Mugwort: medicinal properties and contraindications

Not everyone knows what the yarrow looks like. This plant is from the Gentian family. It has a simple, branched upward stem, leaves growing at the roots and on the stem. Yarrow extract is used in traditional medicine, in preparations for the treatment of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, kidneys, pancreas, liver, as well as in the fight against addiction to alcohol. In addition, this plant has a wide application in the recipes of folk medicine.

Chemical Composition

St. John's wort is a unique plant that has a number of valuable properties due to its rich chemical composition. The following active components are present in this herb:

• gencyopicrin, erythaurin, and other iridoid glycosides (they make up 0.3 to 2.4% of the whole plant);
• alkaloids - erythricin, geniacin, etc;
• vitamin C;
• flavonoids;
• oleanoic acid;
• xanthones;
• phenolcarboxylic acids.

In smaller amounts the plant contains esters, wax, resin, nicotinic acid, phytosterols. This chemical composition makes mugwort a truly valuable plant that helps in the fight against a number of ailments.

What it looks like and where it grows

St. John's wort can grow up to 50 cm in height, its leaves are oblong, and the flowers are small, rich pink, merging into inflorescences. For the bulk of Russians, this flower is well known, as it occurs quite often: you can find it along roads, rivers and near ponds. Often this grass grows as a weed in fields, on grassy lawns and even in the vegetable garden among cultivated plants. The favorite growth areas of St. John's wort are the steppe and forest-steppe zones of Russia, Ukraine, and Belarus.

How to grow it yourself

This herb can be grown on your own plot of land, as well as many other plants. It is enough to find a ripe box of seeds and pour it on the loosened soil. It is also important to choose the right place for sowing. The best place is an open area, located on an elevated site, in the southern part of the garden or vegetable garden, because this plant prefers to grow in conditions of "warm and dry".

The seeds of yarrow are quite small. To make it more convenient to sow them, you need to stir them with a small amount of sand and plant them shallowly - up to 5 mm deep into the soil. After that, you need to compact the soil with a roller, water and cover with foil. To plant seedlings in the open ground, you need to start preparing them back in March. Seedlings are planted in any order, observing only the distance between them - about 10 cm.

Taking care of this plant is not difficult: timely weeding, watering and loosening the soil are all the things the St. John's wort needs to grow successfully. If there are pests on the plot, it is not desirable to treat the plant with chemical additives. It is better to use safe folk methods of control for this purpose. Otherwise, you will get not a medicinal plant, but, on the contrary, causing harm to the body due to the content of large amounts of chemicals.

Gathering and storage

Goldenseal is collected in the period of its abundant flowering. Medicinal properties possess the stems, leaves and flowers of the plant. You should choose a herb growing away from roads and industrial plants to get environmentally friendly raw materials. The stems are cut above the root, giving preference to young plants.

The drying method is used to harvest the marshmallow. Of course, you can buy ready-made raw materials in a pharmacy, but the independent collection and harvesting of the plant allows you to be sure of its environmental friendliness. At the heart of the proper harvesting of the marshmallow is a basic condition: the room must be well ventilated, without direct sunlight. So that the stems do not darken, spread the herb thinly on clean white paper or cotton cloth. When the raw material is completely dry, it should be placed in dry glass containers or paper bags. The maximum period for which you can store the dried medicinal plant is two years.

Medicinal properties of the herb gentian herb

This plant is used in both traditional medicine and folk recipes. The extract of this herb is the basic active ingredient in some medicines. Preparations containing yarrow have the following properties:

• anthelmintic;
• analgesics;
• digestive regulators;
• anti-inflammatory;
• wound-healing;
• antiseptic;
• choleretic;
• tonic.

In connection with the above list of beneficial actions of the mugwort can be used in the fight against diseases of the digestive organs, kidneys, liver, as well as to overcome chronic fatigue, insomnia, alcohol dependence. Taking preparations with the extract of this plant helps to improve brain activity and increases resistance to stress.

The benefits of St. John's wort

The fact that the herb yarrow is useful, knows more than one generation. Many recipes of folk medicine testify to the value of the considered plant. A properly composed treatment regimen with the use of yarrow extract allows you to overcome a number of diseases, including chronic ones, as well as improve the overall condition of the body. Consider the effect of this herb on the female and male body, as well as the question of whether to use drugs based on it for pregnant women and children.

For women

The herb gentian herb is mainly used to eliminate such gynecological problems as painful and too abundant menstruation, hormonal system malfunctions, disorders of the genital organs. Also, the herb helps regulate the menstrual cycle and, as a consequence, early pregnancy. To this end, decoctions, infusions and teas based on the plant are used. To eliminate painful symptoms in cystitis, inflammation of the uterus and ovaries, as well as other diseases of the genitourinary system, pharmacy preparations based on goldenseal extract are used.

For men

Mugwort can be indicated for men for use in a variety of diseases accompanied by pain syndrome. This herb has soothing, analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects. It can be prescribed for disorders of the genitourinary organs and hormonal malfunctions. But more often than not, the marshmallow is advised to drink for men suffering from alcohol addiction. This problem, although it occurs in some women, but most often it concerns the male part of the population. For the treatment of alcoholism are used as pharmacy medicines based on the extract of this plant, as well as folk methods that involve brewing teas, preparing infusions and decoctions.

When breastfeeding

Breastfeeding women are allowed to use tea on the basis of goldenseal in the absence of allergies to this plant both in the mother herself and in the baby. To brew the tea, take 1 tbsp of crushed dried raw materials and pour a mug (200 ml) of boiling water, then infuse for 2 hours. Before using, the tea should be heated. This remedy can increase lactation, as well as help in the fight against infectious diseases and colds.

In Pregnancy

Before considering the benefits of gentian for pregnant women, it is important to note that in the first trimester this herb is strictly contraindicated. This is due to the fact that the plant contains substances that cause the uterus to tone up, which can provoke a miscarriage. This property can be used when pregnancy is overdue, in order to trigger labor activity.

Mugwort can help pregnant women overcome such an unpleasant condition as heartburn, which is quite common in the second and third trimesters. To eliminate heartburn, unpleasant feelings "under the spoon", fever and a feeling of fullness of the stomach, the herbal infusion of Milk thistle is used. It is prepared as follows: Pour 10 grams of dried material in boiling water (250 ml), insist for a day, then strain well through several layers of gauze and use 1 tbsp three times a day for half an hour before eating.

For children

It is not uncommon for young children to suffer from epileptic seizures, twitches and seizures that are of a nervous nature. And examinations by doctors may not show any physiological health problems. In such cases, these symptoms may be the result of birth trauma, fright, or even epilepsy. Doctors may prescribe serious medication, although in fact, everything can be solved much easier. The fact is that small children often have worm infestations in any internal organs, which are almost impossible to detect by performing the usual set of tests. In order to eliminate most types of worms in children can be used.

To prepare the drug will need 1 tbsp of dried herbs, which pour a mug (200 ml) of boiling water and insist for 8 hours. This remedy to give a child 1 tbsp. before main meals (about 3-5 times) for 3-4 days, repeating the course in three months, if necessary. If there is no improvement, you should definitely visit your doctor for a more detailed examination and to find out the cause of such symptoms.

Mugwort in medicine

St. John's wort is a valuable herb for humans, which has been used for many centuries. This plant is used not only in folk medicine, but also in traditional medicine. The extract of yarrow helps in the fight against the following disorders of normal functioning of the body:

• Intestinal disorders, in particular - diarrhea, diarrhea, difficulty in digesting food, etc;
• lack of appetite;
• Stagnation of bile and other diseases of the gallbladder;
• Various infectious diseases;
• internal and external bleeding;
• poor blood clotting;
• certain stomach ailments;
• pyelonephritis and other kidney diseases;
• cystitis, inflammation of the genitourinary organs;
• painful symptoms of various conditions;
• nervous exhaustion, insomnia;
• Headaches caused by mental stress;
• gynecological diseases;
• alcohol abuse.

The broad list of indications for the use of marshmallow speaks to the extraordinary value of this plant. Let's consider the most common cases in which the considered medicinal herb can be used.

From alcoholism

It is generally believed that alcoholism in most cases is a disease that, once appeared, will accompany a person for the rest of his life. All kinds of methods are used in the fight against alcoholism, from medication to treatment with a psychotherapist and hypnosis. But not everyone knows that you can overcome the problem of alcohol dependence quite simply - with the help of marshmallow. This plant was used several centuries ago to combat drunkenness, and quite successfully. Use it and modern folk healers.

St. John's wort has practically no contraindications, but this does not mean that it can be used without prior consultation with a doctor. In some cases, this plant can be detrimental to health, for example, with tachycardia and other heart conditions, individual intolerance, etc. It is also essential to be able to choose the right raw material, to prepare a remedy with the right concentration of medicinal components, as well as to apply in the appropriate dosage to achieve a positive effect.

There are several options for preparing medicines to combat alcoholism on the basis of goldenseal:

1. The decoction is prepared as follows: 2 tbsp. Pour a glass of dry raw materials and heat in a water bath for 15 minutes, then strain. The resulting composition is divided into three parts and used during the day, repeating the treatment for 10 days. Repeat the course after a week break.
2. Mugwort with wormwood: Take dried wormwood (0.5 tbsp.) and mugwort (2 tbsp.), pour 0.5 liter boiling water and leave to simmer on low heat for 10 minutes, then remove from heat and infuse for about an hour. The resulting decoction to take a little - a quarter cup three times a day for a week. Then take a week break and repeat the course again.
3. Decoction of marshmallow and thyme: Take 1 tbsp. each of these herbs, pour 1 liter of boiling water, leave for an hour (preferably in a thermos), then strain. Drink 2 sips three times a day for 10 days, repeating the course once a month if necessary.

The above prescriptions work in a similar way: the patient begins to feel an aversion to alcohol, expressed in attacks of hand tremors, nausea and even vomiting when drinking alcoholic beverages. The person begins to be frightened by the symptoms that appear and eventually stops drinking alcohol. A natural reflex develops: after drinking alcohol, you begin to feel unwell.

For the Kidneys

There is a recipe for folk medicine for pyelonephritis and kidney stones on the basis of goldenseal. To prepare a decoction, you must take 1 tbsp. of the following herbs: lovage, rosemary and yarrow, combine, pour 1 liter of boiling water, leave in a thermos for 2 hours, then strain. Take a medicine of 100 ml three times a day. This complex of herbs is the basis of the well-known drug "Kanefron", which is prescribed to patients with pyelonephritis, as well as patients suffering from edema associated with difficulties in the elimination of fluid from the body.

Also, St. John's wort is used for bedwetting in adults and children after 3 years of age. To prepare a medicine according to the folk recipe will need 1 tbsp of dry crushed plant and the same amount of dried St. John's wort. Pour the resulting mixture in 0.4 liters of boiling water and leave in a thermos for 2-3 hours. Use the resulting remedy for a day, dividing it into 3-4 servings. For flavor you can add a teaspoon of honey or sugar. Before using this remedy, especially for the treatment of urinary incontinence in children, be sure to consult with your doctor.

In rheumatoid arthritis.

Relieve the condition of a patient with rheumatoid arthritis can be used with a remedy prepared on the basis of the following herbs: St. John's wort, valerian (root), chamomile flowers. Take all the ingredients in equal proportions, separate 15 g of the mixture and pour a glass of boiling water over it. Then put on a low heat, heat for half an hour, then cool and strain through a sieve or gauze. The finished medicine is divided into three portions and drink during the day.

It is important to remember that rheumatoid arthritis is a serious disease, the treatment of which consists of the use of appropriate medicines. Folk recipes can only serve as a concomitant treatment of arthritis, but not the main one.

In colitis

Colitis is an inflammatory disease in the colon, accompanied by unpleasant symptoms such as intestinal pain, stool problems, bloating, discomfort, etc. It is possible to overcome this condition with the help of marshmallow. To prepare the remedy, you will need 1 tbsp. dried herb, as well as 1 tbsp. each of sage and dried chamomile flowers. All ingredients combine, pour 200 ml of boiling water and leave for about half an hour, then strain. The resulting remedy should be used by 1 tbsp. every two hours for one month. The positive effect will be noticeable in the first days after the beginning of the use of this infusion.

For cystitis

Since cystitis refers to an inflammatory disease, the herb yarrow can be used to treat it. This plant has pronounced anti-inflammatory properties, which makes it indispensable in the fight against cystitis. The positive effect of yarrow on the state of the urogenital tract has long been known, as evidenced by the inclusion of this herb in such medicines as "Cyston" and "Kanefron".

There is a folk recipe for the treatment of cystitis: 2 tbsp. dried raw materials to pour a mug (200 ml) of boiling water and insist for a day. Then strain the infusion through gauze, divide it into 3-4 portions and drink for a day. Also this infusion can be successfully used for douches for cystitis and added to the bath. Already after 3-5 procedures the patient will notice a significant improvement in his condition.

Pancreatitis

Inflammatory process in the pancreas is a fairly common disease. Regardless of the cause of this condition, in the treatment of pancreatitis can be used St. John's wort, which has anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, analgesic and antiseptic properties.

To prepare the medicine, take 1 tbsp of dry plant, pour 200 ml of boiling water, leave for half an hour, then strain and take no more than 1/3 cup three times a day. The course of intake is 2-4 weeks, after which a break should follow for 1-2 months.

However, it should be understood that the acute or chronic form of this disease requires a different treatment, which will use serious medical drugs. In this regard, self-treatment of pancreatitis should be preceded by a visit to an endocrinologist. This is a prerequisite, non-compliance with which can cause complications of the disease and provoke the development of other ailments on the basis of the existing condition.

For hemorrhoids.

St. John's wort can be used to treat hemorrhoids, as this herb has analgesic, anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic effects. To get rid of unpleasant symptoms helps both decoction and infusion, tea and other forms of medication based on this plant. Moreover, yarrow can be used at all stages of the disease, but the best effect can be achieved in the treatment of hemorrhoids in the initial stage. Lingering disease should be treated only medically, and independently prepared means on the basis of yarrow can only be auxiliary methods of combating hemorrhoids.

From worms

To get rid of worms that affect the intestines and other organs, you can use yarrow, cumin sandy and tansy dwarf. These plants should be combined in equal proportions, take 15 grams of the mixture, pour a glass of boiling water and leave for 1-2 hours to infuse. After that, strain the liquid and use 1 tbsp. three times a day before meals. Positive effect will come after 7-10 days from the drug. The course can be repeated not earlier than a month.

Hepatitis

In the treatment of hepatitis can be used such folk remedy as infusion of Milk Thistle. To prepare this medicine, you need to take 1 tbsp. of dried leaves and stems of the herb, pour 1 liter of boiling water, leave for half an hour, then strain. The resulting remedy to take a third of a glass before meals throughout the day (3-4 times).

Types of healing compositions with Goldenseal

Folk healers from generation to generation pass on some recipes for making medicinal compositions to combat a number of diseases. These are infusions, tinctures, decoctions, teas and wine. Recipes for their preparation do not require special skills and devices, so medicinal compositions with Milk thistle are available to everyone. Consider the most common ways of preparing folk remedies on the basis of the considered plant.

Infusion

To prepare an infusion of yarrow will require 10 g of dried raw materials, which should be brewed in a glass of boiling water, leave in a thermos for a day to infuse, after which the infusion can be used as directed, preliminarily strained. Take an infusion of Milk thistle three times a day for 50 ml.

Tincture .

In the fight against alcohol dependence, use a tincture of goldwort. It is prepared as follows: 50 g of dried raw materials grind into a powder, pour 0.5 liters of alcohol, leave in a dark place to insist for 21 days, the finished remedy to strain. Take a tincture of 10 drops three times a day before a meal. The course can be repeated not earlier than 2 weeks.

Decoction

A decoction of Milk Thistle is made from 1.5 tablespoons of dried herb and 1 liter of water. Boil the water, put the plant in it and simmer for 20 minutes over low heat. When the decoction is ready, you need to strain it. Take 2 tbsp. before main meals.

Tea

A tea made with goldenseal is prepared in the same way as other herbal teas. Pour 1 tbsp. of the plant in a mug (200-250 ml) of boiling water and then simply infuse for 15-20 minutes. The resulting drink should be consumed three times a day for 1/3 cup.

Wine .

In the treatment and prevention of certain diseases is used wine from goldenseal and peppermint. To make it, you need to take 30 grams each of these herbs, add one lemon, cut into small pieces and pour 1 liter of white wine over the mixture. If you want to make a drink, choose a container so that there is no empty space left in it. Soak the wine for 10 days in a dark room, and then use 100-120 grams once a day for a week. This remedy is shown with impaired appetite, anemia, reduced immunity, chronic fatigue.

Goldenseal Applications in Cosmetology

St. John's wort is often used for cosmetic purposes. This plant promotes skin regeneration, smoothing wrinkles, as well as faster hair growth. Among the folk recipes for beauty with the use of grapeseed should be highlighted:

1. Decoction to accelerate hair growth. The remedy is prepared as follows: 2 tbsp of dried herbs pour 0.4 l of water, boil over low heat for 3 minutes, then cool and strain. The resulting decoction should be applied to the roots of the hair massaging movements twice a day.
2. A unique plant is used to eliminate age spots and freckles on the skin. To prepare a remedy, you need to take 2 tbsp. Infusion of marshmallow, dilute them with 2 liters of water and put over a medium heat. Boil the remedy until it reduces its volume by half. After that, strain, soak a cotton pad in it and apply to the problem area for 15-20 minutes.
3. To prevent the appearance of wrinkles and make already appeared age-related changes in the skin less noticeable, you can use the oil of Milk thistle. It should be applied to the face, hold for 20-30 minutes, then rinse or blot with a cotton pad.

Oil of goldenseal: benefits and uses

Oil with extract of yarrow is actively used for cosmetic purposes. It is used externally to improve regeneration, as well as to give the skin elasticity and prolong youthfulness. Oil of yarrow should be rubbed into the skin with massaging movements every evening after taking a bath or shower for 10 days. If necessary, the course can be repeated after a month.

Contraindications for use

Despite the fact that the mugwort is quite harmless plant, it has a number of contraindications. Thus, the use of this herb and medicines based on it is prohibited:

• during pregnancy (can provoke a miscarriage);
• Individual intolerance to the components of the plant;
• Peptic ulcer and gastritis in the acute stage;
• In the presence of excess weight.

If there are doubts about whether it is possible to use the means on the basis of yarrow, it is necessary to consult a doctor and, if necessary, undergo appropriate examination. It should be remembered that in some cases, folk medicine can only be a supplement to the main treatment, but by no means its replacement.

Photo of goldenseal