Jaundice: medicinal properties and contraindications

Jaundice occupies a huge space. It is undemanding and adapts well to any living conditions. Therefore, the plant has long been ranked as a weed. But few people have thought, meeting on their way thickets of jaundice, that this herb can literally save the life of anyone who has a heart condition. It is no coincidence that this natural healer has been popularly called by such resounding names as: cordial, soon-to-be-helper, rescue herb, cardiac armor. In translation from Greek, the official name of jaundice also sounds like "healing" or "saving", as if confirming the unique capabilities of this modest-looking herbaceous biennial.

In ancient times, herbalists specifically went to the woods to select the best specimens of the plant. Then they dried it, and then prepared decoctions and infusions, which treated nerves and heart diseases. The folk healers were assisted by experience, which was passed down from generation to generation.

Modern physicians have more confidence in scientific facts. Scientists have studied the jaundice well enough and concluded that the plant really has healing power. Today, the salvation herb is specially grown with the observance of all the rules of agrotechnics, in order to provide the pharmaceutical industry with the most valuable plant raw material. Let's learn more about the chemical composition and medicinal properties of jaundice, what medicinal forms can be prepared from it according to folk recipes, what are the contraindications to the application of the herb.

Chemical composition

Nature loves to surprise people with unexpected surprises. It was just such a surprising event for the scientific world was a detailed study of jaundice. It would seem that a weed, which grows everywhere, just logically cannot have such a complex chemical composition. Scientists have been working for years to compile a complete list of individual elements and compounds that are concentrated in the leaves, stem and other parts of this unsightly plant. Indeed, the set of components that the heartwood contains is impressively diverse. In the composition of the plant are present:

1. Glycosides are the main value of the healing herb. The highest concentration is noted in the seeds of the plant. In jaundice, 13 types of substances of this group are isolated, but the majority of the composition accounts for the substances ericridin and erizimin. It should be recalled that glycosides do the most important job: they regulate the contractility of the heart muscle. They also have quite strong diuretic properties.
2. Organic acids control metabolism, participate in amino acid synthesis, clean tissues and regulate fat metabolism. These compounds are excellent against inflammatory manifestations. In jaundice, this mission is performed by a group consisting of ascorbic, citric, malic and some more acids of this series.
3. Fatty acids are responsible for lipid metabolism and synthesis processes. Even a minor disruption of the process leads to serious dysfunction of the nervous system, because fats are the basic material of nervous tissue and cell membranes.
4. Flavonoids have earned a reputation as powerful natural antioxidants.
5. Bitterness is contained in the jaundice in large quantities. These substances normalize the acidity of the gastric secretion and increase appetite, which in turn improves digestion. In addition, bitters stimulate the production of bile.
6. Glucose is considered a universal source of energy. It is a kind of autonomous "power plant" that supplies energy to every cell and supports the course of all biochemical processes.
7. Mineral elements in the ground part are represented by a whole group: chromium, iron, zinc, calcium.
8. Essential components are found mainly in the seeds.

This is interesting! In terms of the content of glycosides, jaundice surpasses many times lily of the valley and foxglove. These substances are present in the entire ground part of the biennial, but most of all in the inflorescences and fruits. Therefore, for the production of medicines, jaundice is harvested for raw material during the flowering period.

How it looks and where it grows

Botanically, jaundice is considered a primitive plant. It belongs to the Cruciferous family. There are more than 200 species in the wild, but only two varieties have medicinal properties: sprawling and leucoyne jaundice.

1. External characteristics. Heartwood reaches a height of no more than 80 cm, but most often you can find a plant of 30-40 cm. In the first year of life, a rosette with leaves is formed, and a year later, the stem actively develops, forming additional branches. The color of the stem depends on the species. The leaves of the jaundice are linear, oblong in shape.
2. The flowering period begins in May. At this time the plant is covered with pretty small flowers of a bright yellow hue, collected in a brush.
3. The fruits begin to form in June and continue this process throughout the summer. The mature pod is 5-7 cm long, covered with light-colored villi on the outside. Inside each fruit is filled with tiny brownish-yellow seeds.
4. Area of distribution. The geography of jaundice is not limited to any particular area. The plant is found in the Eurasian part of the continent, the biennial occupies especially large areas in Mongolia and Kazakhstan, feels comfortable in the Caucasus and Crimea. The yellowjacket likes to settle on the edges of the forest, near rivers, and in the steppe. It is not uncommon to see it on mountain slopes. The most comfortable conditions for the grass are on sandy and clay soils.

Types

As already noted, only two species of jaundice are recognized by official medicine and listed in reference books: sprawling or gray and levkoyniy. Although the general characteristics on the main parameters are the same, there are some differences. Let us dwell in detail on the peculiarities of these two kinds of core.

The gray jaundice has a well-developed root system, and it got its name because of the gray-green color of the stem. This species has a branched stem and grows up to 90 cm tall. It is often found on the edges of highways, in dense thickets and in arid meadows.

The raw material of this species is harvested only in the second year of the plant's life. Freshly harvested material has a high content of glycosides, and therefore it goes for the production of potent drugs for the treatment of angina, various types of arrhythmia, and hypertension.

Jaundice leucoyne is an annual plant that reaches up to 120 cm in height. It also often decorates roadsides, likes to settle in the field and near rivers. The bright green stem of representatives of this species is not as sprawling as that of its colleague, but the inflorescences have a more intense yellow color. At first the inflorescence takes the form of a shield and later it transforms into a brush. It is with the Leucoynoj jaundice that fruit formation is extended for almost 3 months. It has a larger fruit and a four-sided pod.

The leucoyl jaundice is considered a poisonous plant because of its too high concentration of glycosides. This species is not only used to make heart medications, it goes into the production of cough remedies, diabetic medications, because it improves insulin production. Leucoyne jaundice is used to prepare external remedies for treating purulent wounds.

As you can see, the two different species of jaundice herb, despite the difference, have much in common. Often these two plants live next door, so they are collected at the same time.

Good to know! Studies have proven that the remedies obtained from jaundice are superior in effectiveness to the well-known drug "Strophantine". But they are less toxic of their counterpart.

Gathering and storage

Gathering jaundice for medicinal purposes can be started at the beginning of the flowering period, before the flowers fully open. At the same time, it is necessary to adhere to the following rules:

1. Collect the plant material to produce in the afternoon after the dew has dried.
2. The ground part should be cut at a distance of 15 cm from the ground.
3. Inspect each specimen carefully, remove dark leaves and parts of the stem. Then cut the grass into fragments.
4. For the time of drying, place on paper or use a tray for this purpose.
5. Every day turn the raw material to prevent mold.
6. Raw material can be dried in an oven at 50-60 ° C, you can also use an electric dryer for this purpose.
7. Well-dried material is best stored in a cardboard box or paper bags. The room where you store the valuable raw material should be cool and ventilated regularly. Shelf life of the material prepared according to all the rules is 1 year.
8. The seeds are collected after the pods are fully ripe. The fruits should be removed carefully, as the pods from a careless movement quickly open, and the seeds spontaneously sow into the ground.

Important! The sprawling species of jaundice is mostly used fresh, as the medicinal properties disappear when dried.

Therapeutic properties of jaundice

Jaundice was first thoroughly researched back in 1940 by scientists of the Tomsk Medical Institute M. Varlakov and N. Vershinin. The results showed that the glycosides contained in the plant act mildly, improving the contractility of the myocardium. In addition to the cardiotonic action, such preparations show a sedative effect. Thanks to the studies, such well-known drugs as Cardiovalen and Erysimin have appeared. These medications have been used for decades to treat severe cardiac pathologies.

Home remedies prepared according to folk recipes are popular. If you summarize all the therapeutic properties of jaundice, the following actions should be included in this list:

• lowers blood pressure;
• Normalizes the coronary blood flow;
• eliminates the feeling of discomfort, which is a constant companion of cardiac pathologies;
• Eliminates symptoms of dyspnea (feeling of shortness of breath);
• Reduces the need for oxygen in the heart muscle;
• corrects swelling;
• Decreases the heart rate.

But, in addition to the direct effect on the work of the heart and blood vessels, preparations with jaundice demonstrate a number of other useful effects:

• anti-inflammatory;
• antiseptic;
• wound healing;
• expectorant;
• antispasmodic;
• choleretic;
• antioxidant.

This additional complex of useful properties expands the range of possibilities of the plant. That is, it can be used not only to eliminate heart problems, but also to solve other problems.

Indications for the use of medicinal herbs
Immediately we would like to remind you that any self-treatment, especially when it comes to the health of the heart, always involves serious risks. Given the complex composition of the herb jaundice, the risks increase many times. Therefore, any, even the most miraculous recipes herbalists can be used only after consultation with your doctor. And one more point: all folk remedies are a supplement to the main treatment. Having assimilated these two cornerstone points, you can choose a recipe that will help improve the overall well-being of patients, if they are diagnosed with the following diseases:

• heart failure;
• mitral valve defects;
• atrial fibrillation;
• myocarditis;
• coronary heart disease;
• rheumatoid heart disease;
• bronchial asthma;
• tuberculosis;
• dyspnea;
• gastrointestinal abnormalities;
• migraines;
• edema of different nature of origin;
• varicose veins;
• musculoskeletal disorders;
• diabetes.

With strict adherence to the rules of preparation of herbal jaundice home treatment will be a good help even with severe forms of the above pathologies.

What is the usefulness of jaundice for weight loss

I would like to point out that scientific studies on the usefulness of the herb jaundice in the process of weight loss have not been conducted. But the general properties of this plant allow you to conclude that the compositions prepared on its basis will contribute to weight loss. Experience in home use of the salvation herb shows that taking 100 mg (0.1 g) of powder 20 minutes before a meal for a month helped some women to lose 4 kg in one course. And such a result is not surprising, since the organic acids contained in the plant are good at breaking down fat deposits. Let's consider what other processes in the body of a person who wants to lose weight trigger the components of the healing plant:

1. The ability to maintain normal sugar levels dulls the feeling of hunger.
2. As a diuretic, the plant removes excess fluid and prevents the appearance of edema.
3. Preparations with jaundice normalize the work of the liver and pancreas.
4. High blood pressure is a constant companion of obesity, and heartworm brings BP values back to normal.

It is desirable to consult with a doctor before starting to take jaundice for weight loss. If a specialist approves this method, you need to adhere to a few simple rules in the process of therapeutic weight loss:

1. You can not combine the reception of preparations from the salvation herb with alcohol, fatty and fried food.
2. Dry powder should be taken strictly in the specified dosage, drinking a small amount of clean water.
3. It is necessary to observe a two-week pause between courses.

Useful! In addition to the medical field, jaundice is actively used in cosmetology. Decoctions on its basis help to strengthen the hair and eliminate dandruff.

Jaundice in folk medicine

Official medicine always has a positive attitude towards complementary methods of treatment based on folk formulas. Of course, experts evaluate the useful properties of this or that herb, based on the scientific evidence base. In this respect, the herb jaundice is beyond competition, because its study was engaged by the best domestic scientists. Therefore, after consulting with the attending physician, you can choose one of the following folk recipes.

Heart decoction

This remedy helps to normalize cardiac functions and improve the main blood circulation. Almost immediately after taking the decoction, the pulse rate levels out, tachycardia disappears. By the way, the decoction of jaundice according to this recipe helps to cope with edema caused by heart disease.

How to prepare:

1. 2 tsp of dried herbs pour a glass of boiling water.
2. The solution to determine on a water bath.
3. After 10 minutes, remove the decoction, cool slightly.
4. Before using the drink to filter.
5. Supplement the original volume by adding normal boiled water.
6. Decoction to take 1 tbsp. Up to four times.

A universal recipe for an infusion.

And this recipe is worth taking for those who have a bad dream and constantly jumping blood pressure. The remedy will help to cope with a strong cough with bronchitis and impaired kidney function. It is also useful for the heart to drink a course of the drink, prepared according to this simple scheme:

Take ½ tsp of dry herbal raw materials and brew it in a cup, as an ordinary tea. In order for the drink to gain healing power, it should insist for 2 hours. The resulting solution pour into a jar and put in the refrigerator. Take such a medicine three times a day by 1 tbsp. The minimum course of treatment to achieve therapeutic effect is 2 months.

Tincture with vodka

This is also one of the variants of universal remedies on the basis of the herb jaundice. To prepare the medicine, you will need 250 ml of good quality vodka and 40 g of grass. You can take fresh plant material or dried. In a glass container combine both components, then put in a dark place for infusion. The period of aging is 14 days. But every day the jar should be shaken to activate the components of the composition of the herb. After straining the finished tincture, take 10-20 drops. But this amount of medicine must necessarily be diluted in a glass of water. More than three months in a row to drink the tincture can not. It is better to take a break for a month, and then resume the home treatment again.

Remedy for heart pain

The method of preparation of this tincture is similar to the previous version, but with the difference that this composition is more concentrated. It should also be taken when certain symptoms appear, that is, pain in the heart area, impaired rhythm, shortness of breath. The ratio of the main ingredients is determined as follows: first pour into a container dry grass so that it covers the bottom of the jar. Pour on top so much vodka that the level of the liquid is a finger's thickness above the line of the herb. After two weeks of infusion, filter the remedy. Drink 20 drops diluted with water for severe attacks.

Tincture with jaundice for external use

From the solution obtained according to this recipe, you can make lotions and compresses or use for rubbing, for example, sick joints.

Necessary components:

• The citron of a medium-sized lemon.
• Alcohol - 0.5 liters.
• Dry jaundice (gray) - 30 g.
• Propolis - 20 g.

Mix all the above ingredients in one container, then leave the resulting mixture for 2 weeks in a dark place. Store the finished medicine in a container of dark glass. Procedures are better performed at night, because the compress should be kept for 1.5-2 hours.

Remedy for asthma attacks

During the preparation of the medicine according to this recipe, other proportions of the two main ingredients are used:

• Jaundice - 30 g.
• Vodka - ¼ l.

As in the previous recipes, which, however, is traditional for the preparation of tinctures, mix the ingredients in one container, and then put in a dark place to infuse for 3 weeks.

Take the remedy about a quarter of an hour before a meal. A single dose is 10 drops. Tincture must be diluted with water. This recipe can be used to treat attacks of angina.

Bolotov's kvass

This technique was developed by the famous doctor B. Bolotov, and it is based on the ability of fermentative drinks on medicinal herbs to activate the course of biochemical processes in the human body. To prepare a therapeutic decoction fit any useful plants, but in this case the recipe will figure in the herb jaundice. The essence of the preparation of the drink is that together with the herbal medicine, a lactic acid product is used. This can be sour cream, whey, sour milk. The listed products play the role of leaven. So, for the kvass on jaundice you need to take 1 tsp. sugar and sour cream and 50 grams of vegetable raw materials.

Then you should act according to this scheme:

1. Boil 3 liters of water, cool it to room temperature.
2. Send all the ingredients into the liquid.
3. Put the pot with the mixture in a warm place, so that the beverage ferments, as it should kvass. The fermentation process should last for 2 weeks.
4. All this time kvass periodically stir with a wooden spoon.
5. When kvass is ready, drink half a glass before each meal for about half an hour. And each time replenish the original volume of liquid, as well as add 1 tsp. sugar.

Bolotov's kvass will help patients to recover faster after a heart attack, it should be drunk with stable angina, arrhythmia, edema. Along with therapeutic kvass is recommended to take 0.1 g of dried jaundice powder to stimulate the production of insulin by the pancreas.

Therapeutic baths

Such procedures will benefit not only patients with heart problems, but also quite healthy people. After all, overexertion and stress have a negative effect on the nervous system, and this affects the work of the heart. It is no accident widespread expression that all diseases come from the nerves. This statement makes perfect sense, because everything in the human body is interconnected. For a therapeutic water procedure is necessary to prepare a concentrated infusion or decoction of jaundice, and then pour it into a bathtub filled with water. The duration of one session is 10-15 minutes. Usually a positive result is noted immediately after the first procedure: the heart rhythm evens out, the state of the nervous system stabilizes, insomnia disappears.

Types of medicinal compositions

Pharmacological properties of spas-grass are described in many reference books. Plant raw materials are in demand in the pharmaceutical industry and folk medicine. On the basis of properly harvested herbal raw materials can be prepared healing infusions and decoctions, which are then used in various pathological manifestations for internal reception and external methods of treatment. The main advantage of home remedies is that the scheme of their preparation is very simple. Let us give as an example ways of making the most popular dosage forms.

Infusion .

The classic recipe for an infusion of jaundice is suitable for the treatment of hypertension, ascites, neurological diseases. But, of course, the main purpose is heart pathologies.

The sequence of preparation:

1. The first step: take 0.5 tsp of plant raw materials, pour it into a cup and pour steep boiling water.
2. For better infusion, cover the container with a lid, and then wrap a towel.
3. After a two-hour infusion, strain.
4. Drink 1 tbsp. on an empty stomach.

Tincture .

For the basis of the tincture, it is worth buying only high-quality vodka. The moonshine of your own making will not work for such a purpose, but purified alcohol is allowed to use. So, take a whole bottle of vodka for 80 grams of dried jaundice. In a container (preferably dark glass) mix both components. Insist the medicine in the dark for exactly two weeks. Shake the jar or bottle daily. Before taking the right amount of tincture dilute with water. For an adult, the optimal dose for one reception is 20 drops. Cooked according to this recipe, the tincture will help with attacks of asthma and angina pectoris.

Decoction

This is a calming remedy that will help in stressful situations or strong excitement to normalize the work of the heart, and at the same time bring the nerves back to normal. The sequence of operations is as follows:

1. Pour 1/2 l of boiled water into a large cup.
2. Add 1 tsp. jaundice herb.
3. Place the mixture on a water bath. Do not allow the composition to boil, it should just languish on a low heat.
4. After 10 minutes, remove the decoction and leave it to infuse.
5. Then strain and bring the amount of liquid to the original volume.
6. Take up to 4 times 1 tbsp.

Contraindications for use

The toxic properties of jaundice are evidenced by the fact that cows are severely intoxicated after its use. Therefore, the use of preparations involving this ambiguous plant should be treated with extreme caution. Particularly great care should be exercised when determining the dosage. In this case, even just a few extra drops can lead to serious health consequences.

Absolute contraindications for therapy with the inclusion of preparations with jaundice are the following diseases and conditions:

• pregnancy;
• Breastfeeding period;
• childhood;
• Myocarditis in the acute phase;
• endocarditis;
• Severe form of cardiosclerosis;
• advanced atherosclerosis.

Exceeding the recommended dosage may cause a sharp drop in blood pressure and arrhythmia.

Symptoms of overdose:

• general weakness;
• increased salivation;
• nausea and vomiting;
• severe headaches;
• bradycardia;
• low BP.

In such a clinic, it is necessary to immediately stop taking medication with jaundice and contact a medical facility for medical help.

The effectiveness of jaundice has been proven, so it is now quite actively used in medicine. But since the plant is on the list of toxic, and the preparations obtained from it are potent drugs, you need to use it at home very carefully.

Photo of jaundice