Who does not know burdock, perhaps knows burdock, burdock or burdock. These are different names for the same plant, the thorns of which cling to those who pass by. “How the burdock got attached,” they say. Or maybe he clings for a reason - trying to draw the attention of those passing by. After all, it is very medicinal - a big burdock. Useful properties and contraindications of a simple plant are indicated in many herbalists. Rather, a lot has been written about the healing properties, and some authors mention contraindications. And now more about the appearance of the plant, and what parts of it are used by herbal medicine, what healing qualities they are endowed with, what diseases burdock can cure. Useful properties and contraindications - who will help the first, and whom others warn?
Description of the plant and its place of growth
The herb is biennial. On an erect, ribbed stalk up to a meter and a half, there are regular large leaves. They are green above, and below - grayish and soft, felt. The flowers are lilac-purple in tenacious hooked wrappers, bloom from June to September. Fruits seeds ripen in August. Burdock is found everywhere as a weed in gardens and fields, in forests, along roads, near rivers.
Internal content
Proteins (protein nutrients), tannins (possess tanning and astringent properties, acting as antidotes, blood purifying, antidiarrheal and antihemorrhoidal agents), inulin (useful for diabetics), fat-like substances, plant hormones, organic acids - these substances are located in the roots of the plant. Carotene, vitamin C, and traces of the essential oil in leaves, petioles, and flowers contain burdock. Useful properties: leaves and other parts of the plant are used as an antioxidant - a substance that slows down the aging of the body. Seeds - as an antitumor agent for the treatment of cancer due to the presence of a complex of medicinal substances in them, in particular arctinin glycoside.
What diseases is burdock used for? Useful properties and contraindications
Burdock is included in the pharmacopeia of the United States and several European countries. It is an essential tool of Chinese, Indian and Tibetan medicine. We name the diseases that burdock can cure , the beneficial properties and contraindications of it. Severe diseases such as pulmonary tuberculosis, bronchitis, gastric ulcer, pancreatitis, gastritis, cholecystitis, colitis, liver cirrhosis, stones in the liver and gall bladder, chronic constipation, menstruation delay, uterine cancer, fibromyomas, prostate adenoma can be treated with drugs from burdock. glands, kidney inflammation and stones in them, skin diseases (acne, seborrhea, furunculosis, lichen, eczema, hair loss, fungal infections), atherosclerosis, anemia, erysipelas, shingles, hyperthyroidism, stomatitis, sinusitis, obesity, alcoholism. Burdock is effective in the treatment of arthritis, gout, rheumatism and radiculitis.
The beneficial properties
of burdock juice, decoction and infusion of root, seeds and flowers are numerous. They are expressed in diuretic, diaphoretic, antibacterial, lactogonous, antispasmodic, choleretic, anti-sclerotic, anti-inflammatory, enveloping, blood-purifying action. Healing burdock during the healing of affected tissues (cuts, abscesses). Preparations made from the plant can restore hairline, help with allergies, reduce blood sugar in diabetics, remove toxins from the body, and restore water-salt metabolism. Burdock has a good immunostimulating and strengthening effect on the body. The plant has few contraindications. These are special periods of female life (pregnancy and breastfeeding), individual intolerance (very rare).