally. Inside each berry are 5 to 7 large pips.

The plant is called Siberian ginseng because most of the wild bushes in the world grow in eastern Siberia, Primorye, Amur region and Sakhalin. In addition to Russia, eleutherococcus is well established in North Korea, where it is cultivated on special farms, in Hokkaido, and in northeastern China.

Types

There are two main species, the spiny eleutherococcus and the sessile flower. They differ quite a bit in appearance. The sessile eleutherococcus bushes are considerably taller, reaching over 3 m. The fruits are somewhat smaller. There are practically no thorns on the stems of the shrub.

Traditional medicine uses spiky eleutherococcus, but partial substitution with another species is allowed. They are similar in the composition of the active substances, and if we are talking about the leaves, they are identical.

Eleutherococcus sessile is widely used in horticulture and landscaping. It grows faster, it can be given the desired shape. The branches of the bush are practically not prickly.

Harvesting and storage

The optimal time for collecting leaves is the period of active flowering of the bush. It is during these weeks that the leaves concentrate the most useful substances and vitamins. They should be plucked under a twig and dried in a well-ventilated room. The dried leaf should be stored in a closed container or ground into a powder. Do not allow moisture in the already dried raw material, this will lead to rapid deterioration and danger of internal use eleutherococcus.

The rhizomes should be harvested in early spring, before the leaves open. Alternatively, in late autumn when the leaves have already fallen. Only healthy shrubs of human height are suitable. Thorny stems should be carefully cut or cut down.

Roots should be undermined and gently turned out. It is better to saw them immediately into small pieces for convenience. Before drying, wash the material with cold water from soil and dirt. Then place everything in a dryer at 80 degrees for one hour. Dry out in a ventilated, dry room; it will take a few more days. Store dry rhizomes in breathable boxes or cloth bags, avoiding the penetration of moisture.

Therapeutic properties of eleutherococcus

The active substances of the plant stimulate and tone the body. Eleutherococcus prickly reduces blood sugar levels, increases appetite, improves mental performance.

Medical preparations made on the basis of extracts of rhizomes are used to increase the level of red blood cells and hemoglobin. Official medicine prescribes remedies based on eleutherococcus for asthenia, neurosis, arterial hypotension, the initial stages of atherosclerosis.

Widespread use of the drug found as part of complex therapy to combat depression, loss of strength. Coaches prescribe eleutherococcus tincture to improve sports performance, comfortable exit to peak form.

For women

Doctors prescribe preparations based on Eleutherococcus prickly rhizomes for menstrual disorders, heavy bleeding or increased pain. Noted the positive effect of active substances during menopause.

Folk medicine uses infusions on the roots of the plant in hormonal disorders. It is also believed that the systematic use of decoctions based on eleutherococcus promotes conception.

For men

Official medicine notes the beneficial effect of the extract on male potency. Proved tonic effect on the body as a whole, which gives strength. At the same time, eleutherococcus in a moderate dosage does not give pronounced side effects. There is no headache, loss of strength, and blood pressure rises insignificantly and quickly returns to normal. Doctors prescribe eleutherococcus for chronic fatigue syndrome, physical or emotional fatigue.

Many students use drops the night before an important exam. This allows you to concentrate, learn more material, think and read without distraction.

Folk healers prescribe eleutherococcus for low blood pressure, general fatigue. Wounds, including purulent ones, should be treated with an infusion of dried leaves.

In pregnancy

The plant is not recommended for use on any term, as the active substances can negatively affect the development of the child. However, sometimes it is prescribed as part of the complex therapy for chronic headaches, which are accompanied by low blood pressure. Other drugs with sufficient effectiveness will be even more dangerous for the baby.

When breastfeeding

Official medicine does not recommend the use of eleutherococcus during lactation. The active ingredients get into the milk, and the child's body is not ready to absorb them properly. This leads to quite serious poisoning in children.

Limited external use is allowed for healing wounds or for seborrhea. You can also gargle the throat, use decoction of eleutherococcus to relieve inflammation from the gums.

For children

It is allowed to use drops or decoctions from the age of 12 years. Children's body simply will not be able to absorb the essential oils, alkaloids and active elements of the plant. Only negative manifestations like symptoms of poisoning will be noted. And for children under 3 years even a few drops of eleutherococcus can end up in the hospital.

When losing weight

Decoctions and drops by themselves will not help to lose extra pounds. On the contrary, they stimulate appetite, so with a sedentary lifestyle will go weight gain.

However, eleutherococcus is actively used for shaping a figure and achieving high sports results. The drops tone the body, give strength and reduce the risk of breaking, that is, missing a workout. In this status, nutritionists and trainers prescribe eleutherococcus for weight loss. The main purpose of the drug is to stimulate a person, not to let him abandon the process on the second or third workout.

Benefits of eleutherococcus in bodybuilding

Scientific data confirmed the beneficial effect on the body during active training. European scientists conducted a large statistical study in which they evaluated the number of workouts per week, absences, refusals to continue training and overall results. People who took eleutherococcus drops were 65% less likely to miss workouts. In the group that did not use the drug, 21% of the athletes stopped exercising during the observed time period. Those taking eleutherococcus almost completely passed the observed period, only 8% of participants stopped exercising.

The next proven factor was an improvement in training performance. The active ingredients stimulate the body, alleviate negative reactions to stress and alleviate fatigue. An increase in lung volume was noted in subjects who took the drug.

Trainers and experts classify the drug as an effective energy tonic, without any special side effects. Special capsules with a sports dose of eleutherococcus are available. However, you can also drink medical drops. The initial period - 2 days, 15 drops before going to bed. Then the dosage is increased to 40 drops twice a day. The monthly course is better combined with an active period of training, where it is planned to increase the indicators.

Eleutherococcus in folk medicine

Modern folk medicine actively uses preparations based on spiky eleutherococcus. Often it is a tincture on the roots. Leaves are used to make teas, ointments or shampoos.

Older people with memory problems are recommended to drink decoction of the roots twice a day.

In case of physical or mental fatigue, eleutherococcus tea is prescribed. It can also be used for weakness or low blood pressure. However, here it is easier to observe the right dosage, using drops.

Chinese traditional medicine widely uses preparations based on crushed dried roots. They are prescribed for the treatment of nephritis, added to the complex therapy for heart disease and as a supportive measure for nervous turmoil.

Crushed leaves in powder form are sprinkled on wounds. Good results were noted in the healing of blotchy and infected lesions. Lotions and masks with eleutherococcus have a positive effect on the skin, get rid of rashes, acne and inflammation.

Diabetes mellitus

Official medicine allows eleutherococcus drops in the form of supportive therapy for diabetes of any type. To strengthen the effect will help an ancient folk recipe, for it will require:

• 200 g of ground dry roots;
• 1000 g of vodka.

You will get a slightly higher concentration than the pharmacy drops, hence better efficacy. Infuse the product for 14 days, in a cool dark place. Shake the bottle every 2-3 days. 3-4 drops per glass of water, half an hour before a meal, is enough.

There is also a traditional Chinese recipe for soup for diabetics. You will need the following products:

• 300 g of lamb;
• 2 carrots;
• 3 onions;
• 10 bay leaves;
• 15 g of the root of eleutherococcus prickly;
• 1 celery root;
• 1 liter water.

Put the vegetables and celery in a pot with water brought to a boil, cook until half-cooked. Then add chopped mutton, salt, bay leaf and cook for 20 minutes more. Grate or chop in a blender eleutherococcus root and add to the pot, all mixed. After 10 minutes healing soup for diabetics according to the Chinese recipe will be ready.

For pancreatitis

In a chronic course, tincture of eleutherococcus and echinacea will soften the attacks, reduce their frequency. It is acceptable to use pharmacy tincture in drops. It is enough to take 3-4 drops twice a day. You can make your own at the rate of 200-250 g of crushed root per 1 liter of vodka.

Folk medicine considers the best solution for chronic pancreatitis decoction of burdock with eleutherococcus. Need:

• 3 tbsp. burdock root;
• 1 tbsp. crushed root eleutherococcus prickly;
• 1 liter of boiled water.

Initially, add the roots of burdock in almost boiling water, cover everything with a lid and insist about 2 hours. Then put eleutherococcus powder, stir and leave for another hour. Now simmer the liquid over low heat for 10 minutes, then strain through gauze and drink cooled. Healers recommend to drink 100 ml before each meal.

With gastritis

Official medicine has proven harm from the use of eleutherococcus in gastritis associated with hyperacidity. Therefore, it is necessary to conduct research and establish the nature of the disease before using decoctions or teas from the medicinal plant.

The best recipe for gastritis is honey tea. It envelops the stomach, relieves negative symptoms. To prepare it will require:

• 4 tbsp. honey;
• 1 tbsp. crushed eleutherococcus root;
• 500 ml of water.

Grated rhizomes should be poured boiling water and insist 15 minutes under a lid. Then dissolve the honey and stir everything thoroughly. After straining, drink 250 ml twice a day before the main meals.

For the liver

Beneficial effects on liver function and metabolism have been noted. Proved activation of regenerative processes in the organ against the background of taking eleutherococcus-based infusions or teas. However, when the disease is already progressing, cirrhosis in the active phase, it is harmful to take infusions based on this plant.

Folk medicine recommends teas in the standard ratio - 1 tsp. of crushed roots per glass of boiling water.

There is also a combined infusion with rose hips. He has a pronounced choleretic effect, so it is contraindicated with developed cholelithiasis. To prepare it will require:

• 40 g of rose hips;
• 1 tsp. crushed roots eleutherococcus;
• 1 liter of boiling water.

Rose hips are better crushed in a mortar or blender, so they give all the useful substances. Mix them with crushed eleutherococcus roots, and then pour boiling water. Infuse for 10-12 hours, avoiding loss of temperature. It is best to use a thermos or wrap the container in blankets. Strain before use, take 100 ml in the morning and evening before meals.

When the pressure

Infusions, decoctions and teas can be used only for hypotension - low blood pressure. This is an effective drug, with almost no side effects. However, it is better to buy the pharmacy form in drops or tablets. There the dosage is maintained, you can quickly normalize and maintain the necessary pressure, without the risk of overdoing it.

It is the alcohol infusion that is effective, it is made from such components:

• 500 ml of vodka;
• 25 grams of dry ground eleutherococcus root.

In the vodka put grinded into powder plant root and shake everything thoroughly. Insist the container in a dark cool place. Every day or every 2 days, shake the bottle thoroughly. The infusion reaches readiness for 20 days. Take 1 dessert spoon three times a day.

With a hangover

The tonic effect of eleutherococcus on the central nervous system leads to an overall improvement in a hangover. The main thing is to maintain the dose, so it is better to use pharmacy preparations. It is recommended to take 20-40 drops. The effect will appear in 45-70 minutes. If the dosage is too high, you will experience body aches and the general condition will worsen. Like other tonic drugs, eleutherococcus, in an excessive dose, depresses the central nervous system, which is extremely dangerous with a hangover.

Making a tincture on your own is unwarranted. You can make a mistake with the dosage and make it even worse. Decoction or tea will not help, and an alcoholic tincture will require at least 20 days for preparation.

Oncology

Significant tonic and enhancing effect of preparations based on eleutherococcus has been noted. It is not directly involved in the treatment of oncology, but seriously mitigates the side effects of chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

Healers recommend using a single 2 ml of alcoholic infusion daily. It is better to prepare it yourself, as it requires a somewhat less concentrated substance than pharmacy drops. You can take as a basis the Chinese recipe, which contains:

• 1 tsp. of honey;
• 20 grams of crushed eleutherococcus root;
• 1 tsp. crushed leaves of the plant;
• 500 ml of baijiu, this is Chinese 50-degree vodka, it can be replaced by domestic analogues.

Pour the dry ingredients into a container under sealing, add honey and alcohol base. Now seal tightly and shake thoroughly. Keep in a cold place for 25 days, shaking occasionally. Take 1 tsp. 2 times a day.

With a cold

A decoction of the leaves will help get rid of the ailment as quickly as possible. They have special substances that stimulate and support the body's immune response. The recipe is quite simple, you will need:

• 6 g of crushed dried leaves of eleutherococcus;
• 200 ml of water;
• A little sugar.

Pour the crushed leaves into a bowl and pour almost boiling water over it. Then place the container in a water bath or in a multicooker with the desired mode for 10 minutes. Before using, add a little sugar and add boiled water to the original 200 ml. After cooling and strain to drink 1 tbsp. three times a day. Shelf life in the refrigerator - 2 days.

You can also prepare a healing tea from the crushed rhizome, will need:

• 1 tsp. of crushed roots;
• 250 ml of boiling water;
• a little sugar;
• slice of lemon.

Pour boiling water over the crushed rhizomes and insist 15 minutes. Then add sugar and a slice of lemon or squeeze a little juice. Tonic drink to drink on an empty stomach in the morning and before lunch.

With menopause

Taking a tincture of eleutherococcus prickly significantly improves the quality of life during menopause, relieves negative symptoms. Pharmacy tincture should be taken in an amount of 20 drops in the morning before meals. If the manifestations are serious, the dose can be increased to 40 drops. The course of treatment is 30 days.

For mild symptoms or as an additional therapy, a special tea can be used. It is brewed on the basis of:

• 25 g of eleutherococcus leaves;
• 20 g of dried motherwort herbs;
• 25 g of leaves of blackberry;
• honey.

Mix the ground ingredients until homogeneous, and then divide into 10 equal parts. Each part pour 250 ml of boiling water, add 1 tsp. honey and brew for 30 minutes. Drink as a tea, daily.

For headaches

Eleutherococcus shows good effectiveness against some types of headaches, especially those associated with hypotension. You can use a pharmacy tincture of 7 to 14 drops 2 times a day.

In folk medicine there are effective teas that can be quickly prepared, this will require:

• 1 tsp. of dried or fresh mint;
• 0.5 tsp. eleutherococcus leaves;
• honey or sugar syrup.

Need to boil mint leaves and eleutheroccocus, leave to infuse for 20 minutes. Then add sugar and drink. The proportions are calculated for 350 ml of boiling water. The headache will begin to subside in as little as 10 minutes. Another recipe includes:

• 1 tbsp. of chamomile-less chamomile flowers;
• 0.5 tsp. spiky eleutherococcus root;
• 300 ml of water.

Necessary ingredients are placed in a container for boiling, pour 300 ml of water and heat under a lid. Keep on the verge of boiling for 5 minutes, then strain. Take 80-100 ml before meals three times a day. This recipe is calculated under the daily rate.

When depressed.

The active substances of eleutherococcus not only tone the body, but also improve the mental state, raise the mood. It is recommended to take an alcoholic tincture in the proportion of 1 to 10. Symptomatically, you can increase the first dose to 30 drops, and then go to 15 drops 3 times a day.

Severe depression can be overcome by an herbal decoction, which contains:

• 5 g of dried calendula flowers;
• 5 g of flowers of chamomile;
• 10 g of dried rose hips;
• 5 g of eleutherococcus leaves;
• 5 g of dried black chokeberry.

The mixture should be poured 500 ml of boiling water, insist 15 minutes. Then stir on the fire and bring to a boil. Cooled decoction to use 150-200 ml twice a day, pre-strained. There is also an alcoholic tincture, for it will require:

• 5 g of leaves or ground roots of eleutherococcus;
• 10 g of dried lemon balm;
• The zest of half a lemon;
• Coriander and nutmeg on the tip of a knife;
• 1 ml angelica;
• good vodka.

Mix all the ingredients thoroughly and add to a container with 1 liter of vodka. Bottle tightly corked and shaken. Insist at least 2 weeks in a dark place, stirring the contents periodically. Use 1 tsp. add to tea or other beverage without pronounced properties.

With prostatitis

The tonic properties of the plant have a beneficial effect on the prostate, slow destructive changes, normalize blood flow in the organ. Eleutherococcus will not replace the full treatment, but it will seriously alleviate negative symptoms and slow down the deterioration of the condition. Folk medicine offers a complex infusion, which includes:

• radiola rosea root;
• crushed dried root of eleutherococcus prickly;
• boiling water.

Need to grate radiola root on a fine grater. Add dried eleutherococcus and mix until smooth. The resulting composition should be stored in a tightly closed container at -10 ° C or more. The infusion uses 1 tbsp. mixture, it should be poured a glass of boiling water and placed in a water bath. Insist for about an hour, and then strain and drink. With an exacerbation, you can increase the dose to 2 treatments per day. A popular and effective recipe will create a delicious and therapeutic appetizer, will require:

• 500 g of raw pumpkin seeds;
• 250 g of honey;
• 20 g of leaves or roots of eleutherococcus.

The raw seeds should be grinded on a mincer, add to the resulting dry composition of eleutherococcus and kneaded with honey. Then mold into balls the size of a hazelnut or simply portion out the pieces. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Take one serving the size of a hazelnut before a meal, chewing thoroughly. The course of treatment is 20-30 days. The effect usually lasts up to six months.

Epilepsy

The disease is on the list of absolute contraindications for the use of eleutherococcus in any form. The active ingredients and tonic effect can provoke severe seizures or increase their frequency.

In fever

A fever of 39°C or higher requires urgent medication. Eleutherococcus-based decoctions and teas improve the condition, speeding up recovery from various colds. Doctors recommend its use at 37-38.6°C. You can use pharmacy preparations - 25-30 drops three times a day. A classic light tea recipe for fever includes:

• 10 g dried chamomile flowers;
• 10 g of spiked eleutherococcus root;
• 20 g of dried rose hips;
• 10 g of dried leaves of mother and stepmother.

All should be thoroughly mixed and pour 250 ml of boiling water. Insist for 15 minutes, and then strain and drink. To achieve a uniform effect, take such a tea three times a day.

With psoriasis.

The active substances of eleutherococcus have an effective effect on the focus of psoriasis. A good cosmetic effect is achieved. However, it is more important to use a combined therapy, then the disease recedes not only visually, but also really. The first step is to create an ointment, this will require:

• 75 g solidol;
• 5 g of honey;
• 5 g of baby cream;
• 5 g of egg white;
• 5 g of ground eleutherococcus leaf (it is better to use fresh);
• 5 g of ground eleutherococcus prickly root.

Mix all ingredients until homogeneous and dab psoriatic plaques. At the same time take tinctures of Manchurian Aralia and Eleutherococcus 0.5 tsp.

For immunity

Eleutherococcus activates and stimulates the immune system. It promotes faster healing of wounds, recovery after surgery, recovery from various diseases. The optimal dosage is 20-25 drops three times a day before meals. The course lasts 28-30 days, unlimited maintenance therapy of 12-15 drops daily is possible. This significantly reduces the risks of respiratory and other transmissible diseases.

Dried leaves or crushed eleutherococcus roots can be added to teas. Especially effective is to combine them with an infusion of rosehip fruits, it is very useful and quite tasty. Among the infusions should be distinguished rowan:

• 2 tbsp. dried rowan berries;
• 1 tbsp. crushed roots of eleutherococcus prickly;
• 3 tbsp. honey;
• 500 ml of boiling water.

Pour boiling water over rowanberries and eleutherococcus, cover and leave to infuse for 20 minutes. Add honey, stir everything thoroughly, you can strain if desired. Drink 100-150 ml before meals three times a day. You can also prepare an extremely useful treat, for this you will need:

• 100 g pulp of sweet apples;
• 100 grams of peeled walnuts;
• 1 tbsp. honey;
• 1 tbsp. roots of Eleutherococcus prickly;
• The juice of a lemon.

Grind or pulverize in a blender apples and nuts, add eleutherococcus, honey and squeeze lemon juice. The resulting mixture is thoroughly mixed and kept in the refrigerator, in a closed container. Use 1 tbsp. before eating three times a day.

Types of medicinal compositions

In folk medicine, eleutherococcus is widely used. It combines well with water, fat and alcohol base, stored in dried form for more than a year. Not bad combined with other medicinal herbs, complementing them with their tonic and strengthening properties.

Infusion .

The remedy is prepared on a water basis. They differ significantly in concentration based on whether they are used externally or internally. In preparation, it does not require long boiling or evaporation. It is enough to pour steeped boiling water and leave to infuse in a closed container. A classic all-purpose infusion contains:

• 15 g of crushed or ground eleutherococcus root;
• 300 ml of steep boiling water.

It is necessary to grind the raw materials, the smaller the fraction, the more active substances will pass into the water. Then pour eleutherococcus root with steep boiling water, cover the container. Insistence usually lasts from 30 minutes to an hour and a half. After enough to filter through gauze and use according to indications.

Infusion for external use is made somewhat differently, it will require:

• 20 g of crushed or ground eleutherococcus root;
• 250 ml of steeped boiling water.

Grind and brew in the same way. However, the remedy should insist for 3-5 hours. Due to the higher base concentration, this solution is really effective when used externally, but use internally is not allowed.

Tincture

The remedy is prepared on an alcohol base. Vodka or other alcohol is used, which does not have a particular taste and smell. The tincture can be mono-component, i.e. consisting only of eleutherococcus, or contain several medicinal ingredients. The traditional tincture is close to the pharmacy tincture, it contains:

• 150 g of crushed dry eleutherococcus prickly root;
• 1000 ml of vodka.

Grind the medicinal component in a coffee grinder or blender and add it to a container of vodka. Shake the mixture regularly. The tincture is prepared for 20-25 days. Then it can be strained and drunk according to indications. The undoubted advantage of this form of medicinal plant is a long shelf life. One bottle, even periodically opened, will easily last a year.

Decoction

Boiling helps to release more useful and active substances from the plant. The basis is water. There is a distinction between decoctions for external and internal use. It is also possible to add other medicinal herbs and plants, which will form additional useful qualities. Decoction for internal use contains:

• 40 g of crushed roots;
• 1000 ml of water.

Ground or chopped roots put in boiling water, mix thoroughly. Boil under a closed lid in a state near boiling for 15 minutes. Then strain and drink in the cooled form not more than 3 glasses a day. For external use are used:

• 30 g of crushed roots or leaves of eleutherococcus;
• 500 ml of water.

Similarly, you need to put the remedy in boiling water and leave to boil for 10 minutes. If you need water for hair, the boiling time can be doubled.

Tea

This is the easiest and most accessible way to use eleutherococcus for prevention or for colds. It is recommended to add other medicinal herbs, rose hips, honey. So the tea will come out tasty and will have a beneficial effect on the body. The basic recommended recipe:

• 1 tsp. crushed eleutherococcus roots;
• 1 tsp. honey or sugar;
• boiling water.

It is necessary to brew the remedy as a tea, and then just add honey or sugar. Drink about a glass in the morning and evening. This will strengthen the immune system, add strength and vigor. When you have a cold, heart disease, it is best to prepare such a tea:

• 1 tbsp. of rosehip fruit;
• 2 slices of lemon;
• 1 tsp. roots of eleutherococcus prickly;
• 2 tsp. honey.

First place in the teapot for brewing rose hips, after 5 minutes eleutherococcus roots. Total brew for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Already in the cup before drinking, add honey, lemon and stir.

Ointment

The active ingredients have a beneficial effect on the skin. Wounds, various lesions, pustules heal faster. Skin diseases, even the most serious ones, go down. There are various forms of external application of Eleutherococcus. A wound or a suppurated area can be removed by compresses with decoction or infusion. Ointment on a fat base is necessary to combat various diseases and manifestations on the skin. For example, from warts you can prepare the following composition:

• 50 g of the roots of eleutherococcus prickly;
• 50 g garlic slices;
• 90 g of pork fat.

All ingredients should be ground and mixed until homogeneous. Previously, a meat grinder was used, now this work is perfectly performed by a blender. The resulting composition should be left for 20-30 minutes at room temperature, and then you can smear the affected areas with warts. An ointment with a different composition is used for psoriasis:

• 10 g of eleutherococcus prickly root;
• 10 g of eleutherococcus leaves, fresh if possible;
• 10 g of baby cream;
• 10 g protein;
• 10 g of natural honey;
• 150 g of solidol.

Eleutherococcus root and leaf must be crushed into dust. First, knead everything in baby cream, and then add the protein, honey and solidol. Bring the composition to complete homogeneity, and then apply to psoriasis-affected areas of the skin.

Oil

No oil is extracted from eleutherococcus. The fruits do not have a special therapeutic function, they are edible, but have a small amount of active substances. Therefore, in medicine, mainly the roots and leaf are used, where the concentration of vitamins, glycosides and useful elements is the maximum.

How to take eleutherococcus in tablets

Inside the pill is a dry extract of eleutherococcus root. It is important to look at the dosage. The standard is considered to be 100 mg per 1 tablet. However, there is a form of release in 50 mg, it is suitable for children from 12 to 16 years. The maximum non-toxic daily dose is 800 mg.

The tablets should be taken half an hour before a meal based on the indication and the specific disease. The prophylactic course is 100 mg per day, in one dose. Duration - up to 28 days, and then you need to take a break for a week. For treatment, you should drink tablets 2 or 3 times a day for 100 mg, and for children from 12 to 16 years the dose is reduced by half to 50 mg.

The total amount of eleutherococcus taken per day should also be considered. If, in addition to tablets, decoctions or teas are used, you can greatly exceed the therapeutic dose and get unpleasant side effects.

Is it possible to drink eleutherococcus while driving

The drug itself in a reasonable dosage only improves the quality of driving. Focused attention, a general increased tone of the body will allow you to avoid an emergency situation, behave reasonably on the road, especially in conditions of fatigue. Sometimes it is necessary to drive, but you want to sleep or it is impossible to concentrate on a monotonous road. Taking eleutherococcus will spur the body and allow you to complete the journey safely for yourself and other road users.

However, you must be extremely careful with alcoholic tinctures. This should include both homemade tinctures on vodka, and pharmacy drops. For an adult, alcohol will not be enough to change driving behavior or character. However, a breathalyzer, if tested, will show a small presence of alcohol. If you use 15-20 pharmacy drops, the increase will be barely noticeable. This goes within the permitted norm. But with homemade tinctures you have to be extremely careful - 2 tbsp. and a can of non-alcoholic beer or other beverage that has very little alcohol content, and the police will register a violation.

What happens if you drink a lot of eleutherococcus

Any drug in overdose becomes harmful and even dangerous. This is a consequence of the beneficial effects on the body, the active substances are taken only up to a certain limit. Then they carry destructive or poisonous effects.

Fortunately, eleutherococcus has a fairly large therapeutic window. You can only get obvious symptoms of poisoning if you specifically take an overdose.

There are two stages of overdose with the drug. The first is characterized by a significant increase in blood pressure, rapid heartbeat, which is clearly audible, irritability and increased excitability.

The second stage is the most dangerous, but it is observed when the daily maximum is exceeded extremely seriously. The opposite process occurs - the central nervous system is depressed, there is a sharp weakness and drowsiness. Against this background, especially dangerous are the body's attempts to get rid of the excess of eleutherococcus, namely vomiting and diarrhea. Falling asleep in the wrong position can lead to death by choking on vomit. Therefore, in case of CNS depression symptoms, constant supervision of the person is extremely necessary.

Cosmetic applications

Eleutherococcus has found wide application in cosmetology. It is used as a component in face and hair masks, in the form of decoctions and lotions for the skin. Proved beneficial effects of active ingredients on damaged curls. A course of lotions or masks with eleutherococcus will help to get rid of acne, various other negative cosmetic manifestations. The remedy strengthens the dermis, increases its elasticity, significantly accelerates the healing of any wounds and injuries.

For hair

Regular use of eleutherococcus as a means for hair helps to get rid of dandruff, strengthen curls, give them volume. Especially good results show oily hair - already in 2 weeks they become shiny, voluminous, greasiness is normalized. When after combing you can collect a whole clump of hair, you need to act. A simple but very effective mask will help, it contains:

• 1 tbsp. Pharmaceutical tincture of eleutherococcus;
• 1 tbsp. of burdock oil;
• One tbsp. of hot pepper extract;
• 1 tbsp. natural honey.

It is necessary to mix all the ingredients until homogeneous and gently apply to the hair. The viscous concentration of honey will hold the medication on the curls. It is necessary to slowly and thoroughly apply the mixture to each bundle of hair, from the roots to the ends. Hold the mask for 20 minutes, and then wash it off with cool water.

People who suffer from excessive greasy hair, the following mask will do:

• 1 tbsp. peach oil;
• 1 tbsp. linseed oil;
• 1 tbsp. tincture of eleutherococcus;
• 1 tbsp. lemon juice;
• 1.5 tbsp. honey.

The ingredients should be mixed in a small bowl until homogeneous. The consistency will be such that it will be convenient to apply the mixture to the hair, evenly and over the entire length. Hold the mask for 40 minutes, and then wash your head with normal shampoo.

Get rid of dandruff or prevent its occurrence will help mask:

• 1 tbsp. pharmacy tincture of eleutherococcus;
• Tbsp. calendula tincture;
• 1 tbsp. hop extract;
• 2 egg yolks as a base.

It is necessary to mix everything thoroughly, breaking the yolks and turning the solution into a homogeneous mass. It will be quite viscous and will hold on the roots of the hair. Apply the mask exactly on the roots and skin, rubbing a little. It is optimal to wash your head first, removing a ball of dandruff and other impurities. Then rub this mask over the entire surface of the hairy part of the head. After 40-50 minutes, you can wash it off, without the use of shampoos.

For the skin

Many people are faced with wounds that do not heal well and for a long time. It can be a trivial cut from a knife, which happened in a moving place or in the area of a bend. Problems for several weeks are guaranteed. Eleutherococcus tincture can help speed up healing even in the most uncomfortable places. It can be drunk in a prophylactic dosage, as well as applied to the wound as a lotion. The preparation process is quite simple, you will need:

• 1 tsp. of pharmacy eleutherococcus tincture;
• half a cup of warm water.

You need to stir, and then dip a cotton swab and keep at the wound for at least 30 minutes. You can make up to 4 such lotions a day for one affected area.

People with oily skin who suffer from frequent rashes can use the following composition:

• 5 drops of eleutherococcus prickly extract;
• 1 tbsp. strong, freshly brewed green tea.

Mix the composition and apply with a tampon to your face instead of a tonic. This will reduce skin irritability, reduce the number of rashes, relieve local irritations.

Helps eleutherococcus and from wrinkles. A mask based on:

• 2 drops of eleutherococcus prickly extract;
• 2 grapes;
• of an ordinary night cream or children's cream.

Squeeze out enough cream, add the squeezed juice and some grape pulp. Then pour two drops of the extract. Mix everything and apply an even layer to the face. Keep the mask for 30 minutes and then rinse off. The recommended frequency for the prevention of wrinkles is 2 times a week. The skin will be infused with beneficial substances, it will become more silky and elastic. The effect is noticeable after 3-4 treatments.

A more effective composition is recommended to apply when there have already appeared visible changes on the face. For preparation will require:

• 2 tbsp. of aqueous infusion of eleutherococcus;
• 2 tbsp. wheat germ oil.
• 2 tbsp. carrot juice.

Wheat germ oil should be heated to body temperature - 36-37 ° C. It is better to use a water bath. There pour the infusion of eleutherococcus and carrot juice, mix until a homogeneous consistency. Then cool to room temperature and apply to clean, dry skin. It is better to use massage movements, as if rubbing the product into the skin. Particular attention should be paid to the area around the eyes, at the forehead and places where wrinkles have already begun to appear. Hold the mask for 20 minutes and then wash it off with water. Carry out the procedure twice a week.

Contraindications for use

1. Do not take any drugs with eleutherococcus in hypertension and high blood pressure. Severe complications or local crises are possible, as the drug steadily increases blood pressure.
2. You should refuse to take it if you have been diagnosed with cardiac abnormalities, developed atherosclerosis, coronary artery disease. The tonic effect can play a bad service and worsen the general condition.
3. It is necessary to limit the use of the drug in the afternoon if there is insomnia or other sleep disorders. With caution take with increased nervous excitability.
4. Cirrhosis and other serious liver lesions are contraindications. Eleutherococcus activates those mechanisms, which in this clinical picture will further reduce the efficiency of the organ. Do not take the drug when gallstones are formed, as a clear choleretic effect is noted.
5. During the whole period of pregnancy and lactation, you should refuse preparations based on eleutherococcus. The active substances penetrate into the developing fetus or mother's milk. The child is not able to absorb them, which causes poisoning, and sometimes severe.
6. Do not give eleutherococcus children under 12 years of age. The reason is similar, the active substances and essential oils cannot be assimilated by the child's body. A general poisoning of the body develops.

Can we give eleutherococcus to animals?

Almost all animals perfectly tolerate the drug. Its effect is generally similar to that observed on humans. The only differences are in the dosage and the duration of the treatment course.

Popular cat food brands make a special food - with eleutherococcus and other beneficial herbs. It is good, but quite expensive. It will be cheaper to use regular drugstore drops, which should be added to the traditional food. For prevention, 2-3 drops once a day is enough. There is an improvement in appetite, increased activity and normalization of metabolic processes.

It is also good for dogs to add eleutherococcus to their food. In case of illness or low activity, the dose can be brought up to 6 drops twice a day. Ointments or lotions should be used and applied to wounds. Even serious injuries will heal quickly, the pet will recover in a matter of days.

The bird takes eleutherococcus well. It is recommended to give 2-3 drops to parrots in stressful situations, for example during transportation. The general strengthening effect, stimulating the body of the bird is achieved with a course of 1-2 drops twice a day, for 2-3 weeks.

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