Kirkazon: medicinal properties and contraindications

Kirkazon is a plant from the Kirkazonov family. It is not only able to profitably decorate the site, but also has many useful properties. This plant is considered to be one of the oldest on earth. Its healing properties have been known to mankind for many centuries.

Chemical composition

The plant acquired its healing properties due to its unique chemical composition, which includes:

• bitter and tannins;
• essential oil and esters;
• phenolic and aristolochic acids;
• saponins;
• glycosides and lactones.

Different species may differ in their chemical composition, but they all contain a large amount of aristolochic acids and their compounds. Most are used in folk medicine to treat various ailments. The most poisonous species is kirkazon lomonosovidny, as the concentration of acid in it is maximum.

How it looks and where it grows

Kirkazon is a lignified perennial lianopod plant with bright, large and very beautiful leaves. It is perennial, growing and developing up to 30 years. The branched root system is located relatively close to the soil surface. The height of slightly branched shoots can reach a height of 14 m. The growth of stems lignified from below occurs vertically. Young shoots have a smooth greenish-brown bark, which over time begins to crack and changes color to brown. Decorative leaves adorn the plant. The leaf plate is large swept, cordate and palmate, depending on the species. Color - from light green to deep green. In length, the leaf can have a size of 5 to 30 cm. The leaves themselves are arranged alternately and form a continuous cover.

Depending on the type, the flowering time falls on May-October and lasts 20 days. Axillary flowers can grow both singly and in groups. In shape, these curved tubes are similar to a jug into which insects fall. An unpleasant rotten odor is very characteristic of flowers, this is due to the fact that flies are pollinated to a greater extent. Flowering begins no earlier than five years of age. The characteristic color of the petals is red, yellow and brown-red. Hanging seed boxes are oblong or rounded. Each contains many seeds.

Mostly kirkazon grows in temperate and tropical climates in Asia, America, Africa. In Russia, it can be found in the North Caucasus and the Far East, as well as in the European part of the country.

Views

In total, there are more than 200 species of kirkazon. Consider the most popular.

1. Ordinary kirkason. The popular name is febrile grass. Refers to perennials. Height - from 30 to 60 cm. Has a creeping rhizome and a simple, slightly curved stem. The leaf is large, pronounced egg-shaped with a matte surface with roughness. The edge of the sheet is dull. Pear-shaped fruits disintegrate into individual dry fruits. The flower is hanging, light yellow in color, with a characteristic fruity odor. The flowering period is from late spring to mid summer. Most often, this species can be found in the Central Black Earth Region. It grows along river banks, on slopes and edges. All parts of ordinary kircazone are used for medical purposes.
2. Aristolochia is large-leaved. In appearance, it is a typical large liana with a smooth bark of marsh green color. With age, the crust cracks and turns light brown. Green leaves resemble a heart, their diameter reaches 30 cm. A characteristic feature is the mosaic color due to the fact that the leaves on one shoot differ in shade. Leaf fall occurs in the autumn. Flowering time is the beginning of summer. Seed boxes have an oblong appearance.
3. Manchurian kirkazon. A woody vine up to 15 m long with large dark green fluffy leaves hanging down. The length of the sheet reaches 30 cm, the shape is pointed. The bark is soft, mostly dark gray in color. A characteristic feature is the smell of camphor oil, the origin of which is the location of the glands on the sheet itself. The fruit has a cylindrical shape, resembles a hexagonal box. As they mature, the color changes from bright green to yellowish green. The flowering period falls at the beginning of May. At this time, brown-cream-colored axillary flowers bloom on the vines. Autumn leaves fall. Most widely represented in the Far Eastern region of Russia. You can meet the Manchu kirkazon in the forests and near streams. He loves a wet kidney and shady areas. Like the common species, it is widely used in folk medicine. Due to its exotic beauty, it is often used to decorate parks and gardens.
4. Kirkazon felt. A climbing plant up to 10 m high. It is distinguished by its beauty and impeccability. It got its name due to the dense coating of young leaves and shoots with a felt pile. The color of the foliage is light green, the length reaches 16 cm, the shape is ovoid. In the axils of the leaves are tubular flowers with a yellowish-purple color. This species is the most heat-loving. The flowering period is the beginning of summer.
5. Circason is elegant. Evergreen liana. One of the most beautiful views. His homeland is considered South America. The closest relatives are large-leaf and Manchu kirkason. A distinctive feature - large heart-shaped leaves. The arrangement of buds is single or group of 4-6 pieces. It usually blooms in mid-summer. The flowers are large, reach a length of 12 cm and a width of 8 cm, in shape very much like a tube of a gramophone. The magnificent pockmarked color is able to attract the attention of even the most inveterate gardener, not to mention ordinary lovers. Ideal for landscaping the streets and decorating the garden.
6. Kirkazon twisted. The length of the grassy vine can reach 1 m. The root, in contrast to other species, is small in size, rounded in shape. The bark exudes a pungent odor and is colored yellow. The leaf is not very large, about 3-7 cm in length, slightly elongated, triangular-heart-shaped. The flowers are small, branched. The fruit has a pronounced oval shape. Seasonal flowering time falls in July-August. Roots and fruits are used for medical purposes. It is especially popular in Chinese and Korean medicine, the fruits of this species in China were called Maduren. The main place of growth is the Far East. As a rule, it grows in thickets, not far from water bodies.
7. Kirkazon Shteypa. One of the rarest species. It grows only in selected small territories. In Russia, this species can be found in the south of the country in the Krasnodar Territory. It is so rare that it is listed in the Red Book of the southern region. This herbaceous plant is small in size, unlike its large brothers. Its height is no more than 25 cm. The leaf has an ovoid-rounded shape, its length does not exceed 10 cm. The rhizome is represented by a tuber, round in shape, whose diameter is 8-10 cm. As a rule, the first leaf already appears in early March. The flowering period falls in the middle and end of spring. Small flowers in the form of a saxophone have a very bright color, usually red and all its shades. The smell exudes unpleasant, which can be compared with already far stale meat.In addition to the Krasnodar Territory, this species can be found in the northwestern part of the Caucasus, in the forests, but it also takes root in the country-garden territory. Due to its bright flower, the plant attracts attention and surprises with its beauty. But, unfortunately, from year to year the number of this species is rapidly declining.

Collection and storage

Kirkazon has many medicinal properties. For medical purposes, both terrestrial and underground parts of the plant are used. But seeds are used extremely rarely. To get the maximum benefit, you need to properly collect. It is important to cut the leaves and stems during flowering, and dig out the roots in the autumn. The upper part of the plant must be dried in a well-ventilated area, while eliminating direct sunlight.

Rinse the dug roots thoroughly with cold water, wait until the moisture has completely dried, and if necessary, blot with a paper or fabric towel. Thoroughly sort: remove thin and rotten roots. Cut, and then send for drying in the oven, preheated to 60 degrees, or a special drying chamber.

Properly dried plant is stored in a closed container in a dark place. For storage, it is better to use paper boxes. Healing properties are preserved for 2 years. After this period, it is not recommended to use raw materials due to the loss of all healing properties.

It is highly recommended to collect the plant in rubber gloves, since, in addition to useful substances, kirkason also contains poisonous ones.

Care

The plant is unpretentious, but, like for any other representative of the flora, it is necessary to observe some recommendations for care:

1. Watering should be moderate, you should not allow both the drying of the soil, and its excessive moisture.
2. Fertilize several times a season, using the most common mullein diluted with water in a 1:10 ratio as fertilizer.
3. Loosen carefully, since the root system of the kirkazon is close to the surface.
4. Be sure to cut dried leaves and shoots.
5. Arrange the plant in the shade, as it does not like direct sunlight.
6. When choosing a landing site, take into account that strong gusts of wind, which can damage thin stems, are contraindicated to kirkazon.

Growing

Reproduction occurs by root branches, cuttings and seeds. The preparation of cuttings is best started in the spring or autumn. To do this, cut 20-centimeter shoots with several buds. Cuttings placed at an angle in sandy soil. Abundant watering and regular fertilizer are required. Before the first leaves appear, cover with a transparent cap.

An easier way to grow is by using bends. It is only necessary to press the shoot to the ground, and a year later, when it takes root, boldly cut off from the main plant and transplant to another place.

Depending on the species, kirkazon is planted in open ground in spring or autumn. It is important to observe the main rule: the distance between plants should be at least 1 m., Since the root system of kirkazon is wide. The depth of the landing pit is no more than 50 cm. Be sure to put drainage on the bottom and sprinkle with sand. After planting, water abundantly with organic fertilizers. Since the plant is lianiform, you need to install a pole nearby, on which kirkazon will wander.

Interesting feature: weaving always occurs counterclockwise.

Kircasone grows very quickly. In the warm season, in just one day, it can grow by 15 cm. The average annual growth rate is 2-3 m.

Kirkazon for landscape decoration

Gardeners are very fond of using the plant when decorating landscape design. Kirkazon is considered to be the best landscaper for vertical surfaces. Liana is characterized by rapid growth and density. Often, kirkazon is used to create the effect of a living green bedspread on houses, fences, arbors. With the right formation, you can get a luxurious arch or even a tunnel. Liana looks very impressive when decorating trunks of old trees and columns.

Credible fact: In the past, the shape of the sheet of classical kirkazon was taken as an example of ornament in Gothic architecture.

Signs and rituals

Over the years, almost all the representatives of the plant world have been invented and created by people about legends associated with signs and rituals. Such an ancient plant as kirkazon, of course, could not escape human attention. It is believed that with the help of it, a male representative can attract the attention of a woman she likes or, conversely, destroy love relationships.

The healing properties of kircazone

Even the ancient Greeks knew well and successfully used kirkazon for medicinal purposes.

The plant has the following medicinal properties:

• antipyretic;
• antibacterial;
• anti-inflammatory;
• sweatshops;
• diuretic;
• wound healing;
• expectorant;
• soothing.

Due to its medicinal properties, kirkason is actively used for treatment and prevention:

1. Joint diseases - gout, rheumatism, osteochondrosis, the cause of which was the deposition of salts.
2. Many pathologies of the gastrointestinal tract, including diarrhea.
3. Problems of the cardiovascular system: cardiac arrhythmias, high blood pressure, vegetovascular dystonia.
4. Female gynecological diseases: lowers the tone of the uterus, is included in the complex therapy for erosion, cysts, polyps and fibroids.
5. Colds, flu, SARS, as well as the initial stage of tuberculosis.
6. Kidney pathology: normalizes their activity, cleans of toxins and other harmful substances.
7. Skin diseases of various origins - dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis.
8. Tumor
9. Varicose veins and thrombophlebitis.
10. Nervous and emotional stress, insomnia.

Kirkazon in traditional medicine

For medicinal purposes, kircazone is used in several forms:

1. Tincture. 1 tsp mix the dried plant with 100 g of vodka. Insist in a cool dark place for 7 days. Shake regularly, wring out after seven days. Apply 3 times a day for 20 drops.
2. Infusion. For one glass of water you need 2 tsp. dry mix. After 5 hours, strain. Consume 2 tablespoons after meals.
3. Ointment. It is necessary to mix 100 g of the crushed plant with pork fat. Transfer to a jar, setting aside two fingers from above. Warm up in a water bath for several hours. Apply externally 2 times a day. Be sure to store the finished ointment in the refrigerator.
4. Decoction. Apply for outdoor use. Dry root in an amount of 1 tsp pour 200 ml of boiling water and keep on low heat for 30 minutes. Use as needed in compresses and for rinsing.

Further, the most popular recipes for specific diseases.

With gynecological diseases

This composition is used internally for gynecological diseases. It will take 300 ml of boiled cool water and 2 tsp. dry kirkazona. Insist during the night, filter in the morning. Use several times a day for 2 tbsp. The course of treatment is 2 months.

For douching

Kirkazon infusion is actively used for douching in case of problems of the female reproductive system. To prepare a miraculous infusion, you need 3 tbsp. kirkazona, 1 tbsp. celandine and 1 liter of boiling water. After an hour, strain. The douching procedure should be carried out daily before bedtime for 10-12 days.

For the treatment and prevention of cancer

Since aristolochic acids can have a powerful antitumor effect, scientists are considering the use of drugs based on kirkazona for the treatment and prevention of cancer. Unfortunately, no such medications have been released yet.But traditional medicine offers an equally effective recipe for fighting cancer cells.
With the development of cancerous metastases in the body, it is necessary to mix the following ingredients: half a glass of ground kirkason root, 2 tbsp. sour cream, one glass of honey and cool water in an amount of 3 liters. Mix thoroughly and leave for a week in a cool dark place. Consume orally daily 100 g, 15 minutes before meals.

In the treatment of joint and cardiovascular diseases

Recipe: 1 tsp pour kirkazona with 2 cups of boiled cooled water. Pour everything into a thermos and leave it overnight. In the morning, drain the infusion. Take a quarter cup 30 minutes after a meal.

From the common cold

For colds and gastrointestinal problems, a decoction of a glass of water and ½ teaspoon helps well. herbs. Pre-boil for 20 minutes over low heat, filter. Consume 1 tbsp. 4 times a day.

For insomnia

To combat insomnia and nervous tension, they take such a highly effective remedy: pour a glass of cold boiled water with a volume of 250 ml into a thermos, add 1 tsp. kirkazona. To insist the night. Take strained. Recommended starting dose is 1 tsp. 4-5 times a day before meals, gradually increasing the dosage to 2 tsp.

With wounds and ulcers

With wounds and abscesses, mastopathy, healing kirkason baths have positively proven themselves. Pour 2 tbsp. dry herbs with one glass of boiling water, put on low heat for 15 minutes. Strain, add to the bath with pre-drawn water. Water temperature should not be below 35 and above 38 degrees. The treatment time is 20 minutes.

For wound healing

To remove irritation on the skin and increase the speed of wound healing, a miracle ointment will help: mix lard with crushed root of kirkazona, in a 5: 1 ratio, boil in a water bath for 2 hours. Rub into affected areas 2-3 times a day.

From psoriasis

A cream prepared according to the following recipe will help get rid of psoriasis. Only three ingredients will be required: 4 tbsp. comfrey, 2 tbsp kirkazona and 100 g melted pork fat. Mix everything, use daily. It is important to test for an allergic reaction before the first use: apply a small amount of cream on the inside of the wrist. If redness and a characteristic itch appear on the skin, then the cream should not be used.

For immunity

To increase the immune system and normalize the digestive tract, take a tincture prepared in the following way: pour crushed rhizomes with 70% alcohol in a ratio of 1: 3. Leave on for 21 days in a well-closed container. Take 3 times a day for 20 drops.

Honey pills

An interesting and effective recipe using the kirkazon plant from Chinese folk healers has a traditional name - "Honey Pills." For the preparation of healing pills, the fruits of twisted kirkazon will be required. It is necessary to use this type, and no other. This is fundamentally important, since the fruits of this species are less toxic.

So, you will need: 3 ripe fruits, which are carefully ground into powder. It is better to use a mortar for this purpose. Then add honey syrup to the kirkazon powder. To obtain it, dissolve 2-3 tbsp. honey in a glass of hot water. Then put the honey-kirkazonovy solution to simmer over low heat. Willingness to determine honey thickening. As soon as it begins to stick to the hands, remove the container from the fire and send to cool in a well-ventilated place. This is an indispensable and highly effective remedy for respiratory diseases. Apply 3–9 g daily until complete recovery.

Twisted kirkazon is widely used not only in Chinese, but also in Korean folk medicine.

Pyeongchang

The name of the Korean kirkazon means is the beautiful name "Pyeongchang-hwan." For cooking, it is necessary to grind the fruits of kirkazon, Korean bell, Chinese magnolia vine, as well as perilla leaves and upper stems of the actractis. Add any antiseptic and liquid honey to the crushed herbs. Take with bronchitis, asthma and tuberculosis in a single dose of 3-5 g. The daily dose should not exceed 15 g.

Madurenhwan

In Korea, another Madurenhwan remedy is used, which includes kirkason. It, like the previous one, is used to treat problems associated with the human respiratory system. The composition includes: Korean bell, kirkason (fruits), the bark of the mulberry root system, leaves of the already familiar railing, stems of lily. Grind and mix all ingredients. Consume 3 times a day for 2 tsp.

With swelling, Korean herbalists also prescribe a decoction of twisted kirkason to patients.

Contraindications

Despite the miraculous medicinal properties of kircazone, one should not forget that this plant is still poisonous and, if overused and misused, can not only cause serious poisoning, but also cause great harm to the whole body.

There are a number of diseases in which the use of drugs, which include kirkazon, is categorically contraindicated:

• uterine bleeding;
• pregnancy and lactation;
• acute renal and liver failure;
• gastritis and other inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract, especially in the acute stage;
• menorrhagia;
• hemorrhagic nephritis.

Under no circumstances should children be allowed to enter kircazone. Due to the content of toxic substances, the plant can cause not only allergies, but also cause serious burns.

There are still disputes between certified doctors and representatives of traditional medicine. On the one hand, there are vital facts confirming the presence and effectiveness of the medicinal properties of the kirkazon plant. On the other hand, numerous studies have revealed that the plant has a strong carcinogenic and mutagenic effect on the human body. In the territory of the Russian Federation and many other countries, this plant is recognized as capillary poison, and its use is prohibited in the production of medicines.

But, despite all the prohibitions, people continue to actively use kirkazonovye infusions, ointments and creams for their treatment. Numerous positive reviews from Internet users confirm the effectiveness and miraculous properties of these funds. In ordinary pharmacy chains, it will not be possible to purchase a dry collection of kircazone, as well as medications, which include this plant. You can buy it only from homeopaths and traditional healers.

Of course, each person decides for himself how and with what to be treated. The main thing is to remember that in everything you always need to know the measure. When treating with herbal tinctures and decoctions, it is very important to observe the correct dosage and acquire healing products only from proven herbalists. After all, far from everyone can collect grass in the right place and at the right time. In order to really get effective treatment with the help of traditional medicine, and not harm your body, you need to follow all the rules for collecting, preparing and storing herbal ingredients.

Interesting Facts

1. Few people know, but in England the plant has the name "Dutch pipe". And this is not surprising, because in its form the flower of kirkazona is very similar to this smoking device.
2. The plant exudes an unpleasant odor due to the fact that it is pollinated by insects that feed on dead animals (flies, beetles, and others). If you carefully study the color of the flowers of any species, you can see the similarity of color shades with the missing meat.
3. The curved shape of the flower is not random, but directly related to the pollination process. Once inside, it is difficult for an insect to crawl out, and getting out of a kind of trap, you have to lose the pollen brought.

Photo of kirkazon