The medicinal properties of the herb larkspur and the use in traditional medicine
The unique medicinal properties of the herb larkspur have been widely used for centuries to combat various ailments. Although the plant contains poisonous components, careful handling is of great benefit to the body. Therefore, it is important to prepare all drugs strictly according to the recipe. And take, only as directed by the attending physician or under his control. Failure to do so may result in respiratory arrest or dehydration. Let's get acquainted with this unique flower.
Slender field beauty
Single flowers or dense thickets of larkspur can be seen:
- off country roads;
- on forest edges;
- amid the lush greenery of wide meadows;
- on abandoned, previously cultivated fields.
The culture belongs to the numerous Buttercup family. It received the scientific name "Delphinium" for two reasons. The unopened buds outwardly resemble the body and head of a dolphin. According to another version, the ancient Greeks named the flower after the city of Delphi.
Traditional healers know larkspur by such names:
- horned cornflowers;
- picks;
- consolidation;
- spur;
- lark leg;
- cuckoo's shoe.
The name "Delphinium" is often applied to cultivated hybrids.
Adult plants grow from 50 to 100 cm and more. On the soil, they are kept by a powerful root of a pivotal character. On the erect stem are pinnately dissected leaf plates. They are divided into miniature linear lobes. The width of each of them is approximately 2 mm. The edges of the plates are decorated with small notches. The foliage located at the top of the main shoot is sessile. The lower plates have small petioles.
With the onset of the summer heat, Larkspur put on a "stylish" outfit. Irregular buds have 5 petals and cone-shaped appendages called spurs. They are arranged in groups, forming a paniculate or spike-shaped inflorescence. Most often, the buds are colored blue, blue or purple. Flowering lasts until early September.
The most popular types of larkspur:
- Field (pick).
- High.
- Retinal.
- Pharmacy.
Almost all types of culture contain toxic substances in varying degrees. However, the medicinal properties of the herb larkspur are actively used in medicine.
Consider the chemical composition of an unusual plant.
Harmony of valuable components
Scientists who have studied horned cornflowers have seen in practice that appearance is always deceiving. A modest-looking flower contains a whole arsenal of valuable compounds.
Let's highlight only the most basic:
- alkaloids;
- flavonoids;
- tannins;
- glycosides;
- anthocyanins;
- kaempferol;
- organic acids;
- minerals (magnesium, zinc, copper and potassium).
The concentration of the compounds varies significantly depending on the plant variety.
Ornamental species usually contain a huge amount of poisonous substance. Therefore, wild crops are used for treatment.
Procurement and storage of raw materials
Larkspur is harvested before flowering, away from highways and industrial areas. Formed, but unopened buds are suitable for business.Collect the upper part of the plant, cutting off fragments, about 40 cm long. After that, the foliage and buds are removed from the shoots.
The resulting material is laid out on paper in a thin layer and placed in the attic or under canopy... In order for the grass to dry properly, it is regularly turned over. In an apartment, larkspur is placed in an oven and dried at a temperature of 50 ° C. It is impossible to taste the finished raw materials, because they contain toxic components. The resulting material is stored in paper bags or glass jars in a dry room for no more than 2 years.
The medicinal roots of the larkspur are dug up in early spring or late autumn.
The healing properties of the herb larkspur for the body
The demand for culture in medicine is explained by the unique chemical composition. Valuable compounds have a beneficial effect on vital systems.
They differ in a number of therapeutic effects:
- anti-inflammatory;
- diuretic;
- expectorant;
- antiseptic;
- anesthetic;
- astringent;
- antiparasitic.
Most often, larkspur grass is used to treat the musculoskeletal system. The abundance of alkaloids helps to relax muscle mass in people who are paralyzed. In addition, the name of the plant indicates the scope of its application.
In folk medicine, larkspur is used to treat:
- fractures;
- bruises;
- sprains;
- gout;
- osteochondrosis;
- rheumatism.
To relieve suffering, doctors usually prescribe topical drugs. These can be solutions for compresses, balms and ointments. The procedures are carried out under the supervision of a specialist using rubber gloves. And what does larkspur heal, except for joints and bone tissue?
Often, experts prescribe pharmaceutical herbal preparations as an additional substance for such pathologies:
- multiple sclerosis;
- epilepsy;
- open wounds;
- burns;
- conjunctivitis;
- upset gastrointestinal tract;
- kidney ailments;
- helminthiasis.
In addition, homemade potions stimulate metabolic processes. Thanks to this, the body's immunity is strengthened, and fat layers are "burned". Homemade creams and tinctures are used in cosmetology. They help get rid of acne and rejuvenate the skin.
How in folk medicine they use the medicinal properties of the herb larkspur
The famous scientist Hippocrates once said that the correct dose of poison turns into a healing potion. Therefore, treatment with larkspur at home requires a special approach.
Traditional healers successfully prepare:
- decoctions;
- tinctures;
- ointments;
- powders.
Freshly squeezed juice from a plant and honeyderived from the pollen of the larkspur grass. Consider proven recipes for drugs that are used to treat various ailments.
Lotions
Burns, non-healing wounds, abscesses often become a serious problem for a person. In combination with drugs, you can use lotions based on larkspur rhizome. The dried product is finely chopped. The recipe requires 1 tablespoon. Raw materials are poured with boiling water (250 g) and infused for 60 minutes. Strain before use.
Small pieces of gauze are moistened abundantly in the resulting solution. Then gently apply to the wound or purulent areas. Stand for 30 minutes. The procedure is repeated once a day.
If the lotions are placed on the face, it is advisable to reliably protect the eyes and mouth from the substance.
Healing compress
Larkspur root is used especially actively in folk medicine for medical procedures. The composition is prepared from the components:
- boiling water;
- crushed flower root;
- vegetable oil of any kind.
250 g of dry raw materials are poured with hot water. Insist for 2 hours. Add 250 vegetable oil. Mix thoroughly. The resulting gruel is carefully applied to the sore joint and wrapped in a scarf. Usually, the procedure is performed at night.The medicinal composition is thoroughly washed off with clean water.
To secure the bandage, it is advisable to use a special bandage or mesh bandage.
Recipes for universal formulations
An anti-inflammatory drug is prepared from 1 teaspoon of dried larkspur grass. Raw materials are poured with boiling water (0.5 l). The container is wrapped in a terry towel and insisted for 8-9 hours. Take 0.5 cups for severe coughing attacks.
Alcohol tincture relieves inflammation of the urinary tract. The components are taken in a 1:10 ratio. Dry raw materials are poured with vodka or alcohol diluted to 50 °. The drug is infused for 2 weeks. Take 5 drops 3-4 times a day.
Healing ointment from the plant is used for osteochondrosis, rheumatic pains and various kinds of injuries. Prepared from nutria seeds and fat. The components are combined in a glass container. Mix thoroughly. Withstand 10 days. The resulting ointment is applied to the affected areas of the body 2 times a day.
Precautions
A high level of crop toxicity indicates the danger of uncontrolled use.
It is important to consider the contraindications for larkspur for a special group of people. The list includes:
- pregnant women;
- nursing mothers;
- patients with hypotension (low blood pressure);
- patients under 18 years of age;
- with general weakness of the body.
Poisoning with a poisonous component of the plant causes respiratory failure, nausea, vomiting, muscle cramps. If symptoms appear, you should immediately call an ambulance. Otherwise, death can occur.
Despite the content of toxic substances, the medicinal properties of the herb larkspur help to get rid of serious ailments. The main factor, of course, is the collaboration with the doctor. The ability to prepare a healing potion according to proven recipes. Observe the precautions and the indicated contraindications. Let us take care of our health wisely!