Holy meadowsweet: medicinal properties and contraindications.

Meadowsweet (another name of the plant - meadowsweet) is a perennial, belonging to the family of the Pink. It has a pleasant sweet-bitter flavor. It is used as a medicinal herb, added to a variety of dishes, used to flavor the premises. Thanks to decoctions, tinctures based on this herb, you can get rid of many diseases.

Chemical composition

Specialists have been able to study in detail the composition of the meadowsweet:

• Flavonoids - quercetin, kaempferol;
• Polyphenolic compounds - ellagic acid, caffeic acid;
• glycosides - monotropitin, spirein, and isosalicin;
• tannins;
• heparin;
• glycerides of stearic and linoleic acids;
• ascorbic acid;
• essential oils.

The oil contained in meadowsweet has a pronounced honey aroma. It contains vanillin, ethylbenzoate, methyl salicylate and other substances that have a positive effect on the overall health of the person.

Let's take a closer look at each constituent and the effect that these substances may have on the body:

1. Phenols. Have analgesic, choleretic, antiseptic action. Have a mild sedative effect. Also remove excess fluid from the body, stabilize blood pressure.
2. Salicylic Acid. Has an antiseptic, anti-inflammatory effect. Reduces pain by acting directly on nerve endings.
3. Flavonoids. Scientists were able to establish that the substances have anti-allergenic effect, they also effectively fight viruses, remove toxins and excess water from the body. In addition, there is a version that these compounds have anticarcinogenic effect (prevent the development of cancerous tumors).
4. Cachetins. Prevent the aging process, because they contribute to the release of free radicals. In addition, they prevent the aging of cells, triggering the regeneration processes in the body, and prevent the development of cancer.
5. Phenolcarboxylic acids. Eliminate inflammation in the body, stimulate the activity of biliary tract, promote excretion of bile. Beneficial effect on the liver and kidneys.
6. Essential oils. Have sedative, bactericidal, antiseptic action. They are useful for literally all systems of our body: cardiovascular, nervous, gastrointestinal tract. Prevent, treat cough due to the removal of mucus from the bronchi.
7. Glycosides. Dilate blood vessels, have disinfectant, diuretic, laxative, vasodilator effect.

What it looks like and where it grows

The plant can reach more than 200 cm in height, has a wide, long root. The stem is straight, foliated. It is noteworthy that the meadowsweet has rather large leaves (up to 30 cm long), cuttings are short. The main difference between the plant - pinnate, intermittently growing leaves, in them between the large leaves may be present and small. The leaves are corrugated along the veins. The flowers have a concave hypanthium. The chemical formula is as follows: *CH5L5T∞P∞. Starts blooming in late July or August, the fruit is a multi-sporeskin.

Grows almost all over the European part of Russia. It likes places with high humidity, swampy and damp meadows and forests. Often forms hardy thickets in floodplains of rivers in forests.

Species

In nature there are many varieties of the plant, consider them in detail.

1. Aurea. Refers to the garden form, has incredibly beautiful leaves of yellow-green color.
2. Rosea. This species has beautiful pink flowers. It is rare and is considered a hybrid.
3. Plena. It has a large number of white, macerated flowers. The plant is tall, at the base the shoots are bare - this moment gardeners refer to the disadvantages.
4. Aureovariegata. Has an unusual appearance - on the leaves there are golden streaks. To emphasize this feature, experts recommend growing the meadowsweet in sunny areas of the garden.
5. Filipendula camtschatica. The plant is tall, has large leaves - up to 40 cm in length. Stems have large inflorescences of cream or white flowers. Starts blooming in the middle of June. Loves moisture, grows well in the shade and in the sun.
6. Red meadowsweet. Grows in areas of North America, there it is called the queen of prairies. Mighty, tall, has a five or seven-lobed lobe. Starts blooming in late July, the inflorescence is quite dense, consisting of pink flowers. Likes light and high humidity. Resistant to frosts.
7. Holy meadowsweet. Can reach 1 m in height. It has large flowers - up to 1 cm, the color varies - cream, white or pink. Usually blooms at the end of May. Has an attractive appearance and at the end of flowering. Does not require a lot of moisture, unpretentious.
8. Purple meadowsweet. Refers to hybrids, very popular in Japan - it is used as a decorative plant. It is not tall, the maximum height reaches 1 m. The leaves are beautiful, palmate. Flowers are colored dark pink or purple, the fruits have clearly distinguishable stalks, which are usually not developed to the end.
9. Elegans. Starts blooming in late July, it has beautiful white flowers with red stamens.
10. Korean meadowsweet. Grows in the Southern Kuril Islands, Japan, in the south of Primorsky Krai. The plant is not tall, but graceful. Notably, the flowers are colored pink when they are in the bud, when they bloom they become white.
11. The meadowsweet is multiflowered. It is divided into two forms - alpine and forest. The latter species can be found on the banks of streams, it reaches 80 cm in height, has beautiful leaves - pinnate, finely rugged. The flowers are bright pink. The alpine species of meadowsweet is most often found in the highlands, the plant is low (about 30 cm), the leaves are small.
12. The meadowsweet is narrow-branched. The plant has unusual leaves - they are finely dissected, covered with a white-black pubescence underneath. Can be found in the south of the Amur region, the meadowsweet often hybridizes.
13. Western meadowsweet. Grows in forests and on rocky shores. Grows up to 1 m, has graceful rounded leaves. Fruits are ciliate-hairy, white flowers, can reach 1.5 cm in diameter.
14. Kirasii meadowsweet. Refers to a rare species, it can be found only in Taiwan, in the northern part. Maximum height is 30 m, inflorescences are pink, small. Remarkably, the plant is polygamous, it is possible to meet both sexes of flowers: both male and female.
15. Zugovo. Not fully studied species, similar in appearance to the Cyrassium meadowsweet, but it does not have ovipotent flowers. The flowers are white in color.
16. Filipendula formosa. Grows up to 1 m tall, the leaves are rounded, the inflorescences are dark pink in color. Poorly studied by specialists, occurs rarely - all over the world can meet just a dozen herbarium specimens.
17. Steppe meadowsweet. Externally similar to meadowsweet, maximum height of the shrub - 1 m, has a dense root rosette of leaves, which remain during flowering. It is considered a rare species.

Harvesting and storage

Collect the flowers during the flowering period - usually late July or early August. Inflorescences should be cut without leaves, and dried in a well-ventilated place, having previously spread out a thin layer on parchment (experts do not recommend using newspapers, because the harmful ink can poison the preparation). Store in a box, in a dark and dry place.

Also harvest the roots of the plant. They should be collected either in early spring or fall. Before drying, remove the soil, rinse thoroughly under running water. Dry in the same way as the flowers - lay in a thin layer on paper, leave in a well-ventilated room, in the shade. If you plan to use the leaves for medicinal purposes - they also need to harvest during flowering meadowsweet. Duration of storage is 3 years, then the herb gradually begins to lose its useful properties.

Therapeutic properties of the meadowsweet herb

The plant is considered unusually useful due to its rich chemical composition and high content of essential oils. It can have the following effects on the body:

• effectively removes excess fluid;
• activates the bile ducts;
• Improves the immune system during regular use during outbreaks of infectious diseases;
• Normalizes sleep, helps with stress;
• Has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial action.

It is noteworthy that many experts recommend using the herb in the rehabilitation period after a stroke - it helps to recover faster. Also the plant will help to cope with diseases such as gout, pyelonephritis, rheumatism, excessive swelling.

Important: Before applying decoctions and tinctures on the basis of meadowsweet, it is necessary to make sure that a person does not have an individual intolerance to the components of meadowsweet. Otherwise you may feel worse, allergic reactions.

For women

The plant is useful for persons of the female sex - it eliminates anxiety, insomnia due to its sedative action. Therefore, many people recommend taking tinctures of meadowsweet during menopause. They successfully help fight diseases such as infertility and endometriosis. They are used for thrush, erosion, cystitis, making douches. As a complex therapy, they are used for hemorrhoids.

The plant is also used for cosmetic purposes. If you want to have thick, strong and beautiful hair, simply rinse your hair with a decoction of meadowsweet after each wash: the result will not make you wait long.

For Men

Decoctions based on meadowsweet will be extraordinarily useful and for the men, as they help to combat stress, eliminate fatigue. Men often suffer from high blood pressure. If you use a decoction or infusion based on meadowsweet, you can get rid of hypertension. Due to the anti-inflammatory effect, it will help with prostatitis, get rid of excess fluid accumulation, as it activates the kidneys. Recommended to apply decoctions and tinctures for diabetes, atherosclerosis: men are more susceptible to these diseases than women.

When pregnant

Pregnant women are not recommended to use meadowsweet as a healing herb. The same applies to women who are breastfeeding.

For children

Experts say that for children who have not reached the age of 12, meadowsweet can be dangerous. The immature body may not be able to cope, since children have a poorly developed gastrointestinal tract, many enzymes are not enough for quality assimilation of useful herbs. Due to this, the use of meadowsweet is fraught with allergic reactions, rashes on the skin, colic and nausea.

Despite this, many experts recommend using mild decoctions as a preventive measure against diseases such as pneumonia, sore throat, SARS, flu, etc. But this should be done only after consulting a pediatrician.

The use of meadowsweet in folk medicine

Let's consider what kinds of gatherings exist on the basis of meadowsweet, and what diseases can be cured, using decoctions with the addition of this medicinal herb.

Gathering from diseases of a gynecological nature

Experts recommend using this recipe for women who suffer from myoma or endometritis. You will need:

• meadowsweet;
• St. John's wort;
• chamomile;
• calendula;
• yarrow;
• vodka.

For 1.5 liters take 1 tbsp of all the above ingredients. Mix thoroughly, put in a bottle, put in a cool dark place for 2 weeks, then strain. Tincture ready. Apply daily 1 tbsp. 2 times a day. It is desirable to drink on an empty stomach, if the woman does not have an ulcer or acute gastritis.

Gathering to increase the tone

Such a recipe will be useful for people involved in physically demanding work, with exhaustion. Often the collection is recommended to take cancer patients after undergoing chemotherapy. You will need:

• meadowsweet;
• licorice - root;
• nettle - root;
• succession;
• St. John's wort;
• clover;
• yarrow.

All components must be in equal proportions, they must be ground. Then mix everything together. To prepare 2 cups of broth, you will need 3 tbsp. of the resulting mixture. Preparation is simple - add the herb to boiling water, send it to a water bath for 30 minutes. After insisting for an hour. Strain. Apply after meals to 150 ml. The course lasts until the person feels improvement in his general condition.

Anti-inflammatory, analgesic compresses

To prepare a decoction for a compress, you will need a thermos. Finely chop the root of meadowsweet, select about 60 g and pour a glass of boiling water. Cover with a lid, insist an hour. Decoction can not strain. Soak the mixture in gauze, put on the sore spot, top wrap with clingfilm and then scarf. Keep the compress for 30 minutes.

Decoction for diarrhea

An unpleasant phenomenon that often makes you change your plans. It is not necessary to run to the pharmacy for medicine - an infusion based on meadowsweet will perfectly cope with the problem. You will need 200 ml of water per 1 tbsp. of herb (pre-dried). Hold in a water bath for 15 minutes, insist an hour. Drink 2 tbsp. decoction after each urge.

From diseases of the gastrointestinal tract

You will need 20 grams of sugar and 50 g of meadowsweet. All this must be poured over 0.5 liters of vodka. The mixture put in a cool dark place for 2 weeks. Then strain, take on an empty stomach, 1 tsp. 3 times a day.

With colds, to improve immunity

Here are examples of several effective recipes.

1. Need meadowsweet and rose hips in a ratio of 1 to 10. Pour boiling water, insist 30 minutes. Add honey, drink as normal tea.
2. Oriole flowers - 10 pieces, 12 tbsp. honey and water. Also need the zest and juice of 2 lemons. Put in a saucepan, simmer over low heat for 10 minutes after boiling. When the infusion cools - strain. Drink daily on an empty stomach: 2 tbsp. of the resulting mixture diluted in a glass of warm water.
3. In equal quantities take dried meadowsweet, willow-tea. At 70 g will need 500 ml of water. Insist preferably in a thermos (30 minutes), if not - in a jar, wrapped and placed in heat. Take 100 ml daily.

With hypertension

If a person has high blood pressure - it can be eliminated through the regular use of decoctions with the addition of meadowsweet. It is easy to prepare a decoction. Pour 30 grams of dried plant with a glass of boiling water, place it on a water bath for 15 minutes. After decoction to insist another 1 hour. Take 30 ml daily.

Types of healing compositions

Consider below in what forms the medicinal plant can be used.

Infusion

Infusions on meadowsweet are effective for severe swelling, metabolic disorders, diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. Prepare a healing infusion is not difficult: 60 g of pre-dried flowers pour 250 ml of boiling water, send it to a water bath for 15 minutes. Insist after another 15 minutes. After straining, drink twice a day (half a glass each time). This decoction is not only diuretic, but also diaphoretic. Therefore, it is often recommended to persons with acute respiratory infections, but in this case, take half a glass of decoction at night.

When diarrhea, severe edema (including those caused by heart problems), insomnia folk healers recommend to take the following tincture. You will need 100 grams of dried flowers of meadowsweet and 0.5 liters of boiling water. Put everything in a thermos, leave it for 4 hours. Take 100 ml twice a day.

There is also a recipe for infusion of fresh flowers. You will need water (cold) - 1 cup, the same amount of raw materials. All mixed, cover the bowl, put in a cool and dark place for 12 hours. Then strain the decoction, then add 100 ml of alcoholic tincture of marigold. Useful such a tincture for colds, SARS. As a preventive measure, drink 1 tsp of the mixture three times a day on an empty stomach. It also prevents such an unpleasant disease as herpes.

Infusions can be made directly on the basis of the meadowsweet herb. Add 1 tsp of raw material to boiling, cooled water (250 ml), cover with a lid. Remove to a cool and dark place for 9 hours. Helps to get rid of edema, hypertension, an excellent preventive agent during epidemics of colds. Drink 4 times a day, 1 tbsp. If desired, from this infusion can make compresses - if the skin was damaged, there is suppuration, or an inflammatory process has begun. Tavolga has a powerful antiseptic action, so inflammation and swelling of tissues in the case of regular use will pass quickly.

Tincture .

You will need alcohol (diluted with water 50-50) or vodka. The proportions are as follows: for 100 ml of vodka you need 1 tsp. of grass, which is crushed beforehand. Mix the ingredients, insist 3 days. After the end of filtering. Take 2 tbsp. 2 times a day.

If a person has a disease of the stomach (not an acute form), in this case, this recipe for tincture will do. Ingredients:

• meadowsweet flowers fresh - 25 g;
• sugar - 20 g;
• Vodka - 500 ml.

All mixed, pour into a glass bowl, leave to infuse for 2 weeks. Drink 1 tsp. tincture 3 times daily.

You can use the tincture to treat a wound - to eliminate the possibility of infection, to accelerate the healing of tissues. You need to dilute alcohol, the approximate strength is 20%. Mix with chopped leaves of meadowsweet (herb - 1 part, diluted alcohol - 5 parts). Insist 1.5 weeks, then strain. The same infusion can be used as a lotion for the face, if a person has problematic skin.

For persons who are prone to bronchitis, respiratory diseases, it is worth taking care of your health in advance and prepare the tincture in the summer. 150 grams of fresh meadowsweet pour 2 cups of cold boiled or purified water. To tincture does not bloom, there add a solution of alcoholic tincture of marigold - 100 ml. Put in a cool dark place for two weeks. Take 1 tsp. three times a day.

Decoction

The standard recipe for preparing a decoction is as follows:

• Prepare 1 tbsp of herbs and 2 cups of water;
• Stir everything, send to a water bath for 15 minutes;
• Allow the broth to cool, strain.

Drink it 2-3 times every day, 1 tbsp. It will help normalize blood sugar, blood pressure, restore water balance and get rid of edema.

Tea

If you constantly feel weakness and fatigue, there are problems with sleep - in this case, a tea based on meadowsweet will be useful. Pour boiling water over dried flowers (1 tsp.), leave for 10-15 minutes, strain. If desired, add honey. Drink no more than 2 cups a day.

Ointment .

In the presence of inflammatory processes, psoriasis, you can prepare an ointment at home on the basis of meadowsweet. As a base will do Vaseline or lanolin, glycerin. Melt in a water bath, add there powder from the leaves of the plant (you can grind meadowsweet in a coffee grinder or grind by hand). Slightly simmer on the fire, cool. To prepare you need 9 parts of the base and 6 parts of the herb. Apply to problem areas daily, twice a day. Apply to cleansed skin.

There is a simplified version of making ointment - mix meadowsweet powder with baby cream (10 g powder from the flowers and 40 grams of cream).

The oil of meadowsweet: properties and applications

Many argue that the oil of meadowsweet can become a full-fledged substitute for many pharmacological drugs. Not for nothing it is popularly known as a cure for 40 ailments. It is noteworthy that useful substances are contained in all parts of meadowsweet - in the root, stem, leaves, fruits, flowers.

You can use the oil as:

• antibacterial and anti-inflammatory agent;
• antioxidant;
• antipyretic;
• internally - as a hepatoprotector (protects the liver, restores damaged areas);
• stimulating brain activity.

In addition, the oil helps to restore the nervous system, sleep, eliminate excessive anxiety, effectively lowers blood pressure, has a pain-relieving effect.

The oil of meadowsweet can be taken internally if there are such pathologies:

• diseases of the gastrointestinal tract;
• edema;
• thrombosis;
• High blood sugar, early stages of diabetes;
• cerebral circulatory disorders;
• diarrhea;
• Blood that is too thick (there is a risk of thrombosis);
• Frequent acute respiratory infections.

If desired, you can add the oil in the bath - to normalize the CNS, improve the quality of sleep. Many experts recommend inhalation with oil of meadowsweet for angina and bronchitis. The oil is also used as a massage oil. It is ideal for aromatherapy - it will help to relax, find peace and harmony. Especially such procedures will be useful for people who are involved in work that requires high mental stress.

There are contraindications to use, you should also be aware of them:

• constipation;
• Pregnancy, breastfeeding period;
• Frequent bleeding;
• Low blood pressure or low blood sugar.

How to use:

1. Orally, 10 ml with meals. The course of treatment is usually 1 month.
2. For baths, add 6-10 drops of oil directly into the water.
3. For aromatherapy - a couple of drops of oil on the aroma lamp.

It is impossible to prepare the oil yourself - it is a complex process, which requires compliance with all technology and the use of special equipment. At home, you can make an extract - it has useful properties, the composition of the mixture is similar to the oil of meadowsweet. Consider the recipe:

1. Place the seeds with flowers in a container.
2. Pour any refined vegetable oil.
3. Put the pot on a water bath, on low heat. The mixture should not boil!
4. Once the raw material is well heated, remove from the fire and leave to cool.
5. Pour everything into a jar of glass.
6. Place in a dark place for 14 days. Then strain it.

Before you apply the oil, it is advisable to consult a doctor to exclude the possibility of an allergic reaction.

Cosmetic applications

Experts have found - if you regularly use a decoction of meadowsweet to rinse curls, then in a short time you can note an incredible result: the hair will become smooth, strong, will stop falling out. The meadowsweet also copes well with problematic skin - if a person suffers from enlarged pores, acne, acne, he must necessarily try tinctures with the addition of this miracle herb.

The plant has a beneficial effect on the skin and hair due to the fact that it contains a large amount of flavonoids, phenols. All these substances act as powerful antioxidants, they also contribute to the release of free radicals, hence slowing down the aging process. It also contains salicylates, which have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects. Asparagus also contains tannins, vitamins and minerals, ethyl benzoate, fatty acids. The action of all these substances has a beneficial effect on the epidermis, as well as hair.

It is noteworthy that the extract of meadowsweet is used by many for weight loss due to the fact that the main active components contribute to the stabilization of tissue metabolism.

It is worth noting that meadowsweet acts as a powerful antiedematous agent. It is no secret that fluid retention in the tissues significantly slows down the process of losing weight, interferes with sports activities. Drinking decoctions is useful for detoxification of the body to remove all harmful substances, which also negatively affect the condition of the hair, skin, and overall appearance. Tavolga can often be found in special pills, tinctures for weight loss.

To use means on the basis of this plant will be useful if you need to:

• to increase the tone of the skin;
• Remove inflammation, irritation on the face;
• Remove swelling, dark spots under the eyes;
• Accelerate tissue regeneration, including after mechanical cleaning, acid peeling, etc.;
• Get rid of dandruff, prevent hair loss.

It is noteworthy that you can both externally use meadowsweet, and take tinctures, drink tasty teas - so the positive effect can be achieved faster.

Sage meadowsweet can be found in ready-made products, presented on the shelves of our stores. For example, creams or gels based on this herb are great for oily skin, if a person suffers from acne and rashes. You can find meadowsweet in products for and after shaving. The extract of the plant is added to sprays, masks, lotions.

Use for the preparation of tonics can be all parts of the plant - from the rhizomes and ending with the fruits.

Let's consider several recipes with the addition of this healing plant.

1. Facial mask number 1. If pores are dilated, periodically disturb acne, then use this version of the mask: decoction of meadowsweet (1 tbsp. water to 1 cup, boil, insist 15 minutes, strain) mixed with 1 tsp. honey and freshly squeezed carrot juice 1 tsp. mix thoroughly. Apply in layers. What does it mean? Apply the first layer to the face, wait a little while for the mixture to dry. Then apply a second coat, and so on, but no more than 5. After a couple of sessions, you will be able to note the result: the skin will be smooth and inflammation will disappear.
2. Face mask #2. People whose skin on the face is oily or combined, is suitable for this variant: mix the decoction with cereal (pre-grind in a coffee grinder) and the juice of 1 lemon. Thoroughly mix the mixture, leave it for 30-40 minutes to swell the oatmeal. Apply the resulting mixture to the face, rinse off after 15 minutes.

Important: Your face should be moisturized regardless of whether your skin is dry or oily. On sale, there are a large number of gels for the face on the basis of meadowsweet - they will be an excellent solution for girls who suffer from excessive greasiness of the epidermis.

Consider recipes of decoctions for hair growth. It is worth adding that regular rinsing of hair and scalp with a broth of meadowsweet will help get rid of seborrhea. Also, such procedures will be useful for those who have too quickly greasy hair.

1. Infusion #1. 2 tsp. of dried plant (it does not matter which part it will be) pour boiling water in an amount of 2 cups. Infuse for half an hour. Rinse hair immediately after it has been washed. Do not dilute, do not rinse.
2. Infusion #2. Take 30 grams of raw flowers of meadowsweet for 1 cup of water. Hold on a water bath for 10 minutes, infuse another 10 minutes. Strain.

Such decoctions should be used regularly - you will notice positive dynamics necessarily.

Contraindications for use

Meadowsweet should not be used by people who have an individual intolerance to the plant, because it can provoke an allergic reaction. It is also not recommended for use in the following cases:

• low blood pressure;
• predisposition to constipation;
• Pregnancy, breast-feeding;
• under 12 years of age;
• low platelet count.

There are few contraindications to this plant. Meadowsweet is not considered toxic, but it is necessary to use it in moderation and according to the recipe.

Photo of meadowsweet (meadowsweet)