Goldilocks: medicinal properties and contraindications

Strawberry is a common plant, which is perceived by many as a weed, as it has the ability to quickly sprout, capturing vast territories. But this plant is a real treasure trove of useful substances. If you know how to use it properly, collect and store it, you can get a powerful medicine that will bail out various diseases.

Chemical Composition

The common golddrop and the Canadian golddrop are two representatives of the species Goldilocks belonging to the Asteraceae family. These two varieties have much in common, not only in botanical characteristics, but also in their chemical composition. The active substances in these plants are almost identical, only the concentrations differ.

The rich chemical composition is due to the pronounced therapeutic effect of taking herbal remedies, so it is important to know exactly what components they contain. Scientists have managed to study in detail the composition of these plants, so they have presented a complete list of chemicals that have the ability to affect the body, to treat various diseases, as well as to carry out prevention. The most significant active components of the plant, which are responsible for the therapeutic effect, are listed below.

• Organic acids.
• Saponins.
• Phenols.
• Phenolcarboxylic acids.
• Flavonoids (quercetin, isoramnetin, astralgalin, rutin).
• Coumarins.
• Diterpenoids and triterpenoids.
• Phytoecdysones.
• Mineral compounds.
• Vitamins - A, E, B1, K, PP.
• Polysaccharides.
• Fatty acids (in seeds).

The composition of goldenrod is also unique because the active ingredients contained in it, together give the effect of synergy, which makes the therapeutic properties even more pronounced. As the plant components complement each other, they can double or triple the therapeutic effect.

What it looks like and where it grows

Zolotarnik is common in the European part of Russia, but is found almost throughout the Eurasian continent. It is also common in the western part of Asia. It is quite simple to distinguish the common and Canadian goldenrod from other species. All you need to know is the botanical characteristics of the plant.

1. The rhizome is short, not buried, rod type.
2. The stems are straight, can reach a height of 30 to 80-100 cm.
3. Leaves are elliptic or ovate, stem-like, arranged in an alternate arrangement.
4. Flowers are yellow, small, aggregated in baskets that form paniculate long inflorescences.

Goldenseal is an unpretentious plant, but likes moisture and plenty of sunlight. Flowering begins in late spring and continues throughout the warm season until mid-September. By the end of September, flowering is complete and the paniculate inflorescences are covered with small seeds - fruits with seeds, from which you can grow a medicinal plant in your garden, if you have time to collect them before the rains come.

Varieties of

There are more than 30 varieties of goldenrod, which are found in different regions of the Eurasian continent. But only two species are of medicinal value, as they have a rich composition compared to the others.

1. Aspisia canadensis is a tall herbaceous plant, with slender, straight, foliated stems and paniculate inflorescences that are yellow in color.
2. Goldenseal is popularly known as the "goldenrod". It is a tall plant with paniculate yellow inflorescences consisting of small flower-baskets.

Plants of these species not only have a pronounced therapeutic effect, but also contain toxic substances. Therefore, it is necessary to treat with caution, observing the dosage.

Collection and storage

In order to harvest the medicinal raw material of milkweed, you need to know the basic rules. St. John's wort can be collected in regions characterized by an impeccable environmental situation. It is forbidden to collect in places where there are nearby toxic plants and factories. Also do not collect the grass in the roadside area, there it accumulates in itself dangerous toxins contained in exhaust gases, as well as heavy metals, which have a pronounced carcinogenic effect.

For the obtained medicinal raw material to be useful, you need to know when the plant accumulates the maximum concentration of active substances. It is possible to collect the medicinal raw material of holliese twice a year.

1. In the first half of August there is the peak of flowering - this is the most suitable time to harvest the inflorescences of halothorn.
2. In late September, the plant's rhizome contains the active ingredients at their highest concentration. This is the ideal time to dig out the roots.

There is no point in harvesting bracken grass - it contains minimal amounts of valuable components, and it turns woody when dry, making it difficult to boil or evaporate the nutrients. Therefore, it is worth cutting only the inflorescences. After cutting the tops, form small bundles of inflorescences, tie them in a loft or under a roof and dry for 2 weeks. The fully dried raw material should be packed for storage. Two methods can be used.

1. Crush the inflorescences and put them in a tin or glass jar, then close it tightly and leave in a dry, cool room with normal humidity.
2. You can not crush the plant material, and pack it in cloth sacks and also store in a cool dry place.

Shelf life of raw materials directly depends on the conditions. If the air temperature is between 5 and 25 degrees, and a stable humidity level (about 50-60%), you can store the raw material for 2 years. If the humidity is higher or the air temperature is unstable, the raw material may spoil earlier. The best option - the annual harvesting of fresh medicinal raw materials.

Therapeutic properties of goldenrod

In therapeutic practice, St. John's wort began to be used by doctors over 300 years ago. Today, traditional medicine does not consider plants as the main remedy, since there are many pharmaceuticals with higher efficacy. But often pharmacy remedies give severe side effects, and they are not always approved. In such situations, the use of goldenrod is more relevant than ever.

The range of medicinal properties of the plant is quite wide, since it has a rich composition. Plant remedies, prepared on the basis of this herb, are able to produce such therapeutic effects.

1. Diuretic effect - to cleanse and restore the kidneys, eliminate edema.
2. Anti-inflammatory property - with local and internal application. The herb reduces inflammation and also regulates the immune response to foci of infection.
3. Antibacterial and antiseptic properties - for the treatment of infectious diseases caused by pathogens.
4. Antiviral action - for the treatment of diseases of viral etiology (SARS, cystitis, herpes, hepatitis).
5. Astringent action - in diarrhea, as well as infectious diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. Also, the properties of this plant are used in veterinary practice - herbal infusion watered animals suffering from gastric disorders.
6. The herb also has wound-healing, regenerating effect. It is used externally and internally for cicatrisation of ulcers, as well as for cuts, burns, infected wounds, after operations.

Benefit from this plant can be obtained only with moderate and proper use. It is also worth bearing in mind that goldenrod has different effects on the female and male body. The useful properties and effectiveness are slightly different.

For women

For the female body, cathartine is of particular value, because it has the ability to restore the functioning of the reproductive system, as well as affecting the hormonal background. For the treatment of diseases of the genitourinary system, this plant is the best option, since it contains a set of active ingredients that can have a complex effect on the body. The medicinal properties of goldenrod can be used for such female diseases:

• candidiasis;
• bartholinitis;
• vaginitis;
• adnexitis;
• Ovarian cysts and other benign formations;
• erosion.

Water infusions and decoctions of herbal raw materials are used for douches, as well as for ingestion. It is recommended to use only decoction for douches, because in the process of boiling it kills all potentially dangerous pathogens. Brewing and infusion of the herb does not give such an effect. It is most effective for infectious and fungal diseases of the genitals, inflammatory processes to use sprinkling and ingestion at the same time to obtain faster results.

For men

It is not recommended for men to treat too long with this herb, because it partially suppresses the production of male hormones. But it is invaluable in the treatment of such diseases of the reproductive system:

• erectile dysfunction;
• prostatitis;
• cystitis;
• impotence.

Also, the periodic use of infusions and decoctions of goldenrod is an excellent preventive measure against inflammation of the prostate gland and cancer. Periodic use of tea from this plant, as well as goldenrod honey promotes prolongation of the reproductive period, increasing libido and normalization of hormonal background.

When pregnant

Phytotherapists categorically forbid the use of goldenrod by women during the first trimester of pregnancy, as it carries risks to the health and viability of the fetus. But in the second and third trimesters, you can use the therapeutic potential of goldenrod, but only externally. It is contraindicated to take internally, since the effect of the active components of the herbal remedy on the embryo has not been sufficiently studied.

During pregnancy, it is allowed to use goldenrod externally, as well as to gargle the throat and mouth. In the case of ulcers on the lips, you can cauterize them with an alcoholic tincture of the plant. If in the oral cavity formed ulcers from stomatitis in pregnancy, you can use a weak aqueous infusion to rinse. It is also allowed to use externally compresses, ointments. Vodka infusion is used for rubbing for back pain in pregnancy.

After childbirth during breastfeeding, you should also refuse to use remedies based on this plant. The fact is that the toxic components of the herb penetrate into breast milk, and with it into the body of the newborn baby. The dose, which may be safe for an adult, can cause irreparable damage to the infant.

St. John's wort in folk medicine: Recipes

In non-traditional medicine for the previous centuries, a lot of recipes on the basis of milkcress, which have been tested by time and have shown a good coefficient of effectiveness, have accumulated. Each of the recipes is good in its own way, but different variants and dosage forms have their own purpose.

Cold infusion

Cold infusion has several advantages, so this method of preparing medicine is very popular. To get the medicine, you need to boil and cool the water. Pour the cooled water (200 ml) with 1 tablespoon of herbal raw materials, cover with a lid and leave for 3-4 hours. After that, strain and take 50 ml 4 times a day. This infusion and such a treatment regimen is effective for such diseases:

• rheumatism;
• gout;
• cystitis;
• urethritis;
• inflammation of the ovaries.

Cold infusion is also useful for swelling, it speeds up the elimination of fluid from the body. You can take it pure or add a little lemon juice and honey.

Traditional infusion recipe

The easiest and fastest recipe for making medicine from goldenrod is an infusion. It can be prepared in two ways.

The first way:

• Put boiling water in a deep bowl;
• Pour into it 1 tablespoon of plant material;
• Pour 400 ml of boiling water.

Take such an infusion should be cooled after 2 hours after it has been prepared. Single maximum dose - 50 ml. The break between doses - at least 3 hours. It is important to be sure to combine the use of herbal infusion with food intake. The fact is that the bitterness, which contains goldenrod, activates the production of digestive enzymes and gastric juice, which can lead to discomfort, heartburn and even inflammatory processes, if you do not eat before consuming the medicine.

Second method:

• Pour 1 tablespoon of herbal raw materials in a thermos;
• Pour 400 ml of water;
• Twist and leave for 3 hours;
• strain and take 50 ml 3 times a day.

This version contains the active components in a higher concentration. The duration of the course of treatment with goldenrod in this dosage form is not more than 21 days in a row. If you need to continue the course, for example, with urolithiasis you need 5-6 times of repetition, you can do it not earlier than 10 days. During this time, the body will completely eliminate the remains of plant toxins.

Decoction

You can prepare a decoction from the inflorescences, roots or grass of goldenrod. You can prepare from a mixture - crush the roots, mix with the grass and flowers. For 2 tablespoons of such a mixture you need to take 1 liter of water. To simmer the decoction for 30 minutes in a water bath. The result will be about 750 ml of liquid, which should be diluted with the same amount of cold boiled water. The resulting liquid is divided into 5 days, take 100 ml 3 times a day.

Decoction of goldenrod is helpful in the treatment of such diseases:

• cystitis;
• hypertension;
• diarrhea;
• High blood sugar levels;
• cramps and pains;
• diseases of the reproductive system of an infectious nature;
• Ulcers and wounds that take a long time to heal.

In decoction, most of the useful properties are preserved, but the vitamins are partially lost - when interacting with oxygen, they disintegrate into simpler elements and evaporate. Therefore, the decoction contains a minimum of vitamins, but all other active components are present in the same concentration as in any other dosage form.

Alcohol tincture

Prepare a tincture in alcohol preferably only from the inflorescences, they absorb a maximum of valuable substances. Dried panicles of inflorescences should be cut with scissors and placed in a bottle. For each tablespoon of raw material take 50 ml of alcohol - this is the optimal ratio. It is necessary to let the mixture to infuse, at this time put it in a dark room, you can keep it in the fridge door. Duration of preparation of the tincture - 3 weeks. After that, strain and pour into a sealed container, store in the refrigerator or out of reach of sunlight at a temperature not exceeding 25 degrees.

Tincture can be taken in its pure form or diluted with a little water. It is drunk 2-3 times a day for a course of up to three weeks. After that, it is necessary to take a break, since the toxic substances contained in St. John's wort tend to accumulate in the body. You need to take a break between courses of 10 to 30 days.

Tincture of the roots

At the end of September, you can go to harvest the roots of the plant, which can be used to prepare a strong alcoholic or vodka infusion. It is necessary to take only the largest roots. They have more active substances. They are especially full of bitterness, saponins and flavonoids.

The roots should be additionally dried to a brittle state, and then crushed in any convenient way. You can just break them into small pieces - with your hands or with wire cutters. But it is better to grind them still in fresh form, and then dry the resulting pulp and use it to prepare tinctures. Prepare the medicine, observing the proportions:

• For 500 ml of vodka - 1 cup of crushed rhizomes;
• 100 ml of medical alcohol (98%) - 2 tablespoons of raw materials.

It is necessary to insist the roots longer than the herbs and inflorescences, so it is better to send the bottle with the tincture in a dark place for a month. Every 3-5 days you need to shake a little bottle. After a month, the tincture should be drained through gauze or a fine sieve, discard the roots, and pour the liquid into a clean container and store in the refrigerator.

Tincture of roots is effective for such diseases and conditions:

• otitis media (put a cotton swab in the ear with the tincture in the morning and evening);
• Stomatitis (dilute with water in a ratio of 1:3 and rinse the mouth);
• boils (prepare compresses);
• Acne (wipe problem areas 2 times a day);
• Pain (rub and use for massage).

It is better to use a tincture of inflorescences or herbs for ingestion, and this recipe is excellent for external purposes. The remedy can be stored for no more than 2 years.

Vodka tincture

Tincture the herb with vodka is no less effective, but the concentration of active substances for the same volume of tincture will be slightly lower. Therefore, vodka tincture is used in a different dosage - 20 ml (1 tablespoon) at one reception. It is possible to take 2-3 receptions per day. The duration of treatment also can not exceed three weeks, after which a break should be made.

Prepare a tincture in vodka is not difficult - you need to take 250 ml of vodka, add to the bottle 3 tablespoons of raw materials. Leave this mixture for 2-3 weeks, shaking periodically, so that the ethanol extracted from the herb as much as possible valuable components. Already ready tincture should be sure to strain, pour into a convenient container for use and store in the refrigerator.

Tea from kidney stones

Treatment of kidney stones is a long process that requires patience and effort. Since you will have to take herbal medicine for quite a long time, it is worth limiting yourself to tea, because it contains dangerous toxins in a minimal concentration. The tea is prepared from ½ spoon of dried flowers per 250 ml of water. You just need to steep and infuse the drink for a few minutes, and then drink with sugar or honey. To achieve a pronounced effect, you need to drink this tea 3 times a day for 20 days, then take a ten-day break and repeat the course twice.

There are several rules for the treatment of urolithiasis:

1. During the course, you need to drink a lot of fluid to flush salts and decay products of renal concrements out of the body.
2. Medicinal tea should be drunk no later than 2-3 hours before bedtime, because it has a pronounced diuretic effect.
3. Do not continue treatment if the kidneys are inflamed.
4. After 3 courses should be examined to check the dynamics.
5. During treatment, you should refuse salty, sour, fried, spicy and fatty foods.

The prognosis depends on the stone diameter, the general condition of the body, and its individual abilities. Usually microliths are eliminated by drinking tea in the first course, and to crush larger formations, a cycle of three courses of 4 to 6 times is necessary.

Decoction for a bath with goldenrod

When eczema, rheumatism, inflammation and pain in the joints, a bath with the addition of a healing infusion is indicated. Since we are talking about large volumes of liquid, it is necessary to prepare a concentrated decoction. To do this, you need to measure with a 500 ml jar of dry raw materials. Pour the herb into a pot and boil for 15 minutes with three liters of water. Leave the broth for 30-40 minutes to infuse. Then strain it and add it to warm water. Time of bathing - at least 15 minutes. The procedure should be repeated two times a week. You can also use this method for muscle pain, overwork.

Infusion for fungal diseases

Fungal skin diseases of the feet and nails are difficult to treat with pharmaceuticals. Usually they are used only to relieve such unpleasant symptoms as itching, redness, inflammation, unpleasant odor. But baths with goldenrod, as well as the use of alcohol compresses give striking results in the treatment of fungal diseases.

To prepare a therapeutic infusion take 3 tablespoons of herbal raw materials and steep 2 liters of steep boiling water. Insist the liquid under a closed lid, and when it cools to 40 degrees, pour into a basin and hold your feet in it for 10 minutes. For quick results, repeat the procedure daily in the evenings, and after wiping the affected skin on the feet with apple cider vinegar, diluted with baking soda in a ratio of 1:1. After this, wear clean cotton socks ironed. You can use foot cream, but it must be with a natural Ph.

Strawberry ointment

If necessary, you can prepare a natural homemade ointment based on goldenrod, which is effective for skin diseases. Also such an ointment is used to treat focal alopecia, lichen, epidermophytosis, fungal skin and nail diseases.

To prepare an ointment of cenotaph need 100 grams of hog fat, as well as 4 tablespoons of dried inflorescences of cenotaph. It is necessary to melt the fat in a water bath, add the herb. Boil for 30-40 minutes. While the fat is still liquid, you need to strain it into a sealed container and leave to cool. When the remedy cools, you can store it in the refrigerator. Uses:

1. With irritation and peeling of the skin, rub into the problem areas once a day.
2. With focal alopecia use daily, rubbing into the scalp.
3. With fungal infections of the skin to apply the ointment under the compress at night for 2 weeks.
4. Fungal diseases of the nails to treat the ointment for three weeks, smearing the affected areas twice a day.

The ointment can be stored in the refrigerator for more than a month, but you need to use it correctly. Take a small amount of ointment for 1 procedure with a sterile spatula or dry spoon, as contact with your fingers will leave bacteria in it, which can spoil it before time.

Compresses

Outwardly apply goldenrod is many times more effective, if you combine it with taking it internally. The easiest way to externally use the healing power of goldenrod is in compresses. Their use is effective in cases such as:

• Rheumatism (2 times a day on painful areas);
• Arthritis, pain and inflammation in the joints (every 2-3 hours for 15-20 minutes);
• Eczema, inflammatory skin diseases;
• rusty inflammation of the skin;
• The presence of boils and furuncles.

To treat joints and muscle pain use a compress based on an alcohol or vodka tincture. Alcoholic tincture is diluted with water at a ratio of 1:1, a piece of cotton cloth is soaked in it and laid on the sore spot. Vodka tincture does not need to be diluted - it is enough to moisten a piece of cloth with it and put it on the painful area. The maximum time of the procedure is 30 minutes.

For skin diseases, ulcers and furuncles, only the water decoction can be used. Prepare a decoction for compresses according to the following recipe:

• 3 tablespoons of inflorescences and leaves poured into an enamel pan;
• Pour 500 ml of boiling water;
• Bring to a boil;
• Boil for 20-25 minutes;
• Cover with a lid and let cool;
• Strain the cooled liquid.

The resulting decoction can be stored in the refrigerator, but before using, warm a small amount for compresses. Warm compresses are many times more effective, but in the presence of soaking wounds, it is better to use decoction at room temperature, so as not to increase the inflammatory process.

Useful properties of goldenrod honey

St. John's wort is a honey-bearing aromatic plant, on which bees flock en masse during the season. Beekeepers sometimes specially plant whole plantations of this plant on their territories to produce incredibly valuable medicinal honey, which has a special composition and properties. In alternative medicine, this honey is considered one of the most useful varieties for 10 diseases.

1. Fungal infections are treated with goldenrod honey many times faster and more effectively than toxic pharmaceuticals.
2. Stolotarnik has a pronounced antibacterial and antiseptic action, so honey from it is used for any infectious diseases of the throat, lungs and bronchi, bacterial etiology.
3. Honey has a marked anti-inflammatory effect. It is used for inflammatory processes of various localizations, both internally and externally.
4. Goldilocks honey is effective in diseases of the gums and mouth. It helps with periodontal disease, stomatitis of various origins, herpetic infection. The product is able to quickly relieve inflammation, drying ulcers on the mucous membranes.
5. Due to the diuretic effect, honey is effective for kidney disease. Can be used in combination with herbal teas or infusion goldenrod.
6. The use of honey is recommended for hypertension. It contains substances that relieve attacks of high blood pressure, increasing the elasticity of blood vessels, as well as protecting the cardiovascular system as a whole.
7. Goldilocks honey is a powerful remedy for strengthening the immune system, it is even used for children from the age of three. Clarify whether you can give your child goldenrod honey, you need to ask your pediatrician, because there can be an allergic reaction.
8. Goldilocks honey is mixed with grated onions and used in boils for compresses.
9. The product is good for skin diseases, non-healing wounds. It is used in the postoperative period, so that stitches heal faster.
10. In combination with propolis, goldenrod honey is used for neuralgia, pinched nerves, herniated vertebrae.

Goldenrod honey is extracted in the fall. It has a tart floral and herbal aroma similar to that of honey from summer grasses. But goldenrod honey is different in color and properties. When liquid, it has a caramel hue, and when thickened, it becomes brown, like burnt sugar.

Contraindications for use

Zolotarnik - a potent medicinal plant, which, in the presence of contraindications, can lead to serious negative health consequences. Therefore, it is necessary to take it with the utmost caution. It is strictly forbidden to use this plant, even in small doses, in the presence of such contraindications:

• children under the age of 12 years;
• pregnancy;
• Breastfeeding;
• heart failure;
• severe stages of urolithiasis;
• Gastrointestinal diseases in the acute stage;
• glomerulonephritis;
• Individual intolerance, allergy to the plant.

Preparations based on goldenrodroot contain toxic natural components, which put a strain on the liver. To avoid intoxication, it is necessary to strictly observe the dosage, as well as with caution to use the drug in liver failure. It is important to immediately flush the stomach, drink an enterosorbent and consult a doctor if you have symptoms of overdose. Here are the main signs of overdose:

• Vomiting and nausea;
• diarrhea;
• acute abdominal pain;
• bloating;
• dizziness;
• palpitations;
• increased sweating;
• sleep disturbance;
• tremors.

Overdose is a dangerous condition that can pass without consequences only if timely measures were taken to eliminate toxic components from the body.

Knowing the peculiarities of the use of goldenrod, as well as its medicinal potential, everyone will be able to use this medicinal plant for the purposes of recovery, therapy and disease prevention.

Photo of goldenrod