Larkspur: medicinal properties and contraindications

In the wild, wildlife is found everywhere: in forests, in meadows, near rivers. This plant with beautiful flowers more than 100 years ago was chosen by gardeners. Breeders also liked the graceful flower, and they created about two dozen decorative species of liveliness. But this herbaceous plant won popular love not for its external attractiveness, but for its powerful healing properties.

Since time immemorial, liveliness has been used to treat wounds, intestinal disorders, and even tuberculosis, a disease that was commonly called “consumption” in the common people. In modern medicine, a useful plant has also found application. Some types of liveliness are used for the preparation of medicines, and in folk medicine there is a prescription for each disease. But before studying methods of treatment using a medicinal plant, it is advisable to first get acquainted with the features of its composition, what diseases can be treated at home with its help, how to properly prepare valuable plant materials.

Chemical composition

The composition of a modest plant, which can be found everywhere, is so complex that after studying it, the true meaning of the common expression about a deceiving appearance becomes clear. This peculiarity of liveliness is confirmed by a whole collection of folk nicknames: spur, horned cornflower, lark leg, coconut, delphinium. The last name was given to the plant by the Greeks for the outward similarity of its buds to the outlines of the dolphin's head. The main components of the composition of liveliness:

1. Alkaloids are present in all parts of the plant, but their concentration is especially high in the roots and fruits.
2. Organic acids.
3. Flavonoids, which strengthen blood vessels, stimulate the production of bile.
4. Glycosides and tannins.
5. Anthocyanins with anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.
6. Kempferol, a powerful natural antioxidant.
7. Minerals: zinc, potassium, copper, magnesium.

Depending on the type of liveliness, the concentration of individual substances may vary. But the highest content of alkaloids is noted in decorative plant varieties, so they are considered poisonous.

How it looks and where it grows

In different types of liveliness, the external signs vary significantly. In total, there are more than three hundred species in the world, most of which are wild.

Distribution area

Larkspur, as a species of wild flora, adapts well to environmental conditions. The plant is equally common in both hemispheres. In Russian open spaces grass is found in the Caucasus and in the middle lane, in the west of Siberia. In neighboring Ukraine and Belarus, too, everywhere on arable land and along roads you can see solitary bushes of larkspur and solid thickets. Basically, all common species are poisonous. The difference is only in the toxicity level of an individual variety.

External characteristics

Lark grass is one and two year old, which also depends on the species. The plant is part of the family of buttercup crops.

1. The height of an adult plant varies from 50 cm to 1 m or more, depending on the variety.
2. The leaves are cut into lobules, they are pointed at the edges or have a dentate shape.
3. Inflorescences of a bright purple or blue hue are located on the very top of each branch.Wild species are sometimes found with white and pink flowers collected in a long brush.
4. The flowering period of larkspur continues throughout the summer. It is for this feature that gardeners love this plant and willingly grow decorative varieties on their personal plots.
5. The upright stalk is branched in the upper part, and the root is rod-shaped.

We can also add that the liveliness is not too demanding on the soil, it survives well on forest edges, in wastelands, in meadows.

An important point! For the similarity of names, the larkspur is often confused with comfrey, which is also included in the list of the most popular plants in medicine. But comfrey is a representative of the Buranchikov family, it has a completely different flower structure.

Kinds

Among the medicinal species of delphinium, only 4 varieties are common in wildlife. Let us consider in more detail the features of each variety of flower.

Field wildlife is found throughout the European part of Russia and neighboring countries. This grass clogs the fields where crops are grown. But this species is not as toxic as the rest, but, on the contrary, it is a good honey plant. Therefore, bees all summer curl over the fields where this plant is. By the way, honey, collected from the flowers of the field coconut, has exactly the same powerful healing properties as the annual plant itself. As medicinal raw materials, only seeds and leaves are collected. Field grade is widely used in pharmaceuticals and traditional medicine. Decoctions and infusions help fight diseases of the digestive tract and nervous system, they are effective for helminthic invasions and headaches. Since the plant has diuretic properties, doctors recommend taking medicinal solutions based on it for cystitis. The flowers of the plant have pronounced anti-inflammatory and expectorant properties.

High liveliness is the most poisonous. It is a perennial reaching up to 2 m in height. It was this species that became the basis for the majority of decorative varieties of delphinium. Only the flowers do not contain toxic substances, but still with high liveliness you need to be very careful to handle, and all medicines involving herbs should be taken under medical supervision.

Despite the high toxicity, this species is in demand in medicine. Solutions based on it are used in traditional medicine for the treatment of burns, inflammatory processes and even cancer. The high content of alkaloids provides a powerful analgesic effect, comparable in strength to the effect of certain narcotic drugs.

The retinal larkspur is a thermophilic species. It is found in the south and east of the entire territory of Russia. A distinctive feature of the composition of this variety is the high content of curariform muscle relaxants. These substances relax muscle tone and cramps. Dosage forms with this type of grass help with cramps, digestive diseases. Net-fruited liveliness inhabits vast areas in the Altai Territory, but the main raw materials for the production of drugs are collected in a special climatic zone of the Dzungarian Alatau. For the preparation of medicines, only the ground part is suitable, but more often inflorescences are involved.

Note: it is from the retinal liveliness that the famous drug “Melliktin” is produced, which is widely used in neurology for the treatment of arachnoiditis, Parkinson's disease, and other brain pathologies that occur against the background of increased muscle tone.

The pharmaceutical type of liveliness is a biennial up to 1 m high. It is found only in the Balkans and in Turkey. Russian summer residents cultivate it to decorate home gardens. Pharmaceutical larkspur is widely used in folk medicine. In principle, it is a universal natural raw material for the preparation of a wide variety of medicines for a whole list of diseases. For example, a pharmacy-type herb will be useful for women with menstrual irregularities. And external use in the form of compresses and lotions will help relieve severe pain and swelling during injuries.Well heals grass boils and purulent wounds, helps relieve symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. Often with helminthic infestations in children, traditional healers recommend sending the capabilities of this plant to fight parasites.

Here are only the most common species of liveliness. But there are rare and even almost extinct species, like wedge-shaped and Ural larkspur.

Delphiniums are very popular today. The plant is widely used in landscape design, it is grown from seeds in the arboretum. Thanks to the efforts of breeders, more than a dozen cultivars of liveliness have been bred.

Good to know! The massive spread of toxic plants often leads to cattle poisoning, which is grazed in the meadows in summer. In some regions, even cases of mass death of bees were noted.

Collection and storage

Grass collection must be taken very seriously. Any violation of the rules that will be given below may result in tragedy. You should first learn that you have to deal with a very toxic plant. Here are the requirements to remember:

1. First of all, make sure that this is the type that is to be procured.
2. In order to avoid catastrophic consequences, they work with glove liveliness.
3. After completing the process of collecting plant material thoroughly, it is better to wash your hands with soap and water several times.
4. In no case do not allow pollen to enter the mucous membranes of the eyes and oral cavity.

This is regarding safe collection rules. Now about how to properly collect valuable plant materials. It is necessary to act very carefully, preventing other plants, dirt, and small debris from getting into the collected material. Healing grass can be harvested only in places of intensive growth, but not near highways. Start harvesting liveliness during the formation of buds, but before it begins to bloom.

1. The top of the stem along with leaves and inflorescence is to be harvested. Therefore, a fragment of 40–70 cm from the top of the plant is removed.
2. Then leaves are separated from the stems, and then all the raw materials are laid out on paper for drying.
3. The attic is ideal for drying plant material, but this process can be carried out under a canopy.
4. When drying in the apparatus, if the temperature regime is not higher than 50 ° C, the same quality raw materials will be obtained as in the natural process.
5. It is strictly forbidden to taste raw materials.
6. The grass is regularly turned over to prevent mold.
7. At the same site, material can only be collected after 2 years.
8. Larkspur roots are usually harvested in early spring or late fall. The preparation process for drying and conditions are similar to the methods described above.
9. Ready-made, well-dried plant material is stored in paper bags or a cardboard box. For this purpose, canvas bags are suitable. Permissible shelf life is 2 years.

Attention! Gardeners involved in the cultivation of ornamental varieties of liveliness also need to strictly observe safety rules when caring for a toxic plant. Plots where liveliness grows must be fenced in order to prevent accidental contact with a dangerous plant of children and pets.

The healing properties of field larkspur

As already noted above, the field and pharmacy species of livestock are in demand in the pharmaceutical industry. Therefore, a valuable plant is grown specially to later procure raw materials for the production of anticonvulsants, external agents for treating wounds and other medicines that are in demand today in medicine. Despite the species difference, the healing properties of the plants in individual varieties coincide.In general, the following therapeutic effects can be distinguished:

• diuretic;
• expectorant;
• anti-inflammatory;
• antiseptic;
• astringent;
• anesthetic;
• antiparasitic;
• anticarcinogenic.

But most of all, the liveliness is valued for the content of alkaloids, which are able to relax muscle tone in patients with paralysis and severe disorders of the musculoskeletal system.

Important! For the preparation of medicines, all parts of the plant are used. But it is taken into account that the concentration of toxic substances in different elements of liveliness is significantly different. This fact must be taken into account by supporters of alternative methods of treatment.

What diseases can be treated with liveliness

The name of the plant "liveliness" directly indicates its ability to heal bones. Therefore, in traditional medicine, it is often used in the following pathological conditions:

• bone fractures;
• sprains;
• bruises;
• inflammatory processes of the joints;
• gout;
• osteochondrosis;
• rheumatism.

For the treatment of such conditions, external agents are mainly used: ointments, solutions for compresses and rubbing, balms. Such compositions are prepared not only from the terrestrial part of the grass, but also from the roots, which contain most of the alkaloids.

Attention! Since such procedures require direct contact with drugs, hands should be washed thoroughly after them.

In addition to treating pathologies of bone tissues and joints, delphinium, with the permission of a doctor, can be used as an additional component of general therapy for such diseases:

• epilepsy;
• multiple sclerosis;
• kidney pathology;
• digestive disorders and diseases of the digestive tract;
• open wounds, including burns;
• pleurisy and other pathologies of the respiratory system;
• conjunctivitis and blepharitis;
• helminthiases.

As practice shows, aids with liveliness, prepared according to folk recipes, increase the result of the main therapy. Recently, scientists conducted studies that showed that the delphinium is able to regulate metabolic processes in the human body. This makes a useful plant promising in the fight against extra pounds. I would like to add one more to these pluses: homemade creams with a small portion of quickness will help get rid of acne and acne. In cosmetology, plant components are often added to anti-aging products for aging skin. This fact once again confirms the universality of the medicinal plant.

Field wildlife in folk medicine

Although traditional healers, like doctors, are very cautious about the possibility of using a poisonous plant for medicinal purposes, this practice has become widespread not only in our country, but also abroad. It is no coincidence that Paracelsus and Hippocrates declared thousands of years ago that all useful things can become poison, just like poison can turn into a medicine at the right dose. Therefore, subject to the rules for the preparation of dosage forms, and strict adherence to the indicated dosages, this type of treatment will be effective and safe.

Before starting to study the experience of folk healing, represented by the best recipes with vividness, I want to make a little excursion into the past.

A small historical background
Back in the 19th century, scientists discovered alkaloids in the composition of the larkspur, which act as the famous curare poison. The Indians obtained this toxic substance from a mixture of several poisonous plants, and then lubricated the arrowheads with it. When a poisoned arrow hit the body of an animal or a person, the victim instantly died, because there was complete paralysis of the central nervous system with respiratory arrest.It was a powerful weapon that terrified the colonialists. But in medicine, this property of the plant is used in surgery. For example, drugs with curariform components are used for local anesthesia during operations.

In modern practice of traditional medicine, different dosage forms with vividness are used: ointments, decoctions, powders, infusions, fresh juice and honey from plant pollen. All of the listed funds are easy to prepare at home. Here are some of the most popular recipes as an example.

Remedy for uric acid diathesis

For this pathology, metabolic disturbance is characteristic, which leads to increased synthesis of uric acid salts. Usually such a disease is associated with malnutrition.

Infusion is prepared from 3 tbsp. herbs of liveliness and 1 liter of boiling water, which should be fed with vegetable raw materials. After two hours of infusion, take the drink before meals, 100-150 ml.

Infusion for paralysis

The scheme for preparing homemade medicine is practically the same as in the previous case, but the starting components are taken in other quantities:

• Dry, powdered grass - 1 tbsp.
• Boiling water is a full glass.

Insist healing composition for 2–4 hours. Drink ½ cup up to 4 meals per day.

Multiple Sclerosis Medication

To treat such a serious disease, you will need to prepare a decoction of 1 tsp. dry liveliness and 0.4 l of water. Boil the solution for a quarter of an hour, then cool and filter. Dose at one time - 1 tsp. decoction. The standard course of treatment is 2 weeks, but if necessary, after a short break, therapy can be resumed.

For the treatment and prevention of oncology

In the home treatment of malignant tumors, a tincture of the powder of herb Larkspur, prepared in the proportion: for 1 tsp. raw materials 2 cups boiling water. After two hours of infusion, the healing drink will be ready. Take a third of a glass on an empty stomach.

Infusion for cystitis

This tool is prepared from a flowering plant. You will need to take about 20-30 g of fresh grass, pour it with 1 liter of boiling water. The solution should be well infused, which will take 2-3 hours. Drink half a glass three times before meals.

Lotion solution

The composition prepared according to this recipe will accelerate the healing of burn surfaces, and will also help in the treatment of infected wounds and pustules. The tool is prepared according to this scheme: 1 tbsp. the roots of the stomach (you should grind them first) you need to boil a glass of water. The solution is insisted for an hour, and then it must be filtered. In the infusion of room temperature, moisten a cloth or a piece of gauze, and then do lotions for half an hour on the affected areas.

Important: the procedure should be carried out very carefully, trying to prevent the solution from getting into the eyes and mouth.

Remedy for pain after injuries

For the preparation of such a preparation, fresh larkspur roots will be required. They need to be cut finer, then pour boiling water. The ratio of components is 1: 2. When the composition cools down a bit, you need to wrap the roots in a cloth, and then attach to the sore spot. Such compresses for severe pain can be repeated 3-4 times.

Healing agent

In this case, you also need to prepare a composition for compresses. But this will not be an infusion, but a medicinal mixture of the following components:

• Water.
• Powder from the root of the stomach.
• Vegetable oil (any).

Take all of these components in equal amounts. Apply the resulting slurry to the fracture site or sore joint. Wrap the compress on top with a warm scarf or piece of cloth. So that the compress does not restrict movement, you can fix the structure using a special bandage. Procedures should be performed at night. In the morning, it is imperative to wash the treatment composition off the skin.

Types of healing compounds

All dosage forms that are prepared according to popular recipes are time-tested.As the above formulations show, there are variations in the preparation of certain drugs. For example, tinctures and decoctions are prepared for different pathologies in a different way. The use of various options allows you to get the drug with the desired concentration of nutrients. But, despite the existing differences in the method of manufacturing drugs, there are general standards that are strictly followed for centuries. So, tinctures are prepared on an alcohol basis, decoctions and infusions - on water.

Infusion

Anti-inflammatory infusion. For 1 tsp dry raw materials will require 500 ml of boiling water. After connecting the components, cover the container with a lid and wrap a towel over it. A healing drink should be infused for at least 8 hours. You can take the medicine with a strong cough or cold, 1/2 cup up to 4 times a day.

The second version of the healing infusion does not require such a long exposure. Need 1 tbsp. pour herbs over with boiling water, then the solution should be infused for an hour. Drink a whole glass, but not more than 3 times a day.

Tincture

This homemade medicine will help cope with the inflammatory processes of the genitourinary tract. For 1 part of the herb you will need to take 10 parts of vodka. Mix all the ingredients, put to insist for 10-14 days. Take up to 5 times 5 drops.

Decoction

This recipe is considered an excellent tool for normalizing the liver with hepatitis. The preparation is prepared according to the following formula: take 10 parts of water per part of the dry preparation. Put the solution on a low light. Let the broth boil for 10 minutes, when it cools down, be sure to filter the drink. Take 1 tsp. before meals. The solution obtained in such a simple way can be used for external treatment of burns, and lotions can be used as an analgesic for injuries and bruises.

Ointment

As a rule, for the preparation of homemade ointments for rheumatic pains, injuries and osteochondrosis, a high liveliness is used. Source components:

• Plant seeds - 1 tsp.
• Interior Fat - 10 tsp

Algorithm of actions:

1. First, combine these ingredients.
2. Then mix well.
3. Let it brew for 10 days.
4. Apply the finished ointment twice to problem areas with a thick layer.

Contraindications

Given the high toxicity, liveliness in some situations is strictly forbidden to use for therapeutic purposes. In the list of absolute contraindications:

• pregnancy and lactation;
• age up to 18 years;
• stable hypotension (low pressure);
• myasthenia gravis;
• pathology of the heart;
• general weakness;
• decreased muscle tone.

Nursing mothers and pregnant women are allowed to use herbal formulations for external use only. But such treatment is allowed with strict adherence to safety rules. Any kind of self-treatment with toxic drugs is unacceptable, since a violation of the rules for preparing the medicine, as well as exceeding the dosage, can lead to serious poisoning.

Signs of intoxication

In case of poisoning with drugs of stomach pain, convulsions appear, depression of respiratory functions is noted, vomiting can be. Such a clinic requires emergency medical attention. If the right actions are not taken in a timely manner, everything can be fatal.

The magical properties of field wildlife

Lark grass is considered one of the oldest plants on Earth. It was actively used in ancient times and in the Middle Ages. Nowadays, its magnificent capabilities are also widely used in various fields. For many years of service for the benefit of man, a lot of beliefs have appeared in the people associated with the strength of this flower.

For example, today there is such a belief that a dreaming delphinium flower promises a successful marriage or finding true friends.

1. In ancient times, the Slavs had the following custom: over the front door they secured a bunch of dry grass of larkspur. It was believed that this method reliably protects the house from evil spirits and uninvited guests.
2. As a personal amulet, only blue flowers of the plant were used. They were dried, and then put in a small bag. Such protection from the evil eye was worn on the chest.
3. Dry inflorescences of liveliness were placed under the pillow to ward off nightmares and ensure a good night's sleep.
4. No less active was the herb used to make a love potion, because in ancient times, the delphinium was considered a flower of love. Moreover, the plant acted equally effectively in two directions: it helped to attract a loved one, and also protected from an unwanted love spell.

Despite its simple appearance, the plant larkspot is endowed with enormous healing potential. But when handling it, it is necessary to strictly follow the recommendations given here so that the beneficial herb really heals, and does not harm health.

Photo of liveliness