Burdock: therapeutic properties and contraindications

Burdock (burdock) is popularly called a remedy for 40 ailments or Greek liver herb. The plant has a rich chemical composition and helps to cope with many different diseases. Burdock is also used in cosmetology as a means to restore the structure of hair, maintain the youthfulness of the skin.

Chemical Composition

The usefulness of burdock is due to its chemical composition. The plant contains many useful substances that have a positive effect on the body.

In the composition of the herb are present:

1. Flavonoids. They are necessary for slowing down the deterioration of blood vessels and prevent the destruction of hyaluronic acid, which is essential for young skin. Flavonoids also reduce the negative effects of free radicals, which can cause cancer.
2. Tannins. Their main purpose is to protect tissues. They form a special film, which prevents the action of pathogenic microorganisms. Tannins also help to narrow vessels, to reduce the permeability of capillaries, which reduces the risk of bleeding, bruises and hematomas.
3. Essential oils. Have a positive effect on the entire body, including the nervous system.
4. Alkaloids. Actively participate in the process of blood circulation, normalizing it, have the ability to reduce pain, maintain normal blood pressure.
5. Coumarins. Like flavonoids, they help fight pathologically altered cells, which are formed in cancer, are required by the body to accelerate the healing process of wounds.
6. Fatty acids. Participate in cell structure, energy metabolism.
7. Saponins. Have a positive effect on the functioning of the bronchi, the hormonal background of the body and eliminate inflammation.
8. Fructose. Required to maintain the body's defenses.
9. Resins. Not only increase immunity, but also reduce the risk of pathogens entering wounds.
10. Organic acids. Strengthen blood vessels, have a positive effect on the gastrointestinal tract, improve hematopoiesis.
11. Choline. Required for brain function. It is thanks to him improved memory. It is also involved in the production of insulin.
12. Phytosterol. Helps restore normal cholesterol levels, thereby reducing the risk of plaque forming on the walls of blood vessels.
13. Iron. Actively involved in the production of hormones of the endocrine system, increases immunity. But the main task of iron is to produce hemoglobin. With its deficiency can develop anemia. In severe cases, it requires medication.
14. Copper. The trace element increases the absorption of iron, is part of the bone tissue, making it more durable, reducing the risk of fractures.
15. Zinc. Needed in large quantities in cases where a person is experiencing high mental stress. In addition, zinc helps to speed up the healing of wounds and has a positive effect on the reproductive system.
16. Manganese. Takes part in the synthesis of insulin, which regulates blood sugar levels.
17. Nickel. Supports metabolic processes, influences the contraction of the uterus. That is why it is important during pregnancy and lactation.
18. Vanadium. Necessary for the prevention of tooth decay, malignant tumors, has a positive effect on the bone marrow.

The composition of cinquefoil contains components that can not be found in all plants. This allows the herb to be used to prepare remedies for many different diseases.

In addition, the plant also contains a number of vitamins. These include:

1. Group B. Participates in almost all processes, supports the nervous, digestive system, vision, hearing. Capercress contains a sufficient number of B vitamins, which has a positive effect on the whole body.
2. С. Irreplaceable for the work of defense forces. Ascorbic acid is required in large enough quantities and due to its content in the plant it is possible not only to maintain immunity, but also to accelerate the recovery process in the presence of diseases, reduce the risk of complications.
3. PP. Participates in the oxidative processes of the body, fat synthesis.
4. Е. It is also known as an antioxidant. It protects the body from free radicals, which have a detrimental effect on its work. It also plays a role in repairing cell membranes.
5. К. It is required to maintain vision. With its deficiency, the development of certain diseases of the visual apparatus is noted.

Burdock has a fairly rich composition. That is why it is widely used both in medicine and cosmetology.

How it looks and where it grows

Burdock is a perennial herb. Its height can reach one and a half meters. More often than not, cinquefoil is used. It can be distinguished from other species by the following features:

1. Straight stems are light green in color.
2. There is a ruffle of hairs on top.
3. The leaves are feathery. Their bottoms are light green and their tops are dark green.
4. The flowers have a yellow corolla and are clustered in tassels.
5. Flowering occurs in June and lasts until cold.
6. The seeds are small and sticky.

Thistle is quite common in central Russia. It can also be found in the northern part of the country, Central Asia and the Caucasus.

The plant prefers the sun. That is why it grows mainly along fences, roads, houses, meadows and edges. It will not live in the shade or in damp soil.

Gathering and storage

The process of harvesting turnip requires compliance with certain rules. They will help to collect high-quality raw materials that contain the maximum amount of useful substances. The main recommendations for collection:

1. Collect the roots and leaves should be from a plant that is a year old. It contains the greatest number of useful substances.
2. The roots can be harvested twice a year: in April and September, the leaves from July to August.
3. Do not use roots and leaves that are too flabby, wilted or woody to harvest.
4. When the roots are dug up, let them dry in the sun for a couple of days and then remove the dirt. At the same time, act carefully so as not to damage the skin, because it is in it a lot of useful microelements are concentrated.
5. Roots for drying should be cut lengthwise so that each piece is 10-15 centimeters.
6. Dry the roots and leaves is better in the sun under a canopy or in a special dryer at 40 degrees.

Store the collected raw materials should be in glass containers in a dark room where there is no high humidity.

Medicinal properties of cinquefoil

Due to its rich composition, the plant is distinguished by the presence of several medicinal properties. These include:

1. Anti-inflammatory. Burdock is used to relieve inflammation of tissues of internal organs and skin.
2. Biliary. The active ingredients are actively involved in the excretion of bile.
3. Antispasmodic. Burdock in folk medicine is also used to relieve spasms that cause pain and disruption of certain organs.
4. Expectorant. Burdock is also used for coughs. He helps to flush out sputum, reducing the risk of complications.
5. Enveloping. As part of the herb there are certain substances that form a film on the tissues and protect the body from pathogens, other negative factors.
6. Antiparasitic. Burdock is also used to eliminate parasitic infestations.
7. Stimulating. The plant, thanks to the constituent components, activates and supports many processes in the body.
8. Antioxidant. The composition includes substances that have an antioxidant effect by destroying free radicals.

That is why folk healers consider burdock as a remedy for 40 diseases. Means, prepared on its basis, help restore the work of certain organs and systems, support the immune system, accelerate the healing process.

For women

Burdock in folk medicine is used as a remedy for painful and abundant menstruation. It helps relieve muscle tissue spasm, affects the contraction of the uterus, reduces bleeding and improves overall health.

In addition, burdock is also used to prepare cosmetics. They help maintain the youthfulness of the skin, restore the structure of the hair.

For men

The plant is also used to treat men's diseases. It helps to cope with such a common problem, such as prostatitis, by removing the inflammatory process.

It is recommended for alopecia, which affects a large number of men over the age of 35 years. In addition, the plant is used to prepare medicines that restore hormonal balance. It is believed that the herb helps to cope with a hangover.

When pregnant

The period of carrying a child is not only a joyful and exciting moment in a woman's life. This is a great strain on the body, which begins to consume a lot of energy and micronutrients to maintain the correct process of fetal development.

Repies can be taken during pregnancy, but only after consulting your doctor. The plant will help to replenish the supply of useful micronutrients, reduce the risk of anemia.

For children

Burdock in folk medicine is used for bruises, wounds, abrasions and burns in children. It helps relieve inflammation, soreness, accelerate tissue healing, and prevent the entry of pathogens.

The plant is also used for dermatitis, disorders of the musculoskeletal system. Infusions and decoctions are used to treat runny nose in children.

When losing weight

People who watch the figure and follow diets to lose weight, it is recommended to take an infusion based on turnip. He will help to replenish the stock of necessary vitamins, minerals, useful substances.

In addition, the plant has no effect on weight, while maintaining immunity, which can be weakened by grueling diets and workouts.

Burdock in folk medicine

The plant, due to its composition, has been widely used in folk medicine. Burdock is used to prepare medicines that can be used both externally and internally. There are many recipes, each of which is aimed at treating a particular pathology and alleviating the general condition.

Diabetes mellitus

Such a disease as diabetes comes in two types. But regardless of the type, it always manifests itself as a violation of blood glucose levels. There are many reasons for the development of the pathology. Among them are congenital abnormalities of the pancreas, stress, heredity.

To maintain normal blood sugar levels, medications are used and a special diet is prescribed. Also folk healers recommend using a remedy based on burdock.

To prepare it, a glass of boiling water and half a large spoonful of dried herbs will be required. Boil burdock with boiling water, put it on the fire and boil for 10 minutes. Then wrap the container with the solution in a towel and leave it for 2 hours. At the end of this time, strain everything.

Take a tablespoon a day 4 times, but not at night.

In pancreatitis

The disease occurs as a result of an inflammatory process that affects the pancreas. It can occur both in acute and chronic form. It is this that plays an important role in the occurrence of symptoms. Signs of pathology can manifest brightly or have a slight intensity.

Pancreatitis requires medication treatment, especially in the acute stage. But in order to help the body to cope and recover quickly, you can use a special remedy based on burdock. To prepare it, you need to brew a large spoonful of dried plant in a glass of boiling water. After the solution has infused, it should be strained. Take half a tablespoon 3 times a day. The course of therapy is 21 days, after which it is necessary to take a one-week break.

This remedy will help to stop signs of intoxication, relieve vomiting, nausea, gas and speed up the healing process. Repechok helps to restore the affected tissues, pain relief and elimination of inflammation.

In gastritis

Gastritis requires not only the use of special medicines. Patients should follow a strict diet, since the consumption of certain products can provoke the occurrence of serious consequences.

When gastritis is established, folk healers recommend the use of a remedy based on burdock. It helps to increase secretory function, normalize the digestive process, restore the affected tissues, remove the inflammatory process. Thus, the solution will have a complex effect and help to improve well-being, reduce the risk of exacerbation.

To prepare a healing infusion, you need to brew 3 large spoons of dried turnip in 500 ml of boiling water. All insist for 3 hours. Take for several months half a tablespoon 3 times a day.

When gout

The disease occurs when there is a violation of purine metabolism, resulting in salts of uric acid begins to accumulate in the tissues of the body. The joints are most often affected. The urinary system is also affected. In order to relieve unpleasant symptoms, patients are forced to take anti-inflammatory and painkillers.

With gout, in order to alleviate the condition, you can also use a decoction based on burdock. To do this, take 3 large spoonfuls of dried herbs and pour 2 cups of warm water. All put on a fire, bring to a boil and boil for 5 minutes.

Leave the decoction for 4 hours, then strain. Use it for compresses. Gauze, folded several times, soak in the decoction and apply to the affected areas. You can also use the broth for baths.

For the liver

It is commonly called the liver herb. This name was given as a result of the fact that many years ago healers used the herb to treat liver diseases. The herb helped to remove toxins, sand and stones, reduce cholesterol levels, promote the outflow of bile, stop the inflammatory process.

The following remedy is recommended for cirrhosis of the liver:

• a large spoonful of cinquefoil;
• 200 ml of water.

Dried herbs need to pour hot boiled water, put on the fire and boil for 5 minutes. Then strain the decoction. Take 3 times a day, one-third cup after a meal. You can add a small amount of honey to improve the taste.

Hemorrhoids

The disease occurs as a result of inflammation, thrombosis or expansion of the hemorrhoidal veins. As a result of these processes, nodes form around the rectum and a number of unpleasant symptoms arise.

Treatment of hemorrhoids is carried out with the help of medicines. But you can also use a decoction based on the roots of the plant, pre-drying and crushing them.

Prepared rhubarb roots in an amount of 5 teaspoons should be pour 500 ml of cold water, boil over low heat for 20 minutes. Strain the decoction before use. Take 100 ml for 15-20 minutes before a meal. Before going to bed it is recommended to make microclysters decoction. The course of treatment continues until the nodes begin to resorb, and the inflammation disappears.

In cholecystitis.

The disease is characterized by inflammation that affects the gallbladder. The pathology is characterized by dull and aching pains, which may extend into the right arm, under the shoulder blade. They occur after physical exertion, consumption of fatty foods, and hypothermia.

Treatment should be carried out immediately to avoid unpleasant consequences. To alleviate the condition, relieve symptoms and eliminate inflammation, a comprehensive approach is recommended. Along with taking medications, healers advise to use a remedy based on burdock. It will help to normalize the outflow of bile, increase its fluidity, restore damaged cells, remove harmful substances and reduce cholesterol levels.

In the presence of cholecystitis should take 3 tablespoons of dried burdock, pour 500 ml of water. All boil over low heat for 5 minutes. The solution should infuse for 4-5 hours. After that, it should be filtered. Take 80 ml before meals 3-5 times a day.

When oncology

Burdock is called a herb from 40 ailments. It helps to get rid of many diseases, including cancer. The pathology has been quite common over the past few years, which is attributed to heredity and poor ecology.

Cancer cells can affect various organs and tissues. The disease is dangerous because for the first few years after the onset of the pathology, symptoms may not appear. Signs occur already when metastatic lesions are formed in neighboring organs and tissues. It is they are most often the cause of death, as they disrupt the functioning of organs.

In the presence of cancer and in order to prevent the occurrence of such diseases, healers recommend using a remedy based on burdock. The decoction is prepared from the roots of the plant, which must first be dried and crushed. Dry roots in the amount of a large spoon, pour a glass of boiling water, boil over low heat for 30 minutes.

After the decoction is ready and has cooled a little, strain it through gauze folded in several layers. If pathologically altered cells affected internal organs, the decoction to drink one-third cup three times a day on an empty stomach for half an hour before a meal.

In mastopathy

Mastopathy comes in several forms. The most common is cystic fibrosis. The disease is often established in women in their 20s. Along with drugs, you can use and means of traditional medicine, including compresses based on burdock. They will help eliminate unpleasant symptoms, reduce the risk of cancer and other serious consequences.

In addition, many women who have been diagnosed with mastopathy, complain about liver disorders. The plant will also help to cope with this. In the presence of any form of pathology, compresses are useful. To prepare them, you will need vegetable oil in an amount of 400 g and 100 g of dried, ground roots to powder.

All ingredients should be combined and insist in a dark place for 10 days. Soak gauze in the prepared oil and apply to the breast up to 6 times a day every day. The course of therapy is 10 days.

With high cholesterol

Elevated cholesterol is also a common disease. It is quite dangerous, as plaques deposited on the walls of blood vessels cause a disruption of blood circulation. As a result of these changes, there is a deterioration of the cardiovascular system, which leads to strokes and heart attacks.

You can get rid of excess cholesterol not only with the help of medicines. Folk healers recommend the use of burdock. The plant contains certain substances that prevent the absorption of cholesterol. On the basis of the herb, an infusion is made, which should be drunk 100 ml half an hour before a meal 3 times a day.

For its preparation will need a tablespoon of burdock, pre-dried and crushed, 500 ml of boiling water. The ingredients should be combined, insist for 3 hours and strain.

After a course of treatment there is a significant reduction in the load on the heart muscle, improving the overall condition. The risk of developing diseases is significantly reduced.

To obtain positive results of treatment, it is important not only to observe the proportions and rules of reception of means. It is also necessary to take preparations prescribed by a specialist, because only folk remedies will not help to completely get rid of the pathology.

Types of medicinal compositions

On the basis of burdock, various pharmacy medicines and remedies of folk medicine are made. All of them are aimed at eliminating certain symptoms of diseases, improving the general condition, increasing immunity and accelerating the healing process.

Infusion

You can make such a remedy yourself at home. It is used for intestinal disorders such as diarrhea or flatulence. Infusion perfectly copes with the heaviness in the stomach.

To prepare it, you will need 3 tablespoons of dried plant and half a liter of boiling water. All you need to mix and let stand in a closed container for three hours. After that, strain the infusion through gauze.

Take the remedy 3 times a day for half a cup until the complete elimination of unpleasant symptoms.

Tincture .

The remedy is popular among women suffering from painful menstruation, disorders of the cycle and various neoplasms affecting the organs of the genital system.

The tincture is prepared by mixing 70% alcohol and burdock in a ratio of 1:5. All insist for 10 days at room temperature. Tincture then strain.

Take 10 drops 3 times a day. It is important to properly dose the remedy, so as not to harm the body.

Decoction

It is used to treat wounds, diathesis, cuts, stomatitis, angina, scrofula, pharyngitis. Decoction helps to cope with any inflammatory diseases of epithelial tissues. It can be used to treat children from the age of 2 years. To prepare the remedy, you need 100 g of dried herbs pour a liter of cold water. All put on the fire and bring to a boil. After the solution comes to a boil, set the heating mode to minimum and cook until the mixture has evaporated by one-third.

After cooking, strain the solution, pour into a sterile container. Use only for external use and for compresses.

Tea

Such a remedy can be purchased at the pharmacy. Tea based on burdock is sold already in sachets for single use. You can also brew it yourself. To do this, pour 2 teaspoons of the herb with a glass of boiling water and leave it for 5 minutes. Then you can strain and add sugar to taste. Use this tea three times a day.

The remedy perfectly copes with flatulence, diarrhea, it is recommended for kidney and liver abnormalities. Also tea can be used to gargle the throat when there are purulent lesions of the tonsils.

The ointment .

The remedy is used for boils, burns, acne and other skin lesions.

To prepare such an ointment, it is necessary to grind dried burdock to powder and mix it with any fat in the proportion 1:1. Mix everything thoroughly. It is best to do this in a water bath, then cool. Store the ointment in the refrigerator.

Oil

Prepared on the basis of burdock oil is very popular for baldness. But the remedy can also be used for gynecological diseases in the form of tampons, which are moistened in the oil.

For cooking uses olive or sunflower oil in an amount of 200 ml and 100 g of dried rhubarb roots. All mixed, put on the fire. The solution should not be brought to a boil, but only heated for 20 minutes.

Oil after cooking must be cooled, strain. Shelf life in the refrigerator is one year.

Applications in cosmetology

Burdock is actively used in cosmetology. On its basis, various remedies for skin and hair are made. The most popular recipes are:

Oil for the face with propolis

It can be used only if there is no allergy to bee products. To prepare a cosmetic, dissolve propolis in hot water in a ratio of 1:5, boil and strain. Then mix 5 ml propolis, 5 ml of burdock oil and 20 grams of oat flour. Apply to the face for half an hour, then rinse with running water and soap.

Face Oil with Nettle

This is one of the popular masks, as it helps to exfoliate the top layer of the skin. As a result, the skin acquires a natural color. To prepare it, make a decoction of dried nettles (1:12). Then mix the decoction and burdock oil in equal proportions. Apply the mask for 15 minutes, then rinse with warm water. Regular use of the remedy will help maintain youthfulness of the skin.

Lotion .

The product helps to get rid of unwanted pigmentation on the face in the form of freckles. To prepare the lotion, you will need to mix 50 ml of decoction of plantain and a tablespoon of turnip oil. You can also add 2 drops of rose oil. The lotion should be used daily in the morning and evening to wipe the skin of the face.

Rejuvenating Cream

In order to make it you will need 50g of coconut oil, which should be melted in a water bath. Then add 50 grams of cinquefoil and 5 drops of santalum oil. Mix thoroughly. Store the product in the refrigerator. Apply to the skin before going to bed. The cream will help soothe the skin, maintain youthfulness.

Moisturizing mask

If you have dry skin, you can prepare and use a special mask. To prepare it is easy enough. To do this, mix 50 grams of the pulp of crushed burdock leaves and 20 mg of natural yogurt, which does not contain dyes. Apply the product for 10-15 minutes, then rinse with running water.

Oil for hair growth

Burdock is also used for baldness. It helps to activate dormant hair follicles and prevent hair loss. To prepare the remedy, you need to mix in equal parts burdock and sunflower oil. Everything should insist a day, then warm in a water bath for 15 minutes. Apply the product half an hour before washing your head massaging the skin of the hair.

Oil for hair beauty

Mix 100 ml of cinquefoil and 5 drops each of chamomile, lavender and mint oils. You can also add rosemary. Mix everything thoroughly. Apply the product to the scalp, distribute over the entire length. Mask leave for an hour, then rinse with shampoo and running water.

Balm for eyelashes

Mix cambogia oil and castor oil in equal proportions. Add to the mixture 4 drops each of aloe juice and vitamin E, which is sold in pharmacies as capsules. Whisk the mixture with a whisk. Apply the balm to your eyelashes with a cosmetic brush. Use it every day for a month. The balm helps to accelerate the growth of lashes, to make them longer, more voluminous, so the look becomes more expressive.

Before using cosmetics based on burdock it is important to make sure that there is no allergic reaction to the components. Proper manufacture and application will help to maintain youthfulness of the skin, the beauty of the hair.

Contraindications to use

Despite the fact that burdock helps to cope with many diseases, its use in certain cases is strictly prohibited. Contraindications are:

1. Individual intolerance or allergic reaction. In this case, when applying remedies based on burdock, unpleasant signs may occur, and in severe cases develop Quincke's edema or anaphylactic shock.
2. The presence of large stones in the gallbladder or kidneys. The action of the remedies may provoke the release of solid formations, which traumatize the bile ducts and soft tissues. As a result, the risk of bleeding and complications increases.
3. The tendency to constipation. Burdock tends to cope with diarrhea. If you are prone to constipation, problems may arise after a course of treatment.
4. Period of pregnancy and lactation. The use of cinquefoil-based remedies is possible only after consultation with your doctor, since the constituent components affect the contractility of the uterus.

Also contraindications include bile duct dyskinesia and thrombophlebitis.

If you use it correctly and do not exceed the dosage, there are no side effects.

Such a plant as burdock (burdock) is very popular with folk healers. It helps to cope with many diseases and excellent immunity support. Proper use of remedies on its basis helps to accelerate the healing process, reducing the risk of complications.

In addition, the plant is also used in cosmetology. It is used to make various masks, creams, balms and lotions for hair and face skin. Such remedies allow you to extend youth, maintain the natural complexion, the health of the hair. Thus, burdock is rightly called an herb for 40 ailments.

Repies photo