We study the medicinal properties of the herb catnip and contraindications for therapy
Catnip is an amazing herb with a healing effect. The composition of raw materials contains biologically active substances that have a healing effect on the body. It is necessary to carefully study the healing properties of catnip herb and contraindications for use in order to avoid unpleasant results.
Botanical description of catnip
The height of the bush is from 25 cm to 100 cm. The catnip has a high pubescent stem, on which several lateral processes are formed. Shoots are erect or lodging. The rhizome is powerful, highly branched. Leaves are oval or heart-shaped with serrated edges.
In the second half of June, at the ends of the shoots, spike-shaped inflorescences are formed, collected from asymmetric flowers. The color of the petals ranges from lilac or purple to white. The aroma is spicy, pleasant. Catnip fruits are seed pods filled with rounded nuts.
The medicinal composition of the catnip
The healing effect of a perennial is very extensive. Raw materials are harvested during the flowering period of the bush. The main amount of nutrients is contained in the aerial part of catnip - stems, leaves, flowers.
Among them:
- Essential oils in high concentration (over 3%). They are appreciated for the positive effect on the nervous system of the body. They have a pronounced lemon scent.
- Ascorbic acid or vitamin C. The component affects the redox processes in the body, normalizes their course. It is considered a powerful antioxidant, regulates the circulatory system, increases the defenses of the immune system.
- Tannins. They have a strong anti-inflammatory, hemostatic effect, they serve as a reliable protection for the cells of the body from viruses and bacteria.
- Flavonoids. In combination with vitamin C, they well strengthen the walls of capillaries, reduce their fragility and permeability.
- Bitterness. The components normalize the work of the digestive tract, have choleretic properties.
- Saponins. They enhance the hemolytic ability of cell membranes, the secretion of glands, and improve the absorption of other useful components.
- Ursolic acid. Has a wide range of effects on muscle fibers. Prevents muscle atrophy, stimulates protein activity, promotes the absorption of nutrients, exhibits the effect of an immunomodulator and antioxidant, improves the functioning of enzymes.
This is not a complete list of substances that form the beneficial properties of catnip.
The main advantage is their combination. Interaction with each other enhances the effect of each, providing a powerful healing result. In addition, the pleasant aroma has a very beneficial effect on the nervous system.
Medicinal properties of catnip herb and contraindications
The use of a magpie can:
- strengthen the body's immune defenses;
- remove the effects of stress;
- give an analgesic effect (temporarily);
- slow down the spread of infection;
- eliminate muscle clamps, spasms, cramps;
- improve the work of capillaries and blood vessels;
- cleanse the body of toxins;
- lower the temperature;
- help overcome insomnia.
Catnip is a strong medicinal plant. Its action will significantly improve the condition of the body. But, there are options when the use of the formulations is not recommended. Catnip herb has not only medicinal properties, but also has contraindications.
You should avoid taking the drug when:
- intolerance to any component (an individual feature of the body);
- pregnancy and baby feeding;
- diagnosed tachycardia;
- using other drugs when the consequences of their interaction with catnip are unknown.
Taking an infusion of field balm can cause heart palpitations and stimulate kidney function.
Therefore, before starting treatment with folk remedies, it is advisable to consult a doctor.
Application in therapy
The area of use for catnip is quite large. The beneficial properties of the catnip do not decrease after heat treatment.
Shandra fragrant:
- serves as a component in traditional medicine recipes;
- is part of cosmetic products with a therapeutic effect;
- used by veterinarians to correct the condition of animals.
From the aboveground part, you can prepare a decoction for inhalation, tea, alcohol tincture, water infusion.
In some cases, catnip preparations can successfully replace pharmaceuticals.
Here the magpie is equally often used as an independent preparation or as a component in the collection. At the same time, the medicinal properties of catnip herb and contraindications for use are necessarily taken into account. The aboveground part of the plant is harvested during the flowering period, the shelf life is 2 years. In addition to internal use, catnip is used externally for skin problems - furunculosis, acne, purulent eruptions.
Cosmetology and veterinary medicine
The beauty industry appreciates the anti-inflammatory effects of Scented Shandra. The herb is included in medicinal compositions for skin and hair care.
An allergy test should be performed before using catnip.
One of the popular names of the plant is directly related to its effect on furry pets. First, catnip produces an arousal effect, then sedates. In addition, the herb works well as an anthelmintic for animals.
Recipes
The method of preparing the composition depends on the purpose of its use.:
- Reducing headache and relieving vasospasm. To obtain a medicinal infusion, it is enough to take 1 tbsp. l. chopped herbs and 300 ml of clean water. Boil water, pour raw materials, leave for 2 hours. Filter the infusion. Consume 1 tbsp half an hour before meals. l. Duration of admission is no more than 2 days.
- Insomnia. The beneficial properties of catnip combine well with other relaxants. It is necessary to combine 1 tbsp. l. valerian, chamomile, passion flower, hop fruits. Add 2 tbsp. l. magpie Brew 3 tbsp. l. mixture with two glasses of boiling water, put in a water bath. Steam for 5 minutes. Cool, strain, take 3 times a day after meals for ½ cup.
- Stomach cramps. First, insist 1 tbsp for 2 hours. l. catnip herbs in 1 glass of cold water. Then bring the infusion to a boil, pour into a thermos, keep for 4 hours. Take 4 times a day, 30 ml at a time. The duration of treatment is 1 week.
For external use 2 tbsp. l. pour 30 ml of raw materials, insist in a water bath for 5 minutes. Cool, strain, moisten a napkin with broth, apply to the affected areas.
The medicinal properties of catnip herb far exceed the list of contraindications.The competent use of catnip-based products will get rid of many ailments.