Galega: medicinal properties and contraindications

Galega (goat's pharmacy, goat's root) is a perennial medicinal plant of the legume family. Its beneficial properties were discovered only in the 14th century. Since 1600, grass has gained popularity, and it began to be grown throughout Europe. Now the plant is successfully used in traditional medicine.

Chemical composition

For medicinal purposes, mainly the upper part of the plant is used. It contains a large number of useful substances:

1. Saponins. They have an expectorant effect due to the ability to enhance the secretion of the bronchi. They have an anti-inflammatory effect and are able to regulate the water-salt balance in the body. Some varieties of saponins are used as a diuretic or laxative.
2. Nitrogen compounds. Nitrogen itself is useless for the body, but the compounds are highly reactive. They provide the normal course of biochemical processes in the body.
3. Alkaloids. Slow down the rhythm of the heart and have a calming effect on the nervous system.
4. Rutin (Vitamin P). The body is not able to produce this element itself, so it is especially important for humans. It has the ability to tidy the walls of capillaries, increasing their strength and elasticity. It also lowers blood pressure and slows the heart rate.
5. Kempferol. Studies of this element are ongoing, but its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties have already been identified. It is also very important for the body, its use reduces the risk of developing cardiovascular disease. Kempferol has the ability to lower blood glucose.
6. Quercetin. It is a natural antioxidant that protects brain cells. It also has anti-inflammatory effects.
7. Phenol Carboxylic Acids. They have an anti-inflammatory effect, promote the elimination of bile from the body, improve the functioning of the kidneys and liver.
8. Carbohydrates. Provide the body with energy, are very important for mental activity. They support uninterrupted cell division and play a big role in strengthening muscles.
9. Bitter substances. Useful for digestion, able to stimulate appetite.
10. Vitamin C. Saturates the body with vitamin C, which helps to strengthen the immune system. It has an antiviral and antibacterial effect.
11. Tanning components. They have anti-inflammatory effect, improve bowel function, accelerate the absorption of nutrients.

How it looks and where it grows

This perennial plant, can grow up to 1 meter in height, belongs to the genus "Goat", which is part of the "Legumes" family. Grass has powerful and branched roots. They can go 60-70 cm deep and have up to 12 branches.

The stems of the plant are branched, straight, densely covered with leaves. The leaves themselves are lanceolate, their length can reach 20 cm, arranged in pairs. Closer to the apex, the leaves are sharper.

Flowers are collected in brushes and are located in the upper part of the grass; they look like lilac flowers. They can have either a bluish tint or purple.Beans appear on the plant, which contain several seeds of a yellowish color. Their length can reach 4 cm. After maturation, they remain on the bush.

The goatskin is widespread in Ukraine, in the European part of Russia, as well as in the Caucasus. It is also found in some regions of Moldova. In the wild, grows along the banks of rivers, at the edges of forests and in highlands. Often you can find grass in bushes in the steppes.

Collection and storage

Grass can be found in many specialized stores, but it is better to collect it yourself. Firstly, it is impossible to say exactly about the quality of store products, and secondly, the collection process is very simple.

For medicinal purposes, the upper part of the plant is most often used. Harvesting begins after the grass blooms. This usually occurs in June. Medicinal raw materials should be sought in the clearing of forests, in the mountains or along rivers, away from roads, railways, factories, etc. You need to go for grass in the morning, in sunny weather. It is best to collect raw materials a few days after the rain.

Cut off the upper shoots with a length of 15-20 cm. Young plants are best left untouched.

You need to dry the goat house in the open air under a canopy. You can build an improvised shelter from several sticks and stretched oilcloth. The grass is spread evenly on a dense fabric and left away from sunlight. Raw materials are considered finished when the stems break without much effort. If weather conditions do not allow to dry the walleye on the street, you can bring it into the house, but at the same time you need to ensure constant air access to the stems.

Raw materials need to be stored in closed containers. It can be a glass jar or a fabric bag. After about a year, the plant begins to rapidly lose its beneficial properties.

For medicinal purposes, they also use goat seeds. Their collection is carried out in early June. Finished pods need to be spread in a thin layer against the sun. Raw materials are ready if they open easily. Then you need to shift the pods into a bag or bag, tie, and beat with a stick, then sift. Seeds are stored in a glass jar for 12 months.

The healing properties of the galega

Grass is often used in folk medicine. It has a large number of positive properties, but do not forget that the galega is a poisonous plant. Before taking the medicine, you should consult your doctor. Also, do not exceed recommended doses.

The grass has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. It is used to maintain the normal state of diabetics. In addition, it favorably affects the liver and kidneys. Improves the metabolic process, helps get rid of edema.

Another galega is used to remove parasites from the body, as well as a diuretic and laxative.

During pregnancy

During pregnancy, it is strictly forbidden to use grass, since it can cause an abortion. But during the period of breastfeeding, it will even be useful, because it improves lactation. But you need to drink very carefully and with the permission of the doctor.

For men

Men can take the goat in case of problems with the prostate gland, thanks to the anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and diuretic effect. It will also be useful for hemorrhoids due to its ability to thin the feces.

When losing weight

Goat house is used for weight loss as a supplement to the main diet. It has a diuretic and laxative effect. Also, the herb improves the metabolic process and normalizes the intestines. The course of taking grass should not exceed 2 weeks.

Galega (goat) in folk medicine

Mostly grass is taken to lower blood sugar, but it has a number of other beneficial properties for the body.

With diabetes

With this disease, the goat is taken both in pure form and as part of the herbal collection. Such a decoction can lower blood sugar, and also have a tonic effect on the body.

To make it, you will need goatberry, nettle, dandelion roots and green bean pods.All ingredients must be taken in the same amount (20 g is enough), carefully chopped and mixed. Pour boiled water (0.5 l), bring to a boil over low heat and set aside for at least 40-50 minutes, then strain. Take 60-80 ml three times a day before meals. Such a decoction is most effective on the first day of preparation, so every day you need to prepare a new medicine.

With diabetes, an infusion from the upper parts of the plant is also prepared. It will take 1 tsp. chopped raw materials and 1 cup of cold boiled water. Pour the grass into a saucepan, simply pour water, and then bring to a boil over low heat, set aside after 5 minutes and let it stand for 2 hours. Then it remains only to strain the liquid. According to the scheme, drink 3 times a day 1 tbsp. Store such homemade medicine in a glass container. The infusion has a strong diuretic effect, strengthens the protective functions of the body and helps with colds.

Another effective remedy for diabetes is tincture of leaves of the galega. To prepare it, you need 100 g of dry leaves and 100 ml of vodka. Leaves put in a glass container, then pour vodka and put to infuse in a dark place for 10 days. Periodically tincture should be shaken. At the end, strain the medicine and drink it three times a day after meals, 10-15 drops. The course of taking the medicine is 1 month.

With cystitis

Herbal collection is also used to treat this disease. Such herbs will be required: galega, motherwort, immortelle, poplar buds, heather and roots of dye madder. Herbs need to be mixed in equal proportions, pre-crushed to a powder, then mixed. Take 10-15 g of the mixture and pour in chilled boiled water, set to infuse for 4 hours. Now you need to pour the mixture into a pan, bring to a boil and leave for 5 minutes over low heat. Then set aside and insist for another 2 hours. Filter the finished medicine. Drink daily 100 ml of 3 r. / Day immediately before meals. The course of treatment for cystitis should not exceed 90 days.

To strengthen the immune system and cleanse the body

For this purpose, prepare a balm. It is also able to lower blood sugar, improve the endocrine system and normalize metabolism. The balm has an anti-inflammatory effect.

To prepare it, you need 1 tbsp. goat leaves and 1 tsp plant seeds. Grind the grass and mix with seeds, then pour 0.5 l of high-quality vodka in a glass container. Cover the tincture with a lid and put in a dark place for 1 month. Periodically, it is necessary to shake it. After the time has passed, strain. Consume 1 tsp. no more than 3 p. / day after eating.

With bowel disease and stomach

Syrup is also made from galegi. It is characterized by the ability to strengthen the immune system, helps with diseases of the throat and nose. It is recommended to use it in the cold season to prevent viral diseases.

It will take 1 cup of chopped herbs and 2 cups of boiling water. Pour the grass with boiling water and put in a water bath. It is necessary to evaporate the liquid until its amount is halved. Then the broth must be filtered and cooled, then mix thoroughly with 1 glass of honey.

Keep the medicine in a glass container in the refrigerator. Take 1 tbsp. twice a day - in the morning and in the evening, regardless of food intake.

From worms

Galega is an effective remedy against parasites. It can be taken both in pure form and with green tea. Mostly the leaves of the plant are used.

It will take 1 tbsp. shredded leaves of grass. They need to pour 200 ml of boiling water and leave to infuse for an hour. Drink one glass throughout the day 50-60 minutes after eating. You can also add to the tincture 1 tsp. green tea.

From parasites, you can also take a galega in a dry form. To do this, you need to grind it to a powder and drink a quarter teaspoon after a meal, washed down with water.

Diuretic broth

For cooking, you need 10-15 g of chopped leaves of grass.They need to be put in a pan and pour a glass of boiling water, then cook over low heat for 5-7 minutes. Then pour the medicine from the pan into a thermos, and insist for 2 hours. If there is no thermos, you can pour the broth into a glass, cover with a lid and wrap it with a warm towel. Filter the finished product and drink 1 tbsp. no more than 3 times a day, regardless of food intake.

Such a decoction can be used to gargle with sore throat. It will also be useful for prostatitis and other diseases of the genitourinary system due to the ability to stop inflammatory processes.

Anti-inflammatory infusion

To prepare it, you will need 20 g of dried grass and a glass of boiling water. Grind the grass to a powder, then pour water and leave to infuse for 3-4 hours. In the end, you need to strain it through dense gauze and drink 4 times a day for 1 tbsp.

Also, the infusion can be prepared with seeds. They need to be mixed with grass in a ratio of 1: 1 (enough 5 g of one and the other), pour boiling water and insist for an hour. After straining, drink 1 tbsp. 5 times a day.

The infusion also shows high efficiency in the treatment of kidney disease.

With angina

Due to the antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effect, the goat can effectively deal with this ailment. It is prepared as part of the collection. You will need to take goat leaves, a series, birch leaves, rose hips, hawthorn, willow bark and plantain. Grind all ingredients thoroughly, mix, then take 1 tbsp. Collect and pour 2 cups boiling water. Cover and leave to infuse for several hours. Strain the medicine and can be used to gargle. You can also take orally 1 tbsp. 2 p. / Day. The course of treatment of angina should not exceed 30 days.

With snake bites

In traditional medicine, there is no mention of the benefits of the galega for snakebites, but decoction is used in folk medicine. It is important to remember that a snake bite is not a joke, and you must always seek medical help right away. But before going to the forest, you can prepare a medicine from the goat, so that in case of a bite, provide first aid before the ambulance arrives.

The broth is prepared from the roots of the plant. They are also harvested in June, during the flowering period. It is necessary to grind the root of the grass, and pour 2 tbsp. raw materials with two glasses of boiling water. Then put on low heat and boil for 10-15 minutes. Ready to infuse broth for 3 hours, then strain and pour into any container. After a snake bite, drink 1/2 cup. The broth removes poisoning caused by snake venom. With the permission of the doctor, you can continue the course of treatment with the goat house to completely cleanse the body. In this case, you need to drink 100 ml three times a day before eating.

Also in the forest, it is advisable to have a dry shredded root of the galega with you, and attach it to the wound in case of a bite.

Types of healing compounds

The plant is widespread and incredibly useful, therefore, despite the risk of poisoning, there are a large number of recipes for preparing a medicine. They make infusions, tinctures, decoctions and teas from galegi.

Infusion

It is used to lower blood sugar. The infusion has an antiviral effect, so they can gargle with angina. Also, this medicine is used to treat worms.

To prepare the infusion, you need 2 tbsp. top of the plant, 2 tsp grass seeds and 0.5 liters of boiling water. Grind grass, mix with seeds, pour into a thermos and pour boiling water. Then close the lid tightly and leave to infuse for 12 hours. Strain the medicine and take 100 ml two to three times a day for several minutes before eating.

Still prepare the infusion only from grass seeds. It will take 2 tsp. raw materials and 0.5 liters of boiling water. Transfer seeds to a jar and pour boiling water, then cover and leave for 3 hours, then strain.Drink 1/2 cup every day 2 times a day before meals. Such an infusion has a diuretic and anti-inflammatory effect.

Tincture

It is used to lower blood sugar. It has a general strengthening effect, stimulates the active work of the immune system. They are also used for inflammatory processes in the body and for the removal of toxins and toxins.

For the preparation of tinctures use the entire upper part of the plant. It is necessary to chop the grass a little, separate 100 g, and mix with a 60-70% alcohol solution in a 1: 1 ratio. It is advisable to prepare tincture in a glass container. Close the container with a lid and place in a dark and cool place for 10 days. It’s best to keep it in the cellar, but if it’s not there, a closet is also suitable. As soon as the tincture is ready, strain through cheesecloth, folded several times, and refrigerate. Drinking tincture is recommended for 10-20 drops 2-3 times a day.

Decoction

The broth is also able to fight high blood sugar. In addition, it is famous for its diuretic, diaphoretic and anti-inflammatory effect. Broth is drunk for various viral diseases and problems with the kidneys or liver. It can be used for diseases of the urinary tract.

To prepare the medicine you need 2 tbsp. chopped herbs and 0.5 liters of boiling water. Pour the raw materials with water in a glass jar, then place in a prepared pan with boiling water. Cover and leave for another 15-20 minutes. Then cool the broth a little, strain through a dense gauze and dilute with boiled water to the original volume.

Drink the medicine no more than 2 times a day, 70 ml before meals. Depending on the condition, the daily dose may vary. Before using a decoction, it is advisable to consult a doctor.

Tea

Tea has a tonic and diuretic. It is drunk to strengthen immunity and for colds.

To make a drink you need 1 tbsp. chopped herbs and 0.5 liters of boiling water. Pour raw water and leave to infuse for 2 hours. Drink 3 times a day for 50-100 ml. Warm up before use. You can add lemon, raspberry or chamomile to tea. Such tea will not only be tastier, but also healthier.

Juice

It is made from fresh herbs. The juice is used externally to heal wounds and relieve inflammatory processes on the skin. It is also used to gargle with angina.

To make juice use stems and leaves. You can squeeze out moisture from the plant using a meat grinder. The finished liquid is diluted with water in a ratio of 1: 5 and applied to the wound. To gargle, you need to dilute the juice with water in a ratio of 1:10.

Essence

It is used to treat diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. It is also used as an adjunct to the main therapy for hemorrhoids.

To make it, you need to take 20 g of crushed raw materials and pour a glass of cool boiled water, then cover with a piece of paper on top and set to insist for a whole day against the sun. In the evening, pass the liquid through several times folded cheesecloth and dilute with water to get a volume of 200 ml. Drink the resulting medicine throughout the day in small portions.

Goat growing

Goatskin can be considered an unpretentious plant. The grass easily survives short-term frosts and does not require special care. The most difficult thing is to achieve seed germination, and then you can no longer worry.

In order for the goat's seeds to sprout and swell, they need a lot of moisture, but they have a strong shell that does not let it through. On an industrial scale, special peeling plants are used; at home, you can grate the seeds a little with sandpaper.

Then the seeds need to be soaked for 2-3 hours and planted in soil, to a depth of not more than 2 cm. Planting in open ground is done in early spring, when the daytime air temperature is kept at around 8-10 degrees.It is important to ensure tight contact of the seeds with the soil, for this it is better to stick them into the ground with your finger, and then sprinkle with earth on top. The first sunrises may appear in 10-14 days.

Choosing a landing should be a site that is lit by the sun throughout the daylight hours. It is advisable to plant grass at the highest point in the garden so that there is not much moisture accumulating there.

Already in August, each plant will form a stem up to 50 cm in length. In this case, the root system will deepen by 70-80 cm. If the winter is snowy, then you don’t need to worry about the safety of the goat, he will survive any frosts. Otherwise, you need to take care of his shelter. You can cover the garden with branches of conifers or sawdust. You can also use burlap. Medicinal raw materials should be harvested 3 years after disembarkation.

This is a very useful plant in the garden. Enough to plant 2 square meters. meters of goat house to provide itself with medicinal raw materials for many years. This is a very beautiful grass that will give the site a unique look. In addition, the galega is considered a honey plant, so its appearance will attract bees to the garden.

Contraindications

The plant is incredibly useful, but poisonous, so it has a number of contraindications. First of all, it is forbidden to give children under 16 in any form. From 16 to 18 years can be given, but only with the permission of the doctor and in the quantities indicated by him.

It is impossible to exceed the recommended doses, this is fraught with side effects. Poisoning is manifested by headache, nausea, abdominal pain and shortness of breath. Also in some cases, a cough may occur.

Pregnant women are forbidden to drink grass because of the threat of miscarriage. The composition of the plant has components that can lower the pressure, but taking the medicine can lead to the opposite effect, so with hypertension it is better to refrain from using the galega. You also need to carefully take the galega with anemia, as grass can impair the body's absorption of iron.

You can not use the goat with allergies and in case of individual intolerance.

Squid will become a loyal assistant in the treatment of diabetes and many other ailments, but if you exceed the dose, he will become an enemy. No need to self-medicate, you need to take grass only with the permission of the doctor, and in the dosages indicated by him.

Photo galegi (goat)