Veronica: medicinal properties and contraindications

Veronica, like many plants, has many names. It is also known as birch grass, pharmacy oak wood or snake head. The plant is used not only for the preparation of medicines in traditional medicine, but also for veterinary medicine and cosmetology. The widespread use of herbs is due to its composition and a number of healing properties.

Chemical composition

Medicinal Veronica has a rich composition, thanks to which the plant is used for medicinal purposes. To date, experts have not fully studied it. According to research, the following components were identified:

1. Vitamin C. This is the basis of human immunity. Vitamin helps not only support the body's defenses, but also accelerate the healing process, reduce the risk of complications.
2. Vitamin A. In veronica, it is present in sufficient quantities, so that the plant can be used as a means to maintain vision. It is vitamin A that is necessary for the proper functioning of the visual apparatus. With its deficiency, the quality of vision decreases, eye fatigue appears, and the risk of developing glaucoma and other diseases increases.
3. Choline. This is a vitamin of group B. It is required by the human body to maintain the proper functioning of the nervous system, as it is the main building material for the shell of nerve endings. When Vitamin B4 is present in sufficient quantities, it helps to prevent the destruction of choline and damage to the cells of the nervous system.
4. Saponins. These are substances with a complex structure. Necessary for the dissolution of harmful cholesterol, which accumulates on the vascular walls and forms plaques. As a result, there is a violation of blood circulation, the risk of stroke or heart attack increases.
5. Alkaloids. Contained exclusively in plant foods. They have a complex effect on the body, have a pronounced effect on the nervous system. They also help withstand the effects of pathogens.
6. Coumarins. Required for the destruction of pathogenic bacteria. With their insufficiency, the body is susceptible to various diseases caused by harmful microorganisms.
7. Carbohydrates. They are converted after ingestion into glucose, which is necessary for the brain to work and gives energy. Carbohydrates are contained in Veronica in sufficient quantities, which allows the plant to be used to increase tone, improve the general condition.
8. Essential oils. They have a positive effect on the nervous system, help maintain the beauty of the skin, hair. That is why the plant is often used for cosmetic purposes.
9. Sterols Substances play an important role in the formation of cells, including their membranes. Sterols also have a great effect on metabolic processes.
10. Tannins. First of all, they are necessary for the proper functioning of the body's defenses. With their insufficiency, immunity is significantly reduced. In addition, they have a positive effect on the functioning of the digestive system, the nervous system, and have hemostatic and anti-inflammatory effects.

Veronica contains fatty oils, organic and phenol carboxylic acids, glycosides.Each substance has a special effect on the body, which allows the plant to be used for medical and cosmetic purposes.

How it looks and where it grows

Veronica belongs to the class of perennials. Its height is from 15 to 30 cm. Some species are able to grow up to 0.5 m. The pharmacy Veronica has creeping shoots that take root at a distance from the mother plant and ascend.

The leaves are small, their length is only 4 cm, and their width is 2 cm. They are oblong, lowered, narrowed at the base.

Veronica blooms with bluish or pale lilac flowers. They have a four-split nimbus and a cup. Flowers are collected in brushes, which are located in the axils of the leaves. The plant blooms from June to the end of September. Veronica is also known for its fruits. They are boxes that are oval and contain a large number of seeds. The ripening period is July-October. The plant propagates by seed and vegetatively.

Veronica can be found in the European part of Eurasia. It also grows in the Crimea and the Caucasus. The plant loves open places, prefers edges, meadows, fields. Also, pharmacy Veronica can be found in bright forests and small ravines. As the plant grows, it forms a dense carpet.

Collection and storage

Veronica is harvested for the purpose of further preparation of medicines. In order to properly collect the raw materials, you must be guided by the following rules:

1. Collect only during the flowering period.
2. You can collect flowers, stems and leaves.
3. After harvesting, the plant must be dried in a dark place under natural conditions.

It is not recommended to mix the grass during drying, as the petals on the flowers may fall.

Fresh plant does not have a pronounced smell. But after drying, the grass smells nice. Traditional healers say that it is precisely his appearance that the plant is correctly prepared. Store raw materials in a dark, dry place, preferably in a glass container for 5 years.

The healing properties of Veronica officinalis

Such a plant as Veronica has a number of useful properties due to its composition. Herbal remedies have the following actions:

1. Sweatshops. The active substances that make up the plant affect the functioning of the sebaceous glands. That is why Veronica can be used at a temperature when you want to reduce it.
2. Anti-inflammatory. The composition of the plant includes substances that help relieve inflammation. At the same time, grass-based products can be used both for internal and external use. A similar property allows the plant to be used to treat ulcers, irritations, inflammatory diseases of internal organs.
3. Antiallergic. With the help of traditional medicine, made on the basis of the plant, you can get rid of the symptoms of an allergic reaction. The effect is achieved due to the content of special substances, such as choline, vitamin C, acids.
4. Antimicrobial. Veronica is known for its antimicrobial property - microbes that cause a number of serious diseases are destroyed. A similar property is due to the presence of tannins and coumarins.
5. Hemostatic. The plant is also used as a means to stop bleeding of varying intensity and nature of origin.
6. Anthelmintic. In folk medicine, Veronica is known as an anti-gelmentin drug. Parasites penetrate the human digestive system, begin to multiply actively and become the cause of intoxication.
7. Anticonvulsant. Herbal remedies help fight muscle cramps due to vitamins and certain substances.
8. Pain medication. Veronica is also used as a mild analgesic. It helps to relieve pain in diseases of the upper respiratory tract, gynecological pathologies.
9. Restorative. The composition of the herb includes a large number of beneficial substances that have a positive effect on the immune system. Veronica-based products are also used to strengthen the body during the flu season, colds, and in the presence of several other diseases.

Among other things, the plant is used in folk medicine as a means of increasing appetite, improving digestion, metabolism.

Veronica officinalis in traditional medicine

The plant is actively used in folk medicine to treat many diseases. On its basis, various infusions and decoctions are made. There are many recipes.

With tracheitis

The disease is characterized by the development of an inflammatory process on the tracheal tissues. There may be several reasons, but the main ones are infection and complications in the absence of therapy for rhinitis, laryngitis.

An infusion is used to treat the disease. It is made by brewing a tablespoon of dried plants in 150 ml of boiling water. All insist for 2 hours. The tool is drunk on a large spoon before eating.

With neurodermatitis and eczema

Diseases such as eczema and neurodermatitis are characterized by damage to the skin. Pathologies are accompanied by a number of unpleasant signs, which in the absence of therapy increase.

You can alleviate your health with the help of a special tincture. To prepare it, you will need 5 large spoons of dried Veronica and a liter of boiling water. You can use the leaves or stems of the plant. All placed in a thermos, tightly closed. Withstand for several hours. The solution is used for compresses. To do this, take gauze folded in several layers and moisten it in solution. Apply to the affected areas, fix with a bandage and leave to dry completely. The course of treatment depends on the degree of damage to the skin. Compresses are done until the time of the disease completely disappears.

With angina and laryngitis

Diseases are characterized by damage to the upper respiratory tract. At the same time, ulcers appear on the throat mucosa, which bleed, hurt. You can get rid of unpleasant symptoms and alleviate the general condition with the help of a veronica-based remedy. For its preparation, flowers, stems and leaves are used. Pre-dried grass is brewed in the amount of 4 tablespoons in a liter of boiling water. All insist for 2-3 hours and filter. The prepared product is used to gargle. The procedure is carried out up to 8 times a day until the complete elimination of unpleasant symptoms.

With fungus

To combat the fungus of the legs, which manifests itself in the form of itching and peeling of the skin, discoloration of the nail plates, use juice from Veronica.

To prepare the product, a fresh plant is used. Juice is carefully squeezed out of it. Then 200 ml of squeezed juice is mixed with alcohol in an amount of 100 ml. Insist 10 days in a dark place. The resulting tincture is used to treat affected areas of the fungus before and after sleep.

With sweating feet

Veronica helps with excessive sweating of the legs. The plant is dried, crushed, poured into socks, which are worn overnight. To achieve a positive result, the procedure is repeated up to 10 times.

To restore appetite

Veronica, which contains many useful substances, can be used to prepare tinctures that improve appetite.

To prepare tincture, 5 tablespoons of dried veronica is poured with a liter of boiling water. The container is covered with a lid and left for several hours. The resulting solution is filtered and taken up to 4 times a day in 100 ml.

A similar tool is popular with poor appetite, a violation of the digestive process. Recommended by traditional healers for anorexia.

With gynecological diseases

You can get rid of gynecological diseases of an inflammatory nature with the help of traditional medicine. But in order for the therapy to bring positive results, an integrated approach will be required.

First of all, they prepare an infusion, which includes such herbs as Veronica, chamomile, and Chernobyl. All components are taken in equal amounts. Yellow clover is added to the mixture, the amount of which should be 5 times less.

Harvest herbs brewed with boiling water, insist for 30 minutes and filter. Infusion is used for enemas. Procedures are carried out 2 hours before going to bed. It is taken inside.

The course of therapy is 2 months, during which you should abandon intimacy.

With ulcerative lesions, wounds and boils

Veronica has in its composition substances that help get rid of such a problem as boils. Using a special tool, it is possible to remove even neglected and chronic formations. In addition, tincture can be used to accelerate the process of regeneration of the skin with wounds, scratches and cuts.

To prepare the medicine, take 2 large tablespoons of dried grass and pour all 500 ml of boiling water.

The tool is insisted for 12 hours in a dark and warm place. Then the tincture is filtered and used for compresses. Gauze, folded in several layers, is moistened in infusion and applied to the affected areas of the skin twice a day. Treatment is carried out until tissue is completely healed.

Using a drug based on Veronica officinalis, it is possible to get rid of trophic ulcers.

With stomach cancer

Veronica is known for its healing properties. It is also used for cancer, when cancer cells affect the tissues of the stomach. Such a tool helps to significantly alleviate the condition.

To prepare the product, pour a large spoon of pre-dried grass with 500 ml of boiling water. Insist for two hours. Take the drug in half a cup up to 4 times a day an hour after eating.

Types of healing compounds

Based on Veronica officinalis, several types of medicinal formulations are made. All of them are used for various diseases both internally and externally.

Infusion

The tool is prepared by brewing 3 tablespoons of dried grass in 500 ml of boiling water. All insist for 4 hours in a closed container, and then filtered.

Veronica infusion in goat milk is also popular. To prepare it, you need 4 tablespoons of Veronica juice and 200 ml of goat milk. All ingredients are mixed and insisted for about 2 hours. Infusion take 2 tablespoons throughout the day daily. Such an agent is usually used to treat inflammatory diseases.

Tincture

The tool is used in the treatment of fungal infections of the legs. To prepare, you need to mix 200 ml of vodka and 10 ml of plant juice. All insist for two weeks.

Tincture is also used for scalp fungus, which is accompanied by peeling of the skin, itching and burning.

Decoction

Most often, it is prepared from several components, which allows you to achieve a quick result and speed up the healing process, having a complex effect on the body.

The broth is prepared from 2 parts of a string and 3 parts of Veronica, violet, wheatgrass and burdock. 5 tablespoons of the resulting mixture is poured with 5 liters of cold water. All set on fire and cook for 15 minutes over low heat.

After the solution has cooled, it is filtered. Drink one glass 3 times a day before meals.

Butter

The tool helps to speed up the healing process for wounds, cuts and burns. Due to the special properties of veronica, skin cells are quickly restored.

To prepare it, you will need 15 large tablespoons of dried veronica and 500 ml of olive oil. You can also use corn.

All components are mixed, and the product is insisted for a week at room temperature. Use oil to apply to affected areas of the skin.

Ointment

The basis of the ointment is animal fat. For its preparation, 200 g of fat is mixed with dried veronica in an amount of 100 g. The product is used for external use. Store ointment in the refrigerator.

When preparing any healing composition, it is important to observe the number of components.You should also carefully take the drug, avoiding overdose.

Application in cosmetology

Veronica is used not only in traditional medicine, but also in cosmetology. On its basis, preparations for hair and skin are prepared. There are many recipes that help maintain beauty, prolong youth or get rid of minor defects. The most popular are:

Mask

It is suitable for normal skin type. It is used for the purpose of rejuvenation, tone, elasticity and natural color. To prepare it, 300 g of fresh veronica is crushed using a blender. The resulting slurry is applied to the face, without affecting the area around the eyes and forehead. The mask is left for 20 minutes, after which it is washed off with running water. The procedure for obtaining a positive result is repeated up to 2 times a week.

Infusion for sunburn

The summer period is often accompanied by such unpleasant moments when the skin is exposed to sunlight, after which burns appear on its surface. They can be cured with the help of infusion based on Veronica. To prepare it, they take a small glass jar and fill it with fresh chopped plant to the top. All is poured with vegetable oil and tightly closed. The capacity is left for a week in a dark place. After the agent is infused, it is applied to the affected areas of the skin.

Body peeling

The tool helps to make the skin smooth by removing dead cells. For cooking, you will need 100 g of soap shavings, a tablespoon of fine salt and 400 g of gruel from fresh Veronica. All components are mixed. The product is rubbed into the skin with light massaging movements when taking a shower or bath. The procedure is recommended to be carried out up to 2 times a month.

Broth for hair

This tool is suitable for any type of hair and helps restore their structure. The broth is prepared from 3 large spoons of dried veronica and a glass of boiling water. Everyone insists for half an hour. The product is warm, pre-filtered, applied to the hair after washing the hair. You can not remove it. Use a decoction once a week.

Dandruff tincture

It is prepared on the basis of vodka and 100 g of fresh herbs. All mixed, put in the refrigerator for 14 days. Then the product is filtered, add 50 ml of burdock oil. The mixture is rubbed into the scalp after each wash until dandruff completely disappears.

All cosmetics are used only in the absence of an allergic reaction to the components. They will help restore the structure of the hair, restore youthful skin, elasticity.

Use in veterinary medicine

Veronica is known for its healing properties. It is used in traditional medicine for the preparation of various infusions, decoctions and ointments. All of them help to cope with a number of diseases.

But also Veronica has been widely used in veterinary medicine. It is used as a remedy for diarrhea in cattle. For this, a preparation of 500 g of pre-dried veronica and 3 l of boiling water is prepared. All insist for 40 minutes.

A strained broth is given to the animal during the day until the diarrhea has completely passed.

Where else do you use Veronica

Due to its properties, Veronica is used in folk medicine and veterinary medicine, cosmetics are prepared on its basis. But also the plant is used in cooking. Veronica has a pleasant aroma, which has the property of stimulating the functioning of the digestive glands. As a result, a person's appetite improves, and the digestion process is restored.

The plant's properties make it possible to use the herb as a seasoning for fish and meat dishes. Apply both dried raw materials and fresh. Fresh leaves of Veronica add special piquancy to salads. With the help of flowers aromatize alcohol.

Veronica has been widely used in gardening.It is used to create unique landscape designs. The plant is especially popular with gardeners in the Mediterranean, where compositions are created using Veronica.

In addition, grass is used as a means to protect seeds from fungus. On the basis of Veronica, a decoction is prepared, with which seeds are processed before planting.

The widespread use of Veronica officinalis is due to its beneficial properties and composition.

Contraindications

Veronica in certain cases can harm the body, despite its beneficial properties. Contraindications to its use are:

1. Diabetes mellitus, since glucose is present in the composition.
2. Diseases of the cardiovascular system.
3. Hypertension or a tendency to high blood pressure. This is due to the fact that the composition contains components that increase blood pressure.
4. Individual intolerance to individual components or an allergic reaction.

It is important to monitor the dosage of all components of the funds in order to prevent serious consequences. Among them, there is a deterioration in the general condition, the manifestation of allergies in the form of itching, rash and redness of the skin.

Veronica is a plant that has earned the trust of not only traditional healers, but also cooks, gardeners, veterinarians. It has a sufficient number of useful properties, which allows us to achieve positive results in its application. Veronica, if used correctly, will help to cope with diseases of the respiratory tract, digestive system, restore the psycho-emotional state, maintain healthy skin, hair.

Photo Veronica officinalis