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Danish astragalus (Astragalus danicus) is the oldest plant on the planet, shrouded in many legends. In the old days, it was used by alchemists when conducting experiments to find the “philosopher’s stone”. There really are reasons for this. Astragalus grows mainly in places where there are deposits of gold layers and accumulates a large amount of this precious metal throughout its entire life.
Description of Danish Astragalus
Danish Astragalus (meadow) is a representative of the Legume family. This is a perennial herbaceous plant. It stretches from 15 to 42 cm in height. It is characterized by ascending, sometimes erect stems, usually branched in the lower part. The length of the shoots is from 8 to 30 cm.
The leaves of Astragalus Danish are sessile and consist of 6-13 pairs. They have an oblong shape, somewhat similar to an egg. There is fine pile on both sides, mostly protruding.
The flowers are always purple. The corolla consists of 5 petals, the upper ones are larger than the lower ones. Peduncles are longer than leaves; they are 1.5-2 times longer.The bracts are oblong, 2 to 4 mm long.
The calyx is bell-shaped and tubular in shape, with small hairs, mostly black, with a small splash of white.
The fruits ripen in the form of beans. They are ovoid in shape and have two nests, leathery. Length from 7 to 12 mm. Carefully covered with white hair, which becomes black as it matures.
The root system of Astragalus Danish is taproot.
The flowering period is from May to June.
Danish Astragalus grows in the European part of Russia and Siberia
Where does it grow
The plant's habitat is the steppe zone of Europe, Siberia and the European part of Russia. Prefers forest edges, steppe slopes, floodplain meadows and clearings.
By the way, astragalus received the name “Danish” because it was first described and found in Denmark. Previously, it was by this principle that plants received their names.
Chemical composition
Danish Astragalus contains:
- 0.13% coumarins;
- 220 mg ascorbic acid;
- saponins;
- essential oils;
- organic compounds;
- amino acids;
- acids: succinic, citric, malic and oxalic;
- tannins;
- flavonoids;
- polysaccharides.
Among the vitamins that make up Danish astragalus, C and E can be distinguished. The first stimulates the formation of collagen, stabilizes cholesterol levels and reduces the likelihood of blood clots. Vitamin E is very beneficial for the eyes, is involved in the metabolic process and has an antioxidant effect on the body.
Organic compounds include asparagine, choline, gluconic acid, aromatics, betaine and essential oils. Their intake into the body improves the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract.
The rich mineral composition makes the plant a real assistant in the treatment of many diseases. Among the most useful minerals are sodium, silver, gold, manganese, iron, cobalt, aluminum and others.
Polysaccharides affect cancer cells and increase the effectiveness of chemicals used in the treatment of oncology. They also help cope with the signs of aging and relieve a person from chronic fatigue. Thanks to polysaccharides, you can regulate blood sugar levels and remove excess cholesterol.
Flavonoids, or plant polyphenols, reduce vascular permeability, reduce intraocular pressure and help regulate urine output. Help improve adrenal function and stabilize heart rhythms.
The tannins contained in Danish astragalus help a person strengthen the walls of blood vessels and remove harmful bacteria from the body. They have astringent properties and are directly involved in the synthesis of hemoglobin.
Essential oils of the plant have bactericidal, analgesic and antiseptic properties. They have a calming effect on the human nervous system, that is, they allow you to normalize your emotional state.
For medicinal purposes, Danish Astragalus herb is collected during flowering.
Medicinal properties of Danish Astragalus
The plant is an excellent honey plant. It is used as a fodder crop in agriculture.
Danish Astragalus is also widely used in herbal medicine. Its tonic properties allow it to be used in the treatment of:
- headaches;
- to relieve symptoms of hypertension;
- during colds and flu;
- gastrointestinal pathologies;
- to eliminate gynecological problems, even with uterine prolapse;
- arthritis;
- obesity;
- rheumatism;
- tuberculosis;
- with scrofula.
Astragalus helps eliminate the effects of heavy lifting and remove signs of fatigue and exhaustion. It is widely used as a hemostatic and decongestant.
Herbal infusion helps relieve fatigue
Cooking methods
There are several hundred varieties of astragalus in the world. However, the webbed and Danish species have truly healing properties. But the first one is very rare and is listed in the Red Book.
Danish astragalus is common and is widely used medicinally. Tinctures, syrups and infusions are made from it.
Tincture
To eliminate the first manifestations of a cold or flu, prepare the following tincture:
- Danish astragalus inflorescences are placed in a container, evenly distributed over the entire bottom.
- Pour vodka so that the raw material is completely covered with liquid.
- Sent for 30 days in a dark room.
Periodically, the tincture must be shaken well. You can use the medicine even without diluting it with water. Drink 1 tbsp. l. several times throughout the day.
Infusion
Astragalus Danish allows you to get rid of severe fatigue, and even depression. For preparation you will need the following components:
- 1 tbsp. l. Danish astragalus herbs;
- 1 tbsp. l. black long tea, always large-leaf;
- 1 tsp. kuzmichev grass;
- 500 ml boiling water.
All components should be mixed and left for about 30 minutes. The entire amount of the medicine is drunk throughout the day in 3-4 doses, in equal parts.
To get rid of puffiness, you need 1 tbsp. l. Mix Danish astragalus herbs with 500 ml of boiling water and close the container with the mixture, place in a water bath. Boil the infusion over low heat for 15 minutes. After bringing to room temperature, consume 1/3 cup all day, always a quarter of an hour before meals.
Astragalus Danish helps get rid of migraines. For the tincture you will need:
- 200 ml boiling water;
- 1 tsp. herbs.
Medicines for headaches and depression are prepared from Danish astragalus.
The mixture should be infused in a thermos for 60 minutes. The medicine must be filtered and used in the form of lotions on the forehead and inside. The last treatment option involves drinking 200 ml throughout the day in equal parts 3-4 times.
To prepare a tonic infusion you will need:
- 2 tbsp. l. Danish astragalus herbs;
- 300 ml boiled but cooled water.
Fresh raw materials are mixed with water and infused for 4 hours. You need to drink the medicine 50 ml daily, at least 4 times.
Medical uses and recipes
Official medicine recognizes the beneficial properties of Danish astragalus, and even includes it in treatment courses. The root extract is most often recommended for use. It allows you to alleviate conditions in the presence of nephritis, regardless of the stage.
Danish Astragalus extract mixed with motherwort tincture is also used as an auxiliary course in treatment. Mix the components in equal parts.
If you are worried about angina pectoris, then to prepare the medicine you will need three components:
- hawthorn (tincture);
- valerian;
- astragalus extract.
All ingredients should be mixed in equal proportions.
In the presence of pyelonephritis, urolithiasis and cystitis, doctors often recommend making a complex preparation from several extracts: horsetail, chamomile, astragalus and knotweed.
Due to the high silicon content, the plant extract is often included in a comprehensive course of tuberculosis therapy. It is this substance that improves the process of delivering useful components directly to the lungs.
Astragalus Danish cannot be a basic element in therapy, but only acts as an additional means of combating pathology.
Danish Astragalus extract is used as a wound healing agent. To do this, dilute 35-40 drops in 500 ml of water and make lotions from the solution. This recipe is also suitable for douching in the presence of gynecological pathologies.
You can rinse your mouth and throat with the solution if you have stomatitis or a sore throat is diagnosed. In these cases, the extract is diluted with water. 20-25 drops are required for 1 glass.
Danish Astragalus can be used as a wound healing agent
Contraindications
Despite the enormous medicinal properties of Danish astragalus, in some cases its use will have to be abandoned.
The plant is contraindicated:
- during pregnancy and lactation;
- children under 6 years of age;
- in the presence of hypotension.
Do not increase the doses indicated in recipes or use astragalus for allergic reactions.
Despite the extremely rare cases of individual intolerance, it is still recommended to conduct a sensitivity test before starting treatment with Danish astragalus. To do this, steam 5-7 fresh leaves of the plant or 1 tsp in a quarter glass of boiling water. dry raw materials, infuse and drink.If no unpleasant symptoms or discomfort appear during the day, then you can safely begin therapy.
Collection and preparation
Those who are not well versed in medicinal herbs can familiarize themselves with what Danish astragalus looks like from the photo. It is very difficult to confuse it with other plants. The roots and above-ground parts of the plant are suitable for collection.
Flowers, leaves and stems are collected until the fruits appear, that is, at the stage of active budding. The plant must be cut at a height of at least 7 cm from the ground. The roots are harvested in the fall.
It is recommended to dry the plant in the attic. If this is not possible, then the room where the raw materials will be prepared must be well ventilated.
It is advisable to lay paper or natural fabric underneath, which will absorb moisture well. The grass layer should not be higher than 7 cm.
The shelf life of Danish Astragalus herb in dry form is 1 year. It no longer makes sense to store it, as it will lose all its beneficial properties and vitamins. This should be taken into account when collecting so as not to take more than will be used.
The plant contains coumarins and flavonoids
Conclusion
Astragalus Danish is a perennial plant that helps relieve fatigue and stress after a long and hard day at work. Official medicine includes this drug in complex therapy for many diseases, from cystitis to tuberculosis.
Traditional medicine also widely uses Danish Astragalus. Many tinctures and infusions are prepared from it to eliminate the first symptoms of a cold before treating epilepsy.The main thing is to always remember that increasing the dose can play a “wicked joke” on the patient, only worsening the condition, or cause the development of allergies.
