Clefthoof: medicinal properties and contraindications

Since ancient times, hoofs have been especially popular with healers and herbalists. This perennial got its unusual name for the outward resemblance of the shape of the leaves to the horse's hoof. But this is not the only nickname that the people generously endowed this medicinal plant for its magnificent properties.

The culture is known under such names: wild pepper, vomit, core, hare root, earth incense, hernia, whale. Reflects the ability of this unique representative of the flora is a whole collection of unusual names. Clefthoof is the only plant in our area that causes a gag reflex. This property was widely used in antiquity if, after a plentiful meal, a person complained of digestive problems. It was enough to inhale a little powder from the grated roots of wild pepper to empty the crowded stomach.

But the ability to quickly solve gastrointestinal problems is not the only ability of the herb. Due to its rich composition, hoofed grass is included in the official directory of valuable medicinal herbs in many European countries. In Poland and Germany, it is specially grown for the production of certain types of medicines. Vomiting root is very actively used in folk medicine, especially to combat alcohol dependence.

Consider the features of this unusual representative of the plant world, and also tell you how to properly harvest and use grass for treatment.

Chemical composition

Almost all parts of the hoof can be used as medicinal raw materials. But in folk medicine, the root of the plant and leaves are most valued. The following beneficial substances are concentrated in these parts of wild pepper:

• cardiac glycosides;
• tanning components;
• organic acids;
• alkaloids (mainly azarin and its derivatives);
• starches;
• mucus in large quantities;
• essential oils;
• flavonoids;
• bitterness;
• coumarin;
• resins;
• group of mineral elements: calcium, potassium;
• vitamins.

These substances in a single composition provide a whole range of medicinal properties. But at the same time, it must be borne in mind that the azarone component and its derivatives belong to the group of toxic compounds. Therefore, with prolonged use of infusions and decoctions based on ungulates, violations of the functions of the kidneys and heart can be observed. Long-term use of herbal preparations negatively affects blood formation and protein synthesis.

Important: Wild pepper poses a life threat to pets, so it should be raised in a place inaccessible to pets.

How it looks and where it grows

The hoof is part of the Kirkazonov family. This evergreen plant enjoys special sympathy among gardeners because it has a creeping branching stalk that covers the ground with a beautiful living carpet. Designers often use hoofs to decorate recreation areas and parks. Among other characteristics of the plant, it should be noted:

1. Rhizome of wild pepper, like the stem, has a lot of cord-shaped branches.
2. The height of the bushes does not exceed 10-15 cm.
3. Plant life spans 35 years or more.
4. Short creeping stems end with a pair of symmetrically arranged leathery leaves.

In the spring, a bell flower is formed at the top of each stem.But the size of the flowers does not exceed 10 mm in diameter, so they are lost against the background of large leaves. Clefthorn blooms last from April to May.

Clefthoof flowers are distinguished by their original colors: on the outside it is brownish-green, and inside brown. During flowering, multi-colored bells exude a vanilla aroma, which attracts ants. They are the main pollinators of perennials.

The fruit of the plant is a hexagonal box inside which are microscopic seeds. Their size does not exceed 3 mm. Each box contains a huge number of such wrinkled seeds.

Propagation method

In the wild, hoofed grass propagates vegetatively due to the separation of daughter stems. Also ants play an important role in spreading the culture, adoring to feast on perennial seeds and white fleshy appendages.

Gardeners use the division of the bush to expand the area of ​​grass growth. Sowing seeds is also often used for this purpose. The first seedlings after sowing appear in about 3-4 weeks, but young plants gain strength very slowly. Only a year later do they form the first leaves.

Area of ​​prevalence

Hoofed grass is one of the most common plants on the planet. His homeland is Africa, West Asia and North America. Today, the emetic root can be found on almost the entire European part of Russia, in the south of Siberia and Altai, in Belarus and Ukraine. The plant prefers humus-rich soils, but loves to stay in the shade. Therefore, in the forests, it occupies the lowest tier, for which it is often called the leaf. Wild pepper can be found in spruce and mixed forests; it settles in birch forests and aspen forests.

Kinds

In the botanical reference book there is a description of 120 species of clefthoof. In the list of the most common types:

1. The European variety is in demand in the pharmaceutical industry. On the basis of the plant, anti-inflammatory and anthelmintic drugs are prepared. From the root of the European ungulate they prepare external remedies for the treatment of wounds and scabies.
2. Tailed wild pepper native to North America. It differs in very large leaves and a powerful rhizome, which adds up to 8 cm per year. This species is very resistant to low temperatures, the plant withstands frosts down to -20 ° C. The tailed look perfectly survives in the middle lane. The peculiarity of this variety is active growth.
3. Siebold variety is very popular among gardeners. The shrub does not have such a powerful rhizome as a tailed appearance, but has a very attractive appearance: the neat, rounded shapes of the bush look great in landscape design. Siebold variety dumps foliage towards winter.
4. Canadian ungulates differ in beautiful inflorescences of a burgundy-violet hue. It is used only for decorative design of personal territories.
5. Shiny hoof, according to florists, is the most aesthetically effective species. Heart-shaped leaves of a deep green hue with a silver-gray pattern look impressive surrounded by small burgundy-brown flowers.
6. A large species of wild pepper also has outstanding decorative characteristics: bright green leaf plastic decorated with a marble pattern.

Most of these varieties are widely used in decorative gardening. Perennial is also used as a natural barrier, preventing weeds from spreading. The dense coating of green glossy foliage of the plant not only decorates the territory, but also hides its flaws.

Collection and storage

Subject to the rules that will be given below, it is possible to procure valuable plant raw materials. Clefthoof leaves are harvested during flowering in May, and the underground part is harvested in early spring or late fall. Many herbalists claim that even roots extracted from under the snow are suitable for medicinal use.

Procurement Rules:

1. Leaves should be carefully cut with scissors, and dig out the roots.
2. Plant material immediately after collection must be cleaned, sorted, rinsed well.
3. For quick drying, it is better to cut large parts into small fragments.
4. You can dry the plant material outdoors in the shade or in a ventilated area. Drying of raw materials in the oven at a temperature of 50 ° C is allowed.
5. For drying, raw materials prepared in accordance with all the rules need to be spread in a thin layer on paper or a piece of clean cloth.
6. It is important to stir up the mass regularly to prevent mold.

When the valuable material is ready, it must be stored in a glass jar and closed with a sealed lid. The shelf life of raw materials in such conditions is 1 year.

Useful advice: when self-harvesting hoof, you must follow all the recommendations. We must not forget that the composition of the herb contains a poisonous organic compound asaron, which can lead to severe poisoning and even death. When properly dried plants, the concentration of this dangerous component decreases several times.

Medicinal properties of Clefthoof

The chemical formula of the composition of the grass of ungulates provides the plant with a whole range of therapeutic actions. In addition to the emetic effect, preparations based on perennial leaves and roots have the following effects:

• laxative;
• diuretic;
• expectorant;
• choleretic;
• calming;
• anesthetic;
• antipyretic;
• wound healing;
• anti-inflammatory;
• anthelmintic;
• hemostatic;
• antispasmodic.

Scientists have clinically proven that wild pepper has a high anticarcinogenic activity. Also, preparations prepared according to folk recipes prevent the appearance of sclerotic changes in the vessels. But the hoof has gained great popularity as a tool for the treatment of alcoholism.

Since the plant is included in the pharmacological directory, in the pharmacy you can find herbal remedies with his participation and finished raw materials. For example, the herbal collection Stopal is very popular. In the pharmacy network, you can buy special drops for the treatment of alcohol dependence. And with neuritis and radiculitis, the tincture “Akofit” helps, in which the plant components of the hoof are also present.

Note: given the high toxicity of the plant, all methods of home treatment with the use of preparations prepared on the basis of the herb must be agreed with the doctor.

How to take hoofs for alcoholism

As noted earlier, European and European hoofed grass is used in folk and official medicine. The plant has gained a reputation as a powerful natural remedy against alcohol dependence.

The mechanism of action of such therapy is similar to drugs belonging to the group of alkoblockers. This means that the simultaneous administration of a herbal preparation with alcohol causes a person to have a strong vomiting reflex. After several doses of such a medicine, a patient suffering even a severe form of alcoholism develops a persistent aversion not only to the specific taste of alcoholic beverages, but even to their smell. According to the reviews of the patients themselves and relatives of people suffering from alcohol dependence, a strong effect appears after two to three days of treatment. But it is natural that the threshold of perception for each person will depend on the individual characteristics of his body.

Anti-alcohol therapy options
There are several treatment options for alcoholism using wild pepper root. They differ in that it makes sense to use certain recipes if the dependent person himself knows, and therefore consciously agrees to this method of treatment. In the second case, therapy is carried out by relatives secretly from the patient.

1. For self-relief from craving for alcohol, it is best to prepare a tincture on wine.To do this, in a ratio of 1: 2, mix the crushed emetic root and the green peel of the walnut. 1 tbsp pour the resulting mixture into 2 liters of wine. Two weeks the composition should be infused. When the medicine is ready, it should be taken twice a day, 20-30 ml. The patient should know that the treatment process will be accompanied by vomiting and a feeling of depression. But it is precisely these manifestations that should make him give up alcohol.
2. This option involves covert therapy. To do this, you need to prepare a decoction of crushed hoofed root (1 tablespoon) in a glass of water. Boil the composition for 5 minutes, then let it brew for an hour. After filtering, determine the cooled broth in the refrigerator. Add the drug to alcohol at the rate of: 1 tbsp. 200 ml. The full course of such treatment is 5-6 sessions. Usually, after drinking alcohol with a herbal supplement, the patient will experience a gag reflex after a few minutes.
3. This option is a little softer than the previous methods, but also causes a persistent aversion to alcoholic beverages. It is necessary to prepare an anti-alcoholic coffee drink by adding 1/4 tsp. dry root in a cup of coffee. It is very important not to overdo it, otherwise the patient may feel so bad that you have to call an ambulance. You need to drink such coffee only once a day.
4. In this case, you need to prepare special drops, after which the attraction to alcohol will disappear. To this end, take in equal quantities the root of wild pepper, thyme, grass puppeteer. Mix the components well, and then 1 tsp. brew the resulting mixture with 50 ml of boiling water. The solution should be infused for an hour, then strain it. Usually this method is used for secret treatment of the patient. Therefore, the medicine is added 1-2 drops in the finished food. In the absence of the proper effect, the number of drops can be increased to 10, but no more.

It makes sense to take all the methods of treatment for alcoholism described above only in combination with fortified alcoholic beverages. If a person drinks plain tea with the addition of herbs, he will not have any negative feelings.

Important: do not prepare medicinal forms of ungulates in large volumes. Such funds should be stored out of the reach of children.

Hoof in traditional medicine

In addition to the treatment of alcohol dependence, European ungulates are widely used by healers for therapy in various diseases. Based on the leaves and roots of the house, you can prepare simple decoctions that will improve the condition with the following pathologies:

• migraine;
• swelling
• mushroom poisoning;
• heart disease
• hepatitis;
• sexual weakness in men;
• menstrual irregularities in women;
• respiratory infections;
• inflammatory processes of the respiratory tract;
• scabies;
• helminthic infestations;
• purulent wounds;
• hypotension;
• insect bites;
• neurosis;
• radiculitis;
• eye diseases;
• cystitis and jade.

Known practice is the use of compounds with ungulate to balance the emotional state in hysteria and epilepsy. A medicinal plant is widely used in dermatology and the practice of treating cancer patients. Wild pepper has been proven to improve the reproductive system of men.

Attention! Conduct any type of home therapy with the use of emetics should only be after consultation with a doctor.

Practically any dosage form can be prepared from this medicinal plant, unique in its properties and composition. The following recipes are ideal for practical use.

A simple cold remedy

The dried roots of the ungulate must be brought to a powder state, and then inhaled in each nasal passage. Due to the content of bactericidal components, vegetable powder in a few steps will destroy pathogenic microorganisms, and the runny nose will come to naught.

Treatment of pustules with fresh leaves is also widely used in home treatment. It is enough to apply a compress in the form of a plant leaf to the problem area so that the inflammatory process quickly goes into the resolution stage.

Means for increasing potency in men

Also a fairly simple but effective way to restore sexual activity.It is necessary to get green gruel from fresh leaves of the ungulate, which is mixed in equal parts with milk. Leave the composition for a couple of hours, so that the components are fully activated. Then apply the milk-vegetable mixture to the inguinal zone in the form of a compress. This simple way not only normalizes potency, but also strengthens the muscles of the pelvic.

Decoction for cancer patients

Of course, we are not talking about complete healing in this case, but you can significantly improve the well-being of severe cancer patients with regular use of such a decoction. It is advisable to combine the use of a decoction of hoofed meat with a decoction of a cockerel. 1 tbsp herbs to take a glass of water.

Preparation Scheme:

1. Pre-grind the plant component with a coffee grinder.
2. Then fill the raw materials with water and determine the composition in a water bath.
3. After half an hour, remove the composition from the stove, cool.

Take, without filtering, 1 tbsp. up to 4 times a day before meals. The course of such maintenance therapy is 3 months. Then a break should be made for a month, and if necessary, continue treatment again.

Cold medicine

Preparing a preparation based on the root of the clefthoof. Only in this case it is not necessary to grind it, but rather to divide it into small fragments. Then brew the plant base with boiling water (200 ml), put for half an hour to languish in a water bath. When the solution cools down a little, strain. For acute colds, take 10 ml 3-4 times.

Universal ointment

This tool will help eliminate itching from mosquito bites and inflammation, accelerate wound healing and cope with scabies. To prepare the ointment, you need to pick fresh leaves of the ungulate, cut them, knead well. Then add vaseline and olive oil to the green mass. An ideal base for ointment would be badger fat. The finished product is applied to problem areas of the skin several times a day.

Laxative

There are several ways to prepare a medicine that will help get rid of constipation. You can simply make an infusion of 1/2 tsp. wild pepper root on a glass of water. Insist the solution for only a quarter of an hour, and then immediately drink the entire volume. But pre-filter the infusion. After establishing stool, cancel the treatment so as not to cause diarrhea.
To treat a cough, you will need to take a small handful of dried leaves of the Clefthoof. Then plant materials pour a liter of boiling water. When the composition is infused, it must be taken 1 tbsp. up to 4 times a day.

Migraine lotions

Migraine lotions relieve severe headaches in minutes. The procedure is as follows: the roots of the hoof should first be finely chopped, then just 1 g of raw material should be placed in a glass with boiling water. Exactly an hour to insist on a cure for migraine, and after this time, moisten gauze in a warm solution and apply a compress to the forehead.

Weightloss remedy

Today there is increased attention to any methods that help to lose a few extra pounds. In this matter, essential help can be provided by an extract from the leaves of the ungulates prepared according to the following formula: take 1/6 teaspoon for 250 liters of boiling water. dry leaves of healing grass. Combine both parts in a bowl, and then leave for a quarter of an hour to insist. Strain the infusion before use. Drink the entire volume in one go. Against the background of such therapy, the weight will gradually begin to “melt”, and after a two-week course it will be possible to lose 3-5 kg.

Gathering with a hoof from bronchitis

This option is also widespread in home treatment. The medicine is especially effective for protracted forms of bronchitis. For a complex composition, in addition to the leaves of the ungulate, you will also need to take:

• fennel fruits;
• sage;
• primrose grass;
• chicory roots;
• angelica
• chamomile;
• clover;
• grass cyanosis.

Take all herbal ingredients in equal proportions.Combine the components and mix thoroughly. After that, only 10 g of the herbal mixture is brewed with 0.4 l of boiling water. The composition should be well infused. After straining, drink while coughing up to 3 times a day. A single dose of the drug is 1/4 cup. Continue treatment until the signs of the disease completely disappear.

Here you can bring a lot of unique recipes. All methods of treatment using herbs are simple to use. For example, scabies can be treated with tincture of fresh leaves on vinegar, and rubbing the eyes with a simple decoction will help get rid of conjunctivitis.

Types of healing compounds

The most common form of use for ungulate root is powder. On its basis, ointments, decoctions, tinctures are prepared. Liquid dosage forms are intended mainly for internal use, but concentrated solutions are used for external procedures: rubbing, compresses, treatment of open wounds. The methods for preparing such medicines are simple, so they can easily be made at home. As an example, we give the classic formulation of the preparation of liquid dosage forms.

Infusion

For daily use, just take 2 tsp. wild pepper herb powder. Pour plant material into a thermos, pour a glass of boiling water, tightly close the container with a stopper. Leave the infusion for an hour. Take 1-2 tbsp. before meals. The multiplicity of receptions depends on the nature of the disease, but it should not exceed 4 times.

Tincture

According to the traditional recipe, water tincture is prepared from dried or fresh leaves of the herb with the addition of a walnut shell.

Healing solution preparation algorithm:

1. Grind vegetable parts, mix.
2. Pour boiling water over the green mass (2 l).
3. When the solution has cooled, pour into a jar, close with a tight lid.
4. After two weeks of infusion, the tincture of alcoholism will be ready for use.
5. Drink a glass at a meal before meals.

Decoction

In the practice of traditional medicine, a decoction from the ground and root parts of the plant is equally often used.

A decoction of dry leaves of hoofed meat is prepared in the following sequence:

1. Pour 1 tablespoon into a glass of boiling water. with a slide of raw materials.
2. The composition is put in a water bath.
3. To simmer the broth for 1/2 hour on extremely low heat.
4. When the product reaches readiness, add fluid to its original level.

Take medicine for 1/2 tsp. with diarrhea, gastrointestinal upset.

Note: The solution prepared in this way is suitable for lotions for inflammatory processes of the eyes and eczema.

Attention: take a decoction prepared according to this recipe, you need to be very careful not to exceed the indicated dosages.

A decoction of the roots is prepared according to a similar scheme. But such a medicine is recommended for women with painful periods and intestinal disorders. A single dose of the drug is 2 tbsp.

Contraindications

From the characteristics described at the very beginning, it is clear that hoof in nature is a very complex plant. A nutrient-rich composition has great health benefits, but at the same time, toxic elements, which are also present, can be harmful if mistreated. Therefore, there is a fairly impressive list of contraindications to the use of drugs from any part of wild pepper. It is strictly forbidden to conduct such therapy:

• during pregnancy and lactation;
• patients after 65 years;
• hypertensive patients;
• children and adolescents;
• people who have gastrointestinal diseases;
• persons prone to allergies;
• patients with heart failure;
• with kidney pathologies
• during menstruation;
• with any type of bleeding.

It is also contraindicated to use any dosage form for the treatment of people with signs of physical exhaustion. It is strictly forbidden to independently increase the dosage recommended by the prescription.

In conclusion, I would like to remind once again that huge potential is hidden in medicinal herbs.Their healing power is able to put hopeless patients on their feet. But improper handling of any grass can lead to the opposite effect. The hoofed grass has served people for centuries. She still heals from various diseases. But treat this plant with respect, not forgetting its toxic properties.

Clefthoof photo