Veronica: medicinal properties and contraindications

Veronica, like many plants, has many names. It is also known as veronicum grass, apothecary oakweed or snakehead. The plant is used not only for the preparation of medicines in folk medicine, but also veterinary medicine and cosmetology. The wide use of the herb is due to its composition and a number of medicinal properties.

Chemical Composition

Medicinal veronica has a rich composition, due to which the plant is used for medicinal purposes. To date, experts have not fully studied it. According to studies, the following components have been identified:

1. Vitamin C. It is the basis of human immunity. The vitamin helps not only to support the body's defenses, but also to speed up the healing process and reduce the risk of complications.
2. Vitamin A. It is present in sufficient quantities in veronica, so that the plant can be used as a means to maintain vision. It is vitamin A is essential for the proper functioning of the visual apparatus. If it is lacking, the quality of vision is reduced, there is eye fatigue, increased risk of glaucoma and other diseases.
3. Choline. This B vitamin. It is required by the human body to maintain proper functioning of the nervous system, as it is the basic building material for the membrane of nerve endings. Vitamin B4 in sufficient quantities helps to prevent the destruction of choline and damage to the cells of the nervous system.
4. Saponins. These are substances with a complex structure. Necessary to dissolve harmful cholesterol, which accumulates on the vascular walls and forms plaques. This results in poor circulation, increasing the risk of stroke or heart attack.
5. Alkaloids. Contained exclusively in plant foods. They have a complex effect on the body and have a pronounced effect on the nervous system. They also help to counteract pathogens.
6. Coumarins. They are necessary for the destruction of pathogenic bacteria. If there is a lack of them, the body is prone to various diseases that are caused by harmful microorganisms.
7. Carbohydrates. They are converted after entering the body into glucose, which is necessary for brain function and provides energy. Carbohydrates are contained in veronica in sufficient quantities, which allows the plant to be used for the purpose of increasing the tone, improving the general condition.
8. Essential oils. Have a positive effect on the nervous system, help maintain the beauty of the skin, hair. That is why the plant is often used for cosmetic purposes.
9. Sterols. Substances play an important role in the formation of cells, including their membranes. Sterols also have a great influence on metabolic processes.
10. Tannins. First of all, they are necessary for the proper functioning of the body's defenses. If they are insufficient, immunity decreases significantly. In addition, they have a positive effect on the function of the digestive and nervous systems, have a hemostatic and anti-inflammatory effect.

Veronica contains fatty oils, organic and phenolcarboxylic acids, glycosides. Each substance has a special effect on the body, which allows the plant to be used for medical and cosmetic purposes.

What it looks like and where it grows

Veronica belongs to the class of perennial plants. It ranges in height from 15 to 30 cm. Some species are capable of growing up to 0.5 m. Apothecary veronicas have creeping shoots that root at a distance from the mother plant and climb upward.

The leaves are small, only up to 4 cm long and 2 cm wide. They are oblong, drooping, narrowed at the base.

Veronica blooms with bluish or pale purple flowers. They have a four-parted corolla and calyx. The flowers are gathered in tassels, which are located in the axils of the leaves. The plant blooms from June until the end of September. Veronica is also known for its fruits. They are capsules which are oval in shape and contain a large number of seeds. The ripening period is from July to October. The plant is propagated by seed and vegetatively.

Veronicas can be found in the European part of Eurasia. It also grows in the Crimea and the Caucasus. The plant likes open places, prefers edges, meadows and fields. Also apothecary veronicas can be found in light forests and small ravines. As the plant grows, it forms a dense carpet.

Harvesting and storage

Veronica is harvested for the purpose of further preparation of medicines. To properly collect the raw material, you need to be guided by the following rules:

1. Carry out the collection only during the flowering period.
2. Collect can flowers, stems and leaves.
3. The plant after collecting be sure to dry in a dark place in natural conditions.

The herb during drying is not recommended to stir much, because the petals on the flowers may fall off.

The fresh plant does not have a pronounced smell. But after drying, the herb smells pleasantly. Folk healers argue that it is its appearance that indicates that the plant is properly harvested. Keep the raw material in a dark, dry place, preferably in a glass container for 5 years.

Therapeutic properties of Veronica officinalis

Such a plant as veronica has a number of useful properties due to its composition. Means on the basis of the herb have the following actions:

1. A diaphoretic. The active substances in the composition of the plant have an effect on the work of the sebaceous glands. That is why veronica can be used in case of fever, when it is necessary to reduce it.
2. Anti-inflammatory. The composition of the plant includes substances that help to reduce inflammation. At the same time, remedies based on the herb can be used for both internal and external use. Such a property allows the plant to be used for the treatment of ulcers, irritations, inflammatory diseases of internal organs.
3. Anti-allergic. With the help of remedies of folk medicine, made on the basis of the plant, you can get rid of the symptoms of allergic reactions. The action is achieved due to the content of special substances such as choline, vitamin C, acids.
4. Antimicrobial. Veronica is known for its antimicrobial property - it destroys germs, which are the cause of a number of serious diseases. Such property is due to the presence of tannins and coumarins.
5. A styptic. The plant is also used as a means to stop bleeding of varying intensity and nature of origin.
6. Anthelminthic. In folk medicine, veronica is known as a remedy against helminths. Parasites penetrate the human digestive system, begin to actively reproduce and cause intoxication.
7. Anti-convulsant. Means based on the herb help to fight cramps of muscle tissue due to the content of vitamins and certain substances.
8. Analgesic. Veronica is also used as a mild analgesic. It helps to relieve pain in diseases of the upper respiratory tract, gynecological pathologies.
9. General tonic. The composition of the herb includes a large number of beneficial substances that have a positive effect on the immune system. The remedies based on Veronica are also used for general strengthening of the body during the flu season, colds, in the presence of a number of other diseases.

Among other things, the plant is used in folk medicine as a remedy that increases appetite, improves the process of digestion, metabolism.

Veronica officinalis in folk medicine

The plant is actively used in folk medicine to treat many diseases. On its basis, various infusions and decoctions are made. There are a large number of recipes.

In tracheitis

The disease is characterized by the development of an inflammatory process on the tissues of the trachea. There can be several causes, but the main ones are considered infection and complications in the absence of therapy of rhinitis, laryngitis.

Infusion is used to treat the disease. It is made by brewing a tablespoon of dried plant in 150 ml of boiling water. Everything is infused for 2 hours. The remedy is drunk by a large spoon before meals.

When neurodermatitis and eczema

Such diseases as eczema and neurodermatitis are characterized by lesions of the skin. Pathologies are accompanied by a number of unpleasant signs, which, in the absence of therapy, increase.

To alleviate your condition, you can use a special tincture. Its preparation requires 5 large spoons of dried veronica and a liter of boiling water. You can use the leaves or stems of the plant. All placed in a thermos, tightly closed. Sustain for several hours. The solution is used for compresses. To do this, take a gauze folded into several layers and soak it in the solution. Apply to the affected areas, fix it with a bandage and leave it to dry out. The course of treatment depends on the degree of skin damage. Compresses are made until the disease is completely gone.

Angina and laryngitis

The diseases are characterized by the lesion of the upper respiratory tract. In this case, sores appear on the mucosa of the throat, which bleed and hurt. Get rid of unpleasant symptoms and alleviate the general condition can be achieved by using a remedy based on veronica. For its preparation use flowers, stems and leaves. Pre-dried grass is brewed in a quantity of 4 tablespoons in a liter of boiling water. All insist for 2-3 hours and strain. The prepared remedy is used to gargle the throat. The procedure is carried out up to 8 times a day until the complete elimination of unpleasant signs.

With fungus

To combat foot fungus, which appears in the form of itching and peeling of the skin, changes in the color of the nail plates, use the juice of veronica.

To prepare a remedy, a fresh plant is used. From it thoroughly squeezed juice. Then 200 ml of squeezed juice is mixed with 100 ml of alcohol. Insist it for 10 days in a dark place. The resulting tincture is used to treat areas affected by fungus before and after sleep.

With sweaty feet.

Veronica helps and with excessive sweating of the feet. The plant is dried, crushed, poured into socks, which are put on at night. To achieve positive results, the procedure is repeated up to 10 times.

To restore appetite

Veronica, which contains many useful substances, can be used to prepare a tincture to improve the appetite.

To prepare the tincture 5 tablespoons of dried veronica pour a liter of boiling water. Cover the container with a lid and leave for a few hours. The resulting solution is strained and taken up to 4 times a day for 100 ml.

Such a remedy is popular with poor appetite, digestive disorders. Recommended by folk healers for anorexia.

When gynecological diseases

You can get rid of gynecological diseases of inflammatory nature with the help of folk medicine. But in order for the therapy to bring positive results, a comprehensive approach is required.

First of all, prepare an infusion, which includes such herbs as veronica, chamomile, chernobylnik. All components are taken in equal quantities. Yellow clover is also added to the mixture, the amount of which should be 5 times less.

The collection of herbs is boiled, infused for 30 minutes and filtered. The infusion is used for enemas. Procedures are carried out 2 hours before going to bed. It is also taken internally.

The course of therapy is 2 months, during which you should refuse intimacy.

With ulcerous lesions, wounds and boils

Veronica has in its composition substances that help get rid of such a problem as boils. With the help of a special agent it is possible to remove even neglected formations and stale ones. In addition, the tincture can be used to accelerate the process of regeneration of the skin for wounds, scratches and cuts.

To prepare a remedy, take 2 large spoons of dried herbs and pour all 500 ml of boiling water.

The remedy is infused for 12 hours in a dark and warm place. Then the tincture is filtered and used for compresses. Gauze folded into several layers is dipped in the infusion and applied to the affected areas of the skin twice a day. Treatment is carried out until the tissues are completely healed.

With the help of means on the basis of Veronica medicinalis it is possible to get rid of trophic ulcers.

In case of stomach cancer

Veronica is known for its healing properties. It is also used in cancer, when cancer cells attack the tissues of the stomach. Such a remedy helps to significantly alleviate the condition.

To prepare a remedy, pour 500 ml of pre-dried herbs in 500 ml of boiling water. Insist for two hours. Take half a glass up to 4 times a day, an hour after a meal.

Types of medicinal compositions

There are several types of medicinal compositions made on the basis of Veronica berries. All of them are used for various diseases, both internally and externally.

Infusion

The remedy is prepared by brewing 3 tablespoons of dried herbs in 500 ml of boiling water. Everything is insisted for 4 hours in a closed container, then filtered.

Also popular infusion of veronica on goat's milk. Its preparation will require 4 tablespoons of veronica juice and 200 ml of goat's milk. All ingredients are mixed and infused for about 2 hours. The infusion is taken in 2 tablespoons during the day daily. Such a remedy is usually used to treat inflammatory diseases.

Tincture

The remedy is used in the treatment of fungal lesions of the feet. To prepare you need to mix 200 ml of vodka and 10 ml of the juice of the plant. Infuse everything for two weeks.

Tincture is also used in case of scalp fungus, which is accompanied by peeling of the skin, itching and burning.

Decoction .

Most often it is prepared from several components, which allows you to achieve quick results and accelerate the healing process, having a complex effect on the body.

The decoction is made from 2 parts of succession and 3 parts of veronicas, violets, wheatgrass and burdock. Pour 5 tablespoons of the mixture in 5 liters of cold water. All placed on a fire and boil for 15 minutes over low heat.

After the solution has cooled, it is filtered. Drink one glass 3 times a day before meals.

Oil .

Remedy helps speed up the healing process for wounds, cuts and burns. Thanks to the special properties of veronicas, the cells of the skin regenerate quickly enough.

You will need 15 big spoons of dried veronicas and 500 ml of olive oil. You can also use corn oil.

All the components are mixed, and the remedy insist for a week at room temperature. Use the oil to apply to the affected areas of the skin.

Ointment

The basis of the ointment is animal fat. To prepare it, 200 g of fat is mixed with dried veronicas in an amount of 100 g. The product is used for external use. Store the ointment in the refrigerator.

When preparing any healing composition, it is important to observe the amount of components. You should also be careful to take the remedy, preventing overdose.

Applications in cosmetology

Veronica is used not only in folk medicine, but also in cosmetology. On its basis prepare means for hair and skin. There are many recipes that help to maintain beauty, prolong youth or get rid of minor defects. The most popular are:

Mask .

It is suitable for normal skin type. It is used to rejuvenate, tone, firm and give natural color. For its preparation, 300 g of fresh veronicas are crushed with a blender. The resulting mush is applied to the face, without affecting the area around the eyes and forehead. The mask is left for 20 minutes, then washed with running water. The procedure is repeated up to two times a week for a positive result.

Infusion for sunburns

The summer period is often accompanied by such unpleasant moments when the skin is exposed to sunlight, after which there are burns on its surface. They can be cured with an infusion based on Veronica. To prepare it, take a small glass jar and fill it to the top with fresh chopped plant. All pour vegetable oil and close tightly. Leave the container for a week in a dark place. After the remedy is infused, it is applied to the affected areas of the skin.

Body peeling

Remedy helps make the skin smooth by removing dead cells. To prepare it, you will need 100 grams of soap shavings, a tablespoon of fine salt and 400 grams of fresh veronica pulp. All ingredients are mixed. The product is rubbed into the skin light massaging movements while showering or bathing. The procedure is recommended up to 2 times a month.

Decoction for hair

This remedy is suitable for any hair type and helps to restore their structure. Decoction is prepared from 3 large spoons of dried veronica and a glass of boiling water. Everything is infused for half an hour. The remedy in warm form, pre-strained, is applied to the hair after washing the hair. It can not be removed. Use the decoction once a week.

Tincture of dandruff

It is prepared on the basis of vodka and 100 grams of fresh grass. All mixed, put in the refrigerator for 14 days. Then strain the remedy, add 50 ml of burdock oil. The mixture is rubbed into the scalp after each wash until the dandruff completely disappears.

All cosmetics are used only if there is no allergic reaction to the components. They will help to restore the structure of the hair, return the skin to youthfulness, elasticity.

Use in veterinary medicine

Veronica is known for its healing properties. It is used in folk medicine to prepare various infusions, decoctions and ointments. All of them help to cope with a number of diseases.

But also veronica is widely used in veterinary medicine. It is used as a remedy for diarrhea in cattle. To do this, prepare a remedy of 500 g of pre-dried veronicas and 3 liters of boiling water. All infused for 40 minutes.

The strained decoction is given to the animal during the day until the diarrhea passes completely.

Where else to use veronicas

Due to its properties, veronica is used in folk medicine and veterinary medicine, on its basis prepare cosmetics. But the plant is also used in cooking. Veronica has a pleasant fragrance that has the ability to stimulate the digestive glands. As a result, it improves appetite and restores the digestive process.

The properties of the plant allow you to use the herb as a seasoning for fish and meat dishes. Apply both dried raw material and fresh. Fresh veronicas leaves give a special spice to salads. Its flowers are used to flavor alcoholic beverages.

Veronica is also widely used in horticulture. It is used to create unique landscape designs. The plant is especially popular among Mediterranean gardeners, where it is used to create compositions.

In addition, the herb is used as a means to protect seeds from fungus. Veronicas are used to make a decoction for pulverizing seeds before planting.

The widespread use of veronica is due to its useful properties and composition.

Contraindications to use

Veronica in certain cases can cause harm to the body, despite the useful properties. Contraindications to its use are:

1. Diabetes mellitus, since the composition contains glucose.
2. Diseases of the cardiovascular system.
3. Hypertension or a tendency to high blood pressure. This is due to the fact that the composition contains components that increase BP.
4. Individual intolerance to individual components or allergic reactions.

It is important to follow the dosage of all the constituents to prevent the occurrence of serious consequences. Among them are noted deterioration of the general condition, manifestation of allergies in the form of itching, rash and redness of the skin.

Veronica is a plant that has earned the trust of not only folk healers, but also cooks, gardeners, veterinarians. It has a sufficient number of useful properties, which allows to achieve positive results when using it. Veronica with proper use will help to cope with diseases of the respiratory tract, digestive system, restore the psycho-emotional state, support the health of the skin, hair.

Photo of Veronica officinalis