Aronnik: medicinal properties and contraindications

Aronnik is considered one of the most striking and mysterious representatives of a large family of Aroid cultures. The plant is widespread, therefore, in different parts of the world it is known under the names: Aron's beard, calf leg, arum, dry root.

Aronnik’s visual appeal inspires original creative ideas for landscape designers and simple gardeners. For this reason, this beautiful plant is most often used today for decorative purposes.

But some proponents of alternative medicine specifically grow arum for medicinal needs, despite the fact that the herb contains potent toxic substances in its composition. Despite its toxicity, spotted aronnik is in demand in the field of homeopathy: it is added in scanty portions to various drugs designed to treat a huge number of diseases.

Traditional healers also prepare, according to old recipes, ointments, infusions, decoctions from a useful plant. Dosage forms are used as an aid in the conduct of basic therapy. They are intended for both internal use and external treatment of skin ulcers and non-healing wounds.

Chemical composition

Arum spotted for some time did not attract the attention of scientists. Therefore, at the moment, its chemical composition is poorly studied. But researchers are trying to correct this mistake, and today in different countries this plant is thoroughly investigated. Today it is already known for certain that the composition of different parts of the perennial differs in the content of components. So in aronniki tubers the following set of substances was discovered:

• alkaloids;
• starch (up to 70%);
• aroin;
• saponins;
• glycosides;
• fixed oils;
• fructose;
• trace elements: zinc, molybdenum, nickel, copper;
• linoleic and palmitic acid.
• The leaves and fruits of arum are dominated by:
• quercetin;
• oxalic and caffeic acid;
• apigenin;
• routine;
• luteonin.

It is the content of spotted calcium oxalate and oxalic acid in the foliage of aronica that is prone to rapid crystallization that causes the formation of thin needle formations on their surface. They are very sharp, so during the collection of plant material there is always a risk of damage to the skin. To avoid minor injuries, be sure to protect your hands with gloves.

An important point: the active substance aroin and its derivatives gives poisonous properties to perennials. Fresh spotted aronnik is also dangerous due to the content of glycosidic saponins, which are also highly toxic.

How it looks and where it grows

Outwardly, the spotted aronnik is more reminiscent of a herbaceous plant reaching a height of up to 60 cm. Other external signs of arum:

1. The dense stem of the perennial is firmly connected to the powerful root system, which has the shape of the hemispheres.
2. The main root, as it grows, forms subordinate branches that depart from it in different directions. Due to the highly developed underground part, the plant is firmly fixed in the soil.
3. Leaves. They are the most outstanding land part of the aronnik. Large spear-shaped leaves with a network of veins are located on the stem in a spiral, and when attached, they take the form of a cone. In total, there are 2-3 leaves with a strong petiole.
4. Flowers. The most striking external feature is a long inflorescence, covered with a leaf-shaped wrapper on top. Each purple-brown hue flower is firmly fixed at the peduncle, which allows the cob-inflorescence to form freely in the future.Arum begins to bloom in late April - early May, and at the end of summer after the fertilization of flowers, the top of the cob dies, and in its place the berries appear.
5. The fruits gradually ripen and become poisonous red, and in the beginning of autumn they all crumble. Ripe berries, gathered in a bright bunch, look very impressive. It is this peculiar feature of the spotted aronnik that best reflects its aesthetic characteristics.

Under favorable climatic conditions, arum flowers ripen early, and in spring the fruits are spontaneously sown. As a rule, only a single inflorescence appears at the spotted aronnik, which appears simultaneously with foliage.

Interesting fact! During flowering, arum emits an unpleasant smell of rotting meat, which attracts insects. But instead of food, they fall into a trap. True, the captivity of insects does not last long, but for the time that they are in the "captivity" of a beautiful color, its pollination occurs. At the end of this process, the threads with pollen fall off, releasing insects to freedom.

Distribution area
In the scientific world, they are of the opinion that the homeland of the spotted Aronnik is the shady forests of Western Europe. The unpretentiousness of the plant served as its wide distribution in other regions of the European part. Today perennial found in the North Caucasus, Ukraine and Moldova, feels great in Abkhazia and Georgia. In Russian spaces, arum can only be seen in areas with a warm climate. The plant does not tolerate low temperatures and very quickly dies from the cold. The most favorite places for spotting Aronnik spotted are mixed and floodplain forests with good humidity, shrubbery. A herbaceous plant prefers clay soils rich in lime.

Today aroma spotted is widely cultivated mainly as an ornamental plant. Propagated by shifts and by the vegetative method, when root tubers are planted in fertile soil at the end of summer.

Note: Aronnik must be covered for winter to provide him with reliable protection from the cold.

Kinds

To date, about 30 varieties of aronnik are known. Most species are used to decorate the landscape of parks, cultural areas and recreation. Some varieties are adapted for living in artificial conditions, and some types of arum can be grown at home, and they will bear fruit.

But for the successful growth of any of the ornamental species, favorable conditions are necessary for the development of the root system and leaves. Indeed, in almost all types of aronnik, sheet platinum are large. Among the most common varieties of perennial grass, it is worth noting the most popular cultivated and medicinal varieties:

1. Aronik spotted. This is the only species that is used in folk medicine and homeopathy. Of great value in this area are the rhizomes of plants, saturated with nutrients, most of which are starches. It is worth noting that, despite the toxic properties of arum berries, wild boars, birds and other forest dwellers do not enjoy them. Wild perennial species retain bright fruits on their branches until spring.
2. The elongated aronnik. This species is found mainly in mid-latitudes, where the climate is temperate. For example, in the forests of Western Ukraine and Moldova, the perennial feels comfortable among the dense thickets of juniper. This species is characterized by the presence of very long (up to 20 cm) leaves. This feature is reflected in the name of the species. Moreover, the foliage is sometimes so plentiful that in its environment the purple flowers of the plant are lost. The ripened cobs of inflorescences at elongated aronnik remain intact no more than a week.
3. Italian look. This is a very thermophilic variety. Therefore, Italian aronnik should be bred only in places where the climate is stable. This variety is distinguished by an abundance of foliage and an unimaginable length - some specimens reach 70 cm. True, such giants are found at the base, and shorter at the top of the foliage. As the inflorescence ripens, the leaf plates acquire a creamy tint.
4. Eastern Aronnik. This representative of the Aroid family is not very tall. He loves to settle in the shade of oak forests that still remain in Europe. On the plains of Hungary and Austria, one can also find individual individuals of the arum of the east. The leaf length of this species of perennial does not exceed 25 cm, but its peduncle is 2 times greater than this indicator.
5. Aronnik or tarragon. This gigantic species under favorable conditions reaches over a meter of growth. Oval tubers also have impressive parameters. In the wild, common arum is found in the forests of the Caucasus and Europe. Flowers of this species are distinguished by brown color.
6. Cretan look. As the name suggests, this heat-loving variety loves places with a temperate and stable climate. Unlike the brethren in the Cretan variety, the leaves have an arrow-shaped shape and their length can reach 50 cm. This is the most beautiful of decorative varieties: dark green foliage favorably sets off purple berries, creating a harmonious natural picture.
7. Bessera variety. Representatives of this species prefer solitary existence. Arum Besser is found in Poland, the Caucasus, and Central Europe. A low-growing plant with sinewy leaves during flowering is literally covered with unisexual flowers of a purple hue. But, despite the beauty, the inflorescences emit a sharp unpleasant odor, which scares away birds and animals.
8. White-winged Aronnik. This incredibly beautiful plant grows in the Crimea and some regions of Asia Minor. The peculiarity of this species is that the leaves appear after a period of flowering and fruiting.

Collection and storage

Arononica rhizomes are prepared as raw materials for medicinal compositions. They are collected before the appearance of leaves or in late autumn. But herbalists are advised to procure valuable material in September, since by this time they have a high concentration of active compounds.

Collection rules

1. Carefully dig up the tubers.
2. To clear of a tree peel which by the autumn is formed on the surface of roots.
3. Cut into pieces.
4. To avoid decay, spread the raw materials in a thin layer on a fabric or paper sheet.
5. Dry the plant material in the shade, it is better under a canopy in the open air.

Although leaves are very rarely used in folk medicine, the need for them arises when you need to prepare effective formulations for external treatment. It is imperative that gloves be collected to collect fresh arum greens to prevent minor injuries. The harvested crop is dried as described above. Decoctions are prepared from dry leaves, because when exposed to high temperatures, toxic substances volatilize.

How to store
Fresh arum roots are stored in sandboxes in the cellar or basement. Periodically, you need to monitor the condition of the tubers. It is important to provide them with such conditions so that they do not begin to sprout. Since this is difficult to do, herbalists advise drying the roots. In this form, the raw material is stored without loss of healing qualities for up to two years. The ideal container for dried roots is a glass jar with a lid.

The healing properties of aronnik

Due to its high toxicity, spotted aronnik is not included in the State Pharmacopoeia of the Russian Federation. But in folk medicine it is a useful plant, although not very widely used, but. Properly prepared raw materials are an excellent basis for infusions, decoctions, ointments. Easy-to-prepare drugs have a whole range of healing properties:

• anti-inflammatory;
• expectorant;
• painkiller;
• anthelmintic;
• wound healing;
• antibacterial;
• antiemetic.

It is proved that in the composition of a herbaceous plant there are substances that reduce the acidity of gastric secretions.

It is interesting! Given that any poison in small doses can be an effective medicine, homeopaths prepare an arum-based drug that is in great demand among people with respiratory problems and vocal cords. Many vocalists and speakers before the show specifically take Arum to eliminate hoarseness.

For which pathologies is spotted aronnik useful:

• respiratory infections;
• laryngitis;
• mumps (mumps);
• radiculitis;
• rheumatism;
• toxicosis in pregnant women;
• wounds and ulcers on the skin surface;
• impetigo;
• hemorrhoids;
• digestive disorders;
• microsporia;
• lichen;
• helminthiases;
• diseases of the urinary system.

Aronnik is effective in case of a common cold and tonsillitis. It is often used to quickly recover patients after surgery.

Good to know! Some gourmets fry and boil arum roots, considering such a dietary supplement useful.

Aronnik spotted in folk medicine

As already noted, mainly for the preparation of preparations according to folk recipes, the roots of Aronnik spotted are used, less often - leaves. Berries due to their toxicity are not suitable for the preparation of compounds. We give as an example several recipes for practical use.

Infusion for rheumatism

The drug relieves pain and eliminates signs of inflammation. A healing solution is prepared by insisting 50 g of dried arum roots in 2 l of water. The infusion should stand for at least 8 hours, then it must be taken according to this scheme: starting with 1 drop, gradually increasing the dosage to 10 drops in one go. This infusion is suitable for the treatment of internal hemorrhoids and urolithiasis.

Note: it is necessary to strictly adhere to the recommended doses, otherwise side effects cannot be avoided.

Hemorrhoid Remedy

Dry roots of Aronnik must first be passed through a meat grinder. Then chopped raw materials in an amount of 40-50 g pour a liter of water. Put the solution in a dark place to insist. After 12 hours, you can start treatment according to the same scheme as described in the previous recipe.

To increase potency

This recipe will help men improve their sexual capabilities. Preparing a composition of dried arum leaves (1 tablespoon) and good grape wine. You can use a drink prepared on their own for these purposes. Withstand tincture for 7-10 days, then take it in small portions (1 tbsp) to increase sexual strength.

Ointment for lichen

A very effective tool that helps even in advanced cases. Mix the crushed roots of Aronnik in equal amounts with honey. The drug is insisted during the day. The composition is intended for the treatment of affected skin. After application, leave the ointment for 10 minutes, and then rinse. This recipe is for treating impetigo.

Expectorant infusion

This recipe should be used for bronchitis if the cough is unproductive. The composition is being prepared according to a similar scheme: 1 tablespoon per liter of water. shredded root aronika. The medicine is infused overnight. Before use, the solution must be filtered. An adult patient should drink a third of a glass at a time, half an hour after eating. The same composition can be drunk with nausea. Only in this case, a single dose - not more than 50 ml.

Poultice of leaves

Such a procedure will help with inflammation of the sciatic nerve or malignant ulcers on the skin. A fresh leaf needs to be doused with boiling water, and then quickly applied to the problem place.

Cure for gout

Also, this recipe will help with muscle myalgia. To treat these diseases, a tincture of arum roots on vodka is prepared. Fresh plant material and dried raw materials will do. Proportions: for 20 g of roots - a glass of vodka. It is best to use a dark glass bottle.After two weeks of exposure, take the finished medicine drop by drop. The resulting tincture can be used for compresses for spurs.

Types of healing compounds

In principle, methods for the preparation of dosage forms based on aronnik roots are described above. But each individual recipe has its own nuances. Therefore, we dwell on the classic options for the manufacture of liquid medicines based on this medicinal plant.

Infusion

Water infusion is most often used for therapeutic purposes. Different recipes indicate an uneven dosage. According to the classic recipe, an aqueous infusion is prepared from 1 tsp. finely chopped roots and a glass of water. The exposure time is at least 8 hours. Strain the solution before use. Such a medicine, if the doctor permits, can be drunk by pregnant women with early toxicosis. The optimal dose is a quarter cup. It is advisable to drink the medicine in small sips.

Tincture

Traditionally, herbal tinctures are alcohol-based. If the base component is 70% purified alcohol, then the 4: 1 formula is applicable. One part falls on the dried crushed roots. Determine the dishes for a week in a dark place, periodically shaking the solution. When the medicine is ready, strain it. Take on an empty stomach three times a day, 10 drops. With good health, you can increase a single dose to 15 drops.

Good to know! Alcohol tincture of arum root on grape wine helps with malignant neoplasms in the nose.

Decoction

Decoction of arum root helps in the treatment of colds. This drink is recommended to drink hot, in small sips up to 5 times a day for acute symptoms. A single dose - 1-2 tbsp. Before taking the drug, dilute with pure water in a ratio of 1: 1.

The course of taking all medicinal liquid forms is designed for a month. It should be noted that decoctions are used extremely rarely due to the fact that in the process of heat treatment the composition loses most of the useful components.

The greatest therapeutic effect is obtained by the use of alcohol tincture of Aronica herb.

Contraindications

To exclude the risk of poisoning and other side effects, spotted aronnik should be used for medicinal purposes only after consultation with a doctor. This is especially true for pregnant women who, with the help of a medicinal plant, wish to solve the problem of toxicosis. In the list of absolute contraindications:

• age up to 16 years;
• period of breastfeeding;
• pancreatitis
• second half of pregnancy;
• heart failure;
• gastritis with low acidity;
• individual intolerance;
• the presence of chronic pathologies of the cardiovascular system.

Failure to adhere to the rules of admission and the indicated dosages can lead to serious consequences up to cardiac arrest. Intoxication in case of poisoning with aronica grass is accompanied by intestinal disorders, arrhythmia, hallucinations.

Interesting Facts

1. Despite the poisonous properties of arum, in the Middle Ages European healers widely used it to treat tuberculosis, pneumonia and hoarseness.
2. Fresh root in those days was usually applied to paralyzed areas of the body. It was believed that the spotted aronnik is able to return mobility and sensitivity to the limbs.
3. In ancient times, wounds received by soldiers in battles were sprinkled with powder from arum roots. We must pay tribute to the effectiveness of this method. The wounds really healed quickly.

Aronnik is a very beautiful and useful plant. But we must remember that this representative of the flora requires respect for himself. If you want to use it for therapeutic purposes, it is necessary to take into account contraindications and possible risks.

Aronnik photo