What is known about the beneficial qualities of field geraniums? What substances are contained in its structure? How to collect and harvest a plant for the preparation of medicines? What are the medicinal properties and contraindications of geranium field? The answers to these and other questions can be found in our article.
Field geranium: description
The plant is a perennial grass that has a thick, powerful rhizome. Shoots are able to reach a height of 80 cm or more. Has an erect, branched closer to the upper part of the stem. The top contains a sticky substance that acts as a natural defense of the plant from small pests. The adhesive does not allow insects to get to the inflorescences.
Field geranium, a photo of which can be seen in the article, has long-leaved rounded leaves covered with small hairs. Large single flowers of a purple-red hue are formed on the stems. Each of them contains 5 petals. The plant produces fruits in the form of coracoid seeds. Field geranium blooms from June to September.
A brief excursion into history
Europeans discovered field geraniums at the end of the 17th century. The first bushes of the plant were brought into the Old World from South African countries. Soon, the plant began to be in extreme demand among the poor. Field geranium was appreciated for its attractive appearance, unpretentiousness to cultivation conditions, a wide range of healing properties. The poor used this grass to disinfect the air, to eliminate dampness in their homes.
In folk medicine, field geranium has been actively used since the mid-19th century. At this time, studies were conducted that proved the antibacterial properties of the plant. Leaves of grass began to be used to prepare medicinal drops, which were prescribed for people suffering from staphylococcus. Field geranium tinctures were sprayed in rooms with an unfavorable environment in order to destroy pathogens.
Chemical composition
Starch, catechins, flavonoids, saponins, phenolcarboxylic acids are concentrated in the rhizomes of the plant. The stems and leaves are saturated with fructose, sucrose, raffinose, glucose, carotene, group K vitamins, ascorbic acid. Anthocyanins and tannins are also isolated from shoots.
Features of the procurement of raw materials
Field geraniums in the garden are cultivated with the same success as in the natural growing conditions of the plant. Grow it in order to collect rhizomes and leaves. It is these parts of the plant that have medicinal properties.
Harvesting field geraniums during active flowering. The collected shoots are laid out in a thin layer under a canopy, which is able to protect raw materials from direct sunlight. Such raw materials are stored in wooden or glass containers, previously crushed.
As for the rhizomes, collect them in late autumn. Before drying, shake off the soil, thoroughly washed and laid out in the shade. Such raw materials are distributed into bags made of natural materials. Rhizomes can be stored for 3 years. During this time, the raw material retains its beneficial properties.
For medicinal purposes, fresh geranium juice is often used. Crumpled stems, crushed leaves of the plant are also used.
Field geranium: medicinal properties
The plant is widely known for its sedative properties. The aerial part of the grass can be used to make medicines that can act on the nervous system both excitingly and depressingly.
In folk medicine, it was believed that geranium field also helps from a snake bite. Photos of this famous antitoxic agent can be seen in the presented section. If the snake bit, freshly crushed leaves of such grass were applied to the place affected by the poison.
The plant has long been known among traditional healers for its anti-inflammatory and astringent qualities. Tinctures prepared from dried geranium are recommended for use in case of malignant neoplasms. Similar remedies are also used for the speedy restoration of bone tissue in fractures.
Decoctions prepared on the basis of rhizomes of field geraniums contribute to the elimination of insomnia. They are also used for colds, in order to eliminate infections of the gastrointestinal tract. Means based on geraniums can help in the fight against gastritis, facilitate the treatment of hemorrhoids.
All kinds of powders from the crushed shoots of the plant are used to heal wounds, eliminate abscesses, ulcerative manifestations. Lotions are used for rheumatism, gout.
Geranium decoctions are an excellent disinfectant for rinsing the oral cavity. Use them for stomatitis, gingivitis, tonsillitis. Plant-based tinctures provide an opportunity to eliminate the symptoms of ailments that affect the upper respiratory tract.
Contraindications
Therapy with the use of field geraniums is not recommended during pregnancy. The active ingredients in the plant can harm the fetus and even lead to miscarriage.
You should not use all kinds of tinctures from geraniums to people suffering from chronic pathologies that affect the organs of the gastrointestinal tract. The same applies to the elderly.
Geranium for diseases of the musculoskeletal system
Healers recommend using the plant for manifestations of osteochondrosis and radiculitis. Shredded geranium leaves are considered an effective remedy. The latter is applied to sore spots and left overnight. Such treatment helps relieve pain and alleviate the general condition.
Eliminate Ear Pain
Field geranium is able to eliminate discomfort during the development of otitis media. In this case, the crushed leaf of the plant is laid in the ear. The juice of a healing plant disinfects tissues, prevents the development of inflammatory processes, removes unpleasant sensations.
Ear pain in some people may occur in response to increased atmospheric pressure. In such situations, the frayed leaves of field geraniums are combined with camphor oil and buried in the ear canal. Relief occurs after 10-15 minutes.
Thyroid Disease Treatment
Geranium helps with the so-called goiter. The pathological phenomenon is manifested by an increase in the volume of the thyroid gland. In order to reduce the functional activity of this organ, which, in fact, leads to discomfort, the following remedy is used.
A few handfuls of field geraniums are placed in a glass jar and filled with alcohol (half a liter). Insist the medicine for a month, periodically shaking the composition. In conclusion, the product is carefully filtered through several layers of gauze or a fine sieve, discarding the entire cake. Take a healing tincture 3 times a day in a tablespoon before meals. To significantly reduce the volume of the thyroid gland, it is enough to drink more than a liter of alcohol composition for a month. If necessary, the course can be repeated.
Hemorrhoid treatment
In order to stop hemorrhoidal bleeding, it is recommended to use juice squeezed from fresh shoots and leaves of the plant. To prepare the product, it is enough to grind such raw materials in a meat grinder or using a blender. To feel relief, you must regularly apply lotions based on the gruel of the plant.
Geranium with thrush
The plant also helps with common fungal manifestations, in particular, in the case of thrush. To relieve the sensation of itching, a pharmacy tincture of field geranium is used, a few drops of which are dissolved in a glass of warm water. The solution is used as a means for regular douching.
Stomach upset
Field geranium can help with the development of diarrhea. For these purposes, use a medicine that is prepared from the dried root of the plant. To prepare the product, take about 30 grams of raw material, brew it in a glass of boiled water and insist for 5-10 minutes. The composition is filtered and periodically consumed in small portions until the manifestations of diarrhea disappear.