Adonis: medicinal properties and contraindications

Adonis is a plant that belongs to the Ranunculaceae family. You can meet him in regions with a temperate climate, since it does not tolerate heat. There is a legend according to which Adonis (king of Crete) died on a hunt and doused flowers with blood. However, red flowers are rare, most often they are saturated yellow. The shoots of a flower can be either simple or branched. The foliage is narrow, feathery. The diameter of the flowers rarely exceeds 6 cm. Depending on the species, both the shape of the petals and their number can change.

Gardeners became interested in this plant at the end of the 17th century. Then it began to appear in gardens and parks.

Chemical composition

Adonis contains a large number of various elements and substances that have different effects on the body. Do not forget that in any part of the flower there are substances that are toxic to humans, so you need to handle adonis carefully. The following components were found in it:

1. Tannins. They are widespread in plants and have a significant effect on the body. First, tannins can fight diarrhea, dysbiosis, and other bowel diseases. Secondly, they have antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects.
2. Ascorbic acid. This is one of the most important organic substances for the body. It helps strengthen immunity, restores strength and normalizes metabolic processes.
3. Choline (Vitamin B). Another indispensable element for the body, which ensures the normal functioning of the nervous system. In addition, it cleanses blood vessels, regulates the liver and pancreas, and also improves memory.
4. Flavonoids. They have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, in addition, they positively affect the work of the entire cardiovascular system. Flavonoids prevent the development of chronic heart diseases, lower blood cholesterol, and thus prevent blood clots.
5. Coumarins. In large quantities, they are dangerous. Coumarins are found in many products, and exceeding the recommended dose can lead to serious consequences, up to stop breathing. Nevertheless, in moderate amounts, they positively affect the state of the blood and make the walls of blood vessels more durable.
6. Organic acids. Most often they are rich in fruits. Acids have a pronounced antipyretic, immunostimulating, antibacterial, choleretic and anti-inflammatory effect. The composition of adonis includes acetic, formic and citric acid.
7. Carotene. Thanks to carotene, vitamin A is formed in the liver, which plays an important role in maintaining the body healthy. Everyone knows about the benefits of vitamin A for vision, but few people know that, in addition, it promotes tissue growth, accelerating wound healing, and improves the functioning of the immune system. Carotene is also an antioxidant.
8. Glycosides (cardenolides). Stimulate the work of the heart and often become the basis of drugs.
9. Phytosterols. This is a plant analog of cholesterol, which improves the condition of the coronary system of the body. Phytosterols also help eliminate cholesterol and strengthen the immune system. In some cases, they can lower blood sugar and stop inflammation.

How it looks and where it grows

The species and habitat depend on the species.Some adapted to live in Siberia, others grow in the south. However, they have some common features. For example, the leaves of all are thin, split and oblong, somewhat reminiscent of dill. The height of the plants does not exceed 60–70 cm, and the flowers themselves are small. Adonis is white, yellow and red.

Kinds

There are many types of adonis. The most common are:

1. Summer This species is common in western Europe, central Asia, southern Russia and the Caucasus. The plant does not exceed 50 cm in height, has straight stems. The leaves are thin, oblong, single flowers, do not exceed 3 cm in diameter. This is a unique red flower with a dark spot closer to the base. It begins to bloom in May.
2. Amursky. The name speaks for itself - the flower is common in the East, particularly in Japan. Most often grows in forest glades, but it can also be found on the sea coast. The leaves are long, pinnate, the height of the flower does not exceed 30–40 cm. Vegetation ends around July. He is very capricious to air temperature, at the slightest cooling, the flowers close.
3. Fluffy. It grows in Kazakhstan and some areas of Siberia. It occurs in the steppes, usually near rocks or stones. The stems are single and fluffy, the leaves - as in other species.
4. Spring. Distributed in the European part of Russia, Ukraine and Belarus. It can be found even in some regions of Siberia. Mostly grows in the steppes and forests. In Western Europe, this species is rare, and in Germany it almost disappeared. The flower is rich yellow, diameter does not exceed 8 cm. Adonis spring grows up to 30–40 cm in height.
5. Volzhsky. It grows to 30–35 cm in height. The stems of the flower are straight, divided approximately in the middle. The leaves are divided into oblong lobes, the flowers have a pale yellow tint and do not exceed 5 cm in diameter.
6. Siberian. It can reach a height of 60 cm. The plant itself has several stems converging at the base. The leaves are thin, divided, the flowers are rich yellow, grow up to 6 cm in diameter. It begins to bloom in late spring and early summer. Distributed in Siberia along the rivers Irkut, Lena and Belaya. Most often found in forest glades.
7. Turkestan. A plant with winding stems, which can reach a height of 70 cm. The leaves are lanceolate, pointed at the ends and divided. They have a bluish tint on the outside, and yellow-orange on the inside. The diameter of the flowers does not exceed 3 cm, the petals are elongated. Widely distributed in Central Asia.

Collection and storage

For medicinal purposes, spring adonis is used. For treatment, you can use both leaves and flowers. However, one must not forget that any plant is poisonous in its entirety; excessive consumption can cause health problems.

The most effective treatment is adonis, which grows in the steppe. This is due to the activity of the plant. Also, for medicinal purposes, you need to collect raw materials from large and powerful bushes.

It is important to prune the plant correctly so as not to damage the roots 10-15 cm above the ground and have time to collect the raw materials at the end of flowering until the flowers begin to fall. During this period, it exhibits high biological activity. It is important to collect it away from roads and other artificial structures in sunny weather.

Further, it is important to dry the plant in a timely manner. This can be done using special dryers at a temperature of no more than 60 degrees or in the attic. To do this, spread a dense fabric or paper, and put adonis in a uniform layer. In the attic there must be a window so that there is access to fresh air, and moderate humidity. The color indicates the correctness of the drying of raw materials. The flowers should remain yellow and the stems greenish. In good weather, you can dry the plant on the street under a canopy.

You can store the medicine in a glass container or cloth bag. A dried plant can be stored for no more than 1 year. Due to its toxicity, care must be taken not to store Adonis near foods and other herbs.

The healing properties of Adonis spring

In many pharmacies you can find medicines, the main component of which is this particular plant. Pharmaceutical companies around the world use it to treat heart problems. In traditional medicine, the benefits of adonis have been known for a long time, but its use is associated with the risk of poisoning, so care must be taken.

Since ancient times, it has been used to treat dropsy. Nowadonis is one of the important components of drugs for people with problems of the cardiovascular system. Basically, medicines based on this plant are used for heart failure or heart neurosis.

Drugs with bromine and adonis are prescribed for insomnia and excessive excitability of the nervous system. It is also prescribed for epilepsy and vegetative dystonia.

Adonis is valued because its active substances accumulate less in the body. The plant has a weak diuretic effect, so it can cope with congestion. This makes it useful for swelling.

In folk medicine, this flower has found application in the treatment of other diseases. Decoctions and infusions are used for shortness of breath, convulsions, jade and infectious diseases. Lotions from the infusion of adonis can relieve inflammatory processes in the muscles. This flower is also a component of herbal buds for the kidneys.

Adonis in folk medicine

Adonis has been widely used in folk medicine. Traditional medicine uses it as a component for heart medications. In folk medicine, tinctures and decoctions are used to treat many other diseases. It is used for kidney disease, inflammatory processes in the body, bronchitis, dropsy, etc.

For thyroid problems

Such a collection is an effective remedy for goiter, for its preparation you will need:

• Adonis;
• violet;
• pharmacy chamomile;
• oregano;
• mint;
• calendula;
• Budra.

It is necessary to chop all herbs thoroughly, and then mix in equal proportions. Then take 7 g of mixed herbs and pour them with a glass of warm water. Insist for 24 hours, then bring to a boil and strain. Use chilled 1/3 cup after a meal.

With bronchospasm

To treat this ailment, collection will also be required, but the seeds of adonis are needed, not its green part or flower. The collection is prepared from the seeds of adonis (10 g), chamomile (20 g), thyme (20 g), a string (50 g) and violets (10 g). Grind all components and mix thoroughly. Next, take 1 teaspoon of the collection and pour a glass of boiling water, then cover and insist for 20-30 minutes. Filter the finished medicine and drink a glass throughout the day. Leaving the next day is not recommended, since the infusion will quickly lose its healing properties. The finished infusion does not taste very good, so you can add sugar to it, but it is better honey, this will increase the effectiveness of the medicine. You need to drink the infusion in between meals, as well as before bedtime.

With bronchospasm in children, you can also use this infusion, but very carefully. Even a minimal excess of the daily dose can cause poisoning. Children under 6 years old are not recommended to take the medicine in any doses. From 6 to 9 years, the daily norm is 0.1-0.2 g, from 9 to 14 years - 0.3 g, in 16 and more - up to 0.5 g.

For disorders of the nervous system

With increased excitability of the nervous system, it is recommended to use a decoction. To prepare it, you need 1 teaspoon of chopped herbs and a glass of boiling water. Pour boiling water over the grass, then place in a water bath for 10 minutes. After this, the remedy is insisted for 30 minutes. Take 1 teaspoon no more than 4-5 times a day. For children, this decoction can be taken up to 2 times a day for 1/2 teaspoon.

For the treatment of other disorders of the nervous system, a collection of adonis, nettle, celandine, rose hip, hypericum, lemon balm, motherwort and rose hips will be required. Grind and mix all ingredients in equal proportions, then mix thoroughly. Then take 6-8 g of the collection and pour a glass of boiling water.Leave to infuse for several hours, then strain and drink throughout the day for 1/4 cup. The use of infusion is not dependent on food intake.

With impaired liver function

This recipe improves liver function, helps fight swelling and normalizes blood circulation. Use the plant as part of the herbal collection, which includes such herbs:

• 20 g of adonis;
• 20 g of celandine;
• 30 g of yarrow;
• 30 g of horsetail.

Chop the herbs, then mix thoroughly together. Then separate 15 g of the finished collection and pour 2.5 cups of boiling water. Insist the medicine for an hour, then strain, cool and take 1/2 cup twice a day before meals. Since useful properties are quickly lost, you can cook 2 times less medicinal raw materials to consume it throughout the day.

With heart failure

For this purpose, an infusion of adonis is used with the addition of other herbs that have a positive effect on the heart. To prepare the infusion, you need adonis, motherwort, lemon balm, clover, white mistletoe. Take all ingredients in the same amount, then wipe to a powder. After that, mix thoroughly and pour 4 cups of boiling water. Insist the medicine for at least 4 hours, then strain. Since the ingredients were crushed, filtering the infusion through a dense tissue. You can use several times folded cheesecloth. Drink the medicine in 1/4 cup after a meal.

This collection normalizes heart rate and has a sedative effect.

With insomnia and with increased anxiety

As a sedative, use an infusion based on herbal collection. It strengthens the nervous system, preventing the development of its disorders. Infusion is also used for increased anxiety.

To cook it, you will need adonis, motherwort, fireweed, lemon balm, St. John's wort and dogrose. Grind all ingredients thoroughly, mix and pour 0.5 liters of boiling water. Then cover and leave for another 3-4 hours. Ready to strain, take 1 tbsp. spoon 3-4 times a day. With insomnia, it is advisable to use an infusion before bedtime.

With epilepsy

In folk medicine, adonis is considered one of the most effective treatments for epilepsy. With this disease, an infusion of grass is used. Adonis also acts as a prophylaxis of epilepsy. To prepare the infusion, you need to take 5-7 g of grass, grind it and pour a glass of boiling water and cover. Insist for 30-40 minutes, then drink 1 tbsp. spoon three times a day. An infusion will be more effective if bromine or codeine is added to it.

However, do not abuse the infusion, as it can increase blood pressure and increase the heart rate.

For constipation

A decoction based on herbal collection with adonis can facilitate the excretion of feces and improve the intestinal microflora. For its preparation, you need buckthorn (50 g), elderberry flowers (20 g), fennel fruits (20 g), adonis (10 g). Grind and mix the ingredients, after which 1 tbsp. Spoon the collection pour a glass of boiling water and leave in a water bath for half an hour. Then strain and consume 100 ml after a meal.

For cramps

Since Adonis is considered a cardiac herb, it effectively cures seizures. For this purpose, prepare an infusion. It will take 1 tbsp. tablespoon chopped herbs and 300 ml of boiling water. Fill the grass with water, cover and put on the insect for 2-3 hours in a dark place. Then strain and consume 1 tbsp. spoon no more than 3 times a day.

The infusion quickly turns sour, so every day you need to prepare a new medicine.

With kidney disease

Decoction based on collection with adonis has a diuretic, improves kidney function, eliminates existing edema and prevents the appearance of new ones. The composition of the collection includes adonis (4 g), bearberry (5 g), horsetail (2 g), birch buds (3 g). Grind all ingredients thoroughly, mix and pour 350 ml of boiling water. Then place in a water bath for 30 minutes. Cool the broth, strain and pour into a glass container with a lid. Take 1 tbsp. spoon at least 5-6 times a day.

Types of healing compounds

Adonis is used as an independent tool and as a component of fees. Each method of preparation of medicinal raw materials has a beneficial effect and is aimed at specific diseases. For example, a decoction has a diuretic, and tincture fights well with inflammatory processes.

Infusion

The infusion has an antiviral, anti-inflammatory and diuretic effect. It can be used for both indoor and outdoor use. Adonis infusion compress can be applied to sore joints and muscles. To prepare it, you need 1 teaspoon of chopped herbs in a glass of boiling water. Pour raw materials with water, then insist for 30-50 minutes. Filter the finished product and take 1 teaspoon three times a day. Children are allowed to use it in 5-10 drops. Drink the product chilled. To use as a compress, you need to soak a rag in the infusion, and then wrap around a sore spot for a short period of time.

Tincture

Tincture, first of all, is appreciated for the ability to maintain beneficial properties for a long time. Preparing it is simple, but you need to remember that this is a lengthy process, so you need to do it in advance. It will take 100 g of dry raw materials (leaves and flowers) pour in a glass container 1 liter of vodka or alcohol. Dishes should be tightly closed. You can fill the grass directly in a bottle of vodka. Then tightly plug it and put it in a dark place for 20 days. Once every 7 days, remove the bottle and mix the contents. As soon as the tincture is ready, strain it. It is recommended to store in a glass container, for these purposes you can use the same bottle.

It should be taken 3-5 drops three times a day. Tincture is a good prevention of viral diseases and relieves inflammatory processes.

Decoction

Decoction is very simple. Need to pour 1 tbsp. a spoonful of crushed raw materials with a glass of boiling water. It is recommended to do this in an enameled bowl. Then cover the broth and strain after 30–40 minutes. Cool the broth and take 1 tbsp. spoon no more than 3 times a day.

You can cook a more concentrated broth. This will require 1 tbsp. a spoonful of raw materials and 2 cups of liquid. Pour the grass with water, then bring to a boil and keep on low heat for 15-20 minutes. After that, insist for half an hour and strain.

Note! The broth has a diuretic and anti-inflammatory effect.

You can drink a decoction both before meals and after. The broth turns out to be a potent remedy, so 10-14 days of the treatment course are usually enough. In some cases, you can extend it, but it is advisable to consult a doctor to avoid negative consequences.

You can store the broth in the refrigerator for no longer than 48 hours.

Tea

Tea will help get rid of fever, runny nose and other unpleasant symptoms of viral diseases. It is useful to use it in the winter, at the height of the flu epidemic, as it not only fights symptoms, but also prevents the occurrence of viral diseases.

To make tea, you need to grind 1 tbsp. spoon of raw materials, then pour 2 cups of boiling water. Leave to insist until the product cools, then strain.

Despite this name, you can’t drink it in cups, like regular tea. It is recommended to use 1 tbsp. spoon for several hours depending on the condition. You can sweeten the finished drink with honey, so it will become even more useful.

Growing adonis in the garden

Finding medicinal raw materials is not always easy. Sometimes people are faced with the fact that in their district it does not grow. Therefore, they decide to land Adonis in their summer cottage, in order to provide medicine for the whole year. In addition, this is an unpretentious plant, and anyone can do it.

Adonis is annual and perennial.Annual species need to be planted in the fall in the ground, deepening the seeds to 2 cm. It is recommended to use only fresh seeds, since over time they lose their germination. Seeds of perennial species are also planted in autumn, but not in the ground, but in pots, after which they are stored in a cool place. In the presence of snow, seed pots are placed in snowdrifts.

For adonis, you can use shop soil or prepare it yourself by mixing land, manure and sand in a 1: 1: 2 ratio.

Sprouts emerge as soon as the air temperature is established at around 20 degrees and above. However, some seeds can germinate throughout the year. Sprouted seeds need to provide sufficient illumination, but keep away from direct sunlight. With dense germination, seedlings are better to thin out. It is also important to regularly loosen and moisten the soil around the seedlings.

Transplanting Adonis into the open ground is also not difficult. This should be done at least 4-5 months before the onset of winter, otherwise the flowers will not have time to take root and die from frost.

For the cultivation of adonis for medicinal purposes, a small garden is enough, since in medicinal decoctions and infusions it is used in small quantities. It is important to choose the right place in the garden. A site is considered good, which is illuminated by the sun in the morning, and in the afternoon is in the shade. To ensure good flowering plants, you need to regularly water and fertilize the soil. The distance between the flowers should be about 20 cm.

Wells for transplanting seedlings need to be made deep so that the root is placed there without bending. After transplanting, add and cover the adonis.

During the growth, you need to water the plant in a timely manner and loosen the soil so that the roots have access to oxygen. Also, you can not pick flowers and leaves during the first two years of growth of adonis.

In winter, you need to cover the flower bed. This can be done using burlap or branches of conifers.

Contraindications

Despite the abundance of nutrients, the plant has several contraindications due to its toxicity. First of all, it should not be taken by pregnant women, since it can cause a miscarriage, and with breastfeeding. In no form should it be given to children. The use of adonis is also prohibited for ulcers, gastritis, enterocolitis, arrhythmias and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. It is not recommended to drink herbal preparations for people with poor blood coagulation.

It is forbidden to use pure Adonis for people with hypertension and other heart diseases that are accompanied by heart palpitations. With these pathologies, you can drink the plant as part of other herbal preparations.

It is still advisable for healthy people to consult a doctor regarding the use of adonis and an acceptable dosage.

Substances in adonis can cause negative effects in the body, even in a slight overdose. Symptoms of poisoning are convulsions, nausea, vomiting, and increased drowsiness. If any of these symptoms occurs, you need to take activated charcoal at the rate of 1 tablet per 10 kg of weight and try to do a gastric lavage. Some advise taking emetics, but this is not recommended. After taking coal, you need to call an ambulance.

Some sources claim that coffee and wine can weaken the negative effects of herbs on the body.

Adonis will be a good medicine for the treatment of many diseases, if the dosage is strictly observed. It often depends on the individual characteristics of the body, so it is prescribed by a doctor. Having planted adonis on your site, you can provide yourself with a medicine.

Adonis photo