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Gentian cross is a wild plant from the Gentian family. Found in pastures, meadows, slopes and forest edges. The culture is distinguished not only by its decorative qualities, but also by its therapeutic effect. In alternative medicine, compositions based on gentian roots are used for rheumatism, gout, arthritis, hypertension, diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, kidneys, liver, skin and many others. In official medicine, preparations containing an extract from the rhizomes of the culture are also used.
Description of cruciform gentian
The cruciform gentian (Gentiana cruciata) is also known as the goose-footed garachka, the goose-footed garachuk, the lichomannik, the falcon's flight, the falconer. Based on the botanical description of cross-leaved gentian, the culture is a perennial herbaceous plant from the Gentian family. Reaches 75-100 cm in height, the roots are not very long, dark brown in color.Gentian cross is distinguished by densely leafy single or grouped greenish-purple stems and elongated leaves that have a characteristic bend towards the ground.
The flowers of Gentian cruciform are goblet-shaped, each inflorescence has rounded-elongated petals, bent at the ends
The fruits of the crop ripen in early autumn. Inside the seed pod there are a large number of elongated seeds. Flowering of gentian cruciform begins at the end of May or in the first ten days of June. The culture is considered frost-resistant; it does not require additional shelter for the winter. The plant easily tolerates drought and thrives in both partial shade and sunny places.
Where and how does cruciform gentian grow?
According to the description of gentian cruciform (pictured), the crop grows well both in meadows and forest edges, as well as in flower beds. The natural habitat of the plant is sparse forests, thickets of bushes and dry meadows of Western Siberia, Central Asia, the Caucasus and Europe. Due to urbanization, transformation of river valleys and other negative factors associated with human intervention in nature, natural reserves of medicinal herbs have decreased significantly. Gentian cross prefers open ground, well-moistened and drained. Growing a crop in a garden plot is quite simple; you just need to prepare soil rich in lime for it.
Cross gentian can be used to decorate flower beds and flower beds
Composition and value of the plant
The rhizomes of gentian cruciform contain glycosides (gentiamarin, gentiopicrin, gentinin and others), iridoids (secondary metabolites), plant polyphenols (flavonoids and catechins), fatty and essential oils, ascorbic acid, as well as tannins, resins and mucus. Such a diverse composition makes the culture in demand not only in folk, but also in traditional medicine.
Beneficial features
For medicinal purposes, mainly the roots of gentian cruciform are used.
The famous ancient Roman philosopher and physician Galen mentioned in his treatises the healing properties of gentian cruciform and its high effectiveness in the treatment of diseases associated with impaired water-salt metabolism (rheumatism, gout).
Use in folk medicine
Decoctions from the roots of Gentian cruciform have long been used in folk medicine to stabilize the digestive process and increase appetite. They were used to treat heartburn, gastritis with low acidity, and various diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. Bitter glycosides contained in the roots have a positive effect on gastric juice secretion. Therefore, they are included in many preparations intended for the treatment of ailments affecting the gastrointestinal tract.
Recipes for decoctions and infusions
One of the most popular healing recipes from bitter roots is a “cold” infusion.It is used for intestinal atony, persistent heartburn, lack of appetite or chronic constipation. A number of traditional healers use the infusion in the complex treatment of respiratory diseases (including tuberculosis). It is prepared as follows:
- 1 teaspoon of dried crushed roots is poured into 400 ml of pre-boiled and cooled water.
- The container is placed in a dark place with a temperature no higher than room temperature and left for 8-12 hours.
- The liquid is filtered, the raw materials are squeezed out.
- Take the infusion 3 times a day, 100 ml, shortly before meals.
The decoction is used as lotions and compresses that perform a disinfecting function. The composition accelerates the healing of purulent wounds. To prepare the decoction:
- Take the dried crushed raw material in the amount of 3 teaspoons and fill it with purified water (750-800 ml).
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cook for 15-20 minutes.
- Remove the container from the heat and leave for at least three hours.
- The liquid is filtered, after which it can be used to create compresses and lotions.
Bitters are prescribed for various disorders of the digestive tract. To make it:
- Mix several teaspoons of bitter roots with centaury herb and orange fruit (50 g each).
- Dried turmeric in an amount of 30 g is added to the mixture and filled with alcohol (60 °) or high-quality distillate.
- Infuse the product for three weeks. After pressing, straining and filtering, the bitters are ready for use. Drink it in the amount of 25-100 drops (depending on the diagnosis), mixed in a glass of water.
To prepare the extract, take 50 g of crushed roots and pour 250 ml of alcohol into them.After the product has been infused for a month, it is used 15-30 drops shortly before meals. The herbal mixture, which includes centaury, St. John's wort, rhizomes of gentian cruciform, yarrow, fumaria and wild chicory, is poured with hot water and taken for gastritis (chronic or acute form).
Admission rules
In the treatment of ailments associated with metabolic disorders, as well as arthritis, gout and rheumatism, use a decoction of gentian.
Drink it in the amount of 90-100 ml three to four times a day. For hepatitis, take a decoction of buckthorn bark, gentian cruciform, dandelion rhizomes and celandine. In case of infection with roundworms or pinworms, use a collection of bitter roots, wormwood, tansy and chamomile flowers. All ingredients are taken in equal proportions, poured with purified water and boiled for 15 minutes.
Restrictions and contraindications
The gentian cross-leaved plant contains alkaloids and compounds that can cause intoxication of the body. Therefore, before using medications, you must read the instructions and strictly follow the dosage.
It is not recommended to take drugs based on this culture during lactation and pregnancy, as well as for hypertension and peptic ulcer disease.
Collection and procurement of raw materials
In medical practice, the rhizomes of Gentian cruciform are used. They begin harvesting them in late autumn, when the vegetative mass dies. Medicinal raw materials are obtained from plants that are four years old or older.Only specialized farms that have the appropriate licenses can harvest the roots of the crop.
During industrial harvesting, the rhizomes and roots of gentian cruciforme undergo heat treatment using electric dryers.
Conclusion
Gentian cruciferous is a perennial herbaceous plant with enormous therapeutic potential. Bitter roots and rhizomes have long been used in folk medicine to treat various gastrointestinal diseases, pancreatitis, rheumatism, gout and many other ailments. Extracts and decoctions of gentian cruciform are used to combat parasites and stimulate the secretory function of the stomach. You can plant the crop in your own garden plot, since it is unpretentious and frost-resistant.
