Content
- 1 What it looks like and where it grows
- 2 Chemical composition
- 3 Useful properties of white acacia flowers
- 4 Acacia flowers in folk medicine
- 5 Do they help you lose weight?
- 6 Application in cosmetology
- 7 Contraindications for use
- 8 Collection and storage
- 9 Conclusion
- 10 Reviews on the use of white acacia flowers
The healing properties of acacia flowers have long been in demand in folk medicine and have been confirmed by scientific research. The richness of their chemical composition allows them to be used for a wide variety of health problems. However, in order for the remedy to really be beneficial, before using it, you must consult with your doctor, take into account possible contraindications and follow a specific dosage regimen, avoiding amateur actions.
What it looks like and where it grows
Plants, popularly called white or yellow acacia and widely known for the medicinal properties of not only flowers, but also other parts, are known to professional botanists respectively as black acacia and caragana arborescens. Outwardly, they are extremely similar, the only difference noticeable to a non-specialist is the shade of the flowers.
The homeland of both cultures is North America (mixed forests in the foothills of the Appalachians).With the help of humans, including due to the medicinal properties of its flowers, acacia has successfully naturalized on other continents. It has taken root in almost all regions with a temperate climate.
The height of the tree reaches 20-25 m, the diameter of the trunk is 1 m. The shade of the shoots varies from olive to brick-red. Lots of root growth.
The crown is spreading, openwork, the branches independently form tiers. The leaves are large (10-25 cm in length), odd-pinnate (consisting of 9-19 smaller oval leaflets), light green with a silvery-gray tint.
Acacia is light-loving, drought-resistant, grows quickly, has a powerful root system
The flowers, which emit a pleasant sweetish aroma and look a little like butterflies, are collected in drooping clusters of 10-15 cm each. White acacia’s color varies from snow-white to cream, and yellow acacia’s color ranges from pale lemon to bright sunny with a greenish tint.
The medicinal properties depend not on the color of the petals, but on the chemical composition; they are comparable in both varieties
Chemical composition
The chemical composition of acacia flowers, which determines its medicinal properties, has not been thoroughly studied. However, it is known for sure that they contain the flavonoid robinin, which is in demand not only in traditional medicine, but also in the pharmacological industry, which uses it to create drugs that promote the removal of urea from the body. In its pure form, the substance is toxic, therefore, despite its proven medicinal properties, it is necessary to consult a doctor regarding the possibility and method of its use.
White acacia flowers also contain:
- essential and aromatic oils;
- natural sugars;
- organic acids and their compounds;
- pectins;
- tannins;
- tannins;
- other flavonoids;
- vitamins A and C.
Useful properties of white acacia flowers
The healing properties of white acacia flowers are due to its chemical composition:
- mild antispasmodic and vasodilating effects;
- natural bile-, diuretic and mild laxative;
- anti-inflammatory and antipyretic effect;
- assistance in expectoration of sputum during wet cough, bronchitis;
- hemostatic, bactericidal and antiseptic properties;
- pain reliever for diseases of the musculoskeletal system;
- mild sedative effect;
- normalization of blood pressure;
- beneficial effects on the digestive tract and liver;
- strengthening and restoring immunity.
The use of flowers by the official pharmaceutical industry is confirmation of their benefits
Acacia flowers in folk medicine
Considering traditional medicine based on white acacia flowers to be harmless and prescribing them for yourself is a very big mistake. Despite the fact that many recipes have been tested over the years, each case is individual. Without the necessary experience, it is impossible to make sure that the medicinal properties of the plant will benefit the body.
Infusion
The healing properties of the infusion are especially in demand for diseases of the genitourinary system. How to prepare it:
- Pour a glass of boiling water over fresh or dried flowers (1 tsp).
- Cover as tightly as possible, wrap with a towel, and leave for two hours.
- Strain through a sieve or cheesecloth.
Instructions for using the infusion of white or yellow acacia flowers: three times a day immediately before meals. A glass of liquid is divided into three equal portions.
The easiest to prepare and most frequently used remedy based on acacia flowers is their infusion
Alcohol tincture
Alcohol tincture of acacia flowers is used mainly externally. Its medicinal properties will be useful if you have joint problems.
Recipe:
- Pour fresh flowers (50 g) with vodka or medical alcohol (0.5 l).
- Seal the container hermetically, put it in a dark, warm place for 12-15 days, shake several times daily.
- Before use, strain, dilute the alcohol-based tincture by half with water.
The finished tincture can be stored in the refrigerator, shaking occasionally. For 1.5-2 months it retains its healing properties. It is used for daily rubbing of joints in the morning and evening.
Alcohol tincture of acacia flowers is taken internally to restore the nervous system. The proportions are slightly different - half a liter jar of dry buds for 0.75 liters of vodka, the product is ready in three weeks. Take it one teaspoon before dinner. It will exhibit medicinal properties and will not cause harm to the body if the course of administration is short (up to 5-7 days).
Alcohol tincture is an effective prevention of varicose veins
Decoction of inflorescences
A decoction of white acacia flowers has a beneficial effect on the mucous membrane and promotes its regeneration. Its medicinal properties are in demand for diseases of the oral cavity and digestive tract.
To prepare the decoction you need:
- Pour dry or fresh flowers (1 tbsp) with a glass of water.
- Place in a water bath and bring to a boil.
- After 10-15 minutes, remove from heat and cool with the lid closed.
The medicinal properties of acacia flower decoction do not last long, so it is recommended to prepare a new portion every 2-3 days. It is taken three times a day, half a glass before meals.
The decoction is also useful for normalizing temperature and for colds and similar infectious diseases.
Acacia tea
Tea made from acacia flowers has a general strengthening effect on the body and immunity, and has a beneficial effect on the nervous system. In addition, its medicinal properties are in demand for problems with the kidneys, gastrointestinal tract, and genitourinary system.
The drink is brewed by pouring 1 tbsp. l. flowers with a glass of hot water. Leave for 15-20 minutes.
Every day you can drink no more than three glasses of tea, the course of treatment is no longer than two months, the break between courses is 2-3 months
Flower juice
Acacia juice, which has medicinal properties, is obtained from unopened buds. They must be collected on a dry day. The raw materials are covered with sugar (100 g per 1 kg), mixed, transferred to a suitable container, compacted well. The closed container is placed in the refrigerator for 12-15 hours, then the juice is squeezed out through cheesecloth.
Its medicinal properties help women get rid of gynecological diseases. Drink a teaspoon of juice three times a day, and use it diluted for douching.
Do they help you lose weight?
There is no scientific evidence confirming that white or yellow acacia flowers treat obesity or help get rid of extra pounds. In this case, acacia honey will be more useful, helping to remove excess water, waste and toxins from the body, quickly process fats and activate metabolism.
Of course, you shouldn’t overuse honey when losing weight.
However, for those who adhere to a diet, you can include acacia flower tea in the menu, supplementing it with other herbs that are useful in this case. Its beneficial effect on the nervous system will definitely be useful.
Application in cosmetology
The healing properties of acacia flowers will be useful for maintaining youthful skin and combating imperfections. This is due to a combination of anti-inflammatory, soothing and antioxidant effects.
Infusion and decoction are used instead of lotion or facial tonic. Fresh flowers crushed into a paste are added to face masks, using as a base products suitable for your own skin type - basic cosmetic oils, sour cream, yogurt, egg yolk or white, honey.
Contraindications for use
Despite their demand in folk medicine, yellow and white acacia flowers can cause harm, rather than benefit, to the body if the contraindications for their use are not taken into account:
- age up to 12 years;
- the entire period of bearing a child and breastfeeding;
- hypotension;
- reduced acidity of gastric juice;
- individual intolerance;
- any chronic diseases that cause metabolic disorders.
Collection and storage
The concentration of nutrients in acacia flowers is maximum when they just begin to open. Accordingly, their medicinal properties are most pronounced.
To collect raw materials, choose a cool, cloudy day. A prerequisite is the absence of precipitation. It is advisable to dry cut inflorescences naturally, in a well-ventilated area, protecting them from direct sunlight.
If you have doubts about the environmental purity of raw materials, it is easier to buy them
Dried acacia flowers are stored in hermetically sealed plastic containers, glass jars or in paper bags or linen bags. They need to be kept in a cool room with good ventilation and fairly low air humidity. The shelf life is up to a year, then the medicinal properties are lost.
Conclusion
The medicinal properties of acacia flowers and their rich chemical composition determine their stable demand in folk medicine. They also find application in home cosmetology. Despite the seeming harmlessness of such folk remedies, they have contraindications for use, recipes and dosage regimens that cannot be ignored. Otherwise, you can get the opposite of the desired effect, causing harm to health.
Reviews on the use of white acacia flowers
