Upland: medicinal properties and contraindications

The epidermis (aka Galium - from the Greek name for milk) is a medicinal plant that grows both in Eurasia and in North America. There are several hundred species of this plant in nature, but not all of them are used in modern phytotherapy and in traditional folk medicine. There are also poisonous varieties, which must be handled with particular care.

Chemical composition

The best studied the chemical composition of two varieties - the real cinquefoil (aka yellow) and tenacious. Both are actively used in folk medicine, and valuable for pharmacology substances are contained in the grass, and in the stems and flowers, and even in the rhizomes of these plants.

The chemical composition of the real cinquefoil is well studied, it includes:

1. Steroid saponins. Their function in nature is to protect the plant from pests and diseases. They have antifungal properties, in addition, they are used to produce hormonal drugs.
2. Ascorbic acid (vitamin C), which normalizes the condition of blood vessels and the circulatory system in general, and strengthens the immune system.
3. Carotene, useful for vision.
4. Flavonoids with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
5. Various organic acids.
6. Tannins and dyes (the latter are associated with the name of this plant - because it secretes the same pigment as madder).
7. Various trace elements - copper, iron, zinc, even nickel and cobalt and others.

The flowers and leaves of this variety contain the ferment rennin, thanks to him in the old days this plant was also used for the production of cheese.

The chemical composition of clementine is generally similar to the previous one. It also contains steroid saponins, glycosides, flavonoids and coumarins. But in addition, there is also salicylic acid, which has antiseptic and keratolytic properties. Ursolic acid and the corresponding aldehyde are also present, which determine the use of the plant for the treatment of urolithiasis. The cinquefoil also contains salts of zinc, cobalt, magnesium, nickel, etc.

What it looks like and where it grows

Almost all species of this plant are widely distributed throughout the globe. For example, the real cinquefoil grows not only in Europe, but also in North Africa. In Asia, it is found in areas with temperate climates almost everywhere, including Turkey, the Middle East and the Far East. The plant can even be found in New Zealand (though it was brought there by colonists), in North America. As a rule, cinquefoil grows in hay meadows, wheat fields, along roads and in the meadows; it likes fertile soils.

One-, two-, and perennials are found among the cinquefoil plants. Rhizomes of all varieties are thin and strongly branching. In some species they have medicinal properties.

The stems of this plant are mostly thin, in some species they are stalked. But there are also varieties with sturdy straight stems, such as northern cinquefoil. The leaves of this plant are narrow, deep green, in some species - with jagged edges. Flowers are small, star-shaped, the color of the petals can be the most diverse - white, bright yellow, pink. There are varieties, for example, the odoriferous submarennik, which have a pleasant smell.

Types

There are different species of broomstick, most of them are found in Russia, Belarus and Ukraine:

1. Northern cinquefoil. This perennial herbaceous plant, reaching a height of at least 15 cm, and sometimes grows up to almost a meter. A distinctive feature - small, narrow leaves with three veins, connected by several pieces. The plant blooms with small flowers, usually white in color. It mainly grows in forest meadows, likes damp floodplains. And although usually the cinquefoil likes fertile soils, this variety can feel perfectly well on stony soils and in swampy areas. In phytotherapy, mainly the flowers and leaves of this variety are used.
2. The real cinquefoil. This is a perennial with a strong upright stem, reaching a height of about 60-70 cm. Leaflets of this plant are pointed, their surface has a distinct green tint, and underneath they are covered with gray velvety fluff. It is considered an excellent honeybee. Its bright yellow flowers are combined into fluffy panicles. They do indeed have a distinct honey aroma that attracts bees throughout the summer. This variety is most often found in meadows, it likes fertile soils, and if the weather conditions are good and there are no obstacles, real plantations can grow there.
3. The cinquefoil. This plant is essentially a weed, and it is also unusually resistant to any methods of controlling it. Its main feature is the structure of its stems covered with small denticles, thanks to which it attaches itself very firmly to the smooth surface of the stalks of bread ears. Its leaves are narrow, small white flowers form small inflorescences of semi-ozontine type. In folk medicine, the fresh juice of this plant is often used, it is considered very effective in the treatment of various liver diseases and thyroid dysfunction. And now in phytotherapy are investigating the possibility of its use against malignant tumors. The ingredients in the herbs and flowers of this plant also provide it with diuretic and antioxidant properties. Ointments, decoctions and infusions based on this variety have properties of healing wounds, which allows their use in various dermatological disorders.
4. Chrysanthemum fragrantum. This variety of plant is also a perennial. Its stems reach a height of up to 65 cm. Among all its congeners, the odoriferous is considered the most beautiful. Inflorescences are a few semi-ozontikov consisting of many small flowers that have a pleasant smell. The hollywort begins to flower earlier than other species, as early as April. And its blooming only lasts until the beginning of summer. Most often it is found in the Crimea, the Caucasus, Central Asia, although it can be found in other regions of Russia.
5. Podmarennikus ordinary. This is one of the tallest varieties of this plant. It can be at least 85 cm in height. Its stem is strong, faceted form, little branched. The leaves are small and narrow. They are pubescent at the top and stronger at the bottom. The flowers of this variety are gently golden in color. This plant blooms at the end of the first summer month and blooms until early fall. It is found mainly in dry meadows and small slopes. A distinctive feature of this variety is the presence in its chemical composition of silicic acid and a large amount of essential oils.
6. Podmarennikus soft. Its distinctive feature is the somewhat unusual quadrangular shape of the smooth stem. On it grow small oblong leaves with small prickles on the ends. Flowers are small, with white petals, they are gathered in inflorescences that form rather large panicles at the ends of the stems. This species of adobe blooms relatively briefly, in late June and the first half of July. It occurs along roads and in meadows. In traditional Siberian medicine recipes, it is used mainly for elimination of heart rhythm disturbance.

The therapeutic effect of some species of the hollyhock is considered poorly studied. However, practically all listed species are promising raw materials for pharmaceutical industry.

Collection and storage

Since in phytotherapy today are used mainly two species of epidermis, it is necessary to consider the peculiarities of their collection and storage.

As for the real adobe, in this case the medicinal raw material are all parts of the plant - rhizomes, stems, leaves and flowers. Prepare it better during flowering. Harvested raw materials are recommended to dry naturally in the open air, but better - in the shade. It can also be dried in a warm attic, provided that it will be well ventilated. To dry the stems, leaves and flowers on a cotton cloth or paper (but do not use newspaper, because then the raw material will absorb the harmful printing ink). Grass and flowers are spread in a thin layer, and periodically they need to turn them to dry better.

Rhizomes of cinquefoil is recommended to harvest throughout the summer, regardless of the timing of flowering. Dry them in the fresh air. All kinds of raw materials should be stored in linen bags or paper bags, or in tightly closed glass jars. But all this can be kept only in closed cabinets, so that they do not get sunlight. Shelf life - three years.

In clementine is mainly harvested only grass during flowering. Rhizomes are used less frequently, but if they do harvest, then the fall. Dry raw materials in the shade or in dryers designed for vegetables and fruits, and the roots beforehand need to grind.

Therapeutic properties of the herb diamonds

Not all of the medicinal properties of the clementine, which he was attributed in the old days, today are proven. However, many of its characteristics have been confirmed by scientific research. Today it is believed that the real cinquefoil has:

1. Anti-inflammatory action, which is provided by flavonoids.
2. Oestrogenic action (thanks to steroid saponins, which have properties similar to those of female hormones).
3. Mild antiseptic action, thanks to the same saponins, as well as organic acids.
4. Biliary and diuretic properties.
5. Wound-healing effect.
6. The tonic effect thanks to the vitamins and trace elements listed above.

In addition, it has sedative and hemostatic properties. It can also be used as a natural laxative.

As for the cinquefoil, it has:

1. Anti-tumor effects. There are studies proving that its extract destroys cells of malignant neoplasms of the breast, but does not affect healthy tissue. This action is ensured by diosmetin, a substance contained in the herb of clementine.
2. Antiproliferative properties, which also allows to fight against tumors.
3. Antifungal activity - due to the content of saponins, which in natural conditions are needed to protect the plant from such microorganisms.

In folk medicine also known antipyretic properties of clementine. In Eastern Siberia, decoctions of herbs used in the old days as an antiepileptic agent. However, at this time, these properties of plants have not yet been adequately studied.

Application in folk medicine

In traditional and modern phytotherapy means on the basis of the real or cinquefoil are used for such diseases:

1. Angina, bronchitis, various respiratory diseases, up to pneumonia. In such cases, an infusion of the herb diamonds - 2 tsp. Spoonfuls of dried and crushed leaves and herbs pour a glass of boiling water, then insist for 50-60 minutes, filtered. The resulting amount is divided into three equal portions and drink three times a day regardless of the meal.
2. Diseases of the liver, including inflammatory nature. They are treated with a decoction - 1 tbsp. dry raw materials brewed with a glass of boiling water and heated over low heat for 5 minutes. Then cool the remedy to an acceptable temperature, strain and take equal portions three times a day.
3. Erectile dysfunction. It is recommended to take the fresh juice of the above-ground part of the plant - 2 tablespoons at least three times a day, the course duration - at least a month.
4. Stenocardia. Need to prepare a weak infusion of the rhizome of the cinquefoil - 20 g of dry plant material for 0.5 liters of boiling water.
5. Pathologies of the female reproductive system, including fibroids, endometritis, amenorrhea (painful menstruation). To do this, brew an infusion as described above and take three times a day. But you can also treat this herb inflammatory diseases of the pelvic organs. In this case, 4 tbsp dry plant material pour 0.4 liters of boiling water, insist in a thermos for 4 hours, then strain and add to the bath water.
6. Cervical erosion. Decoction of the grass, leaves and flowers are recommended for vaginal douches.
7. Breast diseases. You can take infusion grass (2 tsp. raw material in a glass of boiling water) or apply to the problem area, crushed to a mush-like mass of fresh plant leaves.
8. Skin diseases like eczema, certain types of dermatitis, boils, abscesses and even carcinoma. In such cases, the affected areas of the skin should be smeared with freshly squeezed juice of the herb. However, some modern herbalists advise to use for this purpose a powder of dried flowers of yellow adobe. Use it to make an ointment (adding petroleum jelly or unsalted butter) for the inflamed and rash-affected areas.
9. Diabetes mellitus. It is recommended to drink freshly squeezed juice of the above-ground part of the plant - 2 tablespoons after the main meals, and in no case can you add honey, because it will reduce the effectiveness of the remedy.

In addition, different types of preparations of this herb can be used for other diseases. For example, the powder of dried grass of the daub is considered an effective remedy for dysentery, because it has antiseptic properties.

Decoctions and various concentrations of herbal infusions are prescribed in the treatment of cut wounds and pustules, also serious burns. Since they have mild analgesic properties combined with anti-inflammatory effects, they are used in the form of compresses in the treatment of gout.

The presence of Ursolic acid in the composition of clementine allows the use of its infusion in the treatment of nephritis, diseases of the urogenital system and biliary tract.

Gatherings containing diamonds

This plant is used not only as an independent medicine. It is part of a variety of therapeutic gatherings. They are all prepared the same way - 1 tbsp. mixture of dry chopped herbs in 370 ml of boiling water. All this is infused for three hours, strained and taken in different portions three times a day.

To destroy oxalate and phosphate stones in the bladder make a collection on the basis of the rhizomes of the cinquefoil, taken in equal proportions with dye marigold, dill seeds, mint and St. John's wort leaves, barberry berries. This remedy is taken as a course of four months, then take a break and repeat the examination. If necessary, the course may be repeated, but only after consultation with the doctor.

To break up gallstones in the gallbladder, prepare a collection based on the herb of the hollyhock, which is mixed in equal proportions with the herb milk thistle, horsetail, shepherd's purse, with the flowers of chamomile, corn stigmas and leek root. This infusion is also taken for four months after consultation with the doctor.

The gatherings based on the hollyhock can combat even such serious vascular diseases as hemorrhagic vasculitis. They can also be effective for cholecystitis outside the acute stage, glomerulonephritis, and other diseases.

Although by itself, diamonds have laxative properties, in combination with other herbs it can, on the contrary, be used as a remedy for diarrhea. In this case, prepare a collection of herbs cinquefoil, shepherd's purse, thyme, rhizomes of wheatgrass. But do not take such a remedy for a long time, especially if the cause of the diarrhea is not established. If it is a bacterial infection, the antiseptic and antifungal activity of the plantain does not replace taking antibiotics!

Types of medicinal compositions

On the basis of the herb of the herb of the epidermis make different types of healing remedies. For external use, three variants are used:

1. Powder. It is a dried and ground raw material obtained from the above-ground part, that is, grass, flowers and leaves. It is used to treat diseases like dermatitis.
2. Lather for lotions and compresses, which is made from crushed fresh grass and flowers. It is used as lotions for any skin diseases, but is most effective for abscesses and pustules.
3. Ointment. It is prepared on the basis of mashed into a pulp of fresh grass or dried raw materials. In the first case, it is ground in a mortar with fresh butter. In the second, Vaseline or another neutral, greasy base can be used. Such remedies are effective for any dermatological problems.

For internal use take infusions, decoctions, juice and alcoholic tincture. Less commonly used is a tea of the herb of the hollyhock.

Tincture .

Tincture of epidermis can be aqueous or alcoholic. In the first case, 1 tbsp. raw material is poured with a glass of boiling water and insisted in a thermos for several hours, and then filtered. The concentration of useful substances can be adjusted by adding more or less plant raw materials.

For an alcoholic tincture take ethyl alcohol or vodka. At 2 tablespoons of plant raw materials used 0.4-0.5 liters of alcohol base. Insist the product for at least 4 weeks, all this time the container should stand in a dark place, periodically it must be removed and shaken.

Tea

You can brew this remedy both from the grass and leaves, and from the flowers of the adobe. For 1 tsp. take a glass of boiling water - the concentration is lower than that of infusion. To improve the taste, you can add a little honey to the drink.

Contraindications for use

This herb does not have many contraindications, the main one being individual intolerance and allergic reactions. However, you should remember that the real cinquefoil is a mildly poisonous plant. His decoctions, infusions and the more concentrated juice should not be given to children, it is contraindicated in pregnancy and lactation. However, young mothers should not take it even because it contains hormone-like substances that can affect pregnancy.

Because of the strong diuretic effect, products based on this plant should be taken with caution in case of diabetes.

Interesting facts

1. The cinquefoil is a plant that has been widely known since ancient times. As far back as antiquity, it was known to have coloring properties as well as the ability to curdle cheese. However, in England, the clementine was also used because its scent deterred fleas. In those days, mattresses were stuffed with herbs, and this plant was definitely one of them. That is why the old British name of the cinquefoil is Our Lady's Bedstraw.
2. The holly has coloring properties. It was used to give fabrics a yellow hue. And it was also part of the composition of hair dye - cheap and available. Therefore, another English name for this herb is Maid's Hair (this translates as "maid's hair").
3. In ancient herbalists, it is also written that the clementine gives strength to tired travelers, and its fresh juice can be used against any skin rashes.

Photo of the broomstick