Leonuriwort: therapeutic properties and contraindications

Leonuriwort is a wild, but at the same time very useful plant. It refers to medicinal herbs. Herb got its name for a reason, because it usually grows in abandoned areas, on waste grounds and bluffs, near settlements. However, some varieties are grown as cultivated plants. The healing and dangerous properties of this plant is a very important question, since this product has a special place in folk medicine. To know whether it can be used for therapeutic purposes, it is necessary to study all the features and unique qualities of motherwort.

Chemical composition

The healing characteristics of motherwort are due to the presence of a rich internal composition.

1. The main components of the herb are represented by essential oil, which provides bacterial, sedative and anti-inflammatory effects. Also in the composition of the plant there are tannins, which have a beneficial effect on the digestive system, eliminating pathogens of infection and restoring the intestinal microflora. In addition, they help to reduce inflammation.
2. The plant is rich in flavonoids such as quercetin and rutin. These substances reduce the fragility and brittleness of blood vessels, make red blood cells more elastic, slowing the process of blood clotting.
3. Motherwort herb also contains saponins, which are characterized by sedative and diuretic characteristics. This group of substances has an irritant effect on the glands of internal secretion, including providing liquefaction of phlegm in the respiratory organs. This peculiarity of the plant allows its use in the presence of severe cough.
4. Vitamin compounds such as carotene and tocopherol boost immunity, improve heart muscle function, provide maintenance of the myocardium, protect cells from premature aging.
5. The group of alkaloids found in the composition of the herb provides the normalization of metabolic processes, improves brain cell function, is distinguished by its diuretic effect, stabilizes myocardial rhythm and normalizes the value of blood pressure. Thus, of the alkaloids here is dominated by choline and stachydrin.

In addition to these substances, ascorbic acid, isovaleric acid, bitterness and sugars are found in motherwort. The mineral composition is represented by potassium and sulfur, sodium and calcium. Organic acids and glycosides are also found.

What it looks like and where it grows

Motherwort is a perennial plant that belongs to the Juniper family. In height, the herb can reach 2 m, but most often there is motherwort no more than 50 cm in height. Culture stems are hollow and have a reddish hue. They can be distinguished from other herbs by the fact that the stems in this case are tetrahedral, pubescent along the ribs, and branching in the upper part.

If you intend to collect motherwort by yourself, it is quite easy to identify it by the lower leaves: they are 10-12 cm in length, are palmate-five-separate. The coloring of the leaves from the top is dark green, and from the bottom - a lighter shade. The closer to the top of the stem, the smaller the leaves on it. Thus, the middle leaves have three denticles, while the upper leaves have only two. The flowers of motherwort also have their own distinctive characteristics. They are concentrated in whorls at the tips of the stem, hence very small. The inflorescences are spike-shaped and have prickly bracts. Their color varies from pink with purple shades to white.

The fruit of motherwort is 4 nuts that are wedge-shaped. They are 2-3 mm long. They ripen from the end of August to October. The fallen fruits germinate by the next summer, and with the onset of hot weather the plant begins to bloom again.

This herb grows everywhere. Thus, motherwort can be found throughout the European and Asian part of the Russian Federation, in the Middle East. Culture prefers light soils, grows in meadows and along rivers. Often the grass can be found in dumps, in old quarries and desert areas.

Species

In total, there are about 25 species of this plant in nature, but only three varieties are used for obtaining medicinal plant raw materials.

Common motherwort is a herb whose distinguishing characteristic is a bare stem and a small number of hairs on the ribs. The leaves are also characterized by a small number of glandular hairs. The flowers have a bare calyx, small in size. This species grows in abandoned parks, near homes, in gardens, in weedy areas. It can be found in the Baltics, Belarus, Europe, all over Russia, except in the Far North.

The second species is motherwort bluestem. The herb got its name because of the grayish-blue color of the leaves and stem. The stem reaches about 1 m in height, thinly pubescent. The flowers are small and have a pale pink color.

And another variety - motherwort five-lobed. Its height can reach 1.5 m. The stem is erect, pubescent with hairs, has several branches. Leaflets are serrated along the edges, there are glandular hairs on both sides, the upper side is dark green and the lower side is gray. Flowers are small, pink. Usually grows on sandy loam and loamy soils, vacant lots, along the edges of forests. Widely distributed in the European regions of Russia, this motherwort is also often found in western Siberia, Ukraine, the Caucasus and Belarus.

Gathering and storage

Harvesting begins with the onset of flowering. Valuable substances are concentrated in the foliated tops of the plants, so it is necessary to collect this part of the grass, while selecting the stems, which have a diameter of more than 5 mm.

To harvest plant material, you need to cut with a sharp knife or scissors part of motherwort, measuring no more than 40 cm. If you pluck the plant completely, the next year there may not be a medicinal harvest in this place.

If two species of the plant were found during collection, such as pentacarpal and cordial, then collect them separately from each other. Drying of the two varieties should also be done separately.

It should be noted that the plant can be found in a variety of places, but it should be collected away from highways, harmful factories and areas with poor environmental conditions.

In order to preserve all the healing qualities of the plant, its harvesting should be carried out according to all the rules. Dry the herb in dry and warm weather, spreading the stems on special trays or clean paper. The room must be well ventilated. Raw material should be rotated periodically to dry evenly. The end of the drying process is indicated by the brittleness of the stem. The leaf in this case can be kneaded in your hand. If you can do it easily, it means that the raw material is dried and can be stored. You can use paper bags for this. Before packing herbal medicinal raw materials should check their quality. If there were spoiled, browned leaves or bare stems, it is better to get rid of them.

Like all medicinal herbs, motherwort should be stored in a dry place not more than 3 years.

Therapeutic properties of motherwort

The benefit of motherwort herb for human health is that the plant is endowed with a general tonic property. This property is reflected in the immune system, that is, when taking herbal medicines, the human body becomes resistant to colds and infectious diseases.

In addition, this plant has a calming effect. So, the herb is recommended for use in anxiety disorders, depression, problems with sleep. Motherwort is characterized by a diuretic effect, which allows you to get rid of edema. It is also characteristic of culture anticonvulsant effect. This allows the use of motherwort in epilepsy. Plant is effective for colds and coughs due to mucolytic action. Such a herbal raw material helps to relieve inflammation and improves the condition of the patient with infectious diseases, has an antispasmodic effect, and also has a positive effect on the activity of the heart and blood vessels.

In addition, the herb can be used to stabilize the level of sugar and "bad" cholesterol in the body.

Motherwort is characterized by many useful qualities that can be applied to a large list of diseases. Among the indications for the use of such a product are migraine, palpitations, cramps, insomnia, menopause, poor circulation, hypertension, inflammation of the bronchi and lungs.

For women

The benefit of such a herb for the female half is that motherwort is able to stabilize the hormonal background and have a positive effect in the menopausal period. Decoctions and infusions based on this herb will help eliminate hot flashes and improve the well-being of women.

The benefits of motherwort are also manifested during menstruation. In this case, herbal remedies eliminate painful sensations and reduce the volume of bleeding. Moreover, motherwort helps to improve mood and eliminate irritability.

Since ancient times motherwort is included in phytopreparations that are used for painful menstruation, PMS and menopause. In addition, the raw material is useful for vegetative vascular dystonia, anxiety syndrome and insomnia, reduced muscle tone of the uterus.

Thanks to the diuretic and sedative effect, motherwort will reduce the manifestations of diseases such as hypertension and thrombosis, tachycardia, cardiac arrhythmia, headaches, swelling and even infertility, which is caused by neurotic pathologies.

The herb also has anti-inflammatory properties, which allows it to be used to treat infectious diseases, colds and flu.

To cure infertility, you need a few months before conception to drink 100 ml per day of infusion consisting of motherwort herb and calendula inflorescence, immortelle, chamomile, rind and St. John's wort, yarrow and bearberry, as well as plantain and horsetail. Take all these ingredients in equal quantities and mix them. Of the resulting collection to measure 8 tsp. and pour them 500 ml. steep boiling water. The mixture should infuse in a warm place for 3 hours.

For men

For the male half of mankind, the benefits of motherwort, first of all, lies in the possibility of their use in nervous disorders. The plant will help eliminate aggression and increased excitability, restore normal sleep and cope with stress.

It is possible to apply motherwort for prostatitis and adenoma of the prostate. Thanks to its healing properties, the culture will help to relieve inflammation and restore blood circulation in the pelvic organs.

It is useful for the male half of mankind because it is able to adjust the sexual activity and restore the function of the reproductive organs.

It is known that men over 45 years old develop atherosclerosis because of elevated cholesterol levels in the blood. So, the healing qualities of the plant will help to cope with this disease. In addition, this plant is able to normalize the hormonal background, increase the production of testosterone due to the impact on the adrenal glands. The components of the herb nourish the heart muscle and protect a man from heart attack and stroke.

The plant is able to increase the concentration of active sperm, which increases the chances of conception. It is also known to have a favorable effect of the raw material on the activity of the pancreas, which prevents the development of diabetes.

When pregnant

While waiting for the baby, motherwort can do harm. It is known that this herb can thin the blood and increase muscle tone. As a result, preparations based on motherwort can lead to miscarriage or premature birth. Therefore, before the birth of the baby, it is recommended to give up such a medicinal herb.

During breastfeeding

During breastfeeding, a useful herb is not prohibited for use, but it should be used very carefully. In the composition of such a product are found alkaloids, which can harm the baby. Still, in small doses, the plant will help the young mother to get rid of postpartum depression and improve the baby's night sleep.

For children

From the first month of life, children can use motherwort externally. Healing decoctions and infusions wipe irritation on the skin of the child. The compositions are added to the warm baths. This will normalize sleep and improve the baby's immunity.

As for internal use, this herb is prohibited before the age of 12 years, since certain components contained in motherwort can harm the developing body. Even after adolescence, the first use of motherwort should be prescribed by a pediatrician.

When losing weight

Probably few people have thought about why a person overeats. And it's not just that I want to eat. After all, often even after a solid meal a person used to eat something sweet. And this is associated not with a sense of hunger, but with appetite.

Thus, most often overeating in the company of friends, when a person has nothing to occupy himself, sad or offended. In such a case, it is very important to curb the appetite. In this case, motherwort will help. The use of herbs in this case is due to the fact that the plant has a sedative effect. Its main benefit is that it improves sleep, relieves anxiety, and stabilizes the emotional state, which is exactly what is needed for comprehensive weight loss.

If you take motherwort preparations for two weeks, a person will realize that he no longer has the desire to overeat. The desire to eat something sweet between meals will be greatly reduced. This will make you realize that food is a source of energy for the body, not a source of pleasure or a way to get rid of mental distress.

Of course, motherwort is a temporary measure. A person must learn to cope with his or her emotions, to get over all the worries and troubles, and not to nibble on them.

Motherwort in folk medicine

Motherwort is highly popular in the treatment of certain diseases. But in order for the herb to be useful and not harmful, it is necessary to know the rules of its use in a particular pathology.

For diabetes mellitus

With diabetes mellitus are widely used means of traditional medicine, which give good results. Acceptance of herbal gatherings must necessarily be combined with medications. Patients in this category should be treated with gatherings of medicinal herbs for at least two months. After that, you can change the herbal collection. Systematic use of herbs can not completely get rid of the disease, but will control its course.

Already after the first month of treatment, the patient's condition improves significantly. So, to obtain a healing collection should be taken in two parts birch buds, licorice root and mint leaves, three parts motherwort herb and rose hips, four parts chicory herb and five parts chrysanthemum herb and burdock root. All these ingredients must be mixed and measure 2 tbsp. of the resulting collection. This raw material pour 0.5 liters of boiling water and insist a few hours in a thermos. Drink 1/3 cup three times a day for 30 minutes before a meal. Diabetics should drink this infusion for 2-3 months, and then change the components of the medicinal collection.

When pancreatitis

During the exacerbation of pancreatic inflammation, you can not take motherwort, because it can harm the organ. As for the period of remission, the healing properties of this herb can be beneficial, since the culture improves metabolism and accelerates the process of digestion, thereby reducing the load on the sick organ.

The most useful in this case is an aqueous infusion of motherwort. It should be taken on an empty stomach, 1 tbsp. The course of treatment should last no more than a month, otherwise the herb can accidentally harm.

With gastritis

Thanks to its analgesic and antiseptic properties, motherwort herb can have a positive effect on the body in the presence of gastritis. Get rid of discomfort in the epigastrium and eliminate nausea can be done with a decoction based on this plant. In this case, take the composition by 100 ml before meals. It is also possible to use an alcohol tincture, but in this case the volume of the drug is no more than 0.5 tsp, drunk on an empty stomach.

For the intestines

Many therapeutic properties are characteristic of motherwort, one of these is the positive effect on the human digestive tract. So, the plant is able to normalize digestion, remove gas from the intestines, relieve pain and relieve a person from intestinal colic. In this case, it is necessary to prepare an infusion. In this case, you should measure 2 tsp of the herb, mix them with 2 cups of cooled boiled water. Insist the mass for 7-8 hours, then strain. Such an infusion to drink 50 ml several times a day for half an hour before a meal.

There is another recipe for preparing a therapeutic infusion. In this case, 15 grams of herbs need to be mixed with 250 ml of boiled water and infuse the mixture in a thermos for a couple of hours. After that the liquid passes through a filter. Such a drug to take 1 tbsp. 3-4 times a day for half an hour before a meal.

When constipation

If constipation occurs, you can take 2 tbsp. dried herbs, mix with a glass of boiled water and insist 30-40 minutes. After that, strain the mixture and drink the resulting amount during the day. Each dose take 20 minutes before a meal. The treatment should last for 3 weeks.

With diarrhea

Interestingly, motherwort is also suitable for the treatment of disorders. To do this, you need to take, motherwort, nettle and mint. All components to measure out in equal quantities, mix, 3 tbsp. of the resulting collection pour 500 ml. boiling water. A glass of the resulting composition to divide into 3-4 servings. Keep the infusion in the refrigerator for 2 days.

For the liver

Motherwort is also a healer of the liver, as it contains a lot of choline or vitamin B4. This component protects the organ from the negative effects of alcohol and drugs, antibiotics and other medicines, as well as various infections. Choline can repair liver tissue, improve liver function, and prevent stones.

To prepare an infusion that will help get rid of liver problems, you will need about 3 tablespoons of motherwort and a glass of boiling water. In a glass bowl, pour hot water over the raw material, then close the container tightly and cover with a warm cloth. Insist the mixture for an hour. After that, the liquid passes through a sieve and take 1 tbsp. 3 times a day before meals. Therapeutic effect is observed after a month of regular use of the drug.

When cholecystitis

It is known that motherwort is a strong anti-stress and sedative. Severe nervous tension can harm the internal organs, and the bile ducts can become constricted under stress. As a result, bile stagnates in the body and begins to be absorbed into the blood, which can lead to the formation of gallstones in the gallbladder. It is for this reason, with nervous tension and neurosis, you need to take motherwort to protect your nerves and internal organs.

The herb is characterized by a mild choleretic action, therefore, cleanses the ducts, stimulates the excretion of bile.

In cystitis.

Cystitis is an inflammation of the bladder. Such an illness is the most common disease of the urinary system, which is also very unpleasant. Cystitis can occur in acute and chronic form. The first sign of the disease is frequent and painful urination. In this case, portions of urine are usually insufficient. So, a person drinks a lot of water, and goes to the toilet very often and in very small amounts. The urge to urinate is usually quite strong and irresistible. Cystitis is accompanied by painful sensations in the lower abdomen, bladder and perineum. In acute cystitis, there may be a discharge of blood with the urine.

The urine is turbid due to the presence of bacteria and epithelial cells. Sometimes it even contains red blood cells. The presence of leukocytes in this urine suggests that an inflammatory process has begun in the body. Often patients with this pathology have an increase in body temperature, there are attacks of nausea and dizziness.

Herbal gatherings in such a case usually include several varieties of herbs. This is due to the fact that the components of the drug should have diuretic, anti-inflammatory, styptic, analgesic and restorative qualities. For example, it is recommended to use a composition including equal proportions of motherwort, St. John's wort, tricolor violet and horsetail. Pour a mug of boiling water over 1 tbsp. of the resulting mixture and insist on a steam bath for 10 minutes. After that, the mixture should rest for half an hour in the heat. Take the remedy warm several glasses a day.

With prostatitis

Very often experts use motherwort for the treatment of prostate diseases. Men after 45 years are faced with diseases of this organ. This leads to the fact that the prostate does not work as it should. As a result, impotence develops, the formation of seminal fluid and testosterone synthesis are reduced.

Since this herb increases blood circulation in the pelvic organs and allows tissues to recover faster, swelling of the gland decreases, and the sexual organ begins to function normally.

The herb can affect male potency, but for the treatment to be effective, the factors that lead to stress and insecurity must be eliminated.

Since motherwort is a medication, it is necessary to consult a doctor before starting treatment. Tablets and extract are available at the pharmacy. And if you want, you can buy dried raw material and use it to prepare preparations yourself at home.

If there is a fresh plant, you can get juice from it. In this case, it is better to use young shoots that were collected in May-June. In this case, the raw material should be thoroughly washed, dried, and then passed through a meat grinder. The resulting extract stored in the refrigerator. Take a remedy of 1 tsp. before eating three times a day.

To get rid of pain and other discomfort with prostatitis, you can prepare a decoction. In this case, motherwort can be mixed with St. John's wort. Take both elements 1 tbsp each. The resulting mixture pour two cups of boiling water and boil for a few minutes. Later, strain the liquid and drink as normal tea 1-2 cups a day in the afternoon. You can add cinnamon to improve the taste.

With varicose veins

Varicose veins are a pathology that develops due to insufficient blood circulation. There are many folk recipes that will help to eliminate this disease. Most of these recipes are based on the use of medicinal plants. So, to prepare a healing collection, you will need birch buds, motherwort, calamus root, clover, clover, succession and mother-oil. All ingredients to measure in equal quantities, crush and mix. Pour 2 tbsp. collection in a thermos and pour 500 ml of boiling water. Insist the mass overnight and strain the morning. Ready to drink 75 ml 3 times a day.

From coughs

To get rid of a cough, you need to take in equal parts motherwort, mother-oil, cowberry flowers, black elderberry, linden blossom, rhizomes of wheatgrass and comfrey root. All the substances are thoroughly crushed and mixed. Of the resulting mass measure 1 tsp. raw materials and pour a glass of boiling water. Then insist a mass of 7-8 hours. Filtered infusion take 50 ml per day.

You can use another recipe for preparing a chest collection, which has a soothing effect and facilitates expectoration. In this case you will need 1 part motherwort herb and as much violet roots, 2 parts cowpea flowers and anise seeds, 3 parts licorice root, 4 parts mother-oil and 8 parts marshmallow root. 1 tbsp. mixture to brew in 2 cups of boiling water and infuse for 20 minutes. Take a solution of 50 ml every 3-4 hours.

From the nerves

With the appearance of nervous disorders and increased anxiety, the most effective remedy is an alcoholic tincture of motherwort. For adults, a single dose is 50 drops. This will help to even out the emotional background. The specified amount of medicine should be diluted in 100 ml of water. It is best to take the drug on an empty stomach or an hour after a meal.

With hypertension

Another useful property of motherwort is its ability to lower blood pressure values. If you have hypertension, you should consume 50 drops of alcoholic tincture 4 times a day. The value of such a drug is that it acts very quickly, so the herb is recommended for use even with a sharp increase in blood pressure.

In menopause

At menopause, the female body needs a good medication, which will help to cope with the unpleasant symptoms of menopause. You can use for this purpose an infusion of motherwort. To prepare it, you need to brew 2 tsp. in a cup of boiling water and wait a quarter of an hour. Apply the composition three times a day for 4-5 sips. Such a herb helps to cope with hot flashes, improving the well-being of women.

When epilepsy

Due to its anticonvulsant properties, motherwort is effective in epileptic disease. If you pour 2 tsp of dried herbs with 2 cups of hot water and infuse for several hours, you can get an effective remedy. The resulting infusion to drink 2 tbsp. With the regular use of such a composition, epilepsy attacks appear much less often, as motherwort has a beneficial effect on the nervous system.

From insomnia

Insomnia or insomnia can be treated with motherwort, depending on the cause of its appearance. Most often the cause is nervous overstrain. Since the herb is endowed with a sedative effect, it will have a therapeutic effect, reduce cramps, stabilize blood pressure and normalize heart rate. Nervous tension is reduced, and heart function is normalized. Persistent effect can be achieved after 3 weeks of regular use. To cure insomnia, you can use motherwort in the form of tea, decoction or tincture.

As for the tea, here the concentration of the active ingredient is the smallest. To prepare such a drink, 1 tsp of the herb should be placed in a cup with boiling water and wait 10 minutes. The ready remedy should be taken by half a glass three times a day before meals.

To make a tincture, you will need to crush fresh or dried herbal raw materials. After that, pour motherwort into a bowl and pour vodka or alcohol. After 2 weeks of storage in a dark place, the medicine is ready for use. To get rid of the ailment, motherwort in the form of tincture apply also 3 times a day before meals, 25-30 drops. These dosages are indicated for the treatment of an adult. For treatment of children and pregnant women, it is necessary to consult a specialist.

With tachycardia.

When rhythm disturbances, heart failure will be useful alcoholic tincture. Drink it 3 times a day on an empty stomach in an amount of 40-50 drops. Already in 2 weeks there will be a noticeable improvement. Long-term treatment with this method is not recommended. It is important to take breaks in therapy.

With a hangover

Motherwort is also effective in hangover syndrome. In such a case, it is important to follow the instructions. First of all, you need to remember that a couple of hours before taking it, you need to drink a sorbent, for example activated charcoal. This is necessary in order to avoid mixing the drug and alcohol and to protect against undesirable effects.

If there is an alcoholic tincture, you should drop 40 drops into warm boiled water. The frequency of intake is 3-4 times.

You can also use motherwort to brew. Infusion of 3 tbsp. mixed with a glass of boiling water, insist 2 hours. Prepared drug take 1 tbsp. before a meal 3-4 times a day.

Take preparations on the basis of the plant should be a course of 3 weeks. This time will be enough to ensure that the necessary components have accumulated in the body. This will normalize the work of the nervous system, restore the functions of the cardiovascular system. In addition, this method of treatment will help to reduce cravings for alcoholic beverages. A course of treatment makes the hangover syndrome less pronounced.

When neuralgia.

Various potions made from such a medicinal plant are considered an effective method in the fight against neuralgia. Tinctures and decoctions based on motherwort can be bought in the pharmacy or made yourself. Decoction is prepared according to a very simple recipe. You need only 15 grams of dried herbs pour 250 ml of boiling water and insist until the mass cools. Drink the finished preparation 2 tablespoons before meals three times a day.

This remedy can be used as a primary or supplementary method of treatment. However, before its use, it is necessary to consult with your doctor. A specialist will choose the right treatment regimen and determine the required dose. This will allow a faster recovery.

From stress

With increased nervous excitability, neurosis, vegetovascular dystonia, neurasthenia, preparations of motherwort herb can be used as a sedative. It is best to use fresh plant, squeezing the juice from it. Such a drink should be drunk three times a day. In this case, the dose is 30-40 drops mixed with water.

To prepare the infusion, you should pour 4 tbsp. of raw materials into an enamel bowl, pour 200 ml. of water, cover with a lid and simmer in a steam bath with regular stirring for a quarter of an hour. The mixture should cool to room temperature, then strain. The volume of infusion add boiled chilled water to 200 ml. Drink twice a day for an hour before a meal for 1/3 cup. Store the prepared infusion in the refrigerator no more than 2 days.

Types of medicinal compositions

On the basis of such a medicinal plant, you can get several varieties of healing drinks, which have therapeutic properties. They differ from each other by the degree of effectiveness and the complexity of production.

Infusion

The useful qualities of the water infusion of motherwort are manifested in hypertension and nervous overstimulation, as well as in digestive disorders. The valuable composition is prepared as follows: 1 tbsp. dried herbs pour a mug of boiling water, cover and insist for 60 minutes. Before using the composition to strain. The volume and frequency of use of such a remedy depends on the specific disease, but most often the infusion is taken in 3 sips half an hour before a meal.

Tincture

It perfectly manifests the properties of the plant in combination with alcohol. Prepared tincture can be bought in a pharmacy or prepared at home. To prepare a mixture based on alcohol, you need 2 tbsp. grind the herb to form a powder, pour 100 ml of medical alcohol and send it to a dark place. It usually takes 2 weeks to insist.

Such a remedy is excellent for treating insomnia and increased anxiety. In addition, the composition helps to get rid of the symptoms of IBS, eases the course of menopause, gets rid of tachycardia and shortness of breath.

It should be noted that the useful and harmful properties of alcoholic tincture depend on the amount and period of use. Thus, you can not use the medicine in large quantities, and the course of treatment should be no more than 10 days.

Decoction

If there are cardiac ailments, inflammatory processes and disorders in the work of the NS, a decoction of motherwort will be useful. To prepare this composition requires 0.5 liters of hot water and 2 tablespoons of crushed motherwort infuse for 30 minutes. Then pour the mixture into an enamel saucepan and bring to a boil over low heat. Filter the cooled solution and drink before going to bed in a few sips. Since the decoction is concentrated, large doses can harm the body.

Tea

Tea is the same as an aqueous infusion, only it takes no more than 15 minutes to prepare. It can be used to treat the same diseases - sleep disorders, irritability, nervousness, etc. The duration of treatment depends on the nature of the disease and the positive results of therapy. A mug of boiling water will require 2 tbsp. of medicinal herbal raw materials. Filtered tea to drink in small sips. A day is enough to take up to 3 cups of tea. The course of therapy is from 2 to 4 weeks, which is determined by the doctor.

Juice

The easiest to prepare and most effective remedy from motherwort is fresh juice. It can be used for heart rhythm disorders, vascular problems and neurosis. It is prepared very easily. Fresh raw materials, that is, leaves and stems are ground in a meat grinder or with a blender, and then placed on a thick gauze, which helps to squeeze a liquid juice from the pulp.

For internal use, you should drink 1 tsp. per day in three doses. The total course of treatment is no more than 3 weeks. Motherwort juice can also be used externally, to treat wounds and burns. The healing properties of the plant will help accelerate tissue regeneration.

Oil

Oil of motherwort herb is extracted by extracting the raw material with vegetable oil. The concentration in this case is 1:10. The result is a ready-to-use remedy. Such a drug is effective for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases, has sedative, hypotensive effect, has antispasmodic and diuretic action. The composition allows to regulate the menstrual cycle and restore the functions of the digestive tract.

Indispensable oil is considered motherwort for increased nervous irritability, neurosis associated with menopause in women, insomnia.

Outwardly, the oil is used for healing wounds, as characterized by antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects.

It is also possible to add such a remedy to the daily diet, using the oil to dress salads and other dishes. Most often, it is recommended to include such a component in food intended for evening meals. This will ensure a sound and restful sleep.

Cosmetic applications

The effects of motherwort on the human body is manifested not only in the recipes of folk medicine, designed to treat various kinds of diseases. The herb is also widely used in home cosmetology. Motherwort extract is included in various creams, masks and lotions designed for oily skin type, as the culture is characterized by drying action. Natural shampoos are also made on the basis of this product. They are suitable for reducing the greasiness of hair, in addition, they improve the condition of the scalp and stimulate the growth of curls.

You can use the medicinal herb in various beauty recipes. For example, to get rid of acne and reduce skin irritation, you can use a healing decoction for washing. Powder from such a healing plant can be added to various masks.

Soothing and strengthening properties have baths, in which this medicinal plant is added. In this case, 1 bath of hot water is sufficient to add 1 liter of infusion or 10 ml of the extract, which is sold at the drugstore. Take such a bath for no more than 20 minutes, and do it best before bedtime.

Contraindications to use

The benefit and harm of medicinal herbal raw materials on a person depends on the dosage and duration of consumption. If you take drugs based on motherwort for a long period without a break, side effects are possible. They are manifested by a decrease in heart rate and hypotension.

A single overdose may cause nausea and vomiting, as well as drowsiness. Before using medicinal formulations, make sure that there is no allergic reaction to motherwort.

As for contraindications, you should not use the plant if you have low blood pressure, gastritis and ulcers that occur in an acute form, low heart rate, allergies, thrombophlebitis, thrombosis. This is why you should be careful when taking herbal preparations based on motherwort for people who spend a lot of time behind the wheel of a motor vehicle. So, the plant will lead to severe drowsiness, which may cause an accident.

It should also be noted that motherwort is capable of provoking heavy uterine bleeding. For this reason, pregnant women are contraindicated in the use of preparations based on this herb. The product is also dangerous for women who have recently had an abortion.

Can animals be given motherwort in pills

Cats and dogs are quite emotional animals, which also need the use of sedatives. But in this case, pet owners must understand that medicines for humans and animals have different compositions, so you can not follow the instructions of the classic drug to cure the pet. This applies even to such a seemingly harmless drug as motherwort. If not consumed correctly, it can do more harm than good.

Veterinarians believe that man's four-legged friends also need sedatives, but a drugstore product should not be used for this purpose. Drugs designed for animals can only be found at a specialized veterinary pharmacy.

Pills are convenient to use, since they do not need to be diluted, brewed, moreover, they contain vitamins, which only enhance the therapeutic effect. The only thing that can complicate the process is that the pet may hide, show aggression, just to avoid swallowing the pill. This will cause additional stress. You can disguise the drug in the pet's favorite treat. This can be meat, minced meat, or something else. The dosage for a particular animal can only be prescribed by a veterinarian, because their structure is different from the human, in addition, each pet has a certain weight.

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