Orchis: medicinal properties and contraindications

Among the people, such a plant as orchis has always been popular. People treated him in a special way. There are many other names for orchis. Among them, for example, cuckoo's tears, core, wild orchid, dog tongues. Double grass tubers were used to make a love potion, as well as to increase sexual desire. A pair of stems and roots was used by peasants in various ancient rites. People also believed that if you swim during sunrise in the ponds around which this grass blooms, you can find health, beauty and youth.

There are many legends associated with cuckoo tears. Probably the saddest story is about a mother who was offended by her ungrateful sons. The woman got wet in the rain, after which she fell ill and fell ill, but her children left her without even having water. By evening, the boys tired of games and walks returned home, where they saw a miracle. The sick mother, who did not want to stay with her children, turned into a bird and flew out the window, while shedding bitter tears. Since then, it is believed that in the place where the cuckoo's tears fall, the orchis will grow there.

From the time of the Ottoman Empire to date, in Turkey, based on flour from the rhizomes of this herb, a drink called Salep is made. In addition, flour is part of the Turkish Marash ice cream.

Wild orchid has long been famous for its beneficial properties. In alternative medicine, there are many recipes that are effective for treating diseases of the strong half of humanity, but for the weaker sex and children this product is also valuable.

Grass is in the Red Book of the Russian Federation and other countries of Europe and the USA.

Chemical composition

Each element of the plant is characterized by many valuable components that can be used for therapeutic purposes.

1. So, for example, glycosides, pectins, carotene and bitterness are concentrated in the shoots and foliage of orchis.
2. The root part of the culture is characterized by the presence of such chemical compounds as sucrose, essential oils, starch, mucus.
3. The underground part of the grass has a more saturated composition, for this reason and is most often included in the recipes of unrecognized medicine.
4. In addition, here you can find dextrin, pentosans, resins, protein substances, organic acids, various vitamins, a number of mineral elements.

How it looks and where it grows

Orchis is a perennial culture of the Orchidaceae family. The stems of the grass are erect, up to 60–70 cm long. The leaves are narrow, painted dark green. Some varieties are distinguished by the presence of purple spots on them.

In April, the plant develops in the form of spike-shaped inflorescences, on which there are many small cherry-colored buds. Orchis blooms for about ten days. All this period is accompanied by a pleasant honey smell. At the time of wilting flowers seed boxes develop.

The root of the wild orchid is tuberous. As noted above, it is this component of culture that is most often found in recipes of traditional healers.

Grass grows in cold and temperate climates. It occurs almost throughout the Russian Federation, with the exception of the Arctic. The main part of the species prefers moist areas, bushes.Since the plant is distinguished by the ability to accumulate valuable substances in the tuberous part, some types can survive even in the arid region, as well as in harsh mountainous regions. For example, with the onset of hot weather, the Provence core is at rest, and in the fall it wakes up again and begins to grow. Each variety of grass is distinguished by preferences regarding the composition of the soil, but they all do not like light-loving and hygrophilous neighboring plants.

Kinds

More than 60 varieties of salep are known. Compared to other groups, the Orchid family is younger, and therefore there are some difficulties with the classification due to the fact that there are some hybrids.

The most popular species of orchis:

1. Male. It has a height of up to 0.5 m, on the base there are purple spots. The leaves are broadly lanceolate, about 15 cm long, up to 2-3 cm wide. The buds of this variety are small, the color of the petals varies from light purple to purple. Up to 500 flowers are concentrated on spike-shaped inflorescences.
2. Spotted. It is especially appreciated by gardeners due to its decorative characteristics. It differs from its counterparts by the presence of dark spots that adorn the lower part of the leaves.
3. Monkeys. It has such a name due to the special lower lip of the flower, which is similar in shape to the body of a small monkey.
4. Helmet-bearing. In height, it can have up to 0.6 m. In the period from the end of spring to the beginning of summer, thick ears of corn appear on which many flowers are concentrated. The top five parts of the perianth are arranged in such a way that they resemble a knight's helmet in shape. In this case, the narrow lip is divided into segments.
5. Purple. It is the highest grade. The flower has a powerful stem, which is up to 1.2 cm thick. The height of the plant is 0.7 m. The light pink lip of the flower stands out on the dark purple top helmet.

Collection and storage

The culture propagates both by seeds and by dividing rhizomes. The first option is quite complicated. It is much easier to plant a small nodule. The flower grows well on moist, but not swampy soil. He prefers to grow in partial shade, does not like the use of mineral as well as fresh organic fertilizers. It is best to grow the crop away from other herbs, as it will grow poorly in mixed flower beds. When separating tubers, the smallest of them should be taken. In a separate hole, you need to put a little earth from the mother's root.

The collection of medicinal plant materials is carried out at the end of flowering, when the flower stalk is still standing. In this case, it is necessary to dig up young, juicy root tubers of light yellow color. Rinse them thoroughly, and then lower them into boiling water for several minutes. After this, the raw materials are threaded and sent for drying in a darkened, thoroughly ventilated room. If special devices are used for drying, the temperature in them should not exceed 50 degrees.

The completely dried underground part of the plant loses its bitterness and unpleasant odor. Finished raw materials are stored in hermetically sealed containers. Shelf life is 5 years.

The healing properties of orchis

1. As already mentioned, grass is characterized by the presence of mucus in its composition. They have an enveloping effect, increase the protection of the affected areas, which makes it possible to use this quality in the treatment of gastrointestinal diseases.
2. Also, core-based drugs have analgesic, antitussive, and general anti-inflammatory effects.
3. Orchis remedies can relieve puffiness, eliminate pain during inflammation of the nasopharynx, larynx, tonsillitis and laryngitis.
4. It is also known that the components of this culture are able to bind and remove toxic substances, waste and poisons from the body.
5. The plant increases efficiency, stimulates the rapid regeneration of the nervous system after overload, normalizes sleep, eliminating insomnia.
6. Orchis increases testosterone synthesis, which allows restoration of sexual function.At the same time, blood supply to the genitals improves, which is the prevention of prostatitis.
7. The grass also has a wound healing, antiseptic effect, provides quick tissue repair as part of complex therapy.
8. Infusion from the roots of wild orchids helps to cleanse the blood and the body, in general, while having anti-inflammatory and hematopoietic effects.
9. If we talk about diseases that can be cured with drugs from cuckoo tears, such drugs can eliminate the symptoms of hemorrhoids, accompanied by bleeding, gastritis and an ulcer in the exacerbation phase, indigestion, bronchitis, as well as intoxication, pathologies associated with the genitourinary system in representatives of a strong and the weaker sex.
10. It should also be noted that the mucus from this plant is used in enemas, as well as for the treatment of epigastric inflammation. In addition, raw materials treat cough and inflammation of the oral cavity. Moreover, the orchis is an effective substance that has a tonic and firming effect. This property of the drug helps to cope with weakness after a serious illness, prevent nervous exhaustion and increase sexual strength.

Another advantage of this herb is the almost complete absence of contraindications. Occasionally, the use of this plant material may be accompanied by the occurrence of side effects, which are most often associated with the reaction of a particular organism.

For women

It is no secret that it is important for each person to maintain normal mental and physical health. Thanks to the medicinal characteristics of the orchis, this becomes possible. After all, such a product is able to remove harmful substances from the body, it also stabilizes the hormonal background, has a strengthening effect, stimulates blood formation. Also, thanks to the orchis, protection against additional irritation of tissues that have been subjected to inflammation is provided. In addition, the regeneration of the dermis is improved.

For cosmetic purposes, cuckoo tears are used to eliminate diseases of the scalp, as well as stimulate hair growth. Such a variety of plants as male orchis provides the growth and strengthening of the hair bulb. If hair falls out, or it is rare and weakened, you can prepare various masks and decoctions designed to rinse hair. The mucous mass made from the underground part of the plant can be used as a mask. To prepare a rinse, pour the raw materials with boiling water and insist until they cool completely.

For men

Even Avicenna noted that preparations based on orchis can be used to increase potency. The healer called such drugs the best aphrodisiacs. With the help of such funds, you can increase sex drive. Wild orchid is also effective in the prevention of diseases that contribute to the reduction of libido.

So, the compositions from the core help the stronger sex increase potency, sexual stamina, increase activity and tone of the genitals. In addition, the plant helps prevent the development of urological diseases and inflammation of hemorrhoids. The product allows you to restore the normal activity of the nervous system, to make the body more resistant to overwork, stressful situations. Also, this medicinal plant material helps to cope with anxiety and nervousness before sexual intercourse, relieve fear and memories of previous unsuccessful cases.

For kids

The studied herb is considered a safe treatment for poisoning and viral infections in children. Orthisis is approved for use in childhood from three years, but the dosage of the drug is minimal.

To prepare a remedy for diarrhea, you need to pour 120 g of the root part into 500 ml of water. The resulting solution is taken in 1 tsp. every hour.

Orchis in folk medicine

With diarrhea

The infusion from this plant can be used for diarrhea and other problems associated with the gastrointestinal tract.If problems with the stool appear in the child, to prepare the infusion, take 120 g of the crushed root of a wild orchid and pour 500 ml of hot water into it. After 30 minutes of infusion, the child can be given 1 tsp. composition per hour. Repeat the procedure until the condition improves.

To stop diarrhea in an adult, a decoction of flaxseed and orchis root, crushed to a powdery mass, will help. In this case, the concentration of flax and orchis should be 1: 4. Next, medicinal plant material pour 250 ml of boiling water and simmer over low heat for another 10 minutes. Take such a decoction 3 times a day for 1 tablespoon.

In case of poisoning

To solve the problems with the stomach in an adult, you should brew 1 tsp in a mug of hot water or milk. dried roots. The solution should be brewed for an hour. After the specified period, filter the liquid, and then drink in 2 doses. The same recipe is suitable for use in case of poisoning.

In the cool season, it is recommended to use jelly based on the root of the orchis. To obtain such a healing composition, you need to take 25 g of powder from the root of this herb, the same amount of starch, sugar to taste. The amount of water in this case is determined during the preparation process. To create jelly, combine these components and mix with water until a creamy structure is formed. After that, add a glass of milk to the solution and cook for 5 minutes over low heat. Pour the finished solution into molds. To improve the taste, you can add spices.

With sexual dysfunction

Orchis is a very useful plant for men who have sexual dysfunction. To increase potency, you should grind cuckoo tears into powder, measure 0.5 tsp. the resulting composition and pour it with boiled water in the amount of 1 cup. The fluid should be infused for an hour. In this case, the solution must be constantly mixed. Before use, you can add sugar if desired. Such an infusion a man should drink twice a day. An alcohol tincture is also suitable for treatment, the recipe for the preparation of which will be described below.

With hemorrhoids

You can also prepare a decoction that will help cure hemorrhoids. As you know, this plant is effective in combating inflammation of hemorrhoids, especially if the disease occurs with bleeding. To do this, take 10 g of dry root and 250 ml of water or use milk. Bring the mixture of raw materials and liquid to a boil and cook for a few more minutes. The resulting broth is divided into 3 parts and taken throughout the day.

As can be seen, for the preparation of the bulk of medicines based on wild orchids, the crushed root part of the grass is used. To obtain the powder, you can use a coffee grinder, but first you need to grind large pieces with something heavier.

With intoxication

As noted above, the mucus in the core has an enveloping property. This allows you to adjust the activity of the digestive system, eliminate chronic bronchitis. Salep can be used as an absorbent substance in case of poisoning. For medicinal purposes, young tubers are usually used, as for the older root, it can be used as an abortive or contraceptive component.

To cope with intoxication, it is necessary to boil 150 ml of milk, add 1 tsp to it. Salepa, diluted in 50 ml of cold milk, and heat over low heat until jelly is formed. The solution is taken on an empty stomach in the morning and in the evening, 100 ml. To prepare such a decoction is necessary until the portion is over in 90 g.

With cystitis

Use this plant can also be used to treat cystitis. In this case, pour 3 g of crushed rhizomes of cuckoo tears with a mug of boiling water and let stand for 90 minutes in a thermos. Ready solution to drink between main meals. In this case, the resulting amount of the drug will need to be divided into three equal parts.

With dermatitis

To eliminate dermatitis, as well as treat wounds, 1 tbsp.powder to combine with 100 ml of liquid pork fat. Keep this mass in a cool place. The tool is used to treat affected areas of the skin.

With ARVI

You can also prepare a restorative tonic. To do this, mix 100 ml of hot boiled milk and 1 tsp. Salepa, which was previously diluted in 50 ml of cool, pre-boiled milk. You also need to add 1 small spoonful of honey. Drink in the morning on an empty stomach. It acts as a prophylaxis of influenza and colds.

Types of healing compounds

Orchis is famous for its enveloping properties. The high concentration of mucus in the tubers of the grass protects the inflamed tissues from additional irritation. In addition, such a plant derived product is endowed with a restorative and tonic effect. This property is appreciated by people who have had a serious illness or surgery.

Particularly noteworthy is the absence of side effects. Such medicinal plant materials should be present in the medicine cabinet, especially if there are children in the house who often suffer from infections of viral origin.

On the basis of this plant, you can prepare various medicinal formulations that will help eliminate many pathologies.

Infusion

This solution is taken for impotence, prostatitis and infertility. You can also use it to treat cystitis, inflammation of the urinary tract. Effective infusion with gastric ulcer, diarrhea, colic, digestive tract disorders.

In order to prepare an infusion from orchis, boil a mug of water and cool it to room temperature. After this, pour 0.5 tsp into the cooled liquid. crushed raw materials and insist for 60 minutes. Drink the finished drug twice a day. In this case, the amount of funds received must be divided into two methods.

It is also possible to prepare an infusion based on milk. This type of drug composition is effective in the treatment of poisoning and inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract, colic, diarrhea, etc.

To obtain such a drug, 250 ml of milk, previously boiled and chilled, must be combined with 1 tsp. Orchis roots and insist for 30 minutes, stirring regularly. This tool should be taken immediately after waking up in the morning, as well as before going to bed.

Tincture

You can also get tincture in two ways. In the first case, you will need alcohol. In addition to this ingredient, it is also necessary to prepare 10 tubers of culture and 100 ml of alcohol. The manufacturing process begins with the grinding of young tubers to a powdery consistency. After that, pour the composition with alcohol and mix well. Pour the resulting solution into a container of dark glass and close hermetically. Infusion should continue for two weeks. After the specified period, the liquid will need to be passed through a filter or gauze, folded in several layers.

Take tincture 3 times a day before meals. The optimal amount of funds is 30 drops. The course of treatment usually lasts a month.

The second way to create tincture from orchis involves the use of more components. In this case, you will need several tubers of the described plant, bread prepared on the basis of rye flour, half a loaf, 500 ml of brandy alcohol will be enough. The drug is prepared as follows: initially, grind the underground part of the wild orchid, and measure 1.5 tbsp from the resulting powder. Cut the bread into small slices. Place both ingredients in a glass container and pour alcohol. Mix the composition thoroughly. Next, send the solution to a dark place for insisting for two months. After this, filter the liquid, burn the remaining thick and add back to the glassware.Now send the solution to infuse for as much time.

Ready tincture is indicated for daily use for a whole month. The drug should be taken 5 g before a meal. Exceeding the indicated dosage is dangerous by sexual overexcitation.

The flowers contain slightly less useful components, but they are also used in the production of oil tincture, effective not only to increase potency, but also for the treatment of prostate diseases and the prevention of such ailments.

Preparing such a drug is quite simple. In this case, it is necessary to prepare only dried flowers of cuckoo tears in the amount of 100 g and 1 liter of olive oil. Pour plant materials with oil and insist for a week. Keep this tincture in a warm place. Ready composition to take 2 tsp. a quarter of an hour before meals in the mornings and evenings.

Decoction

The recipe for the decoction is based on the fact that the medicinal herb is boiled in water. To obtain such a healing composition, take 10 g of raw materials, powdered, pour a glass of cold water. Next, bring the mass to a boil, then cool. After this, filter the solution and drink three times a day for 1/3 cup. Such a solution is used to increase potency.

Ointment

On your own at home, you can make an ointment using fat and powder from the root of the grass. Both components should be taken in equal proportions. The resulting tool is effective in the treatment of abscesses and other dermatological diseases, accompanied by the formation of pus.

In this case, the affected areas must be treated with a finished ointment, and then bandaged.

In addition, this composition can be used for alopecia, as well as for periodic hair loss.

Contraindications

Orchis is a special plant that has virtually no harmful effects on the body, is well tolerated and does not cause an allergic reaction.

Water and milk-based products can be safely given even to children and girls who expect a baby to be born. However, it must be remembered that treatment in this way is carried out only after prior consultation with a specialist.

Do not use for therapeutic purposes compositions based on wild orchids simultaneously with medicines containing tannin. This can cause unpleasant symptoms such as pain in the stomach, intestinal imbalance, nausea, vomiting, disruption of the digestive tract.

Using orchis in the treatment of diseases, it is very important to follow the directions of the prescription, as well as observe certain dosages. Exceeding this indicator can provoke the development of undesirable effects.

Interesting facts about orchis

1. It is quite difficult to find a large clearing with this plant. It most often grows in small quantities. This is due to the fact that the grass is widely used in folk medicine, regular collection of wild plantings is carried out. In this regard, the culture was placed in the Red Book.
2. In ancient times, cuckoo's tears acted as the character of many legends, were mentioned in folk signs and were an attribute of various rites. This flower was also used for the ceremony of meeting the spring.
3. Warriors took salep with them to various battles. A drink based on this plant can replenish the daily need for the necessary substances for the body, which allows to increase energy and strength reserves.
4. The mixture obtained by boiling tubers of culture with milk was used to feed infants who did not have enough mother’s milk (or there was none at all).
5. As for the foliage and rhizomes of this enchanting flower, they were widely used as a component to create a love potion. People believed that such a plant is a talisman from many troubles and misfortunes.
6. Also, the people said that the orchis can be used as a stem of truth, that is, if you put a root of grass in your pocket, no one can fool a person.

Photo of orchis