Bogorodskaya grass is a small medicinal plant used in herbal medicine since ancient times. It has a cleansing, antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effect, cures skin diseases and strengthens the body.
Description
Bogorodskaya grass, thyme, creeping thyme are all the names of the same plant. Belongs to the family Clear- flowing (lat. Lamiáceae). It is currently growing in Europe, North Africa, Central and North Asia and North America. Grass can be found in dry, sandy, well-lit places. Often covers large surfaces.
Bogorodskaya grass reaches a height of 3 to 30 cm, has thin creeping stems. The leaves have a small, obovate or lanceolate shape with smooth edges. The stems at the ends are covered with pinkish-purple flowers. During flowering, the grass gives off a characteristic aroma. Thyme blooms from June to September (even until October). This is a honey plant, bees love it very much.
Composition
Bogorodskaya grass contains substances that are valued in pharmaceuticals, cosmetology and perfumes. First of all, it is an essential oil, the main components of which are phenols, thymol, carvacrol, terpenes, terpineol and citral. Thyme also contains a significant amount of flavonoids and tannins, it has organic acids, saponins and mineral salts with a high content of lithium and aluminum. For medicinal and cosmetic purposes, the most commonly used extract and essential oil from a plant, less often pollen, and for use at home, an infusion of this herb is suitable.
Collection and Harvesting
Medicinal raw materials are dried flowering shoots of grass. They must be collected at the beginning of flowering, in dry weather, after the dew has dried. Flowering shoots should be cut at such a height that the lower woody and leafless parts do not fall into the raw materials. Cut shoots are dried in a thin layer in a shaded and ventilated area. Finished raw materials are stored in a sealed jar.
Healing properties
The healing properties of the Bogorodsk grass are readily used for various diseases.
Thyme heals:
1. Damage and inflammation of the skin. The strong bactericidal, astringent and anti-inflammatory effect of the infusion from the plant makes it a very effective remedy for cuts, ulcers and skin burns. It helps to get rid of acne, relieves itching after insect bites. The broth should be used as a rinse after washing the hair - treats seborrhea and ringworm of the scalp.
2. Rheumatism. Thanks to the anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties of flavonoids and essential oils contained in the grass, it improves the condition of rheumatic pains, neuralgia and bruises. To alleviate such ailments, you should do hot wraps from the decoction to the sore spots.
3. Diseases of the bronchi. Thyme extract is a good expectorant medicine - it stimulates the production of mucus and the movement of the cilia of the epithelium of the respiratory tract, and therefore helps with a dry, intense cough. The herb is especially effective for smokers and patients with chronic inflammation of the bronchi, as it helps to cleanse the airways. For this purpose, it is recommended to use the infusion from this plant and inhalation with it.
4. Painful menstruation. Bogorodskaya grass has a strong antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory effect. Therefore, with painful periods, it is good to drink tea with thyme, which has a relaxing effect on the body. It is also useful for headaches and even migraines.
5. Weakening of the body. Thyme infusion baths are recommended for those weakened after an illness, with psychological and physiological overwork. Infusion strengthens the nervous system, stimulates the heart.
6. Inflammation of the mucous membranes. The disinfectant, bactericidal and astringent action makes the grass an effective tool for rinsing the mouth and throat during infection.
Thyme infusion is also well suited for douching intimate areas in case of itching and discharge.
7. Flatulence and dyspepsia. Herbal tea from a plant treats abdominal pain, gastritis, bloating. Due to the high content of essential oil and tannins, thyme stimulates the secretion of digestive juices and has a beneficial effect on the liver. The grass prevents the proliferation of bacteria too fast and excessive fermentation processes in the gastrointestinal tract, has a carminative effect.
Application
The beneficial properties of Bogorodskaya grass can be enumerated endlessly. In folk medicine, medicinal decoctions, infusions, baths are prepared from the plant.
Thyme recipes used in herbal medicine are diverse.
Tea
One tablespoon of dried thyme herb should be poured with a glass of boiling water and left to brew under the lid for 15 minutes. Strain and drink three times a day before meals as an expectorant or after meals for better digestion.
Infusion for baths
Pour 200 g of dry thyme herb with 3-4 liters of boiling water and set aside for 20 minutes. Strain and add to the bath with water, trying to ensure that its temperature does not ultimately exceed +38 ° C. Immerse yourself in the bath for 10-15 minutes - it strengthens the body, relieves neuralgic and rheumatic pains, relieves acne.
Wine
It is necessary to mix 4 tablespoons of Bogorodskaya grass and 4 tablespoons of plantain. Put the herbal mixture in a pan, pour 6 cups of red wine, bring to a boil over low heat. Cool for 15 minutes, strain. Add a cinnamon stick, vanilla pod, 4 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar, a liter of honey. Heat on fire for about 10 minutes, pour into bottles. The drug should be drunk with a cold several times a day for 2-3 tablespoons, preferably diluted with warm water.
Concentrated infusion for external use
You need 2.5 tablespoons of dry thyme herb pour one and a half glasses of hot water. Heat over a fire under a lid to a boil. Remove from heat and insist 15 minutes, strain. An infusion of Bogorodskaya grass and therapeutic compresses from it are used to rinse the mouth and heal wounds on the skin.
If you like the smell of thyme, grass can be successfully used to flavor dishes. It is worth collecting the plant yourself, drying it, and then using it all year round for dishes of meat, fish and vegetables, salads and sauces.
Contraindications
Bogorodskaya grass should not be used:
- women during pregnancy and lactation;
- persons with peptic ulcer of the stomach and duodenum.
People with atherosclerosis should consult their healthcare provider before using thyme medicines.