What are the beneficial and harmful properties of ragweed for human health
Weed vegetation ragweed damages agricultural crops. The benefits and harms of ambrosia are estimated in approximately equal shares. The plant is included in the list of quarantine ones, in places of growth it is fought with all available methods. The enemy of vegetable gardens and allergy sufferers grows wherever it is dry and warm, brings a lot of trouble to people, especially during flowering.
The chemical composition and properties of ragweed herb
According to the myths of Ancient Greece, the inhabitants of Olympus used nectar and ambrosia to gain strength and immortality. Therefore, the grass was called the food of the gods.
Healthy ingredients are found in different parts of the plant:
- aerial green tops are rich in cinerol, quercetin, camphor, hydroxycinnamic acid, coumarin, isobelin;
- the seeds contain essential oils, sources of a strong aroma;
- pollen is used in medicines for allergies (pollinosis);
- extracts from the roots are part of antitumor infusions.
Evaluating the benefits and harms of ambrosia, we can conclude that it helps a person to overcome many ailments. It has a negative effect only on people for whom pollen is an allergen during flowering.
The benefits and harms of ambrosia in medicine
Pharmacological preparations, which include extracts obtained from ragweed, are used in various fields of medicine:
- In oncology, as the plant contains inhibitors of cancer cells.
- With a disease of the nasopharynx as an antipyretic, anti-inflammatory.
- As a bactericidal, antiparasitic, wound healing, antihistamine agent.
- For the treatment of diseases of the musculoskeletal system - radiculitis, osteochondrosis.
- For stool normalization with dysentery.
- For the relief of pain in blunt injuries and bruises.
The list of medicines containing ragweed derivatives is quite extensive - these are tablets, solutions, ointments, drops. The harm from ragweed to humans lies in the fact that pollen provokes allergic reactions.
A consultation with a doctor is needed before starting treatment with ragweed medicines.
Many people are intoxicated by the smell of ambrosia, causing dizziness and inappropriate neuropsychic associations.
How and when to collect ragweed
The collection of medicinal raw materials for pharmacological purposes is carried out strictly at a certain time. Namely, when the ragweed plant blooms:
- the main collection of foliage, shoots, peduncles is done from morning to noon;
- pollen is collected in dry and sunny weather from 11 to 14 hours;
- the shelf life of pollen in a glass jar and in a dark place is up to a year;
- the herb is stored and does not lose its properties for 3 years.
When collecting, it is necessary to observe precautions, since ragweed can both benefit and harm.
Pollen has a negative effect on the respiratory tract, mucous membranes of the eyes.Medical goggles and a mask are suitable protective equipment to prevent interaction with volatile substances.
The use of ragweed in traditional medicine
In Russia, ragweed is very widespread. Despite the fact that the plant is introduced, it has adapted to the climatic conditions of our country and is conquering new vast areas.
Ragweed came to Eurasia in 1873 by accident along with clover seed. Natural area of grass - North America. Due to the similarity of foliage to wormwood, the plant is called wormwood ragweed.
The people from ambrosia prepare infusions, tinctures, including alcohol, decoctions, pure juice.
Compresses for radiculitis and back pain
For the treatment of the musculoskeletal system, fresh raw materials from leaves and juice are used. The compress is made from crushed leaves, by applying it to joints inflamed from sciatica, and vertebrae affected by osteochondrosis. The juice from the leaves is rubbed into the sore spots until completely absorbed.
Treatment of gastritis, enterocolitis, rectal cancer
To prepare a healing agent you will need:
- dry raw materials from leaves - 2 tbsp. l .;
- boiling water - 300 ml;
- infusion time - 2 hours.
The daily regimen is 3 times a day, two tablespoons of gastritis and enterocolitis. 6 times a day - for rectal cancer, fever.
Tincture for neurasthenia, against seizures
Healing tincture is made on inflorescences and vodka. The concentration of ingredients is 1 to 5. For example, 20 g of flowers - 100 ml of vodka. The inflorescence brushes are ground with a mortar into a homogeneous mass, filled with vodka. The infusion time is 7 days in a dark place. The mode of use is 25 drops three times a day half an hour before meals.
Oil extract for wound healing
This recipe saves even from difficult healing ulcers. The oil is obtained from flowers and leaves harvested on the day of preparation. Chopped fresh raw materials are diluted with one of three oils - rapeseed, mustard, olive... The composition is infused for 15 days, the oil extract is used externally. It lubricates non-healing wounds, mucous membranes affected by inflammatory processes.
What is the danger of ambrosia
The ragweed plant does the most serious harm when it blooms. Pollen is a potent human allergen. Getting into the respiratory system and mucous membranes, it causes an immune response in the form of an allergic reaction. Some people experience this as irritation, others experience asthmatic attacks.
Avoid contact with pollen is necessary not only for allergy sufferers, but for pregnant women, breastfeeding, those who are prone to allergies.
If you did not know about sensitivity to ragweed, then you need to learn how to give yourself first aid for an attack:
- Remove any possibility of contact with the plant.
- From weakness and dizziness, relax the collar, ensure blood supply to the brain.
- From asthma attacks, you need to open the maximum access to air.
- Take an antihistamine.
- In case of difficulty in nasal breathing, drip the nose with vasoconstrictor drops.
Remember that ragweed is beneficial and harmful, be careful. In case of allergies, consult a doctor, this condition requires systemic treatment.