Eelgrass bark: therapeutic properties and contraindications

Eelgrass is a tree or shrub with smooth branches of dark brown color. To most people it is known as the "wolf berry". The plant's shoots are sturdy and the bushes are not too dense. The leaves are smooth, oval in shape, bright green in color, with denticles along the edges. It bears small-sized black fruits, remotely resembling currants, but with a purple hue. The berries themselves are also found in folk medicine, but they are dangerous to health, so you should handle them with care. Even in small doses, they can cause nausea, vomiting, dizziness and diarrhea. Under no circumstances should the berries be eaten raw.

Since ancient times, people have found this plant useful. First, it interested the weavers, they noticed that the bark of this tree gives an excellent yellow dye. In the course of observations of bears that cleared their stomachs with this plant before hibernation, people realized that the bark had other positive properties. Since then, it has been used regularly in folk medicine.

The tree is common throughout central Europe, and is also found in the northern regions of Asia and America. It likes damp air, so it often grows near ponds and in deciduous forests.

Chemical Composition

Fresh bark contains frangularoside in large quantities. When the raw material is dried and stored, this substance is oxidized, causing it to turn into frangulline, which is gentler on the gastrointestinal tract. In addition, the bark of the buckwheat bark contains:

1. Vitamin C. An essential element in the human body. Lack of this vitamin threatens serious health consequences. It not only strengthens the immune system, but also improves the condition of the skin by promoting the production of collagen. It is also one of the most available antioxidants.
2. Essential oils. They have antibacterial properties. They are often used to treat respiratory organs, they increase the body's resistance to infections, have a calming effect on the nervous system and can relieve symptoms of depression.
3. Alkaloids. Some medicines are synthesized on the basis of these substances. They have an analgesic effect. They also allow you to fight stress and help improve sleep.
4. Tannins. They can cope with intestinal disorders, have a positive effect on the gastrointestinal tract, remove toxins and impurities from the body. They are also famous for their anti-inflammatory effect, destroy dangerous bacteria and protect against infections.
5. Apple acid. Increases the body's tone and brings it back to normal, improves metabolism and lowers blood pressure. It also restores the acid-alkaline balance and strengthens the immune system.
6. Chrysophonic acid. Improves the excretion of fluids in the intestines, is a natural dye.
7. Pectins. Normalizes digestive processes, improves blood circulation, lowers blood cholesterol levels. Pectins can also restore intestinal microflora, which is very useful after a course of antibiotics.

In addition, the bark contains magnesium, potassium, iron, manganese, copper and boron, so the cranberry bark is an incredibly useful remedy in folk medicine.

Gathering and storage

Gather the raw material for medicinal purposes should be in the spring. It is important to have time to do this in the period when the buds are swelling on the tree, and the flowers have not yet appeared. It is during this period that the sap begins to be actively released. The tree becomes soft, and the bark separates easily. In addition, if you cut the bark during this period, the tree can quickly recover.

For treatment, alderwort is the most suitable. The tree should be 10-15 years old and up to 3 m high. Young trees are not suitable for collecting medicinal raw materials, because they have not yet had time to accumulate useful active substances.

In the selected tree, you need to determine the place where the bark begins to peel off. It is better to cut the bark at a distance of more than 20 cm from the roots. The thickness of the cut raw material should not exceed 2 mm. To easily remove the bark, you need to make several circular cuts along the trunk. The distance between them should be within 20-30 cm. Then you need to make one longitudinal cut, and then you can remove the raw material. Some people simply peel off the bark with a knife, but it is not recommended to do so, because a large amount of wood may remain in it. Any extraneous growths on the bark (such as lichens) must necessarily be cut off.

It is recommended to dry the raw material in the open air, preferably under a canopy. It should be spread out in a thin layer on burlap or paper. It is important to stir the bark regularly so that it dries on all sides. Dew can accumulate on the bark in the morning, so it is recommended to cover it with a waterproof cloth, but you can bring it inside. During the drying process, black spots may appear on the bark, they need to be removed in time.

The raw material is considered ready when the sap stops oozing. You can determine this by making a fracture. If the bark is sufficiently dried, then even with a little effort you will hear a crack. Also the red-brown color of the inside shows that it is ready. For medicinal purposes can be used only bark that has been stored for at least a year, so you should always stockpile the raw material. Bark should be stored in a well-ventilated and dry place. Under these conditions, storage can last up to 5 years.

Therapeutic properties of buckthorn bark

The useful properties of this medicinal agent are due to a rich set of useful substances. First of all, it is appreciated for its effect on the gastrointestinal tract. It is able to cope with constipation, and its effect is quite long-lasting. In addition, the bark begins to work after entering the intestine.

Cranberry is also used for the complex treatment of ulcers, hemorrhoids or intestinal problems. It is a component of a collection of herbs, which is used to treat for worms. Tincture based on the bark of buckwheat accelerates the healing of wounds, and taking baths with the addition of this medicine can help in the treatment of scabies.

For women

Wheatgrass bark is often used in gynecology. It is prescribed for women after childbirth to soften stools. Also decoctions and gatherings are prescribed for women during menopause. Wheatgrass bark is an excellent remedy for getting rid of acne and rejuvenating the skin. External treatment with decoction of peel bark can relieve inflammation on the skin. Also in the old days, the cranberry bark was used as a natural hair dye. The collection of oregano with lemon balm and valerian can help with hormonal disorders and menstrual problems.

For men

This medicine has no specific effect on the male body. Men can use it to treat skin conditions. Undeniable are the benefits of turfgrass and for constipation. In addition, it improves the function of the urogenital system and kidneys, is often a component in medicines for the treatment of hemorrhoids, relieves inflammation and reduces bleeding. It can be used not only for internal use, but also to make enemas. It is useful in hemorrhoids by thinning the feces, which makes the process of emptying the bowels not so painful.

When pregnant

During pregnancy, women often turn to folk medicine. They are convinced that taking medicines is harmful, and believe that folk medicine is completely harmless. However, it is worth remembering that powerful drugs like morphine are also synthesized from plants. Therefore, you should not take them thoughtlessly. Bark is also forbidden in pregnancy. Its use, especially prolonged, is fraught with miscarriage.

For children

Children under 15 years of age should not be given derwort, because its use at this age can cause problems with the gastrointestinal tract. Older children can be given oregano, but not in any form and in limited quantities. When used for a long time, this medicine can have a negative impact on the child's body, since it has a certain toxicity. Another contraindication for children is individual intolerance. In some cases, allergic reactions may be observed, in which case it is necessary to stop taking the drug. From time to time it is useful to give children tea, but not in pure form, and with the addition of other herbs. This will relieve fatigue and protect the body from viruses.

When losing weight

This remedy is a valuable helper for people who lose weight. Bark not only has a laxative effect, quickly removing processed food and toxins from the body, but also improves digestion. The metabolic process improves, a person feels lightness in the body, and fats begin to be broken down faster. It is recommended to use buckthorn in conjunction with a protein diet and the use of vitamins.

However, the use of the cornflower has a downside. For example, if a person is prone to overeating, then the bark will not give any effect, because it can not reduce the number of calories entering the body. Cranberry also increases appetite, which can have a negative effect on weight loss. Prolonged use of the drug is undesirable, because together with toxins from the body washed out and useful substances.

Buckthorn bark in folk medicine

Bark of buckthorn is used in folk medicine since ancient times to treat many diseases, but mainly as a laxative. However, it is worth remembering that in large quantities it can be dangerous, so you should not be too zealous and often take medicines based on the bark of laxative.

For constipation

When the digestive system works normally, the intestines are released without much strain. With constipation, a person has some difficulty with this and sometimes cannot go to the toilet for several days. This is very dangerous for the body, so it is necessary to take urgent measures. There are a large number of medicines, but you should not get too involved with pills, it is better to pay attention to folk medicine.

Cranberry cope with this problem better than others. It is all about its mild action, older people like it very much for this. In addition, if constipation is often replaced by diarrhea and accompanied by intoxication or bloating, the buckthorn can also help and remove all the symptoms due to the content of tannins.

For constipation, the bark of the buckwheat, prepared in any way, helps, but there is a recipe that stands out for its effectiveness against the rest:

• 1 tsp. crushed bark;
• 200 ml of nonfat kefir;
• 1 tsp. fiber;
• A pinch of cinnamon.

Mix the bark and fiber, pour the kefir and add the cinnamon. Stir thoroughly and leave at room temperature for 30-40 minutes. Use the mixture before meals in small portions.

For weight loss

Thanks to the composition, rich in useful substances, the buckthorn becomes a faithful assistant to people who lose weight. Also in the cranberry bark contains anthraglycosides, which are considered quite rare substances. Unlike other drugs for weight loss, lime acts gently and more effectively. The most useful for weight loss people are:

1. Decoction in a water bath. It takes 2 tablespoons of raw materials and a glass of water. Pour the buckthorn in a glass container with hot water, then cover. Pre-boil water in a pot, put in a bowl with broth and boil for 20 minutes. Then cool the liquid to room temperature, strain, squeeze the raw material and pour into a permanent container for storage. Use no more than 1/2 cup per day.
2. Tea. In order to lose weight, you can brew tea with boiling water. One teaspoon of raw materials will be needed for one cup. Consume at night, but not daily.

Against parasites

A collection of medicines is used for this purpose. Each of them has its own benefits, and in combination they have the necessary effect on the body. This recipe copes well with worms. To prepare it, you need to take:

• 10 g of the bark of the birch;
• 10 g wormwood;
• 10 g tansy;
• 10 g oak bark;
• 0.5 l of boiling water.

Grind the herbs, mix, pour boiling water. Leave for 15-20 minutes at room temperature, then drink 2 tablespoons before meals. The course of treatment is 14 days.

For problems with the liver and gallbladder

For this purpose, it is customary to use an infusion of the medicinal collection. In combination with other remedies, the cranberry tones, improves metabolism and promotes the removal of toxins from the body. To prepare the medicine will require:

• 1 tsp. melissa;
• 2 tsp. mint;
• 2 tsp. flowers of immortelle;
• 2 tsp. spoonfuls of peel bark;
• 5 tsp. celandine;
• 6 tsp. spoonfuls of rose hips.

All the ingredients should be thoroughly crushed for convenience and mixed. Immediately pour all the raw material is not necessary, it is better to prepare a new portion every day. It will require 1 tsp. mixture pour a glass of boiling water. Drink the medicine with honey regardless of meals. The mixture, not currently used, should preferably be stored in a cloth sack. The minimum course of treatment is a week, but it can be adjusted upwards depending on the condition of the patient.

For Stomach Pain

Despite the ability of the limegrass to cope with this problem, it is still recommended to consult with your doctor before taking the medicine, because in some cases, the limegrass can only make things worse. If the doctor authorizes taking the drug, he will specify the dosage, which in no case should be violated. The permitted dose of the drug depends on the disease that causes stomach pain, but usually it does not exceed 50 ml. The drug should be taken before meals. The duration of the course should not exceed 14 days.

As a pain reliever, decoctions are taken. For 200 ml of boiling water will require 2 tbsp. spoons of raw materials. Pour crushed colza in boiling water and send to a water bath for 15-20 minutes, then insist for an hour. Strain, then return the original volume of liquid with warm water. Drink 1/2 cup before going to bed.

After starting to take the drug, side effects in the form of flatulence or abdominal pain may be observed. In such a case, you need to reduce the dosage of the drug.

For scabies.

This disease gives people serious discomfort. And if nothing is done, the consequences for the body can be deplorable. Infusion of bark rind is an excellent antiseptic, it is able to eliminate itching and other unpleasant feelings in skin diseases.

To treat the skin, prepare a classic decoction - per glass of boiling water, 2-3 tbsp. spoonfuls of bark. Insist for a few hours at room temperature. Use this decoction externally, applying it only on clean skin. It is necessary to treat the skin at least three times a day, dabbing the infusion on the damaged areas of the skin.

Depending on the severity of the disease, the course of treatment lasts 14-20 days. If necessary, it can be extended without fear, since the external application of buckthorn bark has no side effects.

Hemorrhoids

Often the cause of this disease is chronic constipation, so the use of buckthorn bark as a remedy is justified doubly. With constipation, stools become more hard, and on the way out provoke an exacerbation of hemorrhoids and open bleeding. Infusions and decoctions are used to treat hemorrhoids. They not only help to liquefy stools, which facilitates the process of defecation, but also relieve inflammation and eliminate bleeding.

Infusions and decoctions can be drunk or made on their basis enemas. The choice of method of application is determined by the severity of the disease. To prepare a therapeutic decoction, you need 1 tsp. A spoon of bark and 0.5 liters of boiling water. Pour the raw material with water and leave to infuse for 10 hours. Before using a little heat medicine.

Types of medicinal compositions

There are a large number of ways to prepare medicine from the bark of the buckthorn. It can be used not only for internal use, but also for external use. Each method of preparation is aimed at certain health problems and enhances those or other useful properties of raw materials. Cranberry allows you to treat a large number of diseases, but it is important to choose the right way of preparation and dosage.

Infusion

Infusion on a water bath can successfully fight constipation. However, this medicine does not work immediately, but after a few hours, so it is recommended to take it before bedtime. Also the infusion can alleviate suffering due to hemorrhoids. The medicine can be drunk or made enemas.

To prepare it, you will need 1 tsp. of crushed peeled bark and 0.5 liters of boiling water. Pour boiling water over the raw material, then cover and leave to insist at room temperature for at least 10 hours. Take throughout the day in small sips.

It is also worth remembering that this remedy is diuretic, able to fight inflammation.

Tincture .

Tincture in alcohol is particularly effective for the treatment of skin diseases. It relieves inflammation, removes acne, cleanses pores. For these purposes, it should be applied externally, wiping problem areas with a absorbent cotton soaked in tincture.

Its preparation requires 1 tbsp. spoon of peel bark and 0.5 liter of alcohol, diluted to a strength of 25-30%. Dilute the alcohol must be clean water. It is desirable to pour the tincture in a glass bottle and store it in the same. Grind the raw material, pour the alcohol, bottle tightly corked and put in a dark place for 2 weeks. At the end of this period, strain the liquid.

Decoction

Of all the methods of preparation of medicinal raw materials, the most effective is decoction. It is also used to treat constipation, but in addition, it is able to normalize the work of the liver and gallbladder. It can also be used to treat acne and other skin diseases.

For the broth will need 1 tablespoon of raw materials and 0.5 liters of water. Pour the buckwheat with water, bring to a boil, then reduce the heat, and cook the broth for another half an hour. Take the finished medication off the fire, cool at room temperature. Use 1 tbsp. spoon.

Tea

Hot tea made from the cranberry bark can be used in many cases. It is a good sedative that can improve sleep and relieve nervous system tension. This tea is also good for strengthening the immune system. However, do not forget that laxative is a strong laxative. The tea retains this peculiarity, so you should not consume it too often. It is recommended to drink it no more than one cup per 2-3 days.

Tea from buckthorn bark is loved by people who lose weight, and it is often part of their diet menu. However, exceeding the permissible dose can have unfortunate consequences for the whole body, up to and including convulsions. If a slight dizziness occurs, you should immediately stop drinking the remedy. In addition, the long-term reception of this drug is addictive, and later it is difficult for the intestines to readjust to a new mode of operation.

Another side effect of tea can be called a strong diuretic effect, so together you need to drink plenty of fluids, ideally mineral water.

You should not give tea from the bark of the buckwheat bark to children under 15 years of age, even in a collection with other herbs. It is also contraindicated for pregnant and nursing mothers.

The recipe for the tea is very simple. It takes 1 tsp. of crushed bark and a cup of boiled, cooled water. The bark should be poured with water and left for 12 hours at room temperature. Because the tea must infuse for so long, it is advisable to pour it in the morning and stir it regularly throughout the day. After 12 hours, strain it, warm it up a little, and drink it before going to bed. You can also pour the bark with boiling water, but its effectiveness will be somewhat lower.

It is not uncommon to use a collection for making tea, which includes the bark of the rind (20 g), caraway fruit (10 g), chamomile flowers (10 g) and yarrow (5 g). The mixture is thoroughly ground and mixed, pour warm water and leave for 10-12 hours. Strain and warm before use.

Cosmetic applications

For cosmetological purposes, special brittle cranberries are used. The name speaks for itself, the branches of this tree break at the slightest effort. Decoction from the bark of this tree has a pronounced anti-inflammatory effect, which allows you to use it effectively to treat acne and pimples. If you have problems with oily skin, it is enough to wet your face daily with an alcohol tincture.

For other skin problems, acne, clogged pores can help healing baths with buckthorn bark. You need to prepare a small amount of broth, then pour it into a hot bath and stir thoroughly. Strengthen the effect of medicinal raw materials can be added to the broth of oak bark, chamomile, and other medicinal herbs. In addition, baths with buckthorn have a calming effect. They can help you relax after a hard day and calm the nervous system.

Decoction of the bark can fight with dry skin. To do this, you need to apply lotions to the face. On a piece of cloth, make notches for the eyes, then dip it in the decoction and put it on the face. As soon as the cloth dries, you can moisten it a little without removing it from the face. The drug will draw out all the germs and harmful substances from the skin, so under no circumstances should the same cloth be used for the next procedure. One session is enough to manifest the healing effect, acne became less noticeable, and inflammation decreased.

In addition, cosmetology appreciates the ability of peel bark to restore collagen in the skin, which allows it to rejuvenate. Decoction of the cranberries should be poured into a mold for ice, and when the liquid freezes, morning and evening wipe your face with this ice. Enough for 30 days of continuous therapy to manifest the effect. Wrinkles will become slightly less noticeable, and the skin itself - more elastic.

In the old days, buckthorn bark was used as a natural dye for hair. It is able to give them a brown shade. To dye hair with buckthorn, you need to prepare a strong decoction. A minimum of 3 tablespoons per 0.5 liters of water is required. Pour the raw material with boiling water, then cover and leave at room temperature. The decoction should infuse for a long time, at least 3 hours, so that the coloring substances have time to get into the water. Once the decoction is ready, you need to apply it to the entire length, then wrap your hair with a towel and leave it for an hour. To make the color saturated, you will need several treatments in a row.

Contraindications for use

Like any other medicinal product, lumpwort has a number of contraindications. First of all, this applies to intestinal problems. For example, because of the laxative action, it is forbidden to take the cranberry for diarrhea and other diseases that cause frequent defecation. People with weak intestines, who have a tendency to upset stomach, should not take the turfgrass in any form, even for the treatment of other diseases. For colitis and intestinal obstruction, it is also forbidden to take oregano. In general, with any serious malfunction of the gastrointestinal tract, before you consume Orek, it is necessary to consult a doctor.

Lactating mothers and pregnant women are also forbidden to eat oregano. It can have an adverse effect on the development of the fetus, and the results are unpredictable.

External use has no special contraindications. Lubricate wounds or pimples with decoctions can be used for any diseases, but you should remember that at the slightest allergic reaction you need to stop using this remedy.