Content
- 1 The value and composition of bergenia
- 2 Medicinal properties of the bergenia plant
- 3 What are the benefits of bergenia for humans?
- 4 What do bergenia roots and leaves help with?
- 5 The use of rhizomes and leaves of bergenia in folk medicine
- 6 Recipes for useful ingredients
- 7 Use of bergenia
- 8 Restrictions and contraindications
- 9 When and how to collect and dry bergenia
- 10 Conclusion
The medicinal properties and uses of bergenia deserve careful consideration.The roots and leaves of the plant can serve as raw materials for the preparation of effective medicines.
The value and composition of bergenia
The beneficial properties of bergenia, which is also called thick-leaved saxifrage or Mongolian tea, are due to its rich composition. The leaves and roots of the plant contain:
- tannins - up to 35%;
- starch;
- arbutin;
- phenolic acids;
- flavonoids kaempferol and quercetin;
- polyphenols;
- ascorbic acid;
- iron and manganese;
- vitamin P;
- copper;
- antioxidants.
The root of the perennial in folk medicine is valued more than the green parts. However, the leaves are also often used to prepare medicines.
Medicinal properties of the bergenia plant
Decoctions, teas and infusions based on thick-leaved saxifrage are used for a variety of ailments. In particular, the perennial plant is used:
- to reduce pressure and strengthen vascular walls;
- for headaches and migraines;
- for dermatitis and skin lesions;
- for laryngitis, pneumonia, whooping cough;
- for hemorrhoids and uterine fibroids;
- for joint ailments.
Plant-based products improve digestive processes.
Taking infusions and decoctions of bergenia is useful for quickly strengthening the immune system.
Medicinal properties and contraindications of bergenia root
The bergenia root contains the most beneficial substances. It is especially often used for:
- diarrhea;
- stomach ailments;
- weakened vessels.
The medicinal properties of bergenia rhizome are used for external treatment of the skin and treatment of wounds and cuts. Compresses with ointment based on the plant help well with hematomas and bruises, promoting their resorption.
What are the benefits of bergenia leaves?
The green parts of thick-leaved saxifrage are in demand in the fight against inflammatory processes and infections. Also, decoctions and infusions based on them are beneficial for:
- hypertension;
- frequent migraines;
- respiratory diseases;
- sore throat and colds;
- kidney ailments;
- rheumatism.
The beneficial properties and contraindications of bergenia leaves are considered in the gynecological field. The raw material is used to stop bleeding; it is especially valuable for women suffering from heavy periods. Medicines are used in the complex treatment of cervical erosion.
What are the benefits of bergenia for humans?
First of all, thick-leaved saxifrage is known for its pronounced astringent properties. Its roots and leaves contain a huge amount of tanning components - gallotanin, bergenin, isocoumarin. Healing decoctions and infusions of bergenia are especially beneficial for diarrhea, bleeding, and colitis. They can be used for dysentery, E. coli and typhoid fever.
Medicines from thick-leaved saxifrage are useful for vitamin deficiency and a tendency to anemia, bleeding gums and dental diseases. Home remedies are in demand for colds, coughs and runny nose, inflammatory and bacterial processes in the throat.
The healing properties of bergenia for men
Teas and decoctions based on thick-leaved saxifrage have a beneficial effect on male potency. They can be used when libido is weakened, as well as in complex therapy of inflammatory diseases of the reproductive system. Bergenia is beneficial for prostatitis and adenoma.
Bergenia prevents the development of cancer in men
Medicinal properties and contraindications of bergenia for women
Thick-leaved saxifrage is often used in the treatment of gynecological ailments. Decoctions and infusions based on the plant help cope with inflammation of the appendages, cystitis, and fibroids. Healing remedies ease painful periods, regulate the volume of discharge and generally improve well-being. Taking home remedies is useful for maintaining youth and beauty; bergenia has a very good effect on the condition of hair and skin.
Is it possible to take bergenia during pregnancy and breastfeeding?
During pregnancy and lactation, the use of bergenia-based products is not prohibited. They can prevent uterine bleeding, relieve symptoms of toxicosis and stop diarrhea. It should be borne in mind that the plant lowers blood pressure and causes constipation, and accordingly, in some situations it can be harmful.
During lactation, the benefits and harms of tea from bergenia leaves, as well as decoctions from the roots, become ambiguous. It is undesirable to use the products; they can cause allergies or colic in an infant.
At what age can children
The medicinal properties of the herb bergenia are used for diarrhea and colds in children. But you can offer herbal remedies to children only after they reach seven years of age. The active substances in the leaves and rhizomes can harm the digestive system, and the development of allergies cannot be ruled out.
What do bergenia roots and leaves help with?
Traditional medicine uses thick-leaved saxifrage for the following ailments:
- tuberculosis and pneumonia;
- rheumatism and arthritis;
- goiter;
- inflammation of the oral cavity;
- urinary tract diseases;
- toothache;
- non-infectious colitis and enterocolitis;
- hemorrhoids;
- flu and colds;
- migraine;
- uterine fibroids;
- gastritis and chronic ulcers.
Externally, the medicinal plant is used for skin lesions, bruises and weeping rashes.
The use of rhizomes and leaves of bergenia in folk medicine
There are many recipes for using bergenia for acute and chronic diseases. Traditional medicine highlights several of them in particular.
Bergenia for diarrhea
For severe diarrhea, an infusion of the roots of thick-leaved saxifrage provides good help. They do it like this:
- three large spoons of crushed raw materials are poured into 400 ml of hot water;
- keep under the lid for five hours;
- filter the product through folded gauze.
You need to drink the infusion three times a day, 20 ml. Improvements are noticed almost immediately.
For full effect in case of diarrhea, the use of incense continues for two weeks.
For hemorrhoids
The use of bergenia root is indicated for hemorrhoids to relieve pain and inflammation. The following remedy brings good results:
- 50 g of crushed saxifrage root is mixed in equal proportions with dried tansy;
- add the same amount of St. John's wort herb;
- pour 500 ml of boiling water into a thermos;
- leave for three hours.
The finished infusion is passed through cheesecloth to filter out the sediment and poured into a large basin with warm, clean water. A sitz bath is taken for 15 minutes, the procedure must be repeated at least three times a week.
For diseases of the oral cavity
For stomatitis and periodontal disease, rinses using infusion of bergenia are used. The healing solution is made as follows:
- four large spoons of crushed rhizomes are poured into 500 ml of boiling water;
- keep covered for about 30 minutes;
- filtered.
The instructions for using bergenia rhizomes recommend rinsing your mouth with a warm solution throughout the day every time after eating.
For ENT diseases
For rhinitis, laryngitis and other diseases of the throat and nose, a decoction of medicinal herbs helps well. To prepare it you need:
- mix dried bergenia, St. John's wort and elecampane in equal volumes;
- measure 30 g of crushed raw materials;
- pour 450 ml of hot water;
- simmer over low heat for half an hour.
The finished broth, closed, is infused for another day, and then filtered. You need to take the product 40 ml twice a day.
To prevent goiter
Thick-leaved saxifrage has a good effect on the thyroid gland and prevents the development of endemic goiter. For medicinal purposes, a simple decoction is prepared. They do it like this:
- three large spoons of dried leaves are poured into 500 ml of hot water;
- insist for half an hour;
- put on low heat and boil for another ten minutes.
Use the product in the same way as regular tea. You must take at least four cups of decoction per day.
Hemostatic effect
A mixture of several medicinal plants has a good effect on bleeding. The medicine is made as follows:
- mix bergenia, snakeweed, licorice and cinquefoil in equal volumes;
- add a similar amount of burnet grass;
- measure out two large spoons of raw materials and pour in 500 ml of hot water;
- insist for half an hour.
After this, the product needs to be simmered for another hour over low heat, stirring occasionally. The finished broth is filtered and taken up to five times a day, 100 ml.
For bruises, wounds, ulcers
For wounds, hematomas and ulcers, compresses based on bergenia have a positive effect.They are made very simply - moisten a gauze bandage or bandage in an aqueous infusion of a medicinal plant and apply it to the sore area for half an hour. The procedure must be repeated several times a day, and the therapy is continued until healing.
For gastrointestinal diseases
For gastritis, diseases of the duodenum and intestinal disorders, a decoction of bergenia and other medicinal herbs helps well. The recipe looks like this:
- thick-leaved saxifrage, calendula, oak bark and calamus are mixed in equal proportions;
- add the same amount of flax seeds;
- take three large spoons of the vegetable mixture and pour 500 ml of boiling water;
- keep covered for 12 hours.
The infusion is taken several sips throughout the day. Treatment is carried out for two weeks.
It is advisable to take medicines from bergenia root without exacerbation of ulcers and gastritis
Bergenia for potency
You can brew incense to restore libido in men. At the first symptoms of weakened potency, it is useful to use the following remedy:
- dried leaves of the plant in the volume of three large spoons are poured with 500 ml of boiling water;
- bring to a boil on the stove;
- Boil for half an hour and cool.
The warm solution is filtered from the sediment and diluted with fresh boiling water to the original volume. Take the drink like regular tea, up to three times a day on a daily basis.
Recipes for useful ingredients
Traditional medicine offers several general algorithms for preparing medicinal products from thick-leaved bergenia. They can be used for almost any ailment in accordance with basic instructions.
How to brew bergenia leaves
A simple recipe for a decoction on the leaves of a medicinal plant looks like this:
- two small spoons of dried crushed raw materials are poured into 200 ml of boiling water;
- close the container with a lid and wrap it in a towel;
- leave until the product cools down;
- strain through cheesecloth, not forgetting to squeeze out the wet leaves.
You need to drink the infusion up to four times a day, using a large spoon. The product is also suitable for external use - rubbing and compresses.
How to brew bergenia roots
For most ailments, a decoction of the roots of thick-leaved saxifrage has a good medicinal effect. The recipe looks like this:
- rhizomes are crushed in the volume of a large spoon;
- pour the raw material with a glass of water;
- simmer over low heat for half an hour;
- cool until warm and strain.
The decoction is usually taken in a large spoon three times a day, preferably on an empty stomach.
How to make tea from bergenia leaves
There are many recipes for tea made from bergenia leaves. This drink is valued not only for its beneficial qualities, but also for its unusual, pleasant taste.
Bergenia tea with honey and lemon
Simple tea based on bergenia leaves has a good strengthening effect. They do it like this:
- a small spoon of dried raw material is poured with a glass of boiling water;
- leave covered for 15 minutes;
- strain through a fine sieve.
To improve the taste, add a spoonful of natural honey and a slice of lemon to the drink. Drink tea after meals or between meals.
You can drink simple tea with bergenia leaves, just like regular tea, up to three cups a day
Chigir tea on bergenia leaves
The famous classic recipe suggests preparing a very concentrated drink with numerous medicinal properties. The algorithm looks like this:
- dried leaves in the amount of four large spoons are poured into 500 ml of water;
- Bring to a boil over medium heat and leave for half an hour;
- Remove the tea from the stove and cool slightly.
Then the product must be filtered and topped up with clean hot water to the original volume. The healing properties and contraindications of bergenia tea are of particular importance for colds.
Chigir tea should be consumed for inflammation
Bergenia and lingonberry tea
Bergenia and lingonberries go well in taste and also significantly enhance each other’s value. Drinking tea based on two plants is especially useful for weak immunity, diabetes and a tendency to edema.
The cooking recipe looks like this:
- two large spoons of bergenia are mixed with a large spoon of lingonberry leaves;
- add a pinch of dried oregano;
- pour 500 ml of water;
- bring to a boil and immediately remove from the stove.
The drink is left to cool for about an hour and then passed through folded gauze. If you want to take the product hot, you should top it up with fresh boiling water. Just before drinking, you can add a little honey to the tea.
Oregano in tea with bergenia and lingonberries makes the aroma of the drink richer
Alcohol tincture of bergenia root
An alcohol tincture made from the roots of the perennial has strong medicinal properties. It is prepared according to this recipe:
- 50 g of crushed dry raw materials are poured with 400 ml of 70% alcohol;
- seal the container and put it in a dark, warm place for a month;
- from time to time they take out the vessel and shake it thoroughly.
After time, the finished tincture is removed and passed through gauze. Take it in accordance with specific recipes, on average - 30 drops up to three times a day.
Before use, it is advisable to dilute the bergenia tincture in a spoonful of water.
Extract
Concentrated bergenia root extract has particularly strong beneficial properties. The drug is made as follows:
- rhizomes are crushed in the volume of three large spoons;
- pour the raw material with a glass of water;
- Place in an enamel bowl over medium heat and cook until half of the liquid remains.
The remaining extract must be filtered. Take it in minimal quantities - three times a day, maximum 30 drops. The product can be used for douching and rinsing for sore throat, periodontal disease, stomatitis; in such cases, 15 ml of extract should be diluted in a glass of water.
The potency of bergenia extract is not inferior to alcohol tincture
Bergenia rhizome powder
Making powder from dried bergenia roots is very simple. The raw materials are crushed using a blender or coffee grinder, after which they are stored in glass containers. The powder can be used to prepare decoctions and infusions.
Bergenia powder can be diluted with water to a semi-liquid paste and applied externally to the skin
Use of bergenia
Medicinal thick-leaved saxifrage is used not only in folk medicine. The plant is beneficial in the kitchen and in home beauty recipes.
In cooking
Bergenia rhizomes are used for culinary purposes. When dried and crushed, they are added to flour for baking, and when chopped, they are boiled in soups and fried along with main courses.
Bergenia has a pleasant taste and is also a dietary plant. When used correctly, it promotes weight loss and accelerates metabolic processes in the body.
In cosmetology
Infusions of bergenia are used to rinse hair.Herbal decoctions help regulate the oiliness of the scalp and get rid of dandruff. Plant-based products are suitable for washing with oily epidermis and excessive sweating. The perennial helps to cope with acne, tightens pores and normalizes the production of subcutaneous sebum.
Restrictions and contraindications
The beneficial properties of the bergenia flower are not the same for everyone. The plant has certain contraindications, which include:
- hypotension;
- individual allergy to medicinal herbs;
- increased blood clotting and tendency to thrombosis;
- tachycardia;
- frequent constipation;
- breastfeeding period.
When using an infusion or decoction of the roots and leaves of the plant for the first time, the minimum dosage must be observed. If no negative reaction occurs, you can take bergenia for medicinal purposes freely.
When and how to collect and dry bergenia
You can harvest bergenia both in the spring and closer to autumn - the timing and algorithms depend on which parts are to be used. Roots and leaf blades gain a maximum of valuable substances at different times.
Roots
The underground parts of bergenia are harvested in August. The perennial is dug up, the rhizome is cleared of soil and washed in cold water.
Medicinal raw materials are dried in the standard way - in the fresh air in the shade or in the oven at a temperature of no more than 45 ° C. The roots must be spread out in a thin layer so that they come into less contact with each other. The natural harvesting process takes about three weeks. Store raw materials in paper or fabric bags in the dark and dry; beneficial properties are retained for four years.
Large bergenia roots are cut into pieces 10-15 cm long
Leaves
Leaves for medicinal use are plucked in spring and summer, optimally during the flowering period of bergenia. It is best to choose old, darkened plates that have managed to overwinter at least once; they contain the most valuable substances. The picked leaves are first kneaded a little and then dried until the moisture evaporates on a baking sheet. You can leave them indoors, outdoors or in an oven preheated to 40°C.
When properly prepared, bergenia leaves should turn dark brown or black.
It is best to store leaves in glass jars in a dry, dark place. It is permissible to use them for medicinal purposes for two years.
Conclusion
The medicinal properties and uses of bergenia deserve great attention. The perennial plant helps with colds, has pronounced astringent properties and can stop bleeding.
