Kotovnik: medicinal properties and contraindications

Kotovnik is a perennial herb belonging to the Yasnotkov family. The culture is winter-hardy and hygrophilous. Under favorable natural conditions, she lives for more than two years. It contains about 2.5–3% of esters, causing a pronounced smell of lemon.

The plant is also called catnip or grass, cinquefoil, sore grass, fragrant chandra, field mint, nettle, shenda and shantha. For the first time, catnip came into the everyday life of the ancient Egyptians. Residents of the land of pharaohs worshiped cats and treated fragrant grass to fluffy animals living everywhere in temples. The Egyptians were convinced that the cats were relatives of the Bast deity.

Celtic healers included Shantha in the list of herbs, which at that time formed the basis of healing. In the Middle Ages, in most European countries, Shenda became famous because of its anti-inflammatory and painkiller properties, and was widely used by doctors and sorcerers. In magic, sick grass was used as a love spell or amulet.

Forest nettles often have “catnip”, because the plant has a cat-stimulating effect. After the animal sniffs the muffin, he will immediately begin attacks of activity - jumping, shaking his head, rolling on the floor and loud purring. If the cat is hyperreactive, then the opposite effect will occur - it will calm down.

In scientific studies, a description has been made of an autosomal gene that controls the occurrence of a feline family reaction to forest nettles. The work says not only about domesticated, but also about wild representatives - tigers and lions. But about a third of the entire family is not genetically susceptible to mint - this is considered an anomaly.

A similar effect on the feline organism is explained by the content of essential oils, which affect the receptors and hormonal background of pets. Sometimes cats experience mild, short-term hallucinations - due to a neural surge in the brain. Mint does not affect kittens in any way until they grow up to 10-12 months. At this age, the animal reaches hormonal maturity. A moderate amount of catnip has a positive effect on the health of furry pets, so they often bite off plant leaves in gardens.

Chemical composition

Among the components included in the aerial part of forest nettles, you can find essential oils:

• geranial;
• inerol;
• neral;
• citral;
• geronall
• citronellol;
• geranyl acetate.

Cats are attracted by volatile non-ketalactone components - about 70%, that is, carvacrol, dipentene and bulletproof. Shenda seeds include approximately 30% fatty oils. In addition to ethers, the composition contains:

• ascorbic and ursolic acid;
• saponins;
• glucosidase;
• tannins;
• vegetable bitterness and mucus;
• limonene.

With the right dosage and reasonable use, catnip can provide invaluable benefits to the human body. Due to the acidic components, normalization of water-salt metabolism, an increase in enzyme activity, and an improvement in the elasticity and tone of the cardiovascular system occur. Heat treatment does not affect the cat grass in any way, that is, the plant does not lose its beneficial properties when cooking or during drying.

How it looks and where it grows

The grass has a branchy root and grows to a height of 40–100 cm. In appearance, the bush looks like mint and lemon balm, so inexperienced gardeners often confuse them.

Stems erect, with a large number of branches and leaves. The latter have an elongated triangular shape and large teeth, lowered together with the heart-shaped bases. Two-lip flowers, consisting of five parts, form inflorescences of the type of false whorls, having a white-lilac or bluish-lilac hue. In cultivated plants, flowers are larger and more beautiful, and in wild plants, smaller and plainer. After the end of ontogenesis in the places where the flowers were located, small bolls begin to appear, as they mature, the self-sowing process is carried out.

By wind, seeds are transported over fairly long distances, so the plant grows on an extensive scale in territories extending from western European regions to North America. Catnip thickets were found in the Caucasian, Siberian, Far Eastern and Central Asian latitudes.

Flowering begins in the first decade of June and ends in September. The culture is unpretentious and takes root almost everywhere - both in the mountains and in the wastelands, but not in Antarctica, prefers light, homogeneous land and does not really welcome the proximity to weeds.

Field mint is not only wild, it is often grown by summer residents in personal plots. Kotovnik not only decorates the territory, but also serves as a bait for bees. Refined smell and attractive appearance allow using culture in landscape design.

Views

A sufficiently large number of varieties of shenda were revealed. Breeders almost every year grow several new varieties. The main types that are often found in summer cottages include the following:

1. Lemon or cat grass is the most popular type of shanty.
2. Fassena is a hybrid characterized by decorative qualities.
3. Large-flowered - from the name it is clear that large bright inflorescences are characteristic of it.
4. Half-sitting - unpretentious, often used in landscape design, it is this variety that is often confused with lemon balm.
5. Musina (mussini) is a spice that is added to marinades and liquors.
6. Siberian - distributed on the Mongolian and Central Asian lands.
7. Multi-grooved - found on slopes or open meadows with large saturated blue inflorescences.
8. Veined (veinous) - blooms profusely from the beginning to the end of summer, takes root in sunny areas.
9. Brush - used in the decoration of flower beds.
10. Kokand and Bukhara - grows in highlands, its height does not exceed 40 cm.

Scented shandra can hardly be called exotic, it is unlikely to amaze the eyes of the layman. The beauty of the plant lies in modesty: delicate fluffy leaves and small bright flowers. Proper planting among nondescript cultures will make catnip look very advantageous.

A tall bush of a catnip will dominate in rockeries, on an alpine hill or mixborder. If forest nettle is higher than all other planted crops, then it is better to place it in the center. Good companions for catnip are all varieties of anaphalis, tansy, phlox, santolina and meadow geranium. Medium-sized sore grass is suitable for arranging both a border and a rabatka, in combination with colors of blue and violet or a contrasting yellow and red hue.

In addition to the decorative function, shantha is used as a seasoning and an additive to teas or in traditional medicine. Therefore, the culture is sometimes adjacent to bushes of sage, lemon balm and mint.

Collection and storage

After 2-3 years of life, fragrant shandra bushes give a good harvest. It begins to be collected during flowering, when a significant amount of inflorescences is located on the stems. It is during this time period - from the first decade of June to the end of September - that the upper part of the bush needs to be cut and dried.

No need to rush and collect the stems in the first 12 months after planting, because the plant has not yet had time to accumulate vitamins and minerals. In the third year of flowering, catnip approaches the peak of benefits, having accumulated the maximum volume of ether compounds. The collection is carried out manually, only the tops need to be cut, leaving stems 15–20 cm high from the roots.

Then the raw materials must be dried in a well-ventilated area, otherwise the process of decay will begin. After the stems and inflorescences have reached a swamp-gray hue, they need to be packaged in cloth bags and moved to a warehouse. With proper harvesting, the raw materials are stored for 1.5–2 years, after the expiration of the useful properties are lost.

How catnip is different from lemon balm

Both cultures are popular among gardeners and are used in the preparation of pharmaceuticals and in traditional medicine recipes. This is due not only to their pleasant citrus and mint flavor, but also to a wide range of effects on the human body.

The most common type of lemon balm is the medicinal one, which, like forest nettle, belongs to the Yasnotkov family. She is one of the main representatives of the genus. The closest relative is mint, for this reason this culture is practically not found without thin and delicate lemon notes in the smell.

Melissa was first noticed and started to be cultivated in the Mediterranean, and then the plant gradually began to spread throughout the countries of southern Europe, Central Asia, Western Siberia and the Caucasus.

The culture, like catnip, is perennial, but not higher than 70–80 cm. It is distinguished by straight stems strewn with small tetrahedral sheets painted in a light green tint. The corolla of the tregubovy lemon balm has a branched shape. The fruits of the plant are dry, after the end of the flowering period they break up into 3-4 brown or black nuts, but when bitten, bitterness appears. Pronounced smell of lemon.

The cold season is fatal to lemon balm. The plant dies rather quickly, because it is sensitive to sharp drops in temperature. When planting, choose well-lit places that protect from the cold.

Melissa propagates by bushes, layering and vegetatively - when replanting cuttings. For breeding catnip you will need seeds, with proper care, the culture will grow within a few weeks. It is better to plant shandu in early spring or late winter.

Women are recommended tea with lemon balm if ovarian dysfunction, hormonal imbalance, as well as menopause, painful menstruation or during intoxication have been identified. The plant will have a calming effect in psychosis or neurosis, improve brain activity and metabolism, in particular, help to clear the digestive tract, positively affect the cardiovascular system. Melissa will help accelerate cell renewal and healing of the skin. Forest nettle differs from fellow by antiseptic effect.

The healing properties of catnip

Field mint has a multifaceted effect on the body. Shantha drugs cure and prevent many diseases. Forest nettle can have the following effects:

1. Anti-inflammatory - both for internal organs and for damaged skin.
2. Antispasmodic - relieves colic in the stomach and intestines, relaxes smooth muscles.
3. Soothing - relieve stress, including neurosis.
4. Analgesic - muffles discomfort after serious injuries or during a migraine attack.
5. Hemostatic - equally affect internal or external bleeding, recommended for heavy menstruation.
6. Diuretic - will eliminate puffiness, cleanse the kidneys and relieve inflammation in the urinary system.
7. Expectorant - dilutes sputum and lowers its viscosity, enhances the discharge of mucus and accelerates its excretion.
8. Stimulating - with long-term illnesses, appetite decreases, but the plant causes a natural feeling of hunger and a person begins to replenish energy reserves.

Due to its medicinal properties, catnip is appreciated by modern doctors and traditional healers. Infusions and decoctions of forest nettle are often recommended for some ailments, which include:

• migraine;
• Strong headache;
• depression;
• apathy;
• melancholy;
• hysterical seizure;
• flatulence;
• constipation;
• diarrhea;
• insomnia;
• convulsive stress;
• angina;
• throat seals;
• ARVI;
• toothache;
• inflammatory process;
• worms;
• bronchitis;
• women's problems;
• increased or decreased acidity of the intestine;
• unstable blood pressure;
• gastritis;
• ulcer;
• dystrophy;
• anemia (anemia);
• scabies;
• eczema;
• boils;
• diabetes;
• hypertension.

Field mint is ideal for decoctions and infusions. The tool can be given to children - for a sound sleep, to prevent anxiety and relieve colic. Doctors prescribe a shantha to hyperactive children to normalize the activity of the nervous system. Catnip will help women to restore the course of the menstrual cycle.

Kotovnik traditional medicine

1. In case of problems with the gastrointestinal tract, pour 20 g of dried shenda with a glass of boiling water and insist 1.5–2 hours. Then filter the mixture through a fine strainer and take 15 ml a day before meals. We also use the composition in case of inflammation on the skin - acne or black spots. In the latter case, the decoction has an antiseptic effect and slightly whitens the integument.
2. Frequent insomnia and anxiety during sleep will help remove a combination of forest mint, valerian root, hop cones, inflorescences of chamomile and passionflower. All ingredients are mixed in equal amounts. For 100 g of dried herbs, you need half a liter of boiling water. The mixture is steamed and set on medium heat. Boil for 5-7 minutes and stand for about an hour. We filter the broth and drink 120 ml after each meal. The course of treatment is 15-20 days.
3. Normalize the menstrual cycle will help bay leaf and fragrant chandra. The first one will need 25 sheets, and the second one - 40 g. Tear the lavrushka into small pieces and mix with the jerboa, pour all 300 ml of boiling water and insist for 30-40 minutes. We drink immediately after cooling. We continue to receive until the onset of menstruation, and begin a week before the expected date.
4. To regulate menstrual bleeding, we take 25 g of dry knotweed, 35 g of horsetail, 60 g of centaury, forest nettle and goose cinquefoil. Mix the components and fill with purified water, then put on medium heat and bring to a boil. We insist 40-50 minutes and decant. We drink tincture in small sips during the day.
5. Inhalations in the inflammatory process in the bronchi are carried out on the basis of a mixture of 70 g of field mint to 500 ml of water. Bring the composition to a boil over low heat. We carry out inhalation a couple of hours after eating. To do this, we sit down near a container with a decoction, but not too close - in half a meter, cover ourselves with a dense tissue and breathe through our mouths - this is how vapors enter directly into the bronchi and act on them, removing accumulations of sputum. The duration of the procedure should not exceed 15 minutes. If difficulties arise during inhalation, we try to withstand at least 5-7 minutes. After the procedure, we go to bed and rest for about half an hour, while talking or eating is prohibited.
6. Neuroses and neurotic conditions will help to remove a simple remedy. To prepare it, pour 30 g of catnip into 300 ml of boiling water and cool. Then add a teaspoon of lemon juice and 25 g of honey. Take 2-3 times a day, 120 ml after meals.
7. Toothache and inflammation in the oral cavity will eliminate the compress from the shenda. Grind the leaves of the plant to a powder state and wrap it in a natural fabric - linen or cotton. The resulting envelope is moistened in warm water and applied to the inflamed area of ​​the gums for 15-20 minutes. After that, rinse your mouth with infusion of chamomile or calendula.
8. Constipation, diarrhea and colic do not matter if you prepare an herbal solution for an enema. To do this, take 2 tbsp. fresh catnip and chop. Pour 500 ml of boiling water, cool and conduct a wellness procedure. It is acceptable to use a decoction for babies from 2 years.
9. Inflammatory processes removes a mixture of ground marshmallow root, sage leaves, field mint, licorice, pine buds and anise. All ingredients are taken in the same ratio. For 100 g of dried herbs, you need 1 liter of clean water. Mix everything in a saucepan and bring to a boil. We insist 1.5 hours and take 70 ml for every 3-4 hours 7 days.Catnip is recommended for anorexia, because the disease provokes a deterioration in appetite and an upset stomach and intestines, and the plant has the opposite symptomatic effect.
10. When identifying helminths or worms, a decoction will help, for which in equal parts you will need the ground root of elecampane, wormwood, tansy, St. John's wort, valerian root and field mint. If you take 1 tsp. each component, you will need 600 ml of boiling water. We make a dry harvest and leave for 2–2.5 hours in a cool place. We filter and drink 60 ml before each meal, but not on an empty stomach, for 30 days.

Types of healing compounds

To prepare a medicine according to time-tested folk recipes, it is not necessary to receive a medical education, just know the proportion so as not to harm your body.

Infusion

Alcohol-free product is the easiest to prepare. You will need a glass of purified water and 50 g of dry ground catnip leaves. Mix the liquid with vegetable powder and bring to a boil over moderate heat, then filter. We store the finished infusion in a cool place for 5-7 days.

Tincture

We make homemade medicine for alcohol, taking in equal parts dry dried shredded leaves of catnip and lemon or mint oil. Pour mint with 65–70% alcohol. We stand during the day and pour into a vessel of dark glass, after adding 7-10 drops of ether.

Decoction

To prepare it, you will need 150 g of dry shaman and 2 l of pure water - mix in a saucepan, bring to a boil and cook for another 7-10 minutes. We insist 5-6 hours and use both for external and internal use.

Tea

A universal drink is prepared from 1 tbsp. dry catnip on 250 ml of boiling water. Brew tea in a thermos or thermo mug and leave for a couple of hours. The maximum amount of drink consumed per day should not exceed one glass, otherwise, side effects may occur.

Known for useful properties and tea from mint and fireweed. Mix 10 g of herbs and pour 300 ml of hot water. We insist for half an hour and drink it warm, after adding honey and a slice of lemon to taste.

Butter

You can buy catnip ether from a pharmacy warehouse, but it is better to make it yourself - this way the tool will retain maximum benefit. You need to buy or cut fresh forest nettles, tear off the sheets and rinse under cold running water, then dry them with paper towels and lay out in the fresh air for 10-15 minutes.

Collect the raw materials in a bag or cloth bag and beat off with a wooden hammer - this will leave more volatile compounds. Transfer to a glass jar, tamping slightly, and pour olive or coconut oil, shake well and leave for 24 hours in a dark, cool place.

After a while, squeeze the leaves and strain the liquid, repeat the procedure 1-2 times, but already using a new portion of the raw material. Store the finished oil in a dark glass container in the refrigerator or basement for no more than 12 months.

Cooking Application

Forest nettle is often sown near apiaries, because it copes well with the post of honey plant. After the first flowering, the grass mows. Soon, it blooms again, and the bees bring a second crop of delicious honey.

Kotovnik is actively used for cooking culinary masterpieces. Catnip is suitable for sauces, some types of cheese, for salting fish and meat, as a spice for marinade. It is also used fresh in summer salads.

Country Jam

You will need:

• Apples - 2.5–3 kg.
• Field Mint - 85 g
• Purified water - 1.2 l.
• Refined sugar - 1.4 kg.

Cooking technology

1. The catnip leaves are washed under cold water and dried. Pour water into a stewpan and bring to a boil. Then we shift the sheets into boiling water and leave for 5-7 minutes on medium heat.
2. Meanwhile, wash and cut the apples into small pieces. Filter the prepared broth, squeeze the leaves and remove.
3. Pour the apple slices into the liquid and cook for about 20-30 minutes until a slightly greenish puree is formed.
4. Wipe through a sieve to achieve a uniform consistency and add sugar, if necessary, water. Mix thoroughly and roll over the banks.

Jam can be eaten as jam or used as a sauce for pork or duck dishes. When cooking, it is allowed to add spicy fresh ginger or horseradish, but this can be done before serving directly.

Summer refreshing drink

Ingredients:

• Sea buckthorn - 30 g.
• Melissa - 2 branches.
• Kotovnik - 3 inflorescences.
• Oregano - 2 branches.
• Currants - 6-7 leaves.
• Raspberries - 5-6 leaves.

Cooking:

1. We wash all the components, dry them a little and pour boiling water - 700 ml.
2. If desired, add the berries of the same plants.
3. We stand for about half an hour, serve with honey and a slice of lemon in hot or chilled form. Perfectly quenches thirst.

Spicy homemade sauce

It is necessary to take the following components:

• Tomatoes (plum varieties) - 3 kg.
• Onions - 1 pc.
• Apple juice - 250 ml.
• Carnation - 4 pcs.
• Kotovnik - 3 tsp
• Allspice - 4 pcs.
• Sea salt - 20 g.
• Basil - 3-4 branches.
• Vinegar 6% - 40 ml.
• Garlic - 4 cloves.
• Olive oil - 40 ml.

Cooking Technology:

1. We take out the core from the tomatoes and squeeze it using a juicer. Grind the resulting mixture through a sieve and discard the seeds. We put the tomato juice on a strong fire and bring to a boil, boil for 1.5–2 hours, evaporating half the liquid.
2. Cut the onions and garlic, fry in a pan until golden brown, pour in the apple juice and pierce with a blender until smooth. Pour the workpiece to the tomatoes.
3. Wrap cloves, catnip, basil and allspice in a sterile bandage or gauze - we knot on a knot and immerse in a saucepan with sauce. Cook for about half an hour, add salt and sugar to taste.
4. Pour into sterilized jars and close the lids. Wrap in terry cloth and leave to cool.

We store fragrant sauce in a dark place. Serve with meat dishes.

Use in veterinary medicine

The use of the plant is useful not only for people, but also for animals. Field mint is widely used in the veterinary field. Culture has a beneficial effect on the cat family - pets become more peaceful and balanced. The catnip stalk is given to fluffy pets when moving, long trips or stressful situations - going to the veterinary clinic.

A similar effect is exerted on the tiger, lion, leopard, cougar and cheetah. In ancient times, forest nettles were used as bait for lynx fishing. Insects are afraid of plants, or rather, essential oils, so the catnip hood is added to repellents against cockroaches, domestic moths and mosquitoes.

Contraindications

Field mint has not only useful properties, but also severe contraindications. Herb is strictly prohibited during pregnancy, as it can cause internal bleeding and miscarriage. You should not eat catnip during breastfeeding, because the plant significantly reduces the flow of milk.

The reason for refusing to take shantas are problems with the cardiovascular system - infusions and decoctions disperse the blood and cause moderate attacks of tachycardia.

A plant in high concentration can provoke drowsiness. Before going behind the wheel or other important actions, it is better to refuse the use of catnip.

Although field mint practically does not have trace elements that provoke side effects and contraindications, it is better to conduct a course of treatment with a shenda under the supervision of a doctor. The specialist most often prescribes appointments as part of the study period, during which it becomes clear how the grass affects the body: is it able to perceive plant materials without an allergic reaction and other unpleasant manifestations.

How to grow catnip from seeds

Field mint is an unpretentious perennial and does not require complex care. Culture is often found on badlands - embankments or near roads. Certain varieties of shenda are recognized as weeds, and therefore grow in harsh conditions. But if desired, a catnip can be planted in a summer cottage.

You will need to choose a lighted, but rather dry place, not occupied by weeds - more relevant for the northern regions. In southern areas, the soil should be naturally shaded. Bright sunshine is necessary for the plant to bloom magnificently and form seed boxes. In poor lighting, the stems are not aesthetically stretched because they are trying to catch the sun.

The soil chosen for planting should be characterized by friability, water and air permeability. To facilitate too heavy a substrate, sand or humus must be added. After 5-6 years, the location of the shrub should be changed, otherwise it will grow greatly and lose its decorative properties. Also, the shenda in the same territory begins to spread independently in neighboring areas. To prevent this, the culture sometimes needs to be transplanted and rejuvenated.

The middle ground is important in watering and moisture: aridity or high humidity are equally fatal. With moderate precipitation, it is often not necessary to water the shant. If the humidity is low and it does not rain for quite a long time, then an intensive watering procedure is arranged once every 10-12 days for catnip. The fragrant shandra practically does not take root on soils with a high level of groundwater - in this case, it is better to build raised beds for bushes.

Fertilizing an organic and complex mineral type with a high percentage of nitrogen impurities is recommended in the autumn and spring, respectively. In autumn, cat grass can be fed with infusions of mullein or chicken products (a ball of 7-8 cm in diameter per 15 liters of water).

Pruning is carried out during the flowering period - the procedure stimulates the appearance of new inflorescences, which means that a second "portion" of buds for the season will appear. For blanks, you need to choose the most lush stems. When cutting, it is necessary to leave shoots of 15–20 cm, which bloom again after 3-4 weeks. Timely pruning of perennials helps prevent unwanted self-seeding. Cut greens must be dried and used as a medicine, spice or cosmetic.

Kotovnik is considered a frost-resistant plant, therefore, in a temperate climate, there is no need for additional shelter. Glushnyak, which grows in the northern regions, sometimes freezes in a harsh winter, therefore it is necessary to cover the bushes. To do this, use dry leaves, spruce branches, sawdust or artificial covering materials - polyethylene or polystyrene.

Sore grass reproduces with the help of seeds, bush division or cuttings. In the first case, it is necessary to buy ready-made ones or to collect them from spike-shaped inflorescences - cut off when dried, when the lower part of the spikelets dries. To lay out the obtained raw materials in a ventilated room on white or plain paper until they ripen or completely dry. Then exfoliate each of the inflorescences to extract seeds. The latter are ready for planting.

Germination is maintained for 22-24 months after assembly. Planting can be done both on seedlings, and directly into the ground. The selected method affects the timing of planting. For seedlings - in the first half of April, and open to the soil - in the second half of May.

For seed germination, they need to be mixed with chalk - to delimit future plants. Then prepare the soil: dig holes not more than 1-2 cm deep, which are sprinkled with sand and moisten with a spray bottle. Next, lay seeds in the ground, gently sprinkle with earth and spray again. If you plan to grow seedlings first, the process is repeated, only already in mini-greenhouses.

When sowing in a constant place, the minimum spacing between the rows should be 30 cm. The optimum temperature for germination is considered to be 18–20 ° C, under such conditions, with moderate humidity, the first seedlings will appear after 2-3 weeks.With excessive density, the sprouts will interfere with each other, so they need to be thinned, leaving only the most persistent and strongest. In large quantities, weakened growth will prevent neighbors from developing.

Procedures for further care are timely watering and weeding from wild weeds. Forest nettle grown from seedlings blooms in the first 12 months of life, and when planting seeds in open ground, buds form after a couple of years.

Kotovnik is able to deter harmful insects - aphids and bugs. Plants planted next to perennials are also protected from parasitic attacks. The control of possible pests - butterflies and moths, laying eggs in the bush of marshmallow, is carried out by chemical insecticides. The culture is practically not exposed to specific fungi and other diseases, therefore it does not cause summer residents much trouble.

Photo catnip