Adam root: medicinal properties and application

Where did the name of the Adam root plant come from - an entertaining legend tells. Allegedly, Adam, strolling in the Garden of Eden, did not notice the sticking old roots and stumbled. The result of this awkwardness was a wounded leg. His faithful wife and girlfriend Eve, in search of a natural potion, accidentally found a previously unknown creeper. The girl decided to try to help her beloved using this plant. It turned out that her intuition did not disappoint, and Eve found the correct way to apply it: she cut the root and put it on the wound, and then fixed it with a bandage. Due to the unique properties of the creeper, Adam's sore leg healed quite soon. And since that time, the Adam root has been widely used by folk healers in the Caucasus.

Chemical composition

The scientific name of the Adam root is the common tamus (or ordinary dioscorea). Biologists have found that all parts of the plant - both underground and aboveground - are rich in biologically active substances and compounds.

1. So, in the tamus contains saponins and tannins, due to which the liana has an anti-inflammatory effect. The presence of pectins gives the plant the ability to activate blood circulation, and purify the blood and help strengthen blood vessels steroid substances contained in the adam root.
2. The natural pigment lycopene gives antioxidant properties to tamus, while tertiary compounds and mucus accelerate the regeneration of mucous membranes and relieve inflammation and irritation.
3. The roots of the plant are saturated with natural acids, including formic, which is a good stimulator of cellular metabolism, oxalic, which supplies the human body with iron and magnesium, as well as brinol, which is involved in the regulation of lipid metabolism.
4. Adam's root contains fatty oils that help relieve pain due to the ability to act on nerve endings.
5. Essential oils and resins are also components of the Adam root. In addition, the list of useful substances of the plant includes trace elements and carbohydrates that have a histamine effect.
6. The tamus contains a group of substances, due to which the plant is classified as poisonous: these are alkaloids, coumarins and glycosides. With proper use and dosage, they have a therapeutic effect, but uncontrolled use can cause hallucinations, impaired heart activity - even death.

How it looks and where it grows

Adam’s root is a perennial plant that is herbaceous, but it doesn’t look like grass at all, since it grows up to 4 m. and creeps up to the sun.

The leaves of the plant have the shape of a very pointed egg, they are medium in size - about 10 cm in length, are attached to long petioles and are arranged alternately on the stem. The leaves are serrated or carved along the edge, slightly rough to the touch.

Tamus is a dioecious plant, that is, male and female flowers are formed on different individuals, and are cross-pollinated. Unisexual flowers are medium-sized, with a simple perianth of a yellowish-greenish hue. Flowers are collected in inflorescences, which are brushes: male - long enough, female - shorter and plainer. Flowering begins depending on the area where the vine grows - from April to June.

Fruits - round red berries about 1 cm in diameter, you can see them already starting in July.Inside each berry, from 3 to 6 round red-brown seeds are approximately 3 mm in size. The fruits are highly toxic. Therefore, they should never be consumed inside.

The tamus is characterized by a very thick, juicy and fleshy tuberous root. It has a rod-shaped shape, can be divided into 2 or even 3 separate rods in the depth of the soil. Inside it is snowy white, clean, juicy and as if even oily, greasy to the touch. Outside, it is brown or brown in color and is covered with numerous accessory roots. The root can grow up to 1 m in length, in an old plant its weight can reach 15 kg.

In the nature of Adam, the root prefers forest mountainous terrain. Most of the 600 plant species settle in the tropics, but there are varieties that take root in mountainous-wooded areas with a temperate climate. It is found in Mediterranean and Asian countries, in the northern regions of Africa, in Eastern Europe, including occasionally - and in Ukraine, Moldova, Belarus. On the territory of Russia grows in the Crimea and the Caucasus.

You can grow a tamus in the middle lane under certain conditions. Although the plant is quite frost-resistant, it is better to cover it in case of a snowy frosty winter - much like roses cover it.

It should be noted that the Adam root does not tolerate excessive jamming of the soil, although it loves moist soil. Drainage during planting is mandatory, it is necessary to add lime under the plant. So that the soil does not dry out too quickly, it is better to plant it in partial shade, water it regularly and be sure to mulch the soil. In autumn, when the shoots die off, the plant needs to be cut short, and next year shoots will again appear from the root.

Subject to these simple rules, you can grow a vine, which will become a real decoration of the garden.

Collection and storage

For medicinal purposes, tamus root is usually used. Raw materials are harvested when there are no green shoots. Theoretically, it can be both spring and autumn. But in the spring it is difficult to find a root in the ground, therefore it is better to do this immediately after the shoots are cut, starting from September until the frosts.

Since Adam root juice usually causes irritation on the skin, you need to prepare for its excavation: wear long-sleeved clothing and tight rubber gloves. It will take a long time to dig, because the root is long and goes deep into the soil. In addition, he clings tightly to rocky soil and intertwines with the rhizomes of other plants. Perhaps that is why people gave Adam the root another name - the cross.

As soon as the root is dug, you need to thoroughly shake it off the ground and rinse thoroughly. After that, cut into thin plates with a length of not more than 8 cm and dry. It can, of course, be decomposed in a well-blown place. But, as practice shows, in the autumn season or in the early spring, when the collection of medicinal raw materials is in progress, the weather is usually unimportant: it rains frequently, cold mornings with dews are possible. Therefore, raw materials can begin to deteriorate - to mold or rot. It makes sense to dry the root in an electric dryer at a minimum temperature. Finished raw materials are bitter, dark colored hard pieces.

For long-term storage, the raw materials must be stored in a warm, dry room, where in a linen bag or glass container it will not lose its useful properties within 2 years. If you need to keep the root fresh, it is cleaned in the refrigerator. But such raw materials are stored no longer than a month.

The healing properties of Adam's root

Of course, the story of the biblical Adam and Eve and the name of the Adam root is just a beautiful fairy tale. But the fact that the plant has been used by traditional healers in the Caucasus since ancient times is a historical fact. The rest of the world learned about its healing properties much later - already in the XVII century. And documentary evidence about the use of the Adam root for medicinal purposes appeared another century later, when Kristofor Gufeland, the life doctor of King Prussia, described its properties in scientific articles, emphasizing that the plant is effective for lung diseases and other diseases.

And to this day, not only folk, but also official medicine recognizes the Adam root as a medicinal plant. Its use is based on the ability of tamus to stimulate local blood circulation, as well as intestinal motility, thereby improving the digestive system. He uses medicine and the plant’s ability to accelerate tissue regeneration, stop blood flow, provide general strengthening, antioxidant, antitussive and diuretic effects, as well as reduce swelling.

Based on these healing properties of adams, the root can be used to treat bronchitis and various inflammations: middle ear, bladder and kidneys, uterine appendages, pneumonia. The plant’s effectiveness for alleviating hemorrhoids and varicose veins, as well as for treating stomach ulcers as an additional tool, is recognized. Adam root is used to get rid of warts and eczema.

Particular attention of doctors deserved the opportunity to use Adam root in various diseases of bone tissues, ligaments, muscles and joints, as well as with exacerbation of inflammatory processes in the nerve endings. Medicinal formulations prepared using tamus have analgesic effects in rheumatism, radiculitis, osteochondrosis, calcaneal spur, dislocations and sprains, gout, arthritis, arthrosis and sciatica. And the high content of minerals provides a speedy recovery after bruises and bone fractures. The ability to stimulate tissue regeneration is in demand when you need to quickly get rid of bruises, bruises, and heal wounds.

The use of Adam's root in medicine

Of the medicinal plants of adams, doctors recommend the root primarily when it comes to joint diseases or disorders in the circulatory system. Tamus has a high ability to relieve pain - stronger than other natural remedies - and therefore it is especially advised to those patients for whom pharmaceutical preparations are categorically contraindicated for any reason.

In medical practice, most often they use funds from dried or fresh plant roots, much less often from leaves. The root, as a rule, is used crushed to a powder state. Usually, infusion and tincture, balm and decoction or ointment are made from medicinal raw materials. Apply these compounds externally, rubbing the sore spot or making a compress, poultice and lotion. Sometimes use means with an adam root during the massage.

Inside, healing compounds are also used, but with special care, since the plant is poisonous. The main thing is not to exceed the prescribed dosage and frequency of administration.

In the Adam pharmacy, the root is sold in dry form, crushed to a powder state, and also as a tincture for alcohol.

Massage Oil

To prepare massage oil, you need to fill in 50 grams of dry powder from the Adam root with half a liter of sunflower oil (with a smell, unrefined). Insist remedy for two weeks in the refrigerator. Filter is not necessary! Use this oil to rub and massage the sore spots with varicose veins, bruises. Effectively also for the gentle elimination of pain in joint diseases.

Bruise remedy

Biblical Eve used roughly this recipe to cure Adam's leg. He needs a fresh root of the plant, which you need to grate or just finely chop with a knife. Scalp the resulting mass with boiling water, immediately wrap in gauze and put on a sore spot - a bruise or abrasion. If there is no time or opportunity to deal with boiling water, you can simply sprinkle the wound with dry powder of Adam's root. The effect will also be good.

Rheumatism Compress

To eliminate joint pain with rheumatism or pain in the lower back with sciatica, you can make a compress. To prepare it, you need to pour 2 tablespoons of chopped dry Adam root in a glass of boiled water. Cover the container with a saucer or a lid and let stand for 10 minutes to allow the medicine to evaporate a little. Then drain the water, and wrap the roots in gauze or a cotton cloth. Apply a compress to the sore spot and hold for about an hour. Repeat this procedure 2 or 3 times a day, the medicinal raw material should be warm, just steamed. This tool is not forbidden to use at least every day for a long time.

Radiculitis tincture

In addition to radiculitis, this tool can be used for rheumatism, diseases of the joints and ligaments.

You need to take 200 grams of dry chopped Adam root. Pour the medicinal plant in a dark glass container with a half liter of good vodka. Insist 12-15 days at room temperature, preferably in a closet, in order to avoid sunlight. During this time, the contents of the container must be mixed or shaken.

It is better to apply the obtained tincture before bedtime: rub the sore spot and wrap it with a warm scarf or scarf. It is allowed to repeat this procedure daily.

For joint treatment

For the preparation of medicinal compounds from the Adam root, other components can be used that enhance the effect of the plant’s beneficial substances. So, you can supplement the root with honey. For this, you need to take 300 grams of honey for 50 grams of dried powdered medicinal raw materials, mix the ingredients well.

Wipe the diseased joint with alcohol or vodka and spread with the resulting mixture. Then close the joint area with a polyethylene film and wrap it with a warm scarf or scarf. Keep this compress for 3 hours.

From warts

Grind the adam root to a powder state, you can take the finished pharmacy powder. Mix it thoroughly with boric ointment and apply to the wart. Bandage on top. After a day, replace the bandage with a fresh one. Repeat until the wart turns black.

The same recipe is suitable for use in dermatitis and eczema.

Hemorrhoids infusion

0.5 teaspoon of Adam root powder pour a glass of boiled water. Ready infusion in 3 hours. Drink it inside 3 times a day - 1 tablespoon. In difficult cases, it is permissible to increase the frequency of admission up to 5 times, but no more - and then after agreement with the doctor. The duration of treatment is 3 weeks, after which you need to take a break for a week, after which the course is repeated.

Traditional healers claim that this same tool has a positive effect for the treatment of rheumatism and impotence.

From stomatitis

To gargle with angina or oral cavity with stomatitis, gingivitis shows the infusion of a medicinal plant. Its concentration should be higher than for oral administration. That is, in a glass of boiling water you need to take a full, with a slide, a teaspoon of dried Adam root powder. Brew, insist 3 hours - and you can start rinsing.

Tincture for blood vessels

Tincture will help strengthen blood vessels for those suffering from varicose veins, as well as patients who have had a stroke.

Pour 300 ml of high-quality vodka 1 tablespoon of Adam root crushed to a powdery state. Insist in a dark place, shaking every day. After 10 days, you can take it, diluting 10 drops in half a glass of water. Drink in the mornings and evenings, 10 minutes before a meal. You can be treated for a month, then take a break for 2 weeks and repeat the treatment. The number of courses is unlimited.

From varicose veins

It helps to bring blood vessels to normal by a remedy, which, in addition to the Adam root, includes horse chestnut and Japanese Sophora. It is necessary to take 1 teaspoon of powder from the root and 1 tablespoon of the fruits of Sophora and crushed chestnut bark. Pour a mixture of medicinal plants with a glass of boiling water. Insist for 3 hours, covering with a warm blanket. Take 1 tablespoon before each meal, that is, 3-4 times a day.

Stomach ulcer

Grind dry Adam root to a powder and mix with butter and honey. Take all components equally - 1 tablespoon. The resulting mixture is 1 teaspoon before each full meal - breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Cystitis

Cystitis is more pleasant to treat with tincture of Adam's root on wine. To do this, pour 100 grams of raw material into a bottle of red dry wine. You can use both dried root and fresh. It is not necessary to bring it to a state of powder, it is rather small to chop it. Insist for at least 3 days, strain and store in the refrigerator. It would be good if this tool is always available in the home arsenal, if there is a penchant for cystitis. For bouts of illness, drink wine tincture, 1 tablespoon after each meal.

From infertility

This recipe is suitable for both women and men, and not the roots are used for the preparation of the healing product, but the green part of the plant - the stems and leaves.

Grind greens, take 1 tablespoon and pour a glass of boiling water, then leave under the lid for 3-4 hours. When the composition is infused, strain it and drink 4 times a day.

From inflammation of the appendages

In the treatment of inflammation of the female genital area, tincture is recommended, which is made from 1 tablespoon of fresh, finely chopped root and 0.5 liter of alcohol. Insist remedy 10 days. Then it is necessary to strain, it can be stored at room temperature, but in a dark cabinet. Drink 30 minutes after eating. For a single dose, 1 tablespoon of tincture should be diluted in half a glass of boiled water.

To strengthen the body

For a general strengthening of the body, raising the tone, prepare a tincture on white wine. Pour 100 grams of dry raw material into a bottle of wine and leave for 3 weeks. The main thing is not to forget that this is a medicine, therefore you can not go too far with it. Drink after filtering with therapeutic doses - 30 grams no more than 3 times a day.

Types of healing compounds

In adam pharmacies, the root is sold in the form of a ready-made dry powder and balm for the treatment of joints. But you can prepare medicines at home, on your own.

Infusion

Least of all side effects, including allergic reactions, gives a composition such as infusion. It can be used inside, and make compresses and lotions with it for the treatment of many diseases. In infusion, it is easier to adjust the concentration of other dosage forms.

To prepare a classic infusion of 0.5 teaspoon of dried chopped Adam root pour a glass of boiling water and insist under a closed lid for 2 hours. Strain and can be used. The recommended dose for oral administration is 1 tablespoon 3 times a day, preferably after a meal.

Tincture

Tinctures from Adam's root can be made with alcohol, vodka or oil. To alleviate the condition with joint pathologies, relieve pain, tinctures prepared with vodka are most suitable. We must remember the general rule: alcohol tinctures are infused in a dark glass dish in a place where direct sunlight does not fall. Under the influence of light, the root loses its beneficial properties.

1. Pour 200 grams of dried raw material into a bottle of vodka (500 ml). Insist a week, then can be used for grinding. If you intend to take the tincture inside, for the same amount of vodka you need to take 100 grams of root.
2. Pour 400 grams of dried crushed Adam root with 1 liter of alcohol. Insist 2 weeks in a cool place. Shake the container from time to time. It is better to use the finished product by applying it not to the skin, but to gauze or cotton cloth, which is then applied to the sore spot.
3. Oil tincture is prepared from 50 grams of crushed dry Adam's root and 1 liter of vegetable oil. Insist 10 days in a cool place.Use externally - to relieve pain during sprain, bruise or sciatica.
4. As an alternative to vodka or alcohol, you can use dry wine as the basis of tincture. The proportion is as follows: for 100 grams of dried root - 500 ml of wine. You can add a drop of honey. This tincture is good for treating kidney ailments and excretory system.

Ointment

An ointment with an adam root is suitable for heating, it is also effective in relieving pain in joints, muscles and ligaments. To prepare the ointment, you need a fresh root of the plant. It must be grated and mixed with petroleum jelly or massage gel. For 100 grams of gel or petroleum jelly take 10 grams of grated root. Store ointment in the refrigerator.

The joint area should be rubbed with home ointment and insulated with a woolen scarf or scarf.

Poultices

According to patients, poultices from the Adam root help relieve muscle or rheumatic pain, relieve aching calcaneal spur, relieve bruising or sprains, inflammation of the sciatic nerve.

To prepare a poultice, pour 2 tablespoons of chopped root with boiling water and wait 10 minutes until it soaks. Then drain the water, and wrap the hot raw materials in gauze or a cotton rag and apply for a couple of hours to a sore joint or muscle.

Contraindications

Patients who use adam root usually respond to the medicinal plant in a positive way. But still, every therapeutic agent has contraindications. First of all, you do not need to take formulations prepared from the Adam root, to nursing mothers and pregnant women. External use - in the form of compresses, lotions, rubbing - is allowed, but it is necessary to reduce the concentration of the starting agent by 2 times.

As a rule, in a number of people, individual intolerance of tamus components can be detected. To avoid serious allergic reactions, they are better off not using products based on this plant.

Healing formulations from the Adam root are also contraindicated for cancer patients.

In addition, during the use of funds from this medicinal plant, the recommended dosage must be strictly observed. Excessive intake can cause vomiting, diarrhea, loss of strength, dizziness.

We must not forget that the berries of the Adam root are poisonous, they can neither be used inside nor used for external use: skin burns are possible.

Children under 3 years old should not be given drugs made from Adam's root, since there is no data on their safety. It is better not to risk the health of the child.