Content
Astragalus onobrychis is a medicinal perennial herb used in folk medicine. The culture is a representative of the Legume family. The healing properties of the plant help solve many health problems. But in order for astragalus sainfoin to really bring benefits, you need to first study its properties, the rules for collecting and storing raw materials, and also become familiar with the existing contraindications.
Astragalus is popularly called the “herb of life”
What does the plant look like?
This crop is a herbaceous plant, the height of its shoots reaches 80 cm. The stems of Astragalus sainfoin extend from the main taproot, branching. They are erect and branched. The shoots are strong, with a small edge on their surface.
The leaves of Astragalus sainfoin are compound. They consist of oblong-linear narrow plates, attached in pairs to one common petiole. There can be from 6 to 17 such pairs. The surface of the plates is covered with a short edge.
The inflorescences of Astragalus sainfoin consist of a large number of unopened moth buds. Moreover, the petal of the flag is 2 times longer than the wings.The flowers of Astragalus sainfoin resemble red clover in appearance. The plant's buds grow on the tops of long, bare flower stalks that rise above the foliage. The color of the corollas includes different shades of purple, as well as white and cream tones. Initially, the bud is protected by sepals fused at its base, which, when opened, diverge in different directions in the form of sharp-nosed denticles.
The fruits of the plant are triangular beans, the surface of which is densely pubescent. Inside each there are small seeds measuring 1-1.5 mm, rounded, kidney-shaped, brown.
The flowering period of Astragalus sainfoin begins in late spring and lasts 3-4 weeks. And already in mid-July the fruits ripen on the plant.
The size of astragalus flowers is 1-2 cm
Where does it grow
Astragalus sainfoin is common in Europe, the Mediterranean, the Caucasus, as well as Central and Asia Minor. On the territory of Russia, the plant can be found in Western Siberia, as well as in the Oryol, Ryazan, and Tula regions. It is also common for the regions of the Saratov Right Bank.
This culture prefers to settle in the steppes, as well as in deciduous and mixed forests.
Chemical composition
The leaves, shoots and flowers of Astragalus sainfoin have healing properties. This is due to their high content of beneficial components for human health.
The chemical composition of the plant includes:
- alkaloids;
- vitamin A, C, E;
- phytosterols;
- flavonoids;
- tannins;
- polysaccharides;
- glycosides;
- essential oils.
Medicinal properties and use in folk medicine
The unique chemical composition of Astragalus sainfoin explains its healing properties for human health.
The plant has found application in the treatment of such diseases:
- psoriasis, eczema;
- hypertension;
- cardiovascular diseases;
- atherosclerosis;
- bronchial asthma;
- pathologies of the digestive system;
- infertility;
- diabetes;
- gynecological diseases;
- renal failure;
- lung diseases;
- swelling;
- rheumatism;
- colds.
Astragalus sainfoin helps strengthen the immune system, improve overall well-being, and also speed up the recovery process after surgery.
The plant has the following properties:
- sedative;
- diuretic;
- hypotensive;
- immunostimulating;
- anti-inflammatory;
- tonic;
- painkillers;
- antipyretic;
- expectorant.
The herb helps activate regenerative processes
Recipes for preparing folk remedies based on Astragalus sainfoin:
- Infusion. Pour boiling water (250 ml) over the herb collection (30 g). Leave the mixture for 30 minutes, peel. Take 2 tbsp. l. three times a day before meals. The course of therapy is 10 days. The infusion is effective as a tonic and hemostatic agent.
- Decoction. Pour 30 g of plant collection with 250 ml of boiling water. Boil the mixture in a water bath for 15 minutes. Cool and add boiled water to the original volume. Take 50 ml three times a day for 1.5 months. This remedy is recommended for use for the prevention of hypertension, as a general tonic, and also for heart diseases.
- Tincture. Pour the collected plant into a glass container. Then pour vodka over the grass in a ratio of 1:3, cover with a lid. Keep in the dark for 2 weeks, shaking the container periodically. Clean after cooking.Take 30 drops daily three times a day before meals. The course of treatment is 10 days, and then take a break for a week. The tincture is recommended for use for rheumatism and atherosclerosis.
- Tea. To prepare a healing drink, you need to pour 1 tsp into the teapot. crushed leaves and shoots of Astragalus sainfoin. Pour 250 ml of boiling water over the collection and leave for 20 minutes. Take the drink twice a day, 100 ml. Tea helps relieve fatigue, normalize sleep, and increase stress resistance.
Astragalus sainfoin promotes the healing of wounds, ulcers, and microcracks in the skin. Therefore, decoctions and infusions based on it can be used externally as compresses, and also used for washing.
Contraindications
When using Astragalus sainfoin for medicinal purposes, it is necessary to initially check the body for tolerance to this component. To do this, you need to start taking it with small doses. If after 24 hours no signs of an allergic reaction have arisen, then it can be used.
Main contraindications:
- individual intolerance;
- pregnancy;
- lactation;
- age up to 14 years.
This plant has long been used to intensify contractions during childbirth. Therefore, it is strictly forbidden for pregnant women to use products based on Astragalus sainfoin.
Collection and preparation
Healing raw materials can be harvested throughout the entire growing season. In this case, you should avoid collecting Astragalus sainfoin near roads on the side of the road, as the plant has the ability to accumulate harmful substances in its tissues.
Medicinal raw materials must first be thoroughly washed to remove dust and dirt. After this, spread out in a dark, dry room in one layer to dry. After this, the raw materials need to be crushed. Astragalus sainfoin should be stored in linen bags or in a closed glass container. In this case, the humidity should be low.
The shelf life of the collection is 1 year if storage conditions are met.
Conclusion
Astragalus sainfoin is not used in traditional medicine due to insufficient knowledge of its properties. But the herb has been widely used for the preparation of folk remedies since ancient times. In the old days, it was believed that dried bunches of plants, hung near the entrance to the house, reliably protected against diseases and improved the microclimate.
