Iberian: medicinal properties and contraindications

Iberian is a ground-cover grassy annual. It belongs to the cruciferous cabbage family, has a large range of qualities that are beneficial to human health. The plant is poisonous, however, when used correctly, it can help in the treatment of pathologies of the cardiovascular system, stomach, intestines, as well as a spectrum of infectious, colds and inflammatory diseases.

The medical name for the herbalist is Iberidisherba. The names are found in the people: “heterogeneous”, “pepper”, “village mustard”, “stennik”.

Chemical composition

The composition is not fully understood, which limits the application to specific areas. At the same time, the seeds and stalk of the plant are endowed with the already known structure unique in its qualities. They contain:

1. Cucurbitacin of groups E, I, J, K (antitumor, antimicrobial anthelmintic properties).
2. Glucoiberin (antioxidant).
3. Glucoheirolin (herbal antibiotics, antiviral agent).
4. Flavonols (regulation of the formation of enzymes).
5. Glucosinolates (amino acids).

The main active components of the heterophony are bitterness, ester, mustard oil glycoside, cucurbitacin and other substances. This list is the basis for the formation of chemical composition.

Please note: the plant contains toxic substances. Therefore, use without consulting a doctor and prescribing a strict dosage can bring severe irreversible consequences for the body.

How it looks and where it grows

The annual with a bare, rough, ribbed stem on average reaches a size of 35–40 cm. The bush itself can grow more than half a meter. The base is densely branched, leaves of a characteristic dark green color, cirrus-wedge-shaped, elongated. The plant has small white petals with a diameter of up to 2 cm, collected in large brushes, purple or pink. The pepperbox is always four-petalled; the edges are characterized by oblong.

The flowering season of the heteropaque is limited to the summer months (June to August), after which the plantation bears fruit. Depending on weather conditions, it may ovary repeatedly. The optimum temperature regime fluctuates around 18–20 ° C. Until the end of September, bivalve-shaped capsules of round oblate shape can be seen on the branches, inside them there are brown (in some cases yellow or red) seeds, with the help of which propagation occurs.

The original place of occurrence is considered to be Spain (formerly called Iberia).

Additional Information: According to legend, the ancient Roman scholar-writer Pliny the Elder, while in Iberia, healed his friend from pain in the gastrointestinal tract with the help of a variety of peers. Therefore, the name of the grass and its origin is tied to this place.

This species is heat-loving and heat-resistant, therefore the habitat of the Iberian is Central Europe and the Mediterranean. In Russia, it can be found in the southern territories (Crimea, Caucasus, Don), sometimes in the European part of the country.

The grass lives mainly in mountainous, rocky areas in loose soil with a high content of lime. Abundant growth requires a lot of sunlight and moderate humidity. The culture has long been domesticated, so it is possible garden cultivation and propagation by cuttings.

Kinds

Due to its unpretentiousness and external data, a shrub is often used not only for medicinal purposes, but also in landscape design, which is of great interest to gardeners and breeders. Thanks to them, more than 30 varieties were bred, some of them are perennials, which means that they are resistant to frost and can endure the winter period without consequences. Basically, all subspecies are dissimilar to each other in the form of leaves, in some cases they differ in the color of the buds. The following varieties are especially popular:

Iberis evergreen
Perennial tall shrub (30–40 cm). The leaves are oblong, deep dark in color, reach 7 cm in length. The buds of this subspecies are umbellate, light, up to 5 cm in diameter. Blooming begins in the summer and lasts about 20–25 days. The prominence of the species is that the buds almost completely cover the branches during opening. The plant can bloom repeatedly in late summer, bears fruit.

Varieties:

1. Little Jem (LittleGem) - low lush canvases with a diameter of up to 50 cm. It has large evergreen, shiny leaves. It blooms in April-May, at this time the plant has up to 200 brushes per flower bed.
2. Winter magic (Winterzauber) - is recognized by its extremely early flowering, which begins in March.
3. Miniature flock (Zwerge schneeflocke) - one of the domesticated varieties, unpretentious in care and grows well in rocky flower beds. Small herbaceous variety (up to 15 cm). The color of the ovary is light blue. Notable for a long flowering period.
4. Findel (Findel) - low (20 cm) and wide (up to 1 m) shrub, highly branched on the sides. The flowering period is short.
5. Dana (Dana) - a variety of white-colored Iberis. Dense flower, not higher than 15 cm.

Iberis Gibraltar
Spanish undersized shrub. It can be found in the south of the country and in Morocco. In spring, blooms with pink tassels, reaches a mark of 25 cm up and 40 cm in diameter. For cultivation, it is necessary to prepare a good arboretum, provided with plenty of sunlight. It is found in Russia. The most common are:

1. The Gibraltar Wall (Gibralter Candytuft) is a low grass (size varies from 15 to 35 cm). When flowering, it is covered with a dense cap of inflorescences from white to deep lilac. Heat-loving, requires a well-warmed place and non-acidic soil.
2. Candy wall (Candy Tuff) - one of the largest varieties of Gibraltarian heterosexuals. The size of the inflorescences is close to dahlias. Rare, therefore appreciated by breeders. For cultivation requires drained soils with a small amount of moisture.

Both varieties are distinguished by delicate purple inflorescences, which eventually take on a pure white color.

Iberis Crimean
It is named after the place of origin - first discovered in the Crimea. The perennial rises from 5 to 10 cm. It is grayish in color, soft stems are lowered down. The buds are characteristic lilac, subsequently acquire a white color.

For cultivation, dry, properly calcium-fertilized soil and sunny space are desirable.

Iberis is rocky
It resembles a cumulus cloud or a snow cap due to the abundance of brushes and colors. This is a low (10-15 cm), evergreen, resistant to temperature extremes. It can be found in Europe from the Iberian Peninsula to the South of Russia. Most common:

1. Pygmya (Pygmaea) - the canvas (maximum 10 cm high) lies in a wide array, elongated, needle-shaped leaves, heads are small and bright.
2. Weiss Riesen - Weiss Riesen variety. Large bush (reaches 30 cm) with white flowers.
3. Hyacintenblutig Riesen (Getitemviewtype Riesen) - about 35 cm in length. Bright lilac clusters stand out beautifully against the background of dark shoots.

Note: transplantation of rocky walls is undesirable, since the rod root system is easily injured.

Iberis is bitter
Reaches an average of 30 cm in height. Rough, jagged branches down. The stalk is spaciously branched from the root. Fragrant small flowers of white or purple color from 1.5 to 3 cm in size. Subspecies:

1. Iceberg (Eisberg) - tall (40–45 cm) with large serrated leaves.The buds are elongated (brush-shaped) and light.
2. Empress (Empress) - in shape resembles a candelabrum, reaches a height of 30 cm. The leaves are long and jagged. Externally, the flower is similar to hyacinth.

Iberis umbrella
This annual is found in southern Europe. It has tall (up to 40 cm), smooth stems and dense, white inflorescences (sometimes purple). The leaves are large and shiny, emerald. Has dense white inflorescences (sometimes may be lilac). It begins to bloom after 2.5 months from the day of planting. Seeds are yellow or red. Subspecies:

1. The miracle mix (Fairy Mix) is small (15–20 cm), obtained from the collection of different seeds, from which the petals acquire an unpredictable color.
2. Red fever (Red Rush) - a height of about 30 cm, long green twigs. The species is distinguished by the atypical coral-red color of the buds.

Collection and storage

The flowering period of the wall is the time for harvesting raw materials. The herbalist needs to be cut off in the required quantity, and then examined for hit by rotten leaves, stems and unnecessary debris. Then proceed to drying the resulting mass. For complete drying, it needs to be cut and laid in a dry place with a cloth up to 2-3 cm thick (to ensure adequate ventilation). This will avoid dampness and rotting collection. After you must daily turn over the herbs and monitor their condition.

Dry wood should be stored in special paper bags or gauze bags, this is necessary for proper air circulation. This form of storage allows you to use it for two years. At the end of this period, useful components cease to have a therapeutic effect.

Seeds are also to be harvested. This should be done from August to September. The process is not much different from the steps described above: you need to put the seeds on a tray in a well-blown place until completely dry and after the procedure is completed, place them in paper bags. Shelf life is 24 months.

Important! Do not place the canvas in direct sunlight, as dead wood can burn. To comply with this rule, you can use a canopy or other indoor space.

The healing properties of Iberian

The range of indications for the use of drugs or independent preparations is wide enough. On its basis, a wide variety of drugs are created, aimed at the use in cardiology, gastroenterology and homeopathy.

The structure of Iberian is investigated to identify additional beneficial properties. In 2014, a study by Comcon Healthindex found that an extract made from fresh leaves is able to fully regulate the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract, maintain its activity and healthy state. In addition, with the help of this composition, you can overcome common problems: heartburn, bloating, acute pain in the stomach.

In 2004, it was found that the bitter sennik is able to adapt to the human body. This is due to selective regulation of the work of the intestinal muscles depending on the ailment: in the case of a relaxed state - provide a tonic effect, in the case of cramping - relaxing.

Since the 1960s, the plant has been used for the manufacture of various pharmaceuticals in Germany and Belgium. Whole plantations in Dormstadt are reserved for breeding. It is the main component for the Iberogast preparation ("Ibero" - "Iberian" and "gast" - "stomach") of the German company Bayer.

Additional information: according to statistics, in 2013 Iberogast became the best-selling gastroenterology product in Germany. It is also exported to Russia and other countries, so more than 25 million people have already tried the use of prokinetics worldwide.

Other pharmacological preparations and herbal pharmacy fees are also made from the herbalist.

As mentioned earlier, the beneficial substances contained in the grass have a positive effect on the body. Its unique components help maintain the tone of the cardiovascular system, have a cytostatic and bacteriostatic effect, increase the performance of smooth muscles of the gastrointestinal tract.In addition, they are used to help remove bile and urine.

Therefore, the main list of pathologies in which the use is shown is as follows:

• heart and vascular diseases (angina pectoris, tachycardia, oxygen starvation);
• functional dyspepsia (gastritis, stomach cramps);
• peptic ulcers in the stomach and duodenum;
• decreased appetite, nausea, heartburn, flatulence;
• disorders of the small or large intestine;
• problems of bile secretion.

Among other things, the substances contained in the annual, have antiseptic, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects, therefore it is possible to use to relieve symptoms and treatment:

1. Acute bronchitis, pneumonia, tonsillitis, tonsillitis and other bacterial colds infections.
2. Cystitis, urethritis, pyelonephritis and other inflammatory processes in the genitourinary system.
3. Damage to the skin (disinfection and healing of wounds).

Traditional medicine claims that the products based on this plant help in the fight against cancer and benign tumors, as they have a cytostatic effect.

Iberian bitter in folk medicine

Pharmaceutical properties are concentrated in the entire terrestrial part of Iberia and its seeds, so you need to look for material for a first-aid kit here. From the ground part of the plantation, you can make decoctions, infusions, compresses, tinctures for home use. The root system is not involved in this case.

Dried flowers are prepared from July to September, after which they can be used for the manufacture of consumer products. They can be mixed with other components. At home, given the characteristics of the disease, you can prepare medicines according to the following recipes.

With cholecystitis and gout

Pour 400 ml of boiled water into a teaspoon of dried herbs, then leave for at least an hour. Filter the liquid in a tablespoon 5 times a day for 2 weeks. This method can be used to prevent chronic diseases every six months.

With open wounds

If the wound does not heal well or does not heal at all, festering, brings discomfort, you can use the Iberian infusion. In this case, an overdose is impossible, so there are no contraindications for use.

2 teaspoons of grass pour 150 ml of hot water, insist an hour. Dampen gauze in strained infusion and apply to an open wound for 30 minutes twice a day. Repeat daily until complete healing.

With coronary heart disease

For cooking, you need 20 grams of seeds. Pour them with vodka at the rate of 150 ml of liquid for every 20 grams. The mixture is infused for 20 days. The resulting solution should be taken in the form of drops (10 drops per glass) 3 times a day one hour after eating.

With sciatica and inflammation of the sciatic nerve

Mix a teaspoon of dried flowers with a spoon of seeds, then pour 300 ml of water at room temperature for 2 hours. After bring the product to a boil (but do not boil) and insist 2 more hours. Use a decoction of a tablespoon three times a day until the symptoms are eliminated.

With chronic hepatitis

For 30 days, insist in the dark a mixture of dried herbs in vodka in a proportion of 1:10. Drink with water, adding 5 drops per glass, to relieve symptoms. The same method is acceptable for pathologies of the nervous system, impaired gallbladder, lack of appetite.

With prolonged cholestasis (stagnation of bile in the liver)

For productive treatment, use herbal preparations, which include Iberian (2 parts). In addition, chamomile flowers (1 part), licorice root, celandine, lemon balm or mint may be present in such collections. The treatment fee is brewed with a glass of boiling water and infused for at least 4 hours. Take 2 tablespoons three times a day (14 days). Similar pharmacy fees can be purchased ready-made in the form of tea.

For chronic sore throats

Pharyngitis and chronic laryngitis can be treated with plant seeds. Boil a teaspoon of seeds in 250 ml of water in a steam bath for 5 minutes. Cooled broth take 20 ml twice a day (20 days).

With irritable bowel syndrome

To remove intestinal irritation, you can use the collection, which includes the extract of bitter sennik, angelica root, chamomile flowers, caraway seeds, milk thistle and mint. A mixture of 50 grams pour 1 liter of vodka and leave for a month. The solution should be taken 20 drops three times a day until the symptoms of gastrointestinal irritation and spastic colitis are relieved.

Types of healing compounds

Despite all the benefits that the culture gives, even the most experienced herbalists strongly recommend using Iberian with caution and only after the recommendation of a specialist. Grass is very toxic, which cannot but be dangerous. The most common recipes include the preparation of infusions, tinctures, decoctions and compresses.

Infusion

Infusions, as a rule, are used to treat and relieve the effects of respiratory diseases, hepatitis of various groups, gout, cholecystitis, colpitis and other infections.

A liquid with a dried flower in the required proportions (depending on the manifestations of the ailment) is subject to infusion in boiled water, straining and further use in the established daily norms.

Tincture

To prepare the tincture, you must use a dried mixture of herbs and vodka. After aging for 3 weeks, drink the liquid in the form of drops. This method helps in the treatment and prevention of pathologies of blood vessels, heart, nervous disorders and hepatitis. The number of drops per glass of liquid depends on the specific disease and is given above.

Decoction

Decoctions in small doses are useful for various diseases. Accepted in cases of violation of bile secretion, appetite, gastrointestinal tract. In addition, Iberian is often used in homeopathy in conjunction with other herbs.

Compress

Compress has a positive effect on tissue regeneration and healing of open, non-healing wounds, ulcers, burns, and has an antiseptic effect. They are applied by wetting a clean gauze dressing with periodic application to the affected area.

Contraindications

Because of their toxicity, extracts and preparations containing Iberian are among the dangerous. Overdose in case of improper use can cause irreparable harm to health, as well as lead to asystole (cardiac arrest) and death. Therefore, uncontrolled treatment with drugs and independent preparations is strictly prohibited.

In addition, a number of specific contraindications to internal use are fixed:

• pregnancy and lactation;
• children under 16 years of age (due to insufficient clinical data);
• acute pancreatitis;
• pathology of the urinary system;
• large stones in the kidneys and bile ducts;
• individual intolerance to components;
• allergic reactions of the body (including hypersensitivity).

To analyze the clinical picture and prescribe a specific drug therapy, you must consult a doctor.

Photo Iberian