This herbaceous perennial plant belonging to the celery family is found almost everywhere. It can be seen near houses, in gardens and parks, in wastelands and in humid forests. Many consider it a weed. They are right, but not everyone knows the beneficial properties and contraindications when using goutweed.
It is interesting that the plant has a pleasant smell for humans, and some animals do not like its aroma, for example, pigs. Once upon a time, a dye was made from the gout to dye fabrics in dark yellow, green or brown. And that's not the only use for this common herb.
History of Goutweed
Perhaps you do not know that the medicinal properties and contraindications of goutweed grass have been well known to folk healers since ancient times. They successfully used the plant to treat many diseases. Polish herbalists still use flower infusions today.and leaves of goutweed for gout, rheumatism, poisoning, polyarthritis, diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, bronchi and lungs.
In Abkhazia, the shoots and leaves of the plant are used in the treatment of atopic diathesis and erysipelas. In the Middle Ages in England, gout was grown at monasteries and used to treat gout, osteochondrosis and rheumatism. Interestingly, the British still use this herb today. The medicinal properties and contraindications of the plant have been confirmed by time and many generations. Today in England, the herb also has a second name - "bishops herb", since people who held this high position often suffered from gout, which was explained by a sedentary lifestyle and dietary habits.
In Russia, the plant was eaten fresh, included in salads. Other dishes were prepared from it. It is believed that the Russian-language name comes from the word "food". In the past, sellers of fruits and vegetables would shift their goods with gout, thus increasing their shelf life. And it was no coincidence - today it has been established that gout contains natural pesticides that have bactericidal and antifungal activity.
Species: common goatweed
This is the most famous and well-studied type of goutweed, medicinal properties and contraindications (see photo of the plant above) which are often described in printed publications for herbalists. It is it that is most often used in folk medicine. The plant has a long, horizontal, creeping rhizome. It contains many buds and seeds that contribute torapid grass growth. In height, an adult plant does not exceed a meter.
Basic leaves, oblong-ovate, twice trifoliate. Their edges are sharp-toothed and slightly pointed. Their front side is naked, and the back side is pubescent. The length of the sheet reaches 30 cm, with a width of 15 mm. They are located on long petioles.
The inflorescence is a complex umbrella with 20-30 rays-umbrellas, with a diameter of not more than one and a half centimeters. Each umbrella is 15 rays. They have small white flowers. Common gout blooms for a month, at the very beginning of summer. The fruits are elongated fractional, slightly laterally compressed, brown two-seeded seeds, about four millimeters long. They ripen in August.
Style broad-leaved
This type of goutweed, whose useful properties are little studied, is represented only in one place on our planet - on the southeastern coast of Lake Baikal. The plant reaches a height of 70 cm. The lower leaves are located on long petioles, rounded, trifoliate, have large notches along the edges, leaf blades are located along the main petiole.
Umbrellas, up to 12 cm in diameter, consist of 20 rays, on which snow-white flowers are located. The plant prefers to settle in mixed forests, lower reaches of rivers. Broad-leaved gout is included in the Red Book of Russia.
Kashmiri
Smaller plant. For a long time it was believed that the Kashmiri goutweed grows only in the Himalayas, in Central Asia it was for a long time attributed to the varietycommon dream. These two species actually have external similarities. A feature of this species are sectoral tubules located in the petals of flowers. In addition, this species has thinner roots and stems, finely meshed leaves.
Flowering occurs much later - in the second half of summer. This plant settles in shaded areas in forests, in gorges, at the foot of the mountains. To date, the properties and contraindications of this species have not yet been fully studied. But the plant is used as an ornamental. It grows, forming a stunningly beautiful carpet.
Common gout: composition
Useful properties and contraindications of the herb goutweed of this species are due to its composition, which includes many useful substances:
- carbohydrates (fructose, umbrelliose, glucose);
- proteins;
- phytoncides;
- polyacetylene compounds (falcarindiol, falcarinol);
- organic acids (citric, ascorbic, malic);
- essential oils;
- enzymes;
- coumarins;
- saponins;
- ash;
- resin.
In addition, the plant contains many minerals: s alts of calcium and potassium, copper and iron, manganese and cob alt, titanium and boron. Scientists have found that the chemical composition of common goutweed is close to the composition of human blood. That is why the plant has a special nutritional value.
Useful properties of the plant
Traditional medicine does notuse this herb. And folk connoisseurs appreciated the beneficial properties and contraindications of gout. Various parts of the plant are used for medicinal purposes. The beneficial properties of the plant include:
- tonic;
- anti-inflammatory;
- astringent;
- painkiller;
- choleretic;
- diuretic;
- anticoagulant;
- healing;
- detox;
- antihypoxic;
- antibacterial;
- fungicidal (antifungal);
- antiscorbutic;
- anticancer;
- cytotoxic;
- sedative.
For what diseases are goutweed preparations recommended?
Medicines made from this herb are used both externally and internally for the following diseases:
- gout;
- arthritis, polyarthritis;
- rheumatism;
- sciatica;
- arthritis;
- wounds;
- mug;
- bedsores;
- eczema;
- atopic diathesis;
- bacterial infections;
- neurosis and depression;
- mycoses (fungal diseases);
- scurvy.
Application
Since ancient times, the medicinal properties and contraindications of the herb goutweed (we posted a photo in this article) in the treatment of gout were known. To do this, poultices are made from the aerial part of the plant. The anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties of the plant help to cope with this serious ailment. To do this, apply compresses from fresh leaves orpoultices from infusions and decoctions of the plant.
Godweed is used in the treatment of many other inflammatory diseases, in particular inflammation of the skeletal muscles. Given the contraindications and beneficial properties of goutweed, a photo of which can often be seen in herbalists' reference books, traditional healers successfully use preparations based on it in the treatment of diseases of the intestines, stomach, liver and other human organs.
When ingested, this plant stimulates the kidneys, copes well with neurosis and depression, sleep disorders. In these cases, it is recommended to take baths from the roots of the plant. As a fungicide, gout shows good results in the treatment of fungal diseases. For external treatment, decoctions and ointments are used.
Today, scientists have managed to prove the cytotoxic properties of common goutweed. For this reason, plant preparations are recommended for use in the treatment and prevention of both benign and malignant tumors. This property of the plant has been successfully used to reduce intoxication during chemotherapy.
It proved to be excellent in the complex treatment of diseases of the heart and blood vessels, thanks to the antihypoxic and anticoagulant properties of the plant. Preparations based on it improve the condition of blood vessels, reducing their permeability and restoring elasticity.
Dream for women
It is necessary to elaborate on the beneficial properties of goutweed andcontraindications for women. The plant helps to lose weight: it speeds up metabolism, breaks down adipose tissue and at the same time has a low calorie content.
There is one more feature of this herb, which was appreciated by many women - it improves the condition of the skin, increases its elasticity, prevents excessive dryness and oiliness. It has no contraindications for pregnant women to sleep: the properties of the plant can be used to lower blood pressure, strengthen the immune system, and normalize the level of hemoglobin in the blood. These rates are often low during pregnancy.
During the feeding period, the grass improves the quality of milk and increases lactation, which is confirmed not only by scientific studies, but also by reviews of nursing mothers. However, it should be borne in mind that the herb has not only medicinal properties. Plant contraindications are mainly associated with individual intolerance, so consultation with a specialist is necessary.
For men
Traditional healers claim that the healing properties of goutweed also help men. Contraindications to the use of a unique drug is individual intolerance. The plant does not cause allergic reactions.
Goutweed seeds are used to increase potency. Preparing a miraculous composition is quite simple: grind half a glass of healing seeds, which must first be fried in ghee. Then mix them with the same amount of date seed flour. Take the composition daily at bedtime for a teaspoon, mixing it with the same amount of honey ormilk.
Recipes for folk remedies
Medicines are prepared taking into account the beneficial properties and contraindications of goutweed. There are many recipes for such funds, we will introduce you to some of them.
Pathologies of the gastrointestinal tract
You will need: quality vodka and goutweed roots. Grind the dried roots, fill them with a third of a liter jar and fill it to the top with vodka. Close the jar tightly with a lid and put it in a dark place for two weeks. After that, the tincture is taken half an hour before meals three times a day, 20 drops, for a month.
Diseases of the joints
Pour five tablespoons of a dry mixture of crushed herbs of goutweed and marsh cinquefoil with high-quality vodka (0.5 l). The jar must be tightly closed and put away in a dark place for three weeks. Then the composition is filtered and taken as follows: dissolve a spoonful (tablespoon) of the drug in 70 ml of water and take a spoonful (tablespoon) three times a day, a quarter of an hour before meals.
The same composition can be used as a rub for sore joints.
Universal Flask
This unique remedy has been known for a long time. It is used in the treatment of rheumatism, gout, mycosis, kidney disease. Pour two tablespoons (tablespoons) of crushed goutweed with hot water (200 ml), and put the mixture in a water bath for fifteen minutes. After that, the composition should be infused for about an hour. After that, strain it through cheesecloth. Supplement the boiled volume to the original volume with boiled water. The infusion should be taken within50 ml per day.
Infusion for eczema and allergic rash
Having carefully studied the contraindications of goutweed, the beneficial properties of the plant can be successfully used in the treatment of skin diseases. Pour three spoons (tea) of goutweed herbs into a glass container and pour hot water (500 ml). Cover it tightly with a lid, wrap it up and let it brew. After that, strain the composition and take 80 ml three times a day.
This infusion is recommended for: diseases of the joints, diseases of the gastrointestinal tract (constipation, diarrhea, etc.), diseases of the bladder and kidneys.
Avitaminosis
A glass of chopped fresh or chopped dried shoots or leaves of goutweed brew in boiling water (100 ml). The composition should be infused for three hours, then filter it. Infusion take 100 ml half an hour before meals four times a day, adding half a spoon (tea) of natural honey.
For colon cleansing
Three spoons (teaspoons) of chopped herbs brew in 500 ml of boiling water. The product will be infused in a sealed container for at least two hours. This medicinal decoction should be consumed for 10 days according to the scheme:
- first day - a tablespoon three times a day;
- second day - two spoons of infusion.
Then take a break for five days, and then continue treatment.
Contraindications for use
We told you about the beneficial properties of goutweed. The plant also has contraindications, although very few. This is an individual intolerance, which we have already talked about. I would like to draw the attention of pregnant and lactatingmothers that the use of drugs is possible, but after consultation with a specialist. If you are taking other medicinal herbs, you should also consult with a specialist before using goutweed preparations.
