Calendula: medicinal properties and contraindications

It's no secret that most plants are characterized by health benefits. Due to these qualities, they belong to the medicinal plant components and are used for the treatment of various diseases. Due to their useful qualities, such raw materials are successfully used in the recipes of folk medicine. For example, if there are disorders of the urinary system, such a representative of the flora as bearberry can be useful. It acts as an additional means to the basic medicinal treatment. bearberry can relieve the unpleasant symptoms of many pathologies.

Chemical Composition

Many chemical elements are found in the composition of this plant. For example, it contains flavonoids and gallonic acid. They are designed to destroy pathogenic microflora. Their antioxidant properties are also known. Such a feature of the product allows you to inhibit the activity of dangerous radicals that lead to aging of the body at the cell level.

Another special substance of such a medicinal herb is arbutin. Under the influence of this component, the outflow of urine is restored, as a result of which its reverse absorption by the kidneys is stopped.

The presence of tannins indicates a binding effect. This property allows you to cope with diarrhea, as well as strengthen the intestinal walls.

In addition, the product contains a high concentration of ursolic acid, which is characterized by a pronounced action against inflammation and microflora affected by microbes.

Hydroquinone in the composition of the herb acts as a bleaching agent for the skin. In addition, the consumption of medicinal raw materials allows the oxygenation of all organs, which to some extent is recommended for persons with asthma.

How it looks and where it grows

The bearberry also has another name. So, it is also called the bear's ear, is a member of the Heather family. According to the peculiarities of growth, the grass belongs to the category of perennial plants, which are characterized by a low stem. Flowers are white-pink in color. It blooms bearberry from mid-spring to early summer. Its appearance is very similar to that of cowberry. Often the two cultures are confused because of similar leaves. But along with this there are certain differences.

Bear's ear grows in cold regions. Usually you can find this herb in dry areas, deciduous forests and glades. It prefers sandy soil and plenty of sunlight. Thus, the herb grows in the Far East, in Siberia. Almost all parts of the culture have medicinal properties, and they are used both fresh and dried. During harvesting, you do not need to pluck the leaves, but rather carefully cut them off with scissors. If there is not enough moisture, the bearberry slows growth, the leaves become coarser and browner, and then the shoots die off altogether.

Harvesting and storage

For therapeutic purposes, shoots and leaves of the culture are used, which are prepared in spring or autumn. Raw material is collected in April, before the flowering stage, and in the fall, when the process of berry ripening is completed, since at this time it concentrates the greatest amount of medicinal substances. During the harvesting it is necessary to be careful, because the culture begins to grow new twigs, which become darker while drying, which is unacceptable. Cut parts should be no more than 3 cm in length. It should be noted that it is possible to collect the natural raw material repeatedly on the same site only after several years. When preparing it is important not to pull the plant together with the root, because after that it is no longer recoverable.

It is recommended to dry the herb in the attic. If a special drying device is used for this purpose, then the temperature in it should be maintained at no more than 60 degrees. When the material dries, you can carefully remove the leaves.

Dried product is packed in glass jars with a tight lid. Also suitable for storage are canvas bags. The healing properties of these raw materials are stored for two years. After that period is not recommended to use bearberry ordinary. Dried bear's ear has a bitter and astringent taste. When collecting the plant, you should be careful not to confuse it with the lingonberry herb.

How to distinguish bearberry from cranberry

Often lingonberry culture is given under the guise of bearberry. There will be no serious danger from such a treatment, but you should not expect any benefit from a particular recipe either. What these two species have in common is that they belong to the same family and have similar appearances. The problem is that lingonberry fruits can be eaten, moreover, they are very useful, while bearberry has inedible and even poisonous berries. But also the distinctive qualities of these crops are enough. You only need to carefully study them and take them into account when harvesting raw materials.

1. First of all, it is worth noting that bear's ear grows on dry and often barren soils, while cowberry prefers wet areas with fertile soil.
2. The height of bearberry does not exceed 30 cm, while lingonberry does not exceed 15 cm in height.
3. The roots of the plant in question are located on the soil surface and do not form mycorrhiza with the fungus; the stems are recumbent and branched. Lingonberry roots are arranged horizontally, and often a fungus proliferates on the rhizome, which forms mycorrhiza with the grass. Shoots of the plant in question are slightly elevated and do not form thickets when growing.
4. Not for nothing bearberry is commonly called a bear's ear, because the shape of the leaves resemble a bear's ear, which is wide at the top and narrowed at the bottom. On the other hand lingonberry leaves are slightly oblong, obovate shape, the lower plate has dark speckles.
5. The berries of the first plant are tasteless, while the lingonberry fruits have a pleasant sour-sweet taste. But before tasting them, you should study them externally. For example, lingonberries look like red balls with a shiny skin, on top of which there is a withered calyx. When the fruits are fully ripe, they become soft. The bearberry fruit has only a small depression in the center of the berry. Even if they are overripe, they still have a hard surface.

If it is possible to check chemically and find out what the plant really is, you can use the method described in the pharmacopoeia. Here there is the entire sequence of analysis, which will allow you to identify the adulterant. To do this, first you need to prepare an aqueous infusion in a ratio of 1:50. After that, add iron sulfate to the resulting mixture. One crystal is enough. If, as a result of such manipulations, the liquid will first acquire a red color, then purple, and in the end there will be a precipitate of dark purple color, then the raw material is actually bearberry. If, on the other hand, the raw material was taken for analysis, such reactions will not occur.

You can also add a few drops of ferric ammonium alum to the same infusion. Decoction of abalone should turn a dark blue color. If a green-black color appeared, then it is lingonberry.

Despite the similarity in external characteristics, the two plants have a number of differences, if you study them in more detail.

The medicinal properties of bearberry leaves

1. The herb is endowed with a disinfecting effect regarding the excretory system. When it is used, the bacterial flora is destroyed. This allows you to eliminate the signs of an inflammatory process.
2. This plant is also useful for problems with the gastrointestinal tract. As already noted, the product is characterized by astringent properties, which helps to treat inflammatory intestinal disorders. Also, the use of bearberry can get rid of troubles related to the stomach.
3. Such medicinal raw materials are useful for people suffering from diabetes, tuberculosis, disorders of the cardiovascular system.
4. Bear ears are also effective in cases of visual impairment. The herb will help relieve symptoms that have caused conjunctivitis or blepharitis.
5. People with cancer can use the plant as a pain reliever. It is also recommended to consume the product for this purpose in case of joint rheumatism and gouty arthritis.
6. Toloknianka provides removal of toxins and toxic substances from the body. It is added to the collection, having a diuretic effect. Infusions of this plant are effective in cystitis and urethritis. It is recommended to use it in the presence of sexually transmitted diseases, uterine bleeding. Beneficial effect of the product has a beneficial effect in neuroses and impaired substance metabolism.
7. Due to the antiseptic properties when applied externally bearberry can cure septic wounds.
8. Due to the hydroquinone in its composition, it has a rejuvenating and whitening effect, also works as a cleanser.
9. The bearberry is included in various pharmaceutical preparations that are used as an astringent, as well as for the relief of heartburn, intestinal disorders, gastritis, colitis and other pathologies of the digestive tract. To eliminate diarrhea and inflammation of the mucous membranes of the stomach are used milk decoctions of the berries of culture.
10. When used externally, the plant allows you to smooth wrinkles, brighten the dermis and give it a healthy appearance, reduce inflammation and black spots. There are a number of cosmetics based on bearberry. For example, at present it is used to make creams that are designed to purify pores. Most manufacturers of cosmetics produce formulations for dry and sensitive skin. Judging by the numerous reviews, such means are quite effective.

For women

The unique composition of bearberry makes it possible to use the plant to combat various female diseases. In gynecological practice, this medicinal herb is used to eliminate the whites, treat cystitis, as well as conditions associated with excessive contraction of the myometrium. The product is effective for a number of venereal pathologies.

To eliminate cystitis, an infusion of such a culture should be made. To do this, you need to take 2 tbsp of dried raw materials and add 0.5 l of water, pre-boiled. Within two days, insist the solution in a place protected from light. Before using the composition to strain. Apply a healing mixture on a full stomach in an amount of 50 ml. Repeat the procedure three times a day after meals, for ten days.

You can also prepare a remedy, which consists of a complex of herbs. For this, you will need 25 g of abalone, 7 g of chopped parsley greens, 25 g of herbs and 5 g of celandine. All ingredients should be thoroughly mixed, pour 0.3 liters of steep boiling water. Insist the mixture for about 60 minutes. Continue the treatment for 10 days. The daily rate of the obtained remedy is equal to 50 g, per day you should take the composition three times. As a result of such treatment there is a purification of the kidneys and suppression of inflammation in the bladder.

The treatment of whitewash is carried out thanks to the antibacterial property of the plant. At the same time, it is used sprinkling when infections associated with the genital system are detected, for example, gonorrheal white sores. To obtain a healing composition, pour 1 tsp of raw materials 125 ml of boiling water. The mixture should insist for an hour. Irrigation is carried out twice a day - after waking up and before going to bed. It is not recommended to consume infusions and decoctions in excessive amounts, as this can result in side effects from the digestive tract.

Uterine bleeding can be stopped by applying a bath. In this case you will need 70 grams of crushed bearberry leaves and 300 ml of liquid. Raw material should be boiled for about 15 minutes, stirring constantly. After that, cool the mixture and filter it. Next, fill a sitting bath with water and add to it all the resulting solution. Such baths are recommended to be carried out before going to bed. Duration of the procedure - no longer than 20 minutes. The beneficial effect of the healing composition is due to the fact that it acts as an antiseptic.

For men

Toloknianka - a useful substance not only for the fair sex. It is also used to restore men's health, because the plant can eliminate such a disease as prostatitis.

To do this, it is necessary to prepare a tincture. You will need 2 tbsp. of bear ears. You will also need to dilute a small amount of alcoholic beverage with water to obtain a solution with a strength of 40 degrees. Then pour the dried raw material with this mixture. For this purpose will be enough 1/2 cup of alcohol. The insistence should be made for 14 days, provided that the mixture is kept in a dark room. The ready preparation is used 20 drops three times a day, after a meal. This remedy retains its useful qualities only for two days.

The use of bearberry in the form of tincture has shown its usefulness with respect to the treatment of prostatitis. This is explained by the fact that the composition eliminates inflammation, kills the microbial environment. In addition, this mixture can be drunk for preventive purposes.

There is also a recipe for making an infusion intended for the treatment of prostatitis. In this case, you need to pour 20 g of raw materials 250 ml of boiling water and insist for 12 hours in a warm place. The finished composition is used in an amount of 2 tbsp. three times a day after a meal. Prepare a remedy every two days.

When pregnant

Girls in the position should refuse to consume products containing this component. This is due to the fact that bearberry herb can affect the uterine tone. As a result, it intensifies the contraction of the organ, which can provoke delivery before the due date.

If a woman, still carrying a baby, decided to use a herbal product for medicinal purposes, it is necessary first to consult with a specialist. The doctor in this case, determine the permissible doses for a particular person, depending on the course of this period and the individual characteristics of the body. But still you should not abuse the product, as it can adversely affect the health of the future child.

When breastfeeding

During breastfeeding, bears ear should not be used. If there is a positive effect of the herb on the health of an adult, it does not mean that it will be useful for the baby. If bearberry gets into children's body with breast milk, such a product can be harmful to the baby.

For children

The plant should not be used by children under 12 years of age.

When losing weight

This medicinal raw material helps to get rid of excess weight due to the ability to remove excess fluid from the body and restore digestion by accelerating metabolic processes.

The bearberry, which is used for weight loss, contains in its composition such components as flavonoids, which protect against all kinds of viruses and destroy dangerous microorganisms, strengthening the immune system; tannins, which have a beneficial effect on intestinal motility; arbutin, which rid the body of fluid and acts as a diuretic.

To get rid of excess weight should be prepared from 100 grams of dried leaves, which need to pour 1 liter of hot water. The solution should be infused for 24 hours. After that, the finished decoction should be taken 20 minutes before a meal.

You can also mix in equal amounts of abalone, succession, corn stigmas and birch leaves, pour 1 liter of boiled water and again infuse a day. Ready to drink the product every day after a meal in an amount of 100 ml.

You can prepare from bearberry tea. To do this, pour 2 tbsp. of dried herbs with a cup of cold water. The mixture should infuse for one day. Then the drink should be used in a warm state.

The use of bearberry in folk medicine

Such a special healing plant as bearberry is actively used to eliminate various painful conditions.

Pyelonephritis .

For example, the composition on the basis of this product for the treatment of pyelonephritis is considered effective. It is used by increasing the volume of urine excreted from the body. This suppresses the inflammatory process, destroys pathogenic organisms. To prepare a healing composition, you need to pour a glass of hot water in a small container and add 1 tsp. of dried leaves. The resulting decoction should be consumed instead of tea throughout the day. This solution is the safest of all herbal preparations intended for the therapy of this kind of pathology. Such natural tea protects the mucous membrane of the stomach from irritation and damage.

If you have urolithiasis

With urolithiasis, it is recommended to use a water infusion. This mixture is prepared as follows. First you need to pour 1 tbsp of crushed raw materials with a glass of water. This composition should insist for 10-12 hours. The resulting solution should be consumed by 1 tbsp. three times a day. The course of treatment in this case is ten days. Therapy with bearberry should be done under the supervision of a doctor, who will be able to adjust the dosage for a particular patient.

Kidney concrements

If kidney concrements are detected, again bear's ear comes in handy. However, in such a case, the best way will be to prepare a collection on the basis of such a herb. So, for this, you will need 2 parts each of such plants as plantain and bear ears, as well as the fruits of rose hips. In addition it is necessary to measure 1 part each of the birch buds, hop leaves and currants. Also you will need 3 parts of nettle and 6 parts of field horsetail.

All these ingredients must be thoroughly mixed, then take 1 spoon of the resulting collection and pour it 1 liter of steep boiling water. Then let the mixture infuse for half an hour. All the amount of the resulting drink should be drunk for the whole day. When you consume such a composition, there is an elimination of kidney stones. To remove concrements, you can also use an alcoholic tincture, prepared from the same composition, only in this case, the single dose should not exceed 15 drops. It should be noted that the drug is not used during an exacerbation of the disease, as this can only aggravate the condition of the patient.

Hemorrhoids

If there is an inflammation of the hemorrhoidal nodes, again the considered plant can help. In such a case, it is recommended to make baths with the addition of this product. To do this, 30 g of dried leaves need to pour 0.8 l of boiled hot water. After this, put the solution on a water bath, and then use it for a sitting bath. In this case, it is important to determine the temperature of the water, because it plays an important role. So, at a temperature of 37 degrees you can achieve a wound-healing effect. If the temperature of the liquid is lowered and does not exceed 20 degrees, in this case you can prevent bleeding from inflamed nodes. The time for taking such a procedure should not exceed 5 minutes.

Worms

To cope with such a parasitic infection as giardiasis, it is necessary to make a healing composition of bear ears. In this case, you need to mix 15 g of raw materials with a glass of boiling water, then insist for about 12 hours. Then filter the liquid. The finished drink should be consumed 10 ml per day. The constituents of the obtained composition have a detrimental effect on the development of protozoa, as a result of which the symptoms of the disease are eliminated.

Insomnia and nervousness

Widely popular is the collection intended for the treatment of insomnia and nervousness. For this purpose, it is necessary to mix in equal quantities bearberry and motherwort. Then take 2 tablespoons of the resulting mixture and pour them into a saucepan with 0.75 liters of water. Place the pot on a water bath. Then boil the composition until the volume decreases by one-third. After that, let the liquid cool down, and then filter it. The mixture should be applied in an amount of 50 ml before a meal 2-3 times a day.

Diuretic .

To obtain a diuretic will need bearberry leaves, licorice root and cornflower flowers in a ratio of 3:1:1. All ingredients are well mixed, then measure 1 tbsp. mixture, which pour 0.3 liters of hot water. The solution should insist 15-20 minutes. The resulting preparation should be drunk 1 tbsp. three times a day.

Gout

To improve the condition with gout, you should prepare a mixture for which you need to pour 0.5 l of water into a container, add 3 tbsp. of dried plant there and put to boil. From the moment of boiling, the mass simmer for a quarter of an hour, and then remove from the stove and cover with a lid. The mixture should cool, and then you will need to strain it. Take the composition during meals, twice a day. In addition, it is recommended to soak in the solution obtained a small bandage of gauze cloth and apply to the affected area for 20 minutes. Such procedures are carried out until the pain disappears.

With swelling

To relieve swelling, you need to prepare a special collection of birch leaves, corn stigmas and bearberry leaves taken in equal proportions. Such a mixture of 100 grams should pour 250 ml of water and insist a day in a warm place. Ready to take infusion of 100 ml per day three times, an hour after a meal.

Tuberculosis .

This healing herb can even be used to eliminate such a serious disease as tuberculosis. In such a case, you need to mix 2 tbsp of dried raw material "ushki" and 100 ml of vodka. Such a mixture should insist in a dark room for two weeks. At the end of the specified period, the liquid should be strained and drunk 30 drops a day on a full stomach.

Rheumatism

To get rid of rheumatism, you need to mix in equal amounts of bearberry leaves, horsetail, beanstalks, corn stigmas, mugwort, wort, willow bark, cornflower flowers and birch buds. The resulting mixture should be crushed and thoroughly mixed. Then take 1 tbsp. herbal collection, pour 150 ml. hot liquid and boil for 10 minutes. After that, insist the mixture for another 30 minutes, and then filter it. Ready to take infusion of 100 ml after half an hour after a meal 4-5 times a day.

Atherosclerosis .

Collection for the treatment of atherosclerosis consists of abalone, linden blossoms, oregano, mint leaves, plantain, motherwort, horsetail, marsh wheatgrass and rose hips, taken in equal parts. All the ingredients should be crushed. After that measure a scoop of raw materials, pour 500 ml of boiling water and insist 35-40 minutes. Then subject the liquid to filtration. Prepared remedy to take twice a day, 60 minutes after meals. A single dose is 200 ml.

For the intestines

If there are any diseases of the intestines or gastrointestinal tract, it is recommended to pour 1 tsp of the herb in a small amount of water, and then add a glass of milk. After that, bring the mixture to a boil. Then the solution should be kept for 60 minutes. The resulting drink should be drunk in small doses.

Types of medicinal compositions with bearberry

Toloknian tincture, phyto tea, as well as tablets on the basis of this plant can be found in any pharmacy. Therapy with the use of these means involves following the instructions for use. It is important to observe the permissible doses, as well as to use only those preparations that have a normal shelf life. Such medicinal compositions can also be prepared at home yourself. The method of brewing and use depends on what disease is to be treated. Here will be presented standard recipes and dosages.

Infusion

Such a drink is useful to use when detecting cystitis and various other pathologies of the urinary system associated with inflammatory processes. For preparation you will need 10 g of dry raw materials. The herb should be poured over 0.5 l of cold water. In this form, the mixture should insist for 12 hours. After this, the solution should be heated slightly, but not boiled, then filtered. Such processing makes it possible to extract from the plant almost all the useful components except for the tannins. This makes it possible to reduce the likelihood of undesirable effects, as well as to obtain a mild, but at the same time effective remedy.

Usually, such a drug is taken half an hour after a meal, 30 ml. Repeat the procedure three times throughout the day. The finished drink can be kept in the refrigerator for no more than two days.

Tincture

This kind of treatment of the healing herb is used for sleep problems, as well as for pathologies of the nervous system, alcohol addiction, gout, rheumatism, cancer. It is often used to reduce pain.

To prepare the infusion, you need to put 40 g of dried leaves of abalone in a glass dish, pour 0.25 l of vodka. In this form the solution should insist in a dark place for two weeks. Filter the finished liquid and take 45 drops per day, divided into three parts, after half an hour after a meal.

Decoction .

This method of preparation is used for chronic gastritis, cystitis, edema, chronic constipation, uterine bleeding. In addition, the decoction is useful for colitis and diabetes mellitus. It is also known the external use of such a solution for abrasions, scratches and hard-to-heal wounds.

To get the healing decoction, you need a tablespoon of raw materials to grind to powder, mix with a glass of boiling water and place the mixture on a water bath. This composition is heated for about one third of an hour, and then infuse about 35-40 minutes. Then strain the resulting remedy and bring to 250 ml of boiled water. Decoction is contraindicated for people with a sick stomach, because it contains tannins, which have an irritating effect on the mucosa of the organ. Take such a remedy after half an hour after a meal, 50 ml per reception. Repeat three times.

Tea

To obtain tea, you need to crush 1 tbsp of plant raw materials and pour a mug of hot water. The mixture should infuse for some time, after which it can be used as an ordinary tea. Such a solution does not taste very pleasant. This is due to the presence of tannins in the composition of the herb, which are released in the process of brewing the drink.

Cosmetological applications

The bearberry has such a rich chemical composition, because it has been widely used in the field of cosmetology. This plant helps to remove pigmentation, brighten the skin and strengthen the curls. In addition, such a natural product can be used to rejuvenate and improve the overall condition of problematic dermis.

1. To remove unwanted pigmentation, you should make an infusion of the medicinal product. You will need 25 g of dried leaves, pour 300 ml of water, heated in a steam bath for 10 minutes, and then filtered. Ready cosmetic wipe age spots with a cotton disk, which should be soaked in a cooled solution, 6-7 times during the day.
2. Achieve a more effective bleaching can peeling. For this purpose, you should prepare a mixture consisting of salt, baking soda and baby moisturizer. Take all the ingredients in equal quantities. After cleansing the skin with this scrub, treat the skin with the prepared infusion. The result can be seen in a couple of months.
3. To lighten the strands and give them strength, you need to use a concentrated decoction of bear ears. To obtain it, you need 4 tbsp of herbal raw materials pour 0.75 liters of boiled water. This solution is to rinse your hair 1-2 times a week after washing your head.

Oily hair requires special care. For this type of curls are suitable for bearberry tincture and extracts of this plant. Such mixtures will help to stabilize the substance exchange in the scalp. This will make the hair shiny, eliminate split ends, as well as reduce hair loss.

Thanks to the antiseptic properties of the components, the plant helps to cope with inflammation on the skin, as well as protect it from infection and accelerate the recovery process. All you need to do is wipe the affected areas with a decoction of the herb and drink a tincture based on it. Antioxidant substances in natural cosmetic compositions help to cope with peeling and dryness of the dermis, as well as to smooth out fine wrinkles.

Contraindications to use

Bear ears are contraindicated to pregnant and lactating women. Also, do not use medicinal raw materials to children under the age of 12 years. Renal failure, recurrent constipation, hypersensitivity and allergy to bearberry compounds are also a limitation to the consumption of this product.

With excessive use may experience gagging, nausea, pain in the back. Before starting to use such a phytopreparation, it is recommended to consult a doctor. A specialist will help to choose the right scheme of therapy and the optimal dosage, which will improve the condition of the patient.

Is it possible to eat bearberry

The berries should not be eaten as they have an unpleasant taste and pose a danger to the human body. If you eat a couple of fruits, nothing will happen, but eating berries in large quantities can cause serious poisoning. The same happens when uncontrolled use of decoction from the leaves.

Photo of bearberry