Content
Elecampane has been known since ancient times as an effective medicinal plant. It was used to treat many ailments by Hippocrates and Galen. According to old Russian beliefs, elecampane received its name due to the fact that there was an opinion that it had nine magical powers. The medicinal part of the plant is mainly the roots; they are used most often. They must be processed in a special way before use.
Botanical description of the plant
Elecampane is a perennial herbaceous plant with a long, straight stem up to 80 cm in height. The leaf blades are arranged alternately, the veining is pinnate. The shape is elongated, with pointed edges, the structure is leathery.
Leaves extend from the stem at right angles
The flowers of the plant are yellow with a golden tint, most often solitary. The extreme ones are reed, all the rest are tubular. Pistil with lower ovary, bipartite stigma, five stamens. The flower in bloom is up to 35 mm in diameter. The plant begins to bloom in July and continues until August. The fruits of elecampane are bare achenes.
It is during flowering that it is advisable to harvest the herb for subsequent use for medicinal purposes.It is important to collect the plant away from roads and industries. After collecting, it is necessary to sort the grass, discarding all spoiled ones, and then rinse and tie up in a well-ventilated place. The shelf life of properly collected grass is no more than 2 years.
The chemical composition of the plant has not yet been fully studied, but it is known that it contains many useful substances. These include:
- essential oils;
- tocopherol;
- ascorbic acid;
- polysaccharides;
- inulin;
- flavonoids;
- gum;
- alkaloids.
The beneficial properties of elecampane are due to its rich chemical composition.
Distribution area
Elecampane is found in many areas of the steppe, forest-steppe and forest zones of the European part of Russia. It also grows in Ukraine, Belarus, Moldova and some areas of Central Asia. Occasionally found in Eastern and Western Siberia, in the Far East - in the Amur region, Primorye and the Kuril Islands.
Prefers to grow among bushes and on forest lawns, forest edges and meadows.
Elecampane can often be found along the banks of rivers and lakes, as well as on chalk slopes
Medicinal properties of willow elecampane
Almost all parts of the plant have medicinal properties. Roots, stems, leaf blades and inflorescences can be used to treat pathologies. Infusions, decoctions and other medicinal drinks are used for throat diseases and acute respiratory diseases. In addition to these ailments, elecampane can help with angina pectoris, spasmophilia, epilepsy and hepatitis.It has been found to be highly effective in treating some skin and sexually transmitted diseases.
Preparations made from elecampane have an astringent, anti-inflammatory, wound-healing and antiseptic effect. They also work great as expectorants, diuretics and diaphoretics.
The following conditions and diseases should be considered indications for use:
- respiratory diseases, including bronchitis and pneumonia;
- a number of pathologies of the digestive tract;
- skin diseases - eczema, dermatitis, as well as purulent wounds;
- rheumatism;
- metabolic disorders, including diabetes;
- gynecological diseases;
- tuberculosis;
- rheumatism;
- some vascular diseases.
Elecampane is often used as a sedative for various nervous disorders.
Restrictions and contraindications
Like many medicinal plants, elecampane has a number of contraindications. These include:
- childhood;
- pregnancy and lactation;
- some gastrointestinal pathologies, for example, gastritis with low acidity;
- nephritis;
- serious pathologies of the cardiovascular system;
- excessive blood viscosity;
- atonic constipation.
Of course, contraindications include individual intolerance to the components, as well as a tendency to allergic reactions.
When using preparations based on elecampane, you must strictly follow the instructions and recommended dosage, and before starting treatment you should consult your doctor.
If side effects are detected (nausea, vomiting, dizziness, salivation and allergies), you should immediately stop taking the drug and visit a doctor.
Conclusion
Elecampane is a well-known medicinal plant that is effective for various pathologies. It can be used both externally and for internal use. Elecampane has a number of useful properties, but also some contraindications. Before taking medications from this plant, you must consult your doctor.
