Content
Gentian pulmonary is listed in biological reference books under the Latin name Gentiana pulmonanthe. The culture is known as gentiana vulgaris or falconer pulmonosa. It received its specific name because of its bitter roots with a high content of amaropanin glycoside, an active substance with medicinal properties.
Description of pulmonary gentian
Gentian of this species is a polycarpic plant, flowering and bearing fruit for many years with a short-rhizomatous, branched structure of the underground part. The perennial herbaceous plant grows singly or in small groups and forms erect stems.
The external description of pulmonary gentian (Gentiana pulmonanthe) is as follows:
- Plant height – 20-35 cm.
- The stems are single or slightly branched in the upper part, dark brown, rigid with small dense pubescence.
- The main shoot and side branches end in single flowers.
- The leaves are narrow, linear, grow along the entire stem, up to 6 cm long, bright green with one central vein.
- The flowers of Gentian pulmonata are formed on short peduncles located in the leaf axils of the upper part.They are bell-shaped, the calyx is jagged with curved sharp edges. The petals are deeply dissected and dark blue.
- The anthers and stamens are fused, beige-yellow in color, the fruits are box-shaped.
At night and in cloudy weather, gentian pulmonary flowers are collected in buds that open when there is sufficient lighting.
Distribution area
Gentian pulmonary is a representative of the European-Siberian range. The main accumulation is noted in the basins of the Kama, Don, Volga, in Western and Eastern Siberia. Much less commonly, gentian pulmonary can be found in the North Caucasus, in the Middle Zone and Central regions.
It grows in small groups or singly in forest clearings, along the banks of reservoirs, and in flooded meadows. A prerequisite is moist, fertile soils. It is rare, gentian pulmonary is classified as an endangered species, the plant is listed in the Red Book of a number of regions:
- Lipetskaya;
- Penza;
- Tambovskaya;
- Saratovskaya;
- Rostov;
- Kursk;
- Volgogradskaya;
- Belgorodskaya.
In places of accumulation, the population is represented by old plants, there are very few young ones, this factor reduces the number of pulmonary gentian and leads to its disappearance. Poor reproduction is due to the low competitiveness of the plant; it is replaced by crops adapted to dry soil conditions. The decline is also influenced by the territorial fragmentation of the species and anthropogenic reasons: plowing of land, early haymaking, when the plant has not yet entered the fruiting phase, logging, collection of raw materials for medicinal purposes.
Features of reproduction
In its natural environment, gentian pulmonary reproduces by self-sowing and basal shoots. The second method is extremely rare; vegetative propagation requires a moist environment and nutritious soil. The root system grows and forms new stems, forming a small compact bush, but the plant itself does not produce more than 3-4 shoots from one root.
At home, you can grow gentian pulmonary from seeds by sowing them in the ground before winter or planting them as seedlings.
The material is obtained in a standard way. An adult plant on the site can be propagated by dividing the root so that each fragment has a healthy bud and root threads.
This method is not very effective; rooting of cuttings is very weak, but possible.
Composition and value of the plant
The medicinal properties of gentian pulmonary are recognized not only by folk medicine, but also by traditional medicine. The chemical composition is rich in micro- and macroelements that are involved in almost all functions of the human body. Useful components are contained in the root system and above-ground mass of gentian pulmonary. Active substances in the plant:
- essential oils;
- tanning polyphenols;
- glycosides (main concentration in the root): swerciamarin, gentiopicrin, amarogentin, amaropanine;
- alkaloid gentianine;
- sugar – gentianosis, gentiobriosis;
- ascorbic and phenolcarboxylic (ferulic) acids;
- inulin.
The plant has an antispasmodic effect, normalizes gastric secretion, improves energy balance, and acts as a prebiotic.Gentian pulmonary is used as a sedative, expectorant, antipyretic and anticonvulsant. The herb has choleretic properties and promotes better blood clotting during cuts.
Medicinal properties
Gentian pulmonary, especially its root part, is used to treat a number of pathologies:
- respiratory viral infections;
- bronchitis;
- tonsillitis;
- hemeralopia (decreased quality of vision during twilight);
- renal and heart failure;
- stomach ulcers, gastritis;
- burns, purulent wounds;
- gout;
- anemia;
- hepatitis A;
- for pulmonary diseases of various etiologies.
Diseases associated with the gastrointestinal tract are most often treated. Infusions and decoctions help normalize the functioning of the digestive system, relieve constipation and flatulence. Normalizes the acid level in gastric secretions. Taking remedies based on pulmonary gentian helps maintain normal blood pressure.
The grass root is harvested at the end of the growing season, approximately in October
Use in folk medicine
In alternative medicine recipes, all parts of the plant are used for external and internal use. Based on gentian pulmonary, decoctions, infusions are prepared, or an alcohol tincture is made for topical use.
Raw materials are prepared in three stages. Before the budding phase, gentian pulmonary leaves are collected; during flowering, flowers and stems are harvested. In autumn they dig the root. They are also prepared in several ways. You can collect the stems with flowers in bunches and hang them in a well-ventilated area, protected from the sun. After collection, separate the stems from the flowers, cut them into pieces along with the leaves and dry them. The root is washed well, cut and dried.
Recipes and rules of admission
For better digestion, getting rid of high acidity and eliminating constipation, make a decoction of 20 g of crushed herb mixed with 15 g of powdered root. Gentian is poured into a thermos with 1.5 liters of water and left until the liquid cools completely. I drink 50 g before meals. The course lasts 5 days.
An infusion of 7 tbsp helps against pulmonary and colds. l. chopped root and 5 tbsp. l. above-ground part, filled with 1 liter of boiling water. Leave the product for 6 hours, then boil, filter and refrigerate. Take 70 g before meals.
For low blood pressure, anemia, malaria, an alcohol infusion is made. A 0.5 liter bottle is filled 1/3 with gentian pulmonary root and topped up with vodka or alcohol. Insist in a dark room for 1.5 months. Then filter and drink 40 drops in 4 doses per day.
Restrictions and contraindications
It is not recommended for pregnant women to take a product based on gentian pulmonary. The chemical composition of the plant increases the muscle tone of the uterus, which is why decoctions were previously used to stimulate labor. It is necessary to refrain from treatment with gentian pulmonary if the intestinal disorder occurs with symptoms of diarrhea, since the herb has a laxative effect. Tinctures should not be used by people with individual intolerance and women during lactation.
Conclusion
Gentian pulmonary is a perennial medicinal plant with a rich chemical composition. It grows singly or in small groups in moist soil, and is rare. The plant is classified as an endangered species; in a number of regions of Russia, gentian pulmonary is listed in the Red Book.
