Woolly Erva: medicinal properties and contraindications

Woolly Erva is a biennial plant with pronounced medicinal properties. It is used to treat diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, heart, kidneys, and blood. The plant is used as an addition to many collections, and is also used in the manufacture of natural caring cosmetics.

Chemical composition

Erva woolly is officially recognized as a medicinal plant. This conclusion was reached by scientists who studied its composition. In the rhizome and the aerial part there are active components that positively affect the functioning of the body. Chemical analysis showed that the plant contains in large quantities such substances:

• ervolanine;
• pectins;
• phenolic and organic acids;
• bitterness;
• a complex of alkaloids of the indole group;
• glycosides;
• oleanic acid;
• ervozid;
• organic acids;
• coumaroyl tyliroside;
• triterpenoids;
• lupeol compounds;
• potassium nitrate;
• compounds of magnesium and copper;
• selenium;
• antioxidants.

Comprehensively affecting the body, these components take care of the health of internal organs, restore the circulatory system, provide the body with the necessary trace elements for tissue regeneration and restoration. The advantage of herbs is that all the ingredients are contained in a significant dose, that is, they can positively affect the state of health when consuming medicines prepared on the basis of herbs.

How it looks and where it grows

The plant is common in the tropics - it is found in the wild nature of Africa, Australia, South America. Erva woolly - one of the varieties, representing the genus Erva, which is part of the Amaranth family. The plant has a two-year development cycle. The botanical features of the species are described below.

1. The plant has a powerful rod rhizome, which deepens to 80-100 cm.
2. The stems of the plant are very branched, up to 1.5 m long, with numerous processes.
3. The leaves are small, lanceolate or ellipsoid in shape, grow on short petioles and cover most of the stems.
4. On the tops of the plant, paniculate or spike-shaped inflorescences are formed, which contain dozens of small white flowers.
5. After the flowering period ends, small fruits are formed on spike-shaped inflorescences - elongated capsules with seeds.

Erva woolly does not grow in the wild on the Eurasian continent. In the countries of the former CIS, it is cultivated in small quantities culturally, in order to obtain medicinal raw materials. In the years 60–70, scientists attempted to naturalize the grass, but it was unsuccessful. As a result, it was possible to grow the plant under artificial conditions - since 1977 it has been cultivated on an industrial scale in Georgia.

Collection and storage

Erva woolly officially recognized as a plant with a healing effect. It is used for the manufacture of pharmaceuticals, infusions and fees. Pharmacopoeia regulates the rules of collection and procurement. The most valuable part of the plant is considered the top - inflorescences. Less active substances are found in stems and leaves. The collection is made according to such rules.

1. Start harvesting raw materials not earlier than the start of the flowering phase. Once the inflorescences are covered with rough, hairy flowers, you can begin to cut them.
2. Collect on sunny days, preferably in the morning, but only after the dew on the plants has completely dried.
3. Cut no more than 30-40 cm of the apical part.
4. After cutting the inflorescences, deliver to the place where the drying will be carried out, trying not to damage.
5. Do not wet the raw material. It is necessary to remove garbage and damaged pieces of grass without water, and grind the remaining inflorescences with scissors.
6. Dry the collection on a clean piece of paper, not in the open sun.
7. When the raw materials have dried completely, pack them for further storage and use - in a cardboard or tin box, glass jar.

The shelf life of plant materials should not exceed 3 years, but only on condition that the grass has not lost its aroma and appearance. If traces and a smell of mold have appeared or the expressed aroma of erva has disappeared, the collection must be discarded and new raw materials must be prepared.

Given the fact that the Erva is not found in Eurasian meadows and fields, a logical question arises - where to collect and procure raw materials. Most connoisseurs of this plant grow it at home in their garden plots. Erva can be raised, but she is quite demanding in care. To simplify the task, you can search for ready-made packaged grass. Collection is in many pharmacies, as well as in stores where plant products are sold. The cost of a box of raw materials is quite low, so self-cultivation is impractical. You need to search by official name (or by popular name - “half-gender”).

The healing properties of the grass of the woolly erva

In most countries, Erva woolly is included in pharmacopeias, and is also actively used in traditional medicine as an additional component in the treatment of diseases. It is not without reason that this herb is so highly valued; it has 12 medicinal properties that are known to everyone who is involved in any of the areas of medicine.

1. The grass strengthens the immune system, helps to resist with protracted diseases that have passed into the chronic stage.
2. The plant contains components that react with uric acid salts in gout. Decoctions and infusions dissolve salt deposits.
3. The diuretic effect contributes to the rapid elimination of toxins and recovery in diseases of the urinary system.
4. Alkaloids and organic acids in combination with mineral compounds produce a protective effect for the cells of the brain and spinal cord, normalize the functioning of the nervous system.
5. Thanks to the active components, the use of erva normalizes sleep, restores mental and emotional state, and helps to calm down quickly under stress.
6. The plant stimulates the production of hormones responsible for good mood, activity, therefore, it helps with depression, apathy, loss of strength and increased fatigue.
7. With hormonal disorders and impaired functioning of the reproductive system, the erva stabilizes the condition and evens out the balance in the body.
8. The plant is effective in malignant and benign tumors. It reduces the rate of division of pathological cells, restores tissues and helps to cope with the elimination of toxins faster during chemotherapy.
9. Grass protects against the negative effects of radiation, removes heavy metals and prevents the negative effects of carcinogens on the body.
10. The plant normalizes blood coagulation, eliminates blood clots and cleanses blood vessels.
11. Erva has beneficial effects on the functioning of the lymphatic system. It cleanses the lymph, helps restore lymph nodes.
12. The plant normalizes the water-salt balance in the body, is a source of potassium salts, which has a beneficial effect on the state of the heart muscles.

Grass is used for prevention, cleansing the body, as well as in the treatment of diseases. Need to consult a doctor. Do not be afraid of the skeptical refusal of doctors when asking to prescribe Erva preparations for woolly. The plant is actively used in traditional medicine and is included in the therapeutic chain for various diseases. Therefore, a specialist will only help to choose the right dosage, and also give valuable recommendations regarding the use of herbal medicines.

Woolly Erva in folk medicine

In folk medicine, there are practically no areas and directions where this plant would not be used. Erva woolly is a universal herb that can serve as an auxiliary component in medicines for most diseases of the cardiovascular system. It can be used as a restorative, tonic and restorative. But with each disease, the methods of use, as well as the methods for preparing medicines, are different.

Liver cleansing

Improper nutrition, disturbed daily routine, stress, alcohol - these are all factors leading to disruption of the functioning of the main filter of the body. The liver can cope with the toxic load for a long time, but in an instant it will begin to show alarming symptoms. To help the liver recover from heavy loads, it is recommended that you periodically undergo a hepatoprotective course of treatment with Herva.

The plant gently cleanses the liver, renews the cells and stimulates them to fight toxic substances. The diuretic effect helps to cleanse the body faster - the decomposition products of toxins, broken down in the liver, are quickly removed from the body due to the active work of the kidneys. To restore the liver, three recipes are used.

1. Powdered grass is mixed with turmeric, dried ginger and peppermint, buckwheat honey is added (1: 1). Take the medicine received 1 teaspoon 3 times a day before meals.
2. Herva infusion is prepared in a thermos; 20 g of plant collection is taken per 1 liter of boiling water. Insist medicine for 3 hours. The prepared liquid is decanted and drunk 100 ml 3 times a day, also preferably before meals.
3. A strong broth is prepared from a mixture of herbs and inflorescences of the plant - 4 tablespoons of grass are taken for 500 ml of water. The grass should boil in the liquid for 30 minutes. Ready broth is not in a hurry to filter, let it stand, waiting for it to cool, and then it is poured into a bottle and they drink 2 tablespoons before meals.

Australian Aborigines use Erwa to treat dry liver - they eat on an empty stomach powdered collection. They also use the rhizome of the plant to prepare decoctions.

Erva woolly eliminates the main symptoms of liver disease. But this plant is not able to help with cirrhosis, as well as fatty liver disease in the later stages. It is advisable to combine treatment with diet and intake of large amounts of fluid.

From gallstones

In Australia, gallbladder removal surgery is a rarity. At the same time, in the CIS countries, the removal of bile due to the formation of stones is not uncommon. Australians simply know that it can help to cope with this problem and prevent the formation of stones or remove them from the body if they have already begun to form.

For the treatment of gallstone disease, tea from the inflorescences of the Erva woolly is used. It has a pronounced choleretic effect. Due to the stimulation of the production of bile acids, the natural dissolution of the formed stones occurs. The antispasmodic and tonic effect of the plant improves the motor function of the gallbladder, and due to this, bile and split stones are quickly excreted naturally. They drink tea from the grass before eating, and before each meal. A fresh drink is prepared for each meal - ½ teaspoon per cup (200 ml), insisted and drunk without sugar, it is possible with lemon. Continue treatment for at least 1 month.

Nervous Disorders

Depending on the state of the nervous system, different recipes for the preparation of medicines can be used. Erva woolly in any form soothes nerves well, helps to cope with depressive disorders, apathy, stress, excessive sensitivity and lingering spleen.

You can prepare an alcohol extract to make it more convenient and easier to use the medicine. To do this, you need the following ingredients and containers:

• medical alcohol 96% - 1 bottle (100 ml);
• 1 tablespoon of grass;
• bottle with a cap (can be taken from alcohol if it is made of dark glass).

It is necessary to insist grass on alcohol, and after 3 weeks to decant. Throw the cake, and drink alcohol tincture 10 drops 3 times a day. In the evening, with insomnia, you can increase the dose to 20-30 drops to fall asleep faster.

The second variant of the therapeutic agent is tea from a combination of herbs, where Herva is the main component. It is necessary to take 20 g of erva, supplement it with such herbs (5 g of each species):

• Melissa;
• motherwort;
• yarrow;
• peppermint.

Mix the ready-made collection, store it in a jar separately and use for brewing soothing tea. You can take it only at night, as it gives the effect of drowsiness.

Treatment of the kidneys and urinary system

Erva can be used for all diseases associated with the urinary system, but only if kidney function is not impaired and there is no bleeding. In such situations, the grass helps to cope effectively with jade, cystitis, urethritis, and urinary tract infections. For recovery with such diagnoses, only water infusion is used.

You can prepare the medicine immediately for 2 days. You need to take 400 ml of water, pour coldly into a ladle or pan and add 1 tablespoon of grass. Boil this mixture over low heat for 20-30 minutes, and then cool and strain. In acute kidney and bladder diseases, take 100 ml every 3-4 hours. If the inflammation subsides, you can reduce the frequency of administration up to two times.

With gout

It was mentioned above that Erva woolly is an indispensable plant for the treatment of gout. Like no other grass, Erva quickly copes with salt deposits, removes toxic elements from the body in a short period of time.

Erva drugs are prescribed in many clinics as an additional tool to the main complexes. But before that, it is necessary to undergo a diagnosis to make sure that such a natural treatment technique is safe. If there is no reason to refuse herbal remedies, you can prepare them according to such recipes.

1. Mix in a deep container 2 tablespoons of Herva and 1 tablespoon of chopped rose hips. Pour cold water (2 L) and bring to a boil over minimum heat. After boiling for 2-3 minutes, insist 2 hours and drink instead of water. To be treated for 1 week.
2. Take licorice root (10 g), turmeric (5 g), Herva (20 g) pour all 1 liter of cold purified water. Warm over low heat until boiling, and then turn off and insist. Ready to drink before meals, three times a day. You can cook the medicine for 2-3 days, but it must be stored in the refrigerator.

Unique substances are combined in the grass; it is precisely such a complex that helps to effectively cope with gout. The combination of acids that cope with salts in the body, with a diuretic effect - a double blow to gout. But in order not to harm the body, you need to be treated no longer than 2 months. It is important to monitor the state of health, take tests and be monitored by a doctor in order to change the course of treatment on time if necessary.

For the pancreas

Erva in diseases of the pancreas helps to quickly remove the foci of inflammation. It soothes the tissues of the body, inhibits the excessive production of enzymes, which protects the pancreas from the process of self-destruction. But grass cannot be used if:

• necrotic changes;
• pancreatic cancer;
• inflammation in the acute stage.

In other situations, you can be treated with an herva. Moreover, gastroenterologists recommend this plant as a prophylactic to those who are diagnosed with chronic pancreatitis. The herb is used to make anti-inflammatory tea that normalizes the functioning of the pancreas and the secretion of enzymes.To prevent exacerbation and help the pancreas recover faster, you can prepare such medicines:

1. Infusion - 1 teaspoon for every 250 ml, brew in a thermos and drink a glass in the morning and evening.
2. Broth - steam and boil in a water bath (1 tablespoon per 500 ml), drink 1 glass 2 times a day.

The effectiveness of treatment depends on many factors, but the determining nuance is compliance with dietary rules. It is necessary to abandon any products that can negatively affect the condition of this body. It is also important to monitor the diet - too long time intervals between meals can harm health.

For immunity

The general strengthening effect of the herb is so pronounced that it is often used to restore the body's defenses after suffering illnesses. It can also be used after antibiotic treatment, radiation therapy and the use of chemical drugs hazardous to health.

For preventive purposes, the plant is used to make tea. It is necessary to brew a small amount of collection (1–1.5 tsp) in 300 ml of water. Insist such a medicine is not too long - after 3-5 minutes the tea will be ready. You can add honey, lemon or lemon juice to it. Drink once a day, preferably in the morning. But if due to severe drowsiness it is not possible to take this drink in the morning, you can brew it before bedtime.

In gynecology

Erva also helps with various diseases of the female reproductive system, copes with uterine bleeding. It can be used for douching with myoma, excessive growth of epithelial tissue (erosion), cysts, neoplasms, polyps.

You can use a strong infusion for douching 2 times a day. But the procedure must be carried out so that everything is sterile, as there is a risk of infection. But it is more effective to take the infusion inside - for gynecological diseases, this should be done twice a day, 50 ml each. The duration of the course is from 10 to 30 days.

With diarrhea

Erva woolly is useful for diarrhea caused by intestinal infections or diseases of the digestive system. It is difficult to overestimate the benefits of the herb, because it not only stops diarrhea and eliminates inflammation, but also makes up for the deficiency of mineral compounds. With diarrhea due to fluid loss, a large amount of minerals is eliminated from the body, which leads to general weakness. But the use of herbal medicine will help quickly bring the body back to normal.

Tea and water infusion of herbs are used for diarrhea. Cooking Recipes:

• tea - 1 time, for 200-250 ml of water, take 1 teaspoon of the collection;
• infusion - for 2-3 days, for 1 liter of boiling water take 3 tablespoons of herb.

Tea should be drunk 2-3 times a day until the symptoms of the disease disappear, but not less than 3 days. With severe diarrhea, it is better to drink an infusion heated to room temperature - 50-100 ml every half hour, but such an enhanced option is possible only for 24 hours, until the condition stabilizes.

Types of healing compounds

You can prepare the medicine yourself using dry raw materials. You need to know the recipes that will help reveal the therapeutic potential of the plant and use it as efficiently as possible. There are active ingredients in the grass that are afraid of high temperature, so cooking broths with long-term thermal exposure is not always the best solution. But basic medicines can still be prepared without knowledge of the intricacies and nuances, using basic methods for preparing medicines from herbs.

Infusion

On packages with herbs, manufacturers usually describe the classic version of the recipe - to brew 2 teaspoons of the herb in a glass of boiling water. An infusion prepared according to this recipe should be divided into 2 times, and after that prepare a new portion.But you can immediately brew for several days - take 3-4 tablespoons of the collection, pour 1 liter of boiling water and close the lid. It can be stored for up to three days, but preferably under a closed lid and in the refrigerator.

Decoction

Cooking a decoction is a little more difficult because it takes more time. You can cook it in a water bath or in a saucepan, on fire. Recommended proportions - per 400 ml of water 1 tablespoon of dry grass. You can make it stronger or weaker, but to get a quality healing broth you need to boil the mixture at a minimum temperature for at least 30 minutes.

Application in cosmetology

Erva woolly is highly regarded by the creators of environmentally friendly organic cosmetics. It is used in the preparation of hygiene and care products. If there is no allergy to this plant, you can prepare effective caring cosmetics with your own hands.

Hair balm

If the hair lost its shine, began to grow more slowly or began to fall out, there is a solution. It is necessary to rinse them every time after washing with a strong infusion of wool erva. It stimulates growth, strengthens hair follicles. But the effect is possible only if you make the rinse liquid sufficiently concentrated - 30-40 g of grass per 1 liter of water will be enough.

Infusion for problem skin

It is quite difficult to cure acne, but it is even more difficult to prevent their appearance if the skin is prone to rashes, the pores are enlarged and clogged. You can correct the situation if you start to rub daily with an infusion of three herbs:

• erva woolly;
• calendula;
• pharmaceutical camomile.

It is necessary to mix 1 tablespoon of grass, steam with a glass of boiling water. Infusion should be used for morning and evening wipes.

Brightening lotion

Organic acids that the grass contains penetrate the cell walls and destroy the pigment in them, and also accelerate skin regeneration. These grass properties are used to create brightening cosmetics. You can make a lotion from Herva and other herbs. To create a product you need the following ingredients:

• a teaspoon of Chinese magnolia vine;
• a teaspoon of parsley seeds;
• a pinch of juniper branches;
• a teaspoon of erva.

You need to boil these ingredients in 400 ml of water, evaporate to 200 ml. When it cools down, pour the product into a clean bottle of glass, use for wiping 2-3 times a day.

Massage Oil

On the basis of the plant, you can create massage oil to combat cellulite and stretch marks on the skin. You just need to insist in 200 ml of vegetable olive oil 50 g of grass. The cooking time for the oil extract is 3 weeks. During this period, you need to store the oil in the refrigerator, and then strain and use it for massage. You can add a couple of drops of essential orange or bergamot oil to enhance the anti-cellulite effect.

It is better to use oil after a shower or bath. It is necessary to rub it with massage movements into problem areas of the skin until a sensation of warmth and slight redness appears. Do not rinse off overnight, but the oil on the body should not be too much, so the remaining need to be wiped with a paper towel. You can take this oil as a basis for canned lymphatic drainage massage.

Contraindications

Not everyone is allowed to use the herb for medicinal purposes. Despite the invaluable therapeutic value, the herva can be potentially dangerous for those who have the following diagnoses:

• hypothyroidism;
• kidney and liver dysfunction;
• hypotension;
• rickets;
• bone tissue dystrophy;
• degenerative processes in the tissues of bones and joints;
• excess calcium in the body.

Wool can harm a person without contraindications in one case - if the dosage is exceeded. Usually in such situations, side effects are observed - nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. In rare cases, an overdose leads to dehydration, dizziness, and weakness. In such conditions, you need to act without delay - rinse your stomach, take a sorbent.In especially severe cases, you should consult a doctor or call an ambulance team.

Erva woolly - a valuable tropical plant that can be used as part of complex therapy for various diseases. Grass can be used only in the absence of contraindications, but it is important to adhere to the main recommendations and rules of use. Otherwise, instead of a therapeutic effect, harm can be obtained.