Shepherd's purse was so unusually named due to the triangular shape of the fruit, which resembles a shepherd's sack. There are over 25 varieties of this plant and dozens of its popular names. Despite the numerous medicinal properties, the shepherd's purse also has contraindications.
In folk medicine, only the aerial parts of the plant are used - shoots, fruits (green), inflorescences. They accumulate maximum healing power in the spring, when the plant blooms. It is at this time that it is recommended to harvest raw materials. Dry the grass in the shade, away from sunlight, in a draft. Store raw materials in paper or fabric bags in a dry place. Shelf life should not exceed three years.
Shepherd's bag ordinary
Widely common annual plant belonging to the cruciferous family. It has an upright and branched stem, a little over half a meter high. Inflorescences are a brush located at the top of the stem. Small flowers, consisting of four whitepetals can be seen on the plant not only in spring, but also in autumn. A distinctive feature of the shepherd's purse are the heart-shaped fruits. The roots are the only part of the plant that is not used medicinally.
Shepherd's purse, known since antiquity, is now widely used by herbalists and traditional healers.
Useful properties
When making medicinal compositions from a shepherd's purse, medicinal properties and contraindications must be taken into account. The healing effects of the plant include:
- diuretic;
- anti-inflammatory;
- blood purifying;
- vasodilating;
- astringent;
- wound healing;
- hemostatic.
Chemical composition
The aerial part of the shepherd's purse includes:
- vitamins A, C and B2;
- flavonoids;
- resin;
- phytoncides;
- tannins;
- peptides;
- organic acids;
- macro and microelements.
Application
Due to the pronounced hemostatic effect, the plant is included in many medicinal collections. In folk medicine, they are used for various bleeding - pulmonary, renal, intestinal, uterine, with uterine atony. Preparations prepared from this medicinal herb cleanse the body and blood of toxins, which alleviate the condition of patients who take cancer medicines.
Anti-inflammatory andThe diuretic properties of the plant have found application in the treatment of diseases of the genitourinary system and kidneys. Shepherd's purse has proven itself in the treatment of gastrointestinal diseases. Preparations based on it heal ulcers and erosions, relieve inflammation, and relieve constipation.
Many patients note the medicinal properties of the shepherd's purse, allowing them to effectively treat diseases of the heart and blood vessels. Grass normalizes blood pressure, well strengthens the heart muscle, is a powerful tool for the prevention of many heart diseases. Decoctions from this plant help to get rid of insomnia, relieve stress and depression. In addition, the shepherd's bag is used when:
- diseases of the lungs and respiratory tract;
- metabolic disorders;
- atherosclerosis;
- gout and rheumatism;
- cholecystitis;
- dysentery.
Inwardly, medicinal herbs are used in the form of infusions, decoctions, tinctures, teas. For external use, lotions are used for bruises, inflammations, purulent wounds, ulcers.
Use in gynecology: menopause
In case of bleeding and hot flashes, pour a tablespoon (tablespoon) of chopped dry grass with boiling water (a quarter of a liter) and let the composition brew for two hours. The remedy is taken two tablespoons (tablespoons) four times a day for half an hour before meals.
Uterine bleeding
Three tablespoons (tablespoons) of chopped shepherd's bag, brew a quarter liter of boiling water, cover the container with a lid andlet the composition brew for two hours. The infusion is taken 35 ml three times a day.
Hypertension
Fill a liter glass jar 2/3 with dry grass of shepherd's purse. Fill it with high-quality vodka (up to the top). Leave the container in a cool dark place for a month. Shake the tincture periodically. After a month, strain the composition, and take 20 drops, diluted in a tablespoon of water, three times a day before meals.
Incontinence
Put two spoonfuls of grass in a thermos and pour 1/2 liter of boiling water. The product is infused for about 4 hours. Take the composition of 100 ml three times a day before meals.
Liver and kidney disease
50 grams of chopped shepherd's purse brew a liter of boiling water. For about an hour, the composition should be infused. After that, it should be filtered, and in the form of heat, take 100 ml three times a day.
Tea and decoction
Pour two tablespoons of grass with a quarter liter of boiling water and leave for 10 minutes. Strained drink drink 2 cups in the morning and evening. Tea from this herb is recommended for the elderly, as it has the ability to normalize blood pressure and significantly improve heart function.
Pour a glass of boiling water 15 grams of chopped grass and place the container for thirty minutes in a water bath. Strained composition take a tablespoon for diseases of the genitourinary system three times a day. Such a decoction is effective for external use - with ulcers, bruises,wounds.
Can grass be harmful to he alth?
Like most medicinal herbs, shepherd's purse has medicinal properties and contraindications. Preparations based on it should not be taken by pregnant women. This is because the plant provokes uterine contractions, which can cause premature birth or miscarriage. Should not be taken while breastfeeding.
However, if bleeding occurs after childbirth, the shepherd's purse will stop it quickly and effectively. In this case, breastfeeding is suspended for the duration of treatment, since preparations based on this plant can adversely affect the development of the baby.
Milk must be expressed regularly so that breastfeeding can be resumed after treatment is over. The chemical elements that make up the plant do not accumulate in the body.
Contraindications apply to patients suffering from hemorrhoids, and patients with low blood clotting. Do not get involved in self-medication and hypertension. Treatment in this case should not be started without consulting your doctor and continued under his supervision.
However, this applies to the treatment of any disease with a shepherd's purse - consultation with a specialist is necessary. In addition, it is required to carefully monitor the state of he alth and start therapy with minimal portions, gradually increasing them. Between courses it is recommended to take breaks in treatment.
