Raven eye: medicinal properties and contraindications

In those families where it has been a tradition for several generations to go to the forest every season to pick mushrooms and berries, they know from childhood that they saw leaves and the raven-eye-go past them, do not touch, because this plant is poisonous. So poisonous that even insects shun it, so it is never eaten or damaged by pests.

Chemical composition

Botanists have studied the crow's eye in detail and have long established that its danger is primarily due to the fact that in the berries and rhizome are glycosides paridin and paristifin, which clearly show a neurotoxic effect and have a toxic effect on the nervous tissue, destroying it. At the same time, in a reasonable prescribed dosage, they are also able to help in the fight against neoplasms, eliminate any blood flow disorders, normalize the composition of the blood and its density, and fight against fungal infection and inflammatory processes.

The plant also contains steroidal saponins, the role of which is to suppress the development of pathogenic microorganisms and very useful substances flavonoids, which have a beneficial effect on the capillary walls, strengthening them and normalizing the activity of the heart muscle.

The list of useful components of the raven eye includes coumarins that promote blood thinning and prevent blood clots, as well as pectins, substances that allow normal intestinal microflora.

There is also a set of organic acids in the plant, through the participation of which the immune system, digestive tract, and every cell of the body function in maintaining the acid-base balance of the human body, which improves the general condition and well-being of a person, increases his vital potential. About the same role is played by vitamin C, which contains a lot in the grass.

How it looks and where it grows

The raven eye is a perennial plant. Its rhizome extends far to the sides, not particularly delving into the ground (botanists call this kind of root creeping). Each spring, the root expands its expansion into the adjacent territory, giving new sprouts. Despite the wide capture of the area, a single shoot grows from the root - a straight, ribbed, but smooth, without pubescence.

A whorl is formed on the upper part of the upright shoot with a height of 10 to 40 cm - that is, a place from which four fairly wide leaves grow at the same level, arranged uniformly around the circumference and clearly pairwise opposite each other, like a cross. The leaves are elongated, oval, with a pointed tip, their length is about 10 cm. Although the raven eye belongs to the class of monocotyledonous plants, which are characterized by a longitudinal arrangement of veins on the leaf, it has mesh veins.

A short and not very thick peduncle rises from the center of this peculiar cross of leaves, on which an inconspicuous greenish flower is located, consisting of two rows of narrow, very similar to sepals. In the outer row they are green, about 4 cm long, in the inner row they are smaller, yellow-green in color. In general, the flower resembles a star shape with pointed rays. The plant blooms from late May and early June to the first days of August, then a large shiny berry forms on it, because of which the raven eye got its name. Initially, it is red; as it matures, it acquires a thick black color with a bluish-gray coating.

The diameter of the round berry is 1 cm, inside it there are four chamber nests, in which there are a large number of seeds. If the fruit is crushed, the juice splashes, immediately a characteristic heavy odor is felt. The berry also tastes unpleasant, it is sour and bitter. It ripens in August and resembles blueberries or blueberries in appearance, so it is important to teach children to distinguish a poisonous plant and not touch an apparently attractive, but deadly berry. It is in it that the highest concentration of toxic substances, shoots and leaves are less toxic.

The raven eye prefers to occupy shady places, loves moist loam, humus-rich soil, this explains its main place of residence - deciduous and mixed forests. But the plant also adapts well to coniferous forests, where the soil is acidified with coniferous litter. The raven eye is also found on the shores of lakes and rivers, in ravines, on forest edges, in the undergrowth, in bushes and even in the forest-steppe. The plant propagates by seeds, which the wind and especially birds are able to spread over very large distances.

In nature, there are several varieties of the raven eye. So, the usual four-leafed grows everywhere in the forests from Central Europe to Kamchatka and the Asian region. He likes the temperate climate more, and the weather conditions in southern Europe, the Mediterranean coast regions, as well as the countries of Asia and North America are unfavorable for its growth. On the territory of Russia you can not see the raven eye only in regions with a rather harsh climate - in Chukotka and in the Yamalo-Nenets okrug.

In the marshy places of the Volga region, the Caucasus and Western Siberia, a raven eye, called incomplete, is found, in the Himalayan mountains a species called multifolia settled, these plants have not four, but eight to ten leaves.

In Russia, there are also (albeit rare) specimens of the raven eye with five or even six leaves. They are observed in the Far East - in shaded places, on acidified moist soils of forests and ravines. Here, the seeds of an ordinary four-leafed plant were introduced by migratory birds, but due to the specific climate they transformed into new, now existing species.

Collection and storage

The head of the crow begins to be harvested from the beginning of summer, when the plant is just beginning to bloom. It is during this period that it is most suitable for medicinal purposes. Going for medicinal raw materials, herbalists protect the body and eyes to the maximum from contact with leaves and juice, which can cause irritation and even a small burn, on the skin and mucous membranes. The clothes are worn tight, with long sleeves and fastened cuffs, complementing it with gloves and safety glasses.

The plant is cut with a sharp knife under the root and spread it in a shaded room, hidden from the sun, where ventilation works well or walks in a draft. The cut raw material is laid out in a small layer on paper and from time to time turn it over to dry evenly.

The dried grass is placed in canvas bags or in fairly dense paper bags. On a bag or bag, they always write which plant is in it and indicate that it is poisonous.

Harvesting of berries is carried out at a time when they are fully ripe. This is evidenced by their color - thick black, with a bluish-grayish coating. Berries can be dried under the same conditions as greens, or accelerate the drying process using an electric dryer. Berries are also frozen in the freezer. But in that, and in another case, the name of the contents with the mention of the presence of poison should be indicated on the packages or containers.

They do not take roots, they are unsuitable for medicinal use, because they cause severe intoxication of the body.

The healing properties of the raven eye

Official medicine does not use means based on the raven eye due to the high toxicity of the plant. Traditional healers are also very neat and careful with the appointment and recommendations of medicinal compounds based on it.Most herbalists use the plant's ability to induce vomiting and have a laxative effect.

In addition, since ancient times, witches with decoctions of the raven eye have reduced the intensity of spasms caused by disorders of the nervous system, treated sore throat, migraine, used for heart ailments accompanied by an increase in heart rate. More freely apply funds from the crow's eye externally: treat ulcers, ulcers, boils, purulent rashes, apply to wounds after a bite of a rabid dog (required after all appointments, injections and vaccinations made in official medical institutions). For this purpose, plant juice, gruel, water decoctions or alcohol tinctures are used. Moreover, each recommendation and each prescription for use must be accompanied by instructions: use exclusively under the supervision of a doctor.

Homeopaths use funds prepared from the raven eye more widely. As you know, homeopathy treats ailments with small, almost microscopic doses of substances or highly diluted drugs. Meanwhile, it has nothing to do with official health care; homeopaths are considered to be representatives of alternative medicine.

A homeopathic remedy is made from the fresh green part, which is used to relieve neuralgic pains of the face, head, with frequent inflammation of the throat and larynx. The same tool is used to relieve twitching of the eyelids with conjunctivitis. The course of treatment with such agents is usually long.

Homeopaths claim that the human body will not be any harm if you use the plant in a reasonable dosage. A small amount of pyridine and paristifin, which are part of the leaves and fruits, in the stomach is successfully destroyed under the influence of hydrochloric acid and enzymes. Moreover, homeopaths focus their attention, it is necessary to use plants collected precisely during flowering, since during this period the leaves and stems contain the least amount of toxic substances. They make good healing tinctures and decoctions.

For medicinal purposes, the ability of the raven eye is used to exert a calming effect on the nervous system, relieve spasms of various origins, treat inflammatory processes, and exhibit a diuretic effect. The plant has a positive effect on the blood supply system, thinning the blood, improving its microcirculation and passage through soft tissues, while accelerating wound healing.

From a freshly picked plant, preparations are prepared that treat heart problems - such as arrhythmias, in particular tachycardia, or heart palpitations. They use the raven eye for a large group of respiratory diseases that have a cold - tonsillitis, laryngitis and tonsillitis, inflammation of the sinuses - sinusitis and sinusitis, as well as bronchitis. Even with a serious disease such as tuberculosis, homeopaths prescribe remedies from this plant.

Disorders and various hearing impairments are also included in the list of diseases in which the raven eye is effective. In the same list there are severe pains that appeared against the background of neuritis, and medicinal compounds from the plant also cope with such problems. Here, its sedative effect is manifested, which is also used to treat psychosomatic and mental disorders, alleviate the state of nervous tics, improve the functioning of the endocrine glands and restore the normal balance of hormones.

With proper use, the plant improves the digestive tract, normalizes appetite, relieves swelling of the legs, relieves rheumatic pain.

For the treatment of each problem, the drug is used in its own special dosage, to the right degree of dilution.Treatment is mandatory under the supervision of a homeopath. Self-appointment and use of the raven eye is strictly not allowed! Abuse of taking such drugs and overdosing is not recommended, poisoning is possible.

The raven eye in folk medicine

Most often, the raven eye with therapeutic purposes insists on vodka or alcohol, such healers recommend such formulations to relieve headaches, restore normal sleep, and alleviate the condition with heart diseases. Skin problems are also treated with alcohol compounds: wounds and ulcers, they can relieve joint pain and relieve inflammation in them, remove muscle spasms and calm the nervous system.

For the treatment of wounds

To cope with hard-to-heal wounds, you need to take so many berries so that when crushed they can cover the whole sore spot. Suppress the berries, the resulting mass to lubricate the festering wound, abrasion, purulent rash or acne. For treatment, it is enough to use the drug once a day.

Headache Juice

Juice will help as an emergency aid for migraines and headaches that are not associated with increased pressure. The pain will subside if rubbed with whiskey juice. To obtain a liquid medicine, both berries and greens are used, which must be brought to a mushy state in a blender before pressing.

You can use this method no more than once a day, with hypertension this tool is prohibited.

Headache tincture

To treat migraines and make seizures more rare and less powerful, you need to prepare a healing composition of half a liter of vodka and 10 berries. Remove the mixture for 2 weeks in a cupboard, then strain. Before treatment, drip in 50 ml of water 25 drops of the obtained tincture and take 3 times a day. The course of treatment is 3 weeks.

Laxative

In half a liter of vodka, soak 50 g of the stem of the plant, after cutting it into small pieces. Remove the composition in a place inaccessible to sunlight for 3-4 weeks, then strain. Store the tincture in the refrigerator, prepare the medicinal composition directly on the day of use. Dissolve 2 teaspoons of tincture in a glass of water. Drink the composition during the day, taking after 2-3 hours a tablespoon.

With concussion

Take 4 tablespoons of slurry from the berries of the raven eye, pour them into half a liter of vodka and remove in a dark place for 10 days, then filter and take 5 drops three times a day for a week.

For inflammation of the eyes

The raven eye can be used by traditional healers not only as a solo plant, but also as a component of herbal preparations. To heal inflammatory eye diseases, they prepare a mixture of red clover taken in equal proportions, meadow geranium flowers, cornflower, bird cherry berries, raven eye green and backache. A tablespoon of the resulting drug collection should be poured with a glass of boiled water and left to infuse for an hour, then soak cotton pads with infusion and put on eyes, making lotions. To be treated until complete recovery.

To relieve seizures

Mix 200 ml of alcohol in a glass bowl with 2 g of dry harvested grass. Treatment can begin after a week of settling funds. Before taking a tablespoon of tincture, dilute with the same amount of water. Drink this compound every 2 hours during the day. If the seizures are severe, the interval between doses can be reduced to an hour, but in general, the amount of funds should not exceed a glass per day. The treatment time is a week.

With laryngitis

Take 30 g of dried and powdered green of the raven eye, pour in 400 ml of water heated to boiling and send it to a water bath, where it should be kept after boiling for 20 minutes. Remove, cool and strain through a rag or gauze, folded in 6-8 layers. Drink 3 times a day - before breakfast, lunch and dinner - 30 ml (or 2 tablespoons). Keep the product in the refrigerator and take it for no longer than a week - exactly the same healing properties will be preserved in it.

The composition prepared according to this recipe is also suitable for the treatment of tachycardia and nervous disorders, as well as for their prevention.

Types of healing compounds

Do not forget: it is forbidden to prescribe yourself treatment with compounds from this medicinal plant. The danger lies in a possible overdose, and even thermal treatment does not reduce the danger, because toxic substances do not leave the plant. Overdose can result in serious problems with the heart and blood vessels, respiratory depression and nervous system.

For the manufacture of medicinal compositions - decoctions and tinctures - usually take fresh herbs, although in some cases, dried grass. Also, herbalists recommend berries as a raw material.

Decoction

Pour a tablespoon of dried, slightly chopped raven eye leaves with a mug (350 ml) of freshly boiled water. Cover the mixture with a saucer and place in a water bath. After holding over boiling water for 5–7 minutes, remove and leave to infuse for 25–30 minutes, then be sure to strain. Inside, apply in homeopathic, small, doses. To prepare lotions, infuse a gauze with a decoction and put on a problem place, for example, on poorly healing wounds or ulcers.

Ointment

To treat ulcers, you can make lotions with a decoction of the plant or prepare an ointment. To treat ulcers, squeeze the juice from the green part of the plant and mix it with any pharmacy ointment used to treat infectious and purulent wounds, for example, with ichthyol. Prepare a serving of medicine for one use and apply it once a day. As a rule, a weekly course of treatment is enough.

Tincture

1. From the leaves. To prepare the alcohol tincture, you need 10 g of fresh leaves of the raven eye. Grind them and pour half a glass of alcohol. Infusion time is a week. Insist, like any other medicinal plant on alcohol, in a bottle of dark glass, shaking daily. Then strain and clean in a dark, cool place. To use the product only highly diluted, in the proportion of a tablespoon to a glass of water. Tincture is recommended if a nervous tic on the face or eyelid does not give rest. During the day you need to drink no more than 200 ml of the composition in diluted form.
2. From the berries. To prepare the tincture, you need 10 berries (no more!) Pour half a liter of good vodka. Berries are suitable both fresh and dry or frozen. Insist the product for at least 14 days in a dark place. Shake dishes with tincture daily. To accept, strongly diluting with water: for 50 ml of water - 20 drops of tincture. This is the daily norm, it is divided into three doses. For the future, the medicine is not bred, a new portion is prepared daily. Apply the remedy for disorders of the nervous system and malfunctions of the heart. Coursework - 3 weeks. If there is a need for further treatment, continue taking the drug no earlier than 10 days later.

What will happen if you eat the raven eye

Despite the strong toxicity of the plant, if you accidentally eat a berry or even 2-3, nothing bad will happen. Yes, this is unpleasant, but not fatal. To raise a panic early, you need to take a few tablets of activated carbon, and the condition will improve.

But a larger number of berries, eaten simultaneously, for example, 8-10 pieces, will make themselves felt very soon. Within an hour, signs of severe poisoning were overtaken, since the absorption of harmful substances into the blood began in the digestive system.

Contraindications

1. The first and most important rule - to be treated with plant-based agents is possible only after discussing this issue with the doctor, strictly observing his recommendations, both in dosage and in the mode of use.
2. The black eye is strictly forbidden to pregnant women, women who are breast-feeding a child, as well as children.
3. Hypertension, a single high blood pressure and insomnia are also contraindications for the treatment of the raven eye.
4. You can not use drugs from this plant to patients suffering from diseases of the kidneys and excretory system, as well as those who are prone to allergic reactions.

Symptoms of Poisoning

If, by negligence, you eat several berries of the raven eye, signs of poisoning will soon appear.

A strong, possibly even indomitable vomiting will open, diarrhea will appear, accompanied by heartburn and severe pain in the abdomen, in the stomach. A burning sensation is possible in the mouth, swallowing will be painful and difficult. In the temples, severe pain will begin, the head will become very dizzy, even loss of consciousness is possible. The body temperature and blood pressure will rise, there will be signs of respiratory failure and the functioning of the heart and vascular system - tachycardia, heart rhythm disorder. If the poisoning is severe, it can lead to a disorder in the coordination of movements, impaired speech activity, convulsions up to complete paralysis and cessation of cardiac activity. If you eat 15–20 berries, death is very likely, but even if a person survives, he can remain paralyzed for life.

In such a situation, you need to immediately call an ambulance for the victim, and while she is driving, give him a soda solution (for which pour an incomplete teaspoon of soda, or 5 g, into a liter of water and stir it). If there is no soda at hand, you can simply give a large amount of water to drink - at least three glasses for an adult, the calculation of fluid for a child depends on age - from 150 ml for each year of his life. It is important to flush the stomach from the contents.

As a means of neutralizing toxins, the patient can take activated charcoal, Enterosgel, Polysorb, Smectu or Polyphepan.

To stop the absorption of toxic substances by the mucous membranes, you need to give the affected person water with vegetable oil (1–1.5 tablespoons), milk, chicken egg proteins or a starch broth.

To alleviate burning sensation in the mouth and soothe nausea will help resorption of pieces of ice. With severe diarrhea, you need to give the victim the drug Regidron to avoid dehydration.

When an ambulance arrives, the doctor will introduce a drug to improve heart function, and for the speedy removal of toxins and normalization of the body - a glucose solution, vitamins, hepatoprotectors, diuretics.

Interesting Facts

1. The raven eye can grow only on good nutritious soil, therefore it serves as an indicator of fertility and land quality. But even on the most optimal soils, the plant prefers single growth and rarely forms small groups - no more than a dozen representatives - groups.
2. An interesting legend tells about where the name of the plant came from. Allegedly, in a old forest, in a hollow of a century-old oak, there lived a gray-haired, old-aged wizard with his faithful raven. He gave the wizard a wise bird with the ability to predict the future and learned to stay away from people. When the wizard died, the raven was barricading over the forest, predicting future events during the day, and at night, mourning over the departed friend, he scattered big tears, at the place of the fall of which appeared a plant with a large dark berry.
3. In addition to the common name, the raven eye is also called wolf eyes and bear berries - also because of its resemblance to the pupils of predators. The bluish bloom on the berries gave the plant the name "cuckoo tears." And about the origin of the name "cross-grass" there are two versions. According to the first, it is given due to the fact that the leaves of the grass grow opposite each other - that is, crosswise. The second version is more creepy, but you can’t argue with it either: the one who eats the poisonous raven eye has one perspective - a gravestone with a cross above it.
4. In the Middle Ages, the raven eye was considered a magical plant, capable of bewitching a person if he was bewitched.
5. In the middle of the fourteenth century and later, when the bubonic plague was raging in Europe, the raven eyes were certainly carried in a pocket, sewn in a garment seam, and cases were hung from it and hung from the neck. People were sure that they would be able to protect themselves from the plague, and for this purpose, it was necessary to pick berries in the period from August 15 to September 8.
6. In experiments on animals, scientists noticed a similarity between the action of the crow's eye infusion and the action of lily of the valley glycosides, when, after a slowdown in heart rate, it quickly becomes more frequent.
7. Tibetan medicine uses a raven eye-based product to help people with fractures — grass speeds up bone fusion.
8. The raven eye’s berries are unpleasant both in taste and in smell; some people even experience sharp bouts of headache and severe nausea from its “aroma”. For the same reason, animals not only do not eat them, but do not even try, therefore, poisoning in livestock is extremely rare, in exceptional cases, when the grass gets lost in a pile of hay. And the birds peck the berries of this plant a lot and with pleasure, without experiencing any discomfort. There is no harm to them from this.
9. The age of the raven eye is easily determined by the shoot: it increases annually by one segment, called the segment. How many segments - so many years to the plant.

Photo of the raven's eye