Loosestrife loosestrife: medicinal properties and contraindications

Loosestrife loosestrifera (placoon grass) is a perennial herbaceous plant belonging to the family of Loosestrife. The grass got its name because of the ability to get rid of excess moisture with the help of leaves on which drops accumulate. It is found almost everywhere, since it is unpretentious to the soil and environmental conditions. The plant is appreciated not only by folk healers, but also by gardeners. The flowering period falls in the summer, and the loosestrife gives the garden a unique look. It is also a honey plant and attracts bees to the garden.

Chemical composition

Roots, stems and even seeds of a plant have beneficial properties. They contain many useful components:

1. Saponins. They stimulate the respiratory system, contributing to the elimination of sputum and infection from the bronchi, have a laxative and diuretic effect, stimulate the production of hormones and help in the treatment of atherosclerosis.
2. Glycosides. They have the ability to strengthen the cardiovascular system, providing a tonic effect on it. Able to fight microorganisms that cause various skin diseases. Some glycosides become components of shampoos and detergents. They are also used to treat herpes.
3. Flavonoids. Slow down the aging process and are able to fight free radicals, preventing cell destruction. This substance is the prevention of atherosclerosis. Flavonoids are able to slow down the inflammatory processes in the body and resist viruses, strengthening the immune system.
4. Alkaloids. They have a sedative effect and are used to treat certain diseases of the nervous system. Some varieties have an analgesic effect and the ability to stop bleeding.
5. Tannins. Mainly found in the roots. They have anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and antiviral effects, positively affect the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract and are able to remove toxins from the body. Tannins are distinguished by their ability to stop both external and internal bleeding. In addition, they improve the condition of blood vessels, making them more elastic, and are the prevention of the deposition of heavy metals in the body.
6. Phenol Carboxylic Acids. They are distinguished by the ability to stop inflammatory processes in the body, in addition, they improve the functioning of the kidneys, liver, bile ducts and contribute to the rapid elimination of bile.
7. Anthocyanins. They have diuretic, analgesic and sedative effects, help get rid of edema and protect the body from bacteria. These substances are not able to be synthesized in the body. Anthocyanins can also improve eye function and prevent the appearance of cholesterol plaques.
8. Gallic acid. It has a wide range of positive properties. It is used as an antioxidant and in the treatment of patients with diabetes mellitus. Acid is also an effective tool in the fight against parasites, has a positive effect on the heart and liver. According to some reports, it can even slow down the development of hepatitis B.It accelerates wound healing and helps with internal bleeding.
9. Vitamin C. It has a general strengthening property, it is characterized by the ability to improve the functioning of the immune system and increase the body's defense against viruses and bacteria. It is one of the most important vitamins for the human body. Its deficiency can cause many diseases, including scurvy.
10. Carotene. This vitamin takes part in many processes in the body, is characterized by the ability to strengthen the immune system and support the reproductive system. It is also a very important vitamin for vision and the cardiovascular system.
11. Choline. It is able to restore the liver and normalize the process of fat transfer. Choline improves the absorption of food by the body and prevents oxygen starvation. It has a stronger effect paired with other vitamins.
12. Pectin substances. Provide soluble fiber to the body, therefore, have a positive effect on the gastrointestinal tract. Once in the intestine, fiber is transformed into another substance that can slow down the digestion process. This makes it possible to maintain a longer sense of fullness, which is important for losing weight people. Substances are also effective in treating diarrhea.

How it looks and where it grows

In total, the Derbennikovye family has more than 20 species, while in Russia there are no more than 10. All plants are similar to each other.

Loosestrife loosestrife has one long tetrahedral stem, which can grow up to 1.5 m in length. The stalk itself is covered with hard villi; elongated leaves of saturated green color are located along its entire length, which turn purple by autumn. The leaves do not exceed 10 cm in length. Outwardly they look like willow leaves.

Flowers are collected in spike-shaped inflorescences and have the shape of a star. The flowering period falls in July. At the end of flowering, small fruits appear in the form of an oval box containing seeds. One plant can contain more than 30,000 seeds. The length of the inflorescences reaches 30–35 cm. The flowers are painted in pink or purple shades. The roots of the plant are powerful, creeping, shallow.

In the wild, grass is widespread in Europe, Asia, Australia, and even in North Africa. In Russia, it is found in almost all regions, with the exception of the North. The plant is unpretentious to the soil, but most of all loves moist soil, therefore it often grows along rivers and banks of other reservoirs.

Collection and storage

The collection of the aerial parts of the plant occurs before the onset of active flowering. This period falls on June-July. Go for raw materials in the morning in sunny weather. Well, if you can catch a period when the sun has already risen, but the dew has not yet subsided. For medicinal purposes, leaves, flowers and stems are used. They should be cut with scissors. In this case, it is better to collect only young and tender shoots that are located in the upper part of the plant. It is very important to collect plants away from roads, railway lines, enterprises, cemeteries, etc.

To dry the plant, you need to spread a newspaper or cloth in the shade of a tree, and put grass on it with an even layer. From time to time the loosestrife needs to be mixed. A plant is considered ready when the stems break without much effort.

You can also dry the mossberry in the attic or in the house, collecting branches in bouquets, and hanging them in a dry room. It is important to ensure that direct sunlight does not fall on the grass.

Finished raw materials can be immediately crushed and stored in paper or fabric bags for no more than 2 years.

Plant flowers are picked after flowering begins. It is better to dry them only in the open air under a canopy. The roots are harvested in the fall. The easiest way to do this is after rain when the ground is wet. But to do this is also desirable in sunny weather. The plant must be slowly pulled out, and then carefully cut off the roots. To avoid degeneration of the grass, it is advisable to leave a small percentage of plants intact.

The roots are also dried in the street under a canopy, away from the best sun.In bad weather, they can be brought into the house and stored in a dry room, providing constant access to air, for two years, not only in cloth bags, but also in glass containers.

The healing properties of moths

The plant is known to folk healers since ancient times. Traditional medicine also knows about the positive properties of the herb, but it is not used in pharmacology. The plant contains a wide range of nutrients.

1. Marshmallow has a disinfecting property, it is used to heal wounds and relieve inflammatory processes in the body. It also has a sedative effect and is able to stop bleeding.
2. Folk healers recommend taking medications based on mock berry for dysentery and intestinal disorders. The grass will be useful in various diseases of the stomach and colds. Decoctions and infusions are recommended to drink in case of exhaustion of the body. Loosestrife can help with migraines and sexually transmitted diseases.
3. It is used as a first aid for bites of wild animals or snakes.
4. There are herbal preparations based on this herb, which are recommended for drinking with depression. They strengthen the nervous system and help improve mood.
5. The leaves of the plant are also used fresh to stop bleeding. They are applied both in whole and in powdered form.

Loosestrife loosestrife in folk medicine

For a long time this herb is used in folk medicine by healers from different countries.

With prostatitis and gastrointestinal diseases

An infusion is prepared that has an anti-inflammatory effect. It can help alleviate the condition of men with prostatitis. It is also used for depression, such an infusion favorably affects the nervous system and helps with hemorrhoids. It can be used not only for internal use, but also for external use. The medicine will be effective in rheumatism, bruises and some diseases of the skin.

To prepare the infusion, the ground part of the plant is used. It will take 60 g of dry crushed raw materials and 2 cups of distilled water. Bring the water to a boil and pour the medicine, then leave to infuse for 1 hour. Drink 1/4 cup three times a day - in the morning, at lunch and before bedtime.

It can also be added to the bathroom when bathing or lotions can be applied to wounds and bruises. With regular oral administration, the infusion can reduce the hernia, but you should first consult your doctor.

For diseases of the upper respiratory tract

With this problem, an infusion of plant flowers will help. It can also be drunk with certain diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, colds and nervous disorders. Such an infusion can rinse your mouth with inflammatory processes and wounds.

For cooking, you need 1 tbsp. a spoonful of flowers and 200 ml of boiling water. Pour flowers with boiling water, cover and insist for 1 hour. Filter the finished medicine and drink three times a day for 1 tbsp. spoon before eating.

With headache and toxicosis

A decoction of fresh leaves can help with these problems. It is also recommended to drink with cramps and diseases of the upper respiratory tract.

It will take green branches and leaves. Finely chop the raw material, and then pour a glass of boiled water at room temperature. Then put the medicine in a water bath and cook for 15 minutes. Leave the medicine to cool completely, then strain the liquid. Drink 45-60 ml three times a day, regardless of food intake.

Fresh herbs can also help with wounds. To do this, crush the leaves of the lingonberry to the state of slurry and apply to the wound, then tie it with a bandage. As the plant dries, change. In case of small cuts, the whole sheet can be applied. This will protect against infection if the wound is received in nature, and there are no medicines at hand.

With migraine

This disease causes people great discomfort, but tincture from the stalk of a derbennik will alleviate the condition. This tincture can be taken for headaches caused by other reasons. It can strengthen immunity, but it must be taken carefully.

It will take 10 g of crushed plant stem and 100 ml of vodka.You can take another amount of raw material, but it must be mixed with vodka in a proportion of 1:10.

Pour the stem of the plant with vodka in a glass container, then close it tightly and put in a dark place for 5-6 weeks. Shake the medicine about once every 3-4 days. When the tincture is ready, strain it with gauze.

Drink tincture of 20-30 drops 30-40 minutes before a meal. It must be diluted with water in a ratio of 1: 4 to avoid burns to the esophagus. Store the finished medicine in the refrigerator.

With diarrhea

From this ailment, a decoction prepared from the top of the plant helps. Such a tool has a diuretic effect and can be used as a lotion in diseases of the joints and bruises.

For cooking, you need leaves and stems. Grind the raw materials carefully, then take 3 tbsp. tablespoons and pour them in a glass container of 300 ml of boiling water. Pour water into a saucepan, bring to a boil, place a container of broth in it and cook for another 15–20 minutes. Cover the finished medicine and wrap it with a blanket for several hours. You can also pour the broth into a thermos with raw materials and close it tightly.

The daily norm of such a decoction is 200-250 ml. It must be divided into 3 parts and drunk three times a day. It is better to pour out the rest of the medicine, because the next day it will lose its healing properties.

With weakness and insomnia

In this case, folk healers recommend making tea. It can also help relieve fever.

To prepare it, you need to take chopped grass on the tip of a teaspoon and pour a glass of boiling water. Folk healers are advised to add the same amount of crushed sweetberry to a cup with black or green tea. Adding lemon will strengthen the immune system. Drink tea throughout the day, it helps to restore strength.

In case of insomnia, it is recommended to mix butterberry with chamomile and motherwort, you can also add a little honey. Such tea should be drunk warm before bedtime.

With a cold

Use infusion of stems and leaves. It has a firming effect on the nervous system and helps with its various disorders. Also, this medicine can be used for rheumatism.

To prepare the infusion, 1 teaspoon of chopped stems and 250 ml of boiling water are needed. Pour raw materials with water, then cover and insist for 4 hours. Next, carefully strain the drink using several times folded gauze. Drink 1/4 cup three times a day, regardless of food intake, until the condition improves. Infusion, like broth, quickly loses its properties, so you need to cook it daily.

With ulcerative colitis

Apply infusion of herbal collection based on marshmallow. It is important to remember that this medicine should be taken only with the permission of the doctor, otherwise it can be more harmful.

For the preparation of the infusion, it is necessary to mix the marshmallow, the long-leafed Veronica, the winterhub and the buds in the ratio of 2: 2: 1: 1, after chopping all the herbs. Mix the collection thoroughly, then separate 20 g and pour 150 ml of boiling water. Cover the medicine with a lid and leave to cool completely. Then strain through cheesecloth and drink 1/2 cup 3 times a day.

Types of healing compounds

Various drugs are prepared from loosestrife loosestrife. Each has a unique property and is used to treat certain diseases. From this herb prepare infusions, decoctions, tinctures.

Infusion

This tool has a number of positive properties. Infusion is used for pain in the stomach and migraines. From it make lotions to wounds and sore joints and with severe bruises. The infusion has an anti-inflammatory effect and improves the functioning of the immune system. Such an infusion is also effective for the treatment of hemorrhoids.It will be useful for acne, due to its ability to relieve inflammation.

To prepare, you need 20 g of leaves and 1 glass of water. Grind the raw materials thoroughly, after which pour the plant with boiling water, then leave to infuse for 40-50 minutes. Cool the finished medicine, strain, and take 50 ml 4 times a day, regardless of food intake.

Tincture

Tincture is used to treat many diseases. It effectively helps with migraines and diarrhea, strengthens the immune system and has an antibacterial property.

For its preparation, chopped leaves and stems will be required. Mix them with vodka or alcohol in a proportion of 1:10, then close it tightly and put in a dark and cool place for 2 weeks. Shake the medicine periodically. After 14 days, drain the medicine. Store the finished tincture in the refrigerator in a glass container. Drink three drops a day, 20 drops, diluted in water. Take the medicine 20-30 minutes before a meal.

Decoction

Broth is famous for its diuretic. It is also used to treat wounds and ulcers from infections. Ready broth is often added to a hot bathroom. This allows you to get rid of stress and relieve stress. The broth has a sedative effect, can help with various sexually transmitted diseases. Women have long been taking it for irregularities in the menstrual cycle, but first you need to consult a doctor.

Decoctions from the roots of the plant are used to treat seizures and diseases of the upper respiratory tract. It has an expectorant and anti-inflammatory property. A decoction of marshmallow is used to rinse the mouth with ulcers and flux.

To prepare a medicine from the roots, 1 teaspoon of crushed raw materials and 200 ml of water will be required. Pour the roots with boiling water, then bring to a boil over low heat and cook for another 15–20 minutes. Ready broth to insist 60 minutes, then strain. Such a decoction is mainly used externally for the treatment of wounds, bruises, etc.

To prepare a decoction of leaves and stems, you need 1 tbsp. teaspoon of crushed raw materials and 200 ml of boiled water. Pour the plant with water, then put in a water bath for at least 15 minutes. The broth is infused for 1 hour. Only after that it can be filtered and drunk 50 ml three times a day.

Tea

Tea has a general strengthening effect. It increases the protective functions of the body, helps to resist viruses and bacteria, and has a diuretic. He is even able to stop internal bleeding, but it is better to immediately consult a doctor with such a problem. Tea can also help with diarrhea and abdominal pain.

To make tea, plant flowers are used. A handful of raw materials and 1 liter of boiling water will be required. Pour the flowers with water, then cover and insist for 20-30 minutes. Drink 3-4 small cups per day. In tea, you can add lemon, honey or other useful herbs, such a drink will be even more effective. You can also add a small amount of grass to regular tea.

Growing moss on the garden

By planting this plant in the garden, you can not only provide yourself with medicinal raw materials, but also give the garden a beautiful and unique look. To the designers, the loosestrings so pleased that some decorative varieties were bred. They appreciate it for a long flowering period. Although you can plant him in the garden in the wild.

Chrysanthemum grows on almost any land, with the exception of alkaline or loose soils. It grows best on moist soil, so if possible, it is best to plant it in a lowland or near a pond.

In the markets you can find small shrubs of this plant, but you can also plant it from seeds collected in the fall when the plant blooms. Loosestrife does not require special care, tolerates winter frosts well and does not need shelter.

The only thing this plant needs is frequent watering.It is necessary to constantly keep the soil moist. Marsh grass can survive short-term drought due to a good root system, but with a constant lack of water, the grass will develop worse and will not please with beautiful flowering. In addition, such a plant contains less beneficial substances.

Contraindications

Such an amazing plant will not be useful to everyone. First of all, it is forbidden to use it for pregnant women and nursing mothers, although some sources claim that it is safe to drink it during the period of gestation. Nevertheless, it is better to consult a doctor first, as a plant can do more harm than good. It is also not recommended to give it to children under 12 years old.

It is forbidden to take honeycomb for problems with blood pressure, a tendency to form blood clots, and frequent constipation. Some diseases of the stomach and inflammatory processes in the intestines and hypertension are also a contraindication to use, despite the anti-inflammatory effect. It is also strictly forbidden to use grass with high blood coagulation.

Some components in the composition of the plant are useful for atherosclerosis, but in combination with other elements they can even be dangerous, therefore, with this disease, you need to abandon the use of louseberry.

Before taking the plant, you need to check if there is an allergy to some components or individual intolerance. For this purpose, you can cook a regular decoction, apply it in small quantities on your hand and leave for 30-40 minutes. If the skin does not turn red at the site of application, itching does not appear, and in general the condition does not worsen, then it can be taken without fear.

Before consuming herbs, it is advisable for healthy people to consult a doctor.

Nature has given people many medicinal herbs, and lingonberry is one of them. Unlike other plants, it does not have many contraindications. Loosestrife can help with many diseases. This grass has a beautiful appearance and will be an appropriate addition to the garden. Gardeners appreciate it for their honey properties and often grow on their site. It attracts bees to the garden, which is very important for pollination of some crops.

Photo of loosestrife loosestrife