Lofant: medicinal properties and contraindications

Lofant refers to plants that have a powerful healing effect on the body. It is compared with ginseng due to similar properties, however, in this case, the properties are more pronounced. Lofant is a relative of catnip and lemon balm, but is better at neutralizing the negative effects of fungi, viruses, and microbes. An unpretentious plant is cultivated everywhere. It not only positively affects human health, but also attracts with its aroma, decorative appearance. This is a natural remedy to strengthen the body's defenses, which is widely used in traditional medicine.

Chemical composition

Lofant as a subject of scientific research began to be considered only at the beginning of the 21st century. Given this fact, the composition is currently not fully understood. It is known that in the aerial part of the plant contains about 15% of essential oil, up to 80% of methylchavicol in it, it is this substance that gives the lofant an unusual aroma. There are about 20 oil components, depending on their concentration, certain fruity notes are felt. The aroma may be lemon or mint.

In all parts of the lofant, coffee, ascorbic, malic and citric acids are present. In addition, the composition of the plant is represented by glycosides, tannins, phenolic compounds. Among the components are alkaloids, flavonoids, vitamin B (B1, 2), trace elements: manganese, zinc, copper, selenium, iron, chromium, iodine.

The flowers also contain rutin, chlorogenic acid, choline, kempferol-glycoside, quercetin. The oil is saturated with cineol, methylchavicol, camphene, linalool, anethole, terpinene, borneol, mimol.

How it looks and where it grows

A perennial herb reaches a height of 45-150 cm, has a well-developed root. The flowers are purple, blue or violet with a pronounced aroma, the lofant of the Tibetan species has white. The stem is erect, long leaves are purple-brown. The fruits of the plant are brown nuts with a smooth surface, filled with seeds. The stem and leaves contain a large amount of essential oil, they are used for the preparation of decoctions, infusions and other medicinal compounds.

The plant began to grow in North America. Wild lofant also grows in Canada, bordering the United States. Decorative species are grown not only in the States and Canada, but also in Japan, Ukraine, Moscow Region, Siberia, Moldova, the Stavropol Territory, the Saratov Region and Astrakhan.

Views

The most common are Tibetan and anise lofant. According to experts, plants are equally beneficial for the body. Anise lofant is a herbaceous plant, Tibetan - a semi-herbaceous shrub. The second option is winter-hardy, because it can be grown even in severe climatic conditions.

Collection and storage

Raw materials are procured in the summer, from June to September. In the first year after planting, the lofant is cut in mid-July. During the season, the plants are harvested 2-3 times. In cooking, cosmetology and for treatment, only the aerial part is used (stem, leaves, flowers). For medical purposes, greenery is used, cut during budding and flowering.

The collection of raw materials is carried out in dry and hot weather, when the plants contain the maximum amount of nutrients. They are cut with a knife, clippers or secateurs at a distance of 10-15 cm from the ground, be sure to be washed with water. The cut off parts of the lofant are placed in the shade or left in a dark room, which is well ventilated. Otherwise, mold may form. The raw material is dried in a thin layer. It can also be collected in bunches, then hung in warm and dry rooms.

Shelf life of raw materials is 1 year. Further use will not bring the body any benefit, since such a remedy lacks useful substances. For storage use dense paper bags, sealed glass containers, canvas bags. Raw materials are stored in a dark place protected from moisture.

The healing properties of lofant

Among the properties of plant essential oil are general restorative, anti-inflammatory, antifungal, antioxidant, antimicrobial, tonic. To combat fungus and treat skin affected by other diseases, a concentrated broth is prepared. Hand baths are useful. In this case, useful components not only restore the skin, but also provide disinfection.

With internal use of tinctures, the components stimulate the digestive function, accelerate the metabolism. Regular intake of funds made on the basis of lofant, leads to the strengthening of immunity. Also, the grass provides protection from the negative effects of the environment and helps to cleanse the body of heavy metals and other harmful substances.

Lofant can be used as a means of eliminating fumes, the smell of sweat and garlic (both from the skin and from the oral cavity). The plant gives the body strength (the effect manifests itself in the form of increased endurance and performance), slows down aging, helps to deal with the effects of stress and overwork (mental, physical). The use of useful compounds leads to the following results:

1. Elimination of muscle and headache, hormonal disruptions.
2. Improvement in vegetovascular dystonia, colds and other respiratory diseases, inflammatory processes in the genitourinary system, infertility.
3. Normalization of pressure with hypertension due to the strengthening of the vascular wall and lowering the level of bad cholesterol.
4. A positive effect on the heart, blood vessels, liver, gastrointestinal tract and joints.
5. Increasing the sensitivity of the auditory analyzer and visual acuity.
6. Restoring healthy sleep and body functions after serious illness, surgery and childbirth.
7. Strengthening the immune system and nervous system, increasing alertness, improving memory.
8. Toning, cleansing the body.
9. Getting rid of leg fatigue, preventing varicose veins.
10. Elimination of puffiness associated with damage to the veins of the lower extremities.
11. Rejuvenation, healing and healing of the skin in case of damage to small areas.
12. Strengthening hair follicles, stimulating hair growth.
13. Increase potency.
14. Improving the condition of the elderly and a weakened or stunted child's body.

Lofant in folk medicine

Lofant is a powerful biostimulating agent, its use allows you to organize the work of the whole organism. In folk medicine, infusions, decoctions, alcohol tinctures, essential oil, various fees are used. Highly effective natural medicines help fight many diseases. The plant is even used to treat children - they prepare baths for diathesis. In the bath, brooms from a medicinal plant are used.

Tonic

Ingredients:

• lofant (leaves in any form) - 1–5 pcs.;
• boiling water - 1 tbsp.

The raw material is poured with boiling water and insisted in a closed container for 15 minutes.Half of the funds received are taken immediately, drinking in small sips. The remaining infusion is used a little later. Reception of such funds is carried out in the morning or at lunch, receiving a charge of vigor for the rest of the day. Regular use improves markedly well-being.

You can prepare a tonic tincture for alcohol:

1. Raw materials (200 g) are poured into a glass container, poured vodka (0.5 l).
2. Sent in a dark place to insist for 30 days.
3. Take 10-20 drops of 3 r / d. (food consumed in 20-30 minutes).

Tonic douche

Ingredients:

• water - 8 l;
• Lofant honey - 100 g.

Honey is dissolved in water, poured onto the body after a shower, do not rinse. The skin is rubbed with a towel. As a result, it is possible to normalize blood circulation, restore skin tone and muscle tissue, subject to physical exertion. Pouring is recommended in the morning during the year. Be sure to take breaks for colds and exacerbation of inflammatory processes.

Plant Leaf Gel

Ingredients:

• lofant (leaves) - 100 g;
• rational - 30 g;
• olive oil - 2 tbsp.

The crushed raw materials are poured with oil, add riconil. The ingredients are thoroughly mixed, the finished product is used to treat dermatitis, eczema, and eliminate fungal skin lesions as necessary.

Tea to strengthen the immune system

Ingredients:

• lofant grass - 1 tbsp;
• boiling water - 1 tbsp.

Tea is insisted for 30 minutes, consumed until the body improves. Frequency of use - 3 r./d.

Efficiency Tea

Ingredients:

• dried flowers - 1 tbsp;
• boiling water - 500 ml;
• honey to taste.

Flowers insist 40 minutes. The daily rate of the finished product is 0.5–1 tbsp., The frequency of use is 3 p. / D., The course is 3 months. Infusion is used with honey, adding to taste. With the help of such a remedy, they recover after a stroke, heart attack and other serious diseases. The resulting fluid is taken in case of anemia, impaired sexual function and in cases where it is necessary to restore vitality, increase efficiency.

Means for treating wounds and treating skin diseases

Ingredients:

• dried flowers - 4 tbsp .;
• boiling water - 2 tbsp.

The ingredients are combined and left under a closed lid for 30-40 minutes. It is used chilled after washing hair and for treating the skin (burns, wounds, other injuries) by treating damaged areas and preparing a healing bath.

Solution for washing the nose and gargling

Ingredients:

• boiled water - 1 tbsp .;
• alcohol tincture - 1-2 tbsp.

The specified amount of tincture is poured into water, mixed thoroughly so that the ingredient is evenly distributed. The solution is used to speed up the healing process for rhinitis, colds, and viral diseases.

Cirrhosis medicine

Ingredients:

• lofant, yarrow, horsetail, St. John's wort - 30 g of dried herbs;
• water - 1 tbsp. (for the indicated volume of liquid, 1 tablespoon of collection is required).

The collection is poured with boiling water, put on the stove for 10-15 minutes, cooked with minimal heating. The liquid is used filtered, with the addition of honey (1 tbsp) and citrus juice (1 tsp) or a slice of lemon. Dosage - 1 tbsp. 2 p./d. (food consumed after a quarter of an hour).

Decoction for the respiratory system

Ingredients:

• dry raw materials (lofant is used in crushed form) - 2 tbsp .;
• boiling water - 1 tbsp.

The broth is prepared with mild heat in an enamel bowl for 10 minutes. The cooled agent is filtered, taken until complete recovery of 3-4 p. / D. Dosage - 2 tbsp. Such a medicine is prepared for influenza, bronchitis, asthma, pneumonia, acute respiratory infections.

Hepatitis Medication

Ingredients:

• dried lofant - 2 tbsp .;
• boiling water - 1 l.

The grass is insisted in a closed container for 30 minutes and, without waiting for the liquid to cool, they are taken hot. As additives, lemon juice (1 tsp) and honey (1 tbsp) are used. Dosage - 1 tbsp. 3 p./d. (before taking the medicine they eat food).

With menopause, arrhythmias, to reduce nervous excitement

Ingredients:

• herbal collection (lemon balm, lofant, lemon mint) - 1 tbsp;
• boiling water - 1 tbsp.

Collect insist on boiling water for 2 hours.The dosage of the drug is 50 ml 3 r./d. (food consumed in 20-30 minutes). One of the techniques is carried out before bedtime. The liquid is applied in a course of 30 days. After a week-long break, the course is repeated a second time, then a third. The minimum number of courses is 3.

For the treatment of pancreas, kidneys, liver

Ingredients:

• dry lofant - 1 tbsp;
• cool boiling water - 1 tbsp.

In a closed container, the product is insisted for 2 hours. The liquid is filtered, observing a dosage of 100-150 ml. The frequency of use is 3 r / d, the optimal time is 20 minutes before a meal. Directly when using the medicine, honey (1 tsp) is added to it. They are treated for 1 month, then they repeat the course several more times after a week's break. The components of the drug help dissolve the stones and remove sand.

To restore strength during mental and physical fatigue

Ingredients for making infusion in a thermos:

• crushed raw materials - 1 tbsp;
• boiling water - 1 tbsp.

The procedure is performed before bedtime. First, prepare the foot bath with hot water (feet immersed in it ankle-deep for 10 minutes), then take a glass of the product prepared in a thermos with honey (1 tbsp). It is recommended to infuse grass for 40 minutes.

Making a pillow to fight insomnia

For a good sleep, you can make a pillow of coarse linen filled with dried aromatic grass (you can use a mixture of herbs). When using such products, in addition to eliminating problems with falling asleep and the quality of sleep, relaxation, a decrease in anxiety, and the intensity of headaches are observed.

Types of medicinal formulations with lofant

In folk medicine, they use oil, tincture, infusions, syrup, decoctions. The following are the basic recipes for natural medicines from Lofant.

Infusion

Water infusion is prepared for treatment and used for toning. The drug is taken orally freshly prepared for inflammatory processes in the gastrointestinal tract, weakened immunity, disorders in the heart and urogenital system, to strengthen the nervous system. The maximum dosage is 3 tbsp. in a day.

With this tool, they treat the skin (fungal diseases, eczema), gargle, and wash the nose. For external use, a higher dosage of lofant is required, 2 times more raw materials are used (both fresh and dried grass are suitable). You can take a bath with the addition of infusion and rinse the hair with the prepared product.

Ingredients:

• frayed raw materials - 2 tbsp .;
• boiling water - 500 ml.

Lofant insist on boiling water in a closed container for 3-5 hours. At the stage of insisting, the product is left in a warm place, additionally wrapped in a thick towel (you can prepare an infusion in a thermos). The medicine is used strained, the daily norm is 0.5–1 tbsp. 3 r. / D., The course of treatment is 2-3 weeks (food is consumed no earlier than 20 minutes). For internal use, you can add 1 tsp. honey.

Tincture

A vodka-based product is prepared to increase the body's defenses, normalize blood pressure at high values, improve the condition with cardiovascular pathologies, atherosclerosis, disorders of the nervous system, and vegetative-vascular dystonia. As a result of taking an alcoholic agent when the body is affected by radiation sickness, the process of eliminating radionuclides is launched.

The medicine is used both internally and externally. The tool helps to recover faster after a stroke, heart attack, hypertensive crisis. Tincture slows down aging, helps you quickly get used to a diet, accelerates metabolism. For preventive purposes, it is used to protect against viruses and colds.

Ingredients for the medicine:

• dried raw materials (pre-crushed) - 50 g or fresh - 200 g;
• vodka or 40% alcohol - 500 ml.

The raw materials are combined with the liquid ingredient and sent in a glass container to a dark place, not forgetting to shake the contents every day. After 25-30 days, the strained agent is used to treat these conditions. Dosage - 10 drops in the morning and evening, in the afternoon 20 drops (food is consumed no earlier than 20-30 minutes).Alcoholic medicine is bred in 0.5 tbsp. liquids. For these purposes, the water is heated slightly. The course of treatment is 4 weeks. You must complete 2-3 courses. Repeatedly taking the medicine is carried out after a break for 1-2 months.

Decoction

The tool has a disinfecting effect and accelerates the healing process, they process boils, purulent wounds, skin areas with rashes. Broth can be treated and children. In childhood, it is used to normalize sleep, treat pustular lesions, and allergic diathesis. Also, after preparing a bath with a healing broth, the children become calmer.

Ingredients:

• lofant - 50 g for internal use, 100 g for external;
• water - 500 ml.

The ingredients are combined and put on the stove. Carry out minimal heating, after boiling for 15 minutes, cook in a water bath (you can insist lofant in a thermos for 2 hours). The product is used for its intended purpose after cooling and filtering. Store in the refrigerator for no more than 5 days, overflowing the broth in a dark container. Dosage - 0.5 tbsp. 3 p./d. (food consumed in 20 minutes).

Syrup

Lofant honey also has a positive effect on the body. The medicine is recommended for use in pathological processes in the lungs and colds.

Ingredients:

• dried grass - 50 g;
• honey - 500 ml;
• boiling water - 100-150 ml.

The grass is poured with boiling water and set aside in a closed container for 3 hours. The concentrated syrup solution is filtered and poured into semi-liquid honey. Mix thoroughly so that the infusion of the lofant is evenly distributed. Dosage of medical honey - 1 tbsp.

Cooking Application

Young leaves of the plant are eaten to saturate the body with vitamins and improve health. Fresh they are very useful for potency and with prostatitis. Leaves are added to fruit salads. As a flavoring ingredient, they are added to canned vegetables, bakery products, preserves, sauces, juices, tea. In baking, lofant is added in powder form. The aerial part of the plant, collected immediately after the start of flowering, is dried and ground.

For pickling tomatoes and cucumbers, lofant inflorescences are added to the jars. Such an additive positively affects the quality of the brine, it turns out to be transparent. The plant can be added even in okroshka. With lofant they cook fish and meat, stew the liver. Fragrant spice is also suitable for ready-made dishes.

In cooking, not only powder is used, but also seeds. They are added to the dough for the preparation of pies, pastries, pastries. Seeds are even used as a component for sauerkraut. Jam, stewed fruit is made from flowers.

Lofant in cosmetology

The essential oil of the plant has a fungicidal and antibacterial effect on the body. Acne is rubbed with a saturated broth, with the help of this tool they treat acne, other skin diseases. This is a natural remedy for dandruff, an effective composition for strengthening hair. An extract from the plant tones and rejuvenates the skin, speeds up the healing process of areas with burns and wounds.

Preparations containing lofant are used to strengthen hair. Plant components contribute to their active growth. Baths with a healing solution tone and heal the body, rejuvenate the skin.

Infusion for the skin

Ingredients:

• Lofant - 4 tbsp;
• boiling water - 2 tbsp.

The raw material is poured with boiling water, left to infuse for 2 hours. The product is used externally, they treat the skin, rinse the hair after washing. To improve the condition of the skin, take a bath with the addition of infusion.

Remedy for corns

The raw materials for the preparation of the gel are pre-ground in a mortar. A restorative is prepared on the basis of fresh young leaves.

Ingredients for the gel:

• leaves - 100 g;
• vegetable oil (apricot, olive) - 2-3 tbsp;
• salt - 50 g;
• vinegar essence - 1 ml;
• fir oil - 50 ml.

The natural gel is stored in a cool place, the feet are covered with a thin layer, applying directly to problem areas.

Bath for toning the skin

After regular use of such a bath, the skin condition noticeably improves. She looks healthier, moisturized and supple.

Ingredients for the solution:

• grass - 4–5 tablespoons;
• hot water - 2 tbsp.

The grass is left in the water for 30-40 minutes, the container is tightly closed. The filtered liquid is poured into the prepared bath.

Cosmetic Oil

The product can be purchased at pharmacies and stores that sell products intended for cosmetic purposes. Like concentrated solutions, it is added to water while taking a bath. They also wipe the face with oil, as a result of which the skin condition improves. The components of this product soothe, help get rid of neurosis, promote healthy sleep. This is a healthy product derived from a fresh plant. For its manufacture, the distillation method is used.

Mask for the face

A remedy prepared according to this recipe is suitable for any skin. A liquid cream intended for a specific type of skin is used as a base.

Ingredients:

• face cream - 10 parts;
• lofant powder - 1 part.

The ingredients are mixed in a ratio of 10: 1. The mask is not rubbed, applied before bedtime, 2-3 hours before a night's rest, evenly distributed over the skin.

Hair Strengthener

A cosmetic product is prepared on the basis of fresh raw materials. Stems and leaves are pre-chopped. In addition to the lofant, they do not use anything else. The resulting mass is spread on cheesecloth, squeeze the juice and rub it into the skin. After half an hour, the hair and skin are washed with shampoo. For the washing procedure, warm water is used. If you use a shower cap, nutrients from the juice absorb better.

Anti-aging mask

Approximately determine the amount of cottage cheese needed for facial skin. A finely chopped fresh plant, a little sour cream and honey are added to it. The ingredients are mixed until evenly distributed. The mask is applied to the face for 20 minutes. Wash your face with warm water. The final stage of the procedure is wiping the face with a decoction prepared on the basis of lofant. Prepare it in advance.

Tool for problem skin from comedones and blackheads

Ingredients:

• cosmetic clay - 1 sachet;
• a decoction of lofant flowers for breeding a dry base.

The ingredients are mixed to such a state that it is comfortable to apply the mask to the face. The product is left on the face for half an hour. When the mask is completely dry, remove it with warm water.

Infusion for rinsing hair

Ingredients:

• dried raw materials (leaves, stems) - 80 g;
• water - 0.5 l.

The grass is insisted for 3 hours. The finished product is filtered and used as a hair rinse. You can also wipe your face with it.

Lofant is used in the manufacture of masks to stimulate the growth of hair, scrubs, tonics, creams, shampoos, balms. You can purchase ready-made care and medical products.

Contraindications

The plant can significantly improve human health. Despite the great benefits of Lofant, there is a list of contraindications. In order not to harm the body, be sure to adhere to existing recommendations.

The monks of Tibet use the plant as a universal remedy, because the substances contained in it help to fight almost any disease. With caution, therapeutic compositions are used in the first weeks after surgical interventions. Before proceeding with the restoration of the body with the help of a lofant, it is necessary to get the advice of the attending physician.

Contraindications include intolerance to substances contained in the plant, allergies, frequent cramps, epilepsy, pregnancy, breastfeeding, and tumors. It is forbidden to use lofant for thrombophlebitis and low blood pressure, serious cardiac abnormalities, and mental disorders.

If contraindications to the use of a medicinal plant are not found, you can safely use lofant for healing. The main thing is to observe the dosage. In childhood, funds containing lofant are used only externally and in rare cases.

If signs of an overdose are found, the use of preparations prepared with the addition of lofant is immediately stopped. Since poisoning occurs, this condition is accompanied by diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting.

Lofant is a magical tool that contains a lot of useful substances. It can be easily grown on its own site. A rich vitamin and mineral composition helps to strengthen health and slows down the aging process. Adhering to the recommendations, you can get noticeable results in healing and maintaining an attractive appearance.

Lofant photo