Spring flowers in my garden. For the treatment of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, hemorrhoids

Thanks

At the beginning of spring, the forests are decorated with flowering lungwort- an excellent early honey plant, a beautiful and medicinal plant that has long been used to treat lung diseases. We will talk about this amazing plant in this article, dwelling in detail on its healing properties, benefits and applications.

Description of the plant lungwort

Lungwort (or pulmonaria) is an annual or biennial herbaceous plant belonging to the borage family (Boraginaceae). Close "relatives" of the lungwort are forget-me-nots, brunners, umbilicals, and also borage.

The scientific name of the genus Lungwort - Pulmonaria - is based on the Latin word "pulmon", which means "lung" in translation (this explains the popular names of the plant, including "lung" and "lung grass"). This name was given to the lungwort for the reason that the oval leaves of the plant in their shape resemble such an organ as the lungs.

At one time, Paracelsus developed the doctrine of signatures, the beginning of which was laid by Galen and Dioscorides. According to this doctrine, there is a relationship between animate and inanimate nature, which is manifested by external similarity and is marked with special signs. Thus, nature itself demonstrates by the appearance of a plant for the treatment of which organ it can be used.

The Russian name of the genus "lungwort", used in the scientific literature, is due to the fact that representatives of the genus have honey-bearing properties, because the flowers of this plant contain a large amount of nectar, not to mention the fact that lungwort is one of the earliest honey plants.

Interesting fact! Due to early flowering, lungwort, like some other plants, is called "snowdrop" in some regions of Russia.

What does a lungwort look like?

Medunka (this is another popular name for the plant) has a straight, but at the same time branched stem, which reaches a height of 30 - 80 cm. A fairly long grass root is distinguished by the presence of small tubers.

The stem is covered with leaves, the upper ones are lanceolate-wedge-shaped, and the lower ones are oblong. I must say that the finely pointed leaves of the plant have a slight pubescence.

Lungwort flowers are collected in original paired small-flowered curls located on the tops of the stems, and the corolla of the flower most often has a funnel shape.

Lungwort can "boast" of two types of flowers, which differ not only in their structure, but also in shade. But everything is in order. And let's start with the structure of the flowers: for example, some flowers have, firstly, long columns of pistils that protrude from the corolla, and secondly, short stamens hidden in the depths of the corolla. Other flowers, on the contrary, are distinguished by short columns of pistils and long stamens. This kind of feature of flowers makes it possible to prevent self-pollination, thereby making cross-pollination the most effective.

Let's move on to the colors of flowers collected in inflorescences.

According to legend, the blue flowers of the lungwort are the flowers of Adam, and the pink ones are the flowers of Eve. Thus, the lungwort acts as a plant, symbolizing the unity of opposites.

But such a "neighborhood" has a more rational (scientific) explanation. The fact is that the lungwort contains plant pigments (or anthocyanins), which are responsible for the color of the petals. Due to the presence of anthocyanins in the plant, the flowers change their color in accordance with the acidity of the cell sap. So, in young flowers of a plant, the cell sap is acidic, as a result of which anthocyanins have a pink color. In the course of aging of flowers, the acidity of their juice decreases significantly, and therefore anthocyanins gradually turn blue.

The fruit of the lungwort is a crescent-shaped one-seeded bean.

Where does the lungwort grow?

All species of lungwort are found in the wild in the temperate zone of Eurasia, with the most extensive area being occupied by the soft lungwort, common from Western Europe to Asia Minor. Lungwort also grows in Eastern Siberia.

Lungworts growing on the territory of broad-leaved and coniferous-broad-leaved forests prefer partial shade or shaded and cool areas. But this plant does not favor heat.

Lungwort is considered a relatively moisture-loving and cold-resistant plant, preferring sandy or loamy, alkaline or slightly acidic and loose soils that contain humus.

Interesting fact! It is in the shade that the beautiful pattern on the leaves of the lungwort is especially bright, while the flowers acquire a truly saturated color.

Types of herb lungwort

Modern pharmacology practically does not use lungwort, while traditional medicine, on the contrary, actively uses this plant, which contains a lot of substances, vitamins, macro- and microelements that are most useful for the human body.

In total, the genus Medunitsa, according to various sources, has from 12 to 70 species, which are practically not preserved in their pure form due to the high pollination of the plant. For this reason, to this day, there is no clear structure in the systematics of this genus.

For medicinal purposes, three types of lungwort are used (medicinal, obscure, softest), which are almost identical in their healing properties and composition, and therefore are used equally in traditional medicine (all the recipes given in this article can be prepared from one of the three listed types lungwort). So, we will give a description of each of the indicated types, after which we will proceed to consider their properties and applications.

Lungwort obscure

This type of lungwort, which is also called the dark lungwort, is rightfully considered the most common in Eastern Europe.

Lungwort obscure is a perennial with a fairly thick brown rhizome. Absolutely the entire plant is covered with stiff, standing and glandular hairs.

The ribbed and slightly bent stem of the dark lungwort rarely exceeds 30 cm in height. This plant blooms immediately after the snow melts, lifting its stems above the ground. As the flowering progresses, the stems of the plant increase, reaching a size of about 20 - 30 cm.

Green stem leaves, without spots, medium-sized and oblong.

The flowers of Lungwort obscure, collected in an inflorescence-curl, are concentrated at the end of the stem.

The dry fruits of this type of lungwort break up in the process of ripening into four one-seeded nuts, and after the seeds ripen, absolutely the entire flowering shoot dies off together with the leaves, and the so-called basal rosettes develop in the plant.

Mostly the flowers of the lungwort are of an unclear lilac color, although there are specimens with purple or white flowers.

Lungwort officinalis

Lungwort medicinal mainly grows in the forests of Central and Eastern Europe, in the British Isles. In Russia, this plant can be found in the Kaliningrad region.

This perennial rhizomatous plant reaches a height of up to 30 cm, and has erect and hairy stems.

The leaves of the lungwort officinalis are covered with light spots, their length does not exceed 15 cm. The light spots on the foliage of the plant are a strongly loosened tissue, dotted with stomata. All lungwort leaves are rough and pubescent.

Flowers-bells, located at the ends of the stem, have a double perianth.

The fruit of the plant ripening in July is a nut with fairly fleshy appendages (the nuts have points at the ends).

The rhizome of this type of lungwort is very developed and quite thick.

Lungwort soft (softest)

This type of lungwort is common from Western Europe to Asia Minor, it is not rare in Eastern Siberia. The softest lungwort prefers light, moderately dry places and soils rich in minerals.

The roots of the softest lungwort have a powerful brown rhizome and many adventitious roots.

The height of this plant varies between 10 - 50 cm, this species differs from other types of lungwort by the presence of soft velvety and slightly sticky pubescence.

The stem, branched at the inflorescence, is erect and glandular in places.

The leaves of the soft lungwort gradually taper towards the petiole. It should be noted that the upper side of the leaves is glandular in places, while the lower side is velvety-pubescent and lighter. The leaves of the plant remain green until autumn.

Bisexual flowers of the plant, collected in fairly dense curls, have the correct shape and grow on glandular pedicels directly in the axils of the leaves.

The fruit of the lungwort is a dark brown nut.

Collection and storage

For medicinal purposes, both the aerial part of the lungwort and the roots of the plant are used.

The aerial part is harvested during budding and flowering: for example, flowering shoots (possibly with leaves) are cut off near the soil itself, after which they are folded in small bunches and hung in a ventilated room to dry. You can also dry the raw materials in the sun or using dryers (the temperature should not exceed 40 degrees). It is important to dry the raw material quickly, which will help prevent its blackening.

The roots are collected and dried for quite a long time in the fall.

After drying, it is advisable to grind all parts of the plant (grind) and grind into powder.

Dried raw materials are stored in dense fabric or paper bags.

flowering lungwort

The lungwort blooms in the second - fourth year of life, while on a brightened area the plant blooms earlier than in the shade (later the lungwort will bloom annually, fruiting and giving self-sowing).

As mentioned above, the lungwort is one of those plants that appear in the forests with the advent of spring: for example, there is still snow in the damp hollows, while the bees actively collect pollen from the lungwort, gaining strength after a long winter.

Composition and properties of lungwort

Anthocyanins
Action:

• reduce the fragility of both capillaries and blood vessels;
• normalize the functions of the central nervous system;
• slow down the aging process;
• regulate metabolism;
• remove the inflammatory process;
• strengthen the heart muscle;
• eliminate bleeding of various origins;
• reduce the risk of developing cancer, as well as diabetes.

Flavonoids
Action:

• prevent sclerotic lesions of capillaries;
• remove free radicals;
• normalize blood pressure;
• regulate heart rate;
• strengthen the vascular walls;
• have a calming effect on the nervous system;
• stimulate the functions of the adrenal cortex.

Allantoin
Action:

• regenerates and softens the skin;
• narrows enlarged pores;
• smoothes and moisturizes the skin;
• stimulates metabolic processes directly in the tissues;
• promotes moisture retention in the upper layer of the epidermis;
• actively renews cells;
• nourishes and moisturizes the hair roots, as well as the scalp.

Saponins
Action:

• contribute to increased secretion of bronchial glands;
• liquefy mucus;
• accelerate the synthesis of corticosteroids;
• excite the cough center;
• regulate water and salt exchanges;
• activate the activity of hormones;
• eliminate inflammation.

Slime
Action:

• relieve inflammation;
• promote sputum discharge;
• enhance the effect of certain drugs.

Silicic acid
Action:

• beneficial effect on connective tissue, regenerating it;
• promotes wound healing;
• softens and eliminates inflammatory processes localized in the mucous membrane of the stomach, intestines, and also the oral cavity;
• removes toxins.

Vitamin C
Action:

• regulates oxidative and reduction processes of cellular respiration directly;
• strengthens capillaries;
• promotes the growth and development of bone tissue;
• strengthens the immune system;
• stimulates the production of adrenal hormones;
• normalizes the functions of the central nervous system, as well as endocrine glands;
• normalizes the process of hematopoiesis.

Carotene
Action:

• prevents the formation of tumors;
• regulates protein synthesis;
• normalizes metabolic processes;
• removes toxins and free radicals;
• prevents premature aging processes;
• strengthens the immune system;
• normalizes oxidative and reduction processes.

Tannins
The main task of tannins is to form a biological film that protects body tissues from adverse chemical, bacterial and mechanical influences. Also, these substances significantly reduce capillary permeability and constrict blood vessels.

Rutin
Action:

• helps to reduce the fragility and permeability of capillaries;
• dissolves atherosclerotic plaques, thereby preventing the development of stroke and heart attack;
• accelerates the process of blood clotting;
• lowers arterial and intraocular pressure;
• significantly slows down the heart rate;
• promotes bile formation;
• stimulates the work of the adrenal cortex;
• eliminates puffiness;
• relieves allergies.

Polyphenols
Action:

• relieve inflammation;
• eliminate gum disease;
• improve blood circulation;
• reduce the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases;
• remove radionuclides from the body;
• accelerate the healing process;
• maintains skin elasticity;
• help strengthen blood vessels;
• accelerate the process of recovery of patients with oncological diseases.

Iodine
Action:

• promotes an increase in the activity of enzymes;
• contributes to the full physical, mental and mental development;
• regulates the functions of the cardiovascular system, gastrointestinal tract, reproductive, bone and muscle systems;
• enhances metabolic processes.

In addition to iodine, which is found in large quantities in the lungwort, the presence of manganese and potassium, copper and calcium, iron and vanadium, titanium and silver, nickel and strontium was revealed in this plant, which affect the body as follows:

• normalize redox processes;
• normalize the work of the pancreas;
• prevent the formation of cancer cells;
• lower the concentration of cholesterol;
• normalize metabolism;
• synthesize thyroid hormone;
• normalize the work of the central nervous system;
• strengthen the skeleton;
• prevent the formation of kidney stones;
• eliminate swelling;
• stimulate the production of substances and enzymes necessary for normal human life;
• prevent the development of atherosclerosis;
• normalize pressure;
• relieve spasms;
• strengthen immunity;
• contribute to the formation of hemoglobin.

Lungwort properties

• Emollient.
• Astringent.
• Anti-inflammatory.
• Diuretic.
• Hemostatic.
• Wound healing.
• Antiseptic.
• Expectorant.
• Painkiller.
• Enveloping.
• Hemostatic.

The benefits of lungwort

1. Regulates the functioning of the endocrine glands.
2. Promotes increased blood formation.
3. Stops bleeding.
4. Relieves inflammation.
5. Accelerates the process of wound healing.
6. Prevents the formation of blood clots.
7. Regulates alkaline-acid balance.
8. Purifies the blood.
9. Relieves pain syndrome.
10. Helps to expel mucus.
11. Normalizes the functioning of the nervous system.
12. Stimulates the immune system, increasing the body's defenses.
13. Restores the deficiency of potassium and iodine in the body.
14. Activates sexual function.
15. Strengthens hair and promotes their growth.
16. Accelerates the treatment of malignant neoplasms.

Treatment with lungwort

Both above-ground and underground parts of lungwort are used in the treatment of the following list of diseases:

• pulmonary tuberculosis;
• bleeding (menstrual, hemorrhoids, gastric, nasal);
• urolithiasis and kidney stones;
• cough;
• kidney inflammation;
• hoarseness;
• laryngitis;
• bronchitis;
• pneumonia;
• bronchial asthma;
• haemorrhoids;
• anemia;
• purulent wounds;
• bloody urine;
• scrofula;
• female diseases of inflammatory origin;
• lichen planus;
• furunculosis;
• collagenoses;
• toothache and headache;
• scrofula;
• jade;
• hemoptysis;
• gastritis;
• radiation injury;
• whites;
• pneumonia;
• fluid accumulation;
• catarrh of the upper respiratory tract.

Flowers

This part of the plant is used for medicinal purposes to strengthen the immune system, eliminate bleeding and inflammation. Lungwort flowers collected in early April can be brewed as tea, or you can prepare an alcohol tincture.

A liter jar is filled with one third of the flowers of the plant, after which the container is filled to the top with vodka. The remedy is infused for two to three weeks, filtered and taken in 3 tsp. three times a day, diluted in 50 ml of boiled water.

Lungwort leaves

Fresh leaves of lungwort have hemostatic, wound-healing, astringent and antiseptic effects, therefore they are used to treat wounds and skin diseases. To speed up the healing process of wounds, a slurry prepared from crushed leaves should be applied to the affected area of ​​the skin.

From the leaves and stems of the plant, decoctions, infusions and tinctures are prepared, used in folk medicine to treat the diseases listed above.

In addition, the leaves of the lungwort are edible, as a result of which they can be used to prepare vitamin-enriched salads and soups (by the way, in England, the lungwort was specially grown as a salad plant).

Lungwort Salad
Ingredients:

• fresh young leaves of lungwort - 250 g;
• green onions - 100 g;
• hard boiled egg - 1 pc.

Lungwort leaves are washed and mixed with finely chopped onion and egg. All components are mixed, after which the salad is salted to taste and seasoned with a small amount of butter, sour cream or mayonnaise (it all depends on individual taste preferences).

Salad with lungwort and radish
Ingredients:

• fresh lungwort leaves - 200 g;
• radish - 200 g;
• sour cream - 40 g.

The lungwort is crushed, the radish is grated, after which both components are mixed, salted and seasoned with sour cream.

Such simple and at the same time delicious recipes (lungwort leaves taste like vermouth) will help strengthen the body, give strength and energy, enrich the body with vitamins.

Roots

Decoctions and infusions from the tubers and roots of lungwort have a diuretic, anti-inflammatory and wound-healing effect, they are indicated as internal and external agents in the treatment of inflammation of the rectum and mucous membranes, with skin lesions. An infusion from the roots of the plant is used for douching the vagina with whites.

The use of lungwort

Tincture

Lungwort tincture will help to cope with bronchitis, bronchial asthma, pneumonia, anemia.

30 g of dry lungwort leaves are poured into 500 ml of vodka and infused for 14 days. A filtered agent is taken in 2 tsp. three times a day before meals.

Taking such a tincture will help enhance the antitumor effect by 20 - 60 percent. It also significantly reduces the severity of anemia.

Infusion

An aqueous infusion of lungwort is indicated for prolonged cough, hoarseness, hemorrhoids, childhood tuberculosis, inflammation of the kidneys and urolithiasis. Externally, the infusion is used to restore the vaginal microflora, as well as to treat skin diseases (the infusion will help relieve itching and irritation, not to mention accelerating the "tightening" of long-term non-healing wounds).

To prepare the infusion 2 tsp. herbs are poured with 200 ml of boiling water, after which the remedy is infused for about two hours. The infusion is taken three times a day for a tablespoon, until the patient is completely cured.

Decoction

Decoctions from lungwort are an excellent emollient, enveloping, astringent and expectorant, used for catarrh of the respiratory tract, colds, coughs, and gastrointestinal diseases.

3 tbsp lungwort (its aerial part) pour 400 ml of boiling water, leave for three hours, squeeze out the raw materials. Drink a decoction of 100 ml 4-5 times a day. A more concentrated decoction is recommended to wash wounds, ulcers, boils.

In addition, this decoction can be used to gargle a sore throat and douche with whites.

• echinacea;
• thyme;
• rose hip;

Lungwort juice

Juice is the most valuable "part" of lungwort. It is used in the treatment of cancer, leukemia, thyroid disease, anemia, tuberculosis, and inflammatory diseases.

The juice contains a large amount of iodine, so it can be used as an analogue of the latter: for example, when applying a few drops of juice from a fresh lungwort, a yellow spot appears on the skin, as when using iodine.

Fresh and canned lungwort juice will help to quickly stop the bleeding from the wound.

The juice of the plant, in order to exclude souring, is alcoholized in a ratio of 1: 1 with vodka.

When taking juice inside, dilute it in a ratio of 1:10 with water.

Instructions for use lungwort (BAA)

Today, lungwort is also sold as a dietary supplement, which is an excellent source of flavonoids and polyphenols.

This form of the drug is produced in the form of briquettes of 2.5 and 5 g.

Method of application and dosage
A 5 g briquette (or two briquettes at once, each 2.5 g) is brewed with a glass of boiling water, infused for 15 minutes, filtered, squeezed and taken in half a glass twice a day during meals.

The duration of the course is one month.

Contraindications:

• Individual intolerance.
• Breastfeeding period.

The softest lungwort: use for various diseases - video

Lungwort honey

For beekeepers, lungwort is of great interest for several reasons. Firstly, it blooms in early spring, namely in the month of April, thus being one of the earliest honey plants. Secondly, this plant blooms for about 32 - 35 days, releasing a large amount of nectar: ​​for example, the honey productivity of the lungwort varies between 30 - 75 kg / ha. Thirdly, lungwort flowers are very popular with both bees and bumblebees.

Outwardly, as lotions, washings, baths and rinses, an infusion prepared according to the same recipe is used, but 4 tablespoons are used for 500 ml of boiling water. medicinal raw materials.

Infusion for diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, hemorrhoids and diarrhea

Pour 100 g of dry grass with 1 liter of boiling water, let the product brew for two hours, after which it should be filtered (the grass is then squeezed out and removed from the infusion). The infusion is taken in half a glass two to three times a day. In order to achieve the maximum result, the lungwort herb is mixed in a 1: 1 ratio with crushed flax seeds oregano hemorrhoids, as well as women's diseases and inflammation of the kidneys, the infusion is prepared according to a similar recipe, but it should be stronger. Before use, you should consult with a specialist.

Lungwort officinalis is a medicine that is used throughout the world to treat a variety of respiratory conditions, including coughs, colds, and bronchitis. This medicinal plant is also used for the treatment of gastrointestinal diseases, diseases of the kidneys and urinary tract.

Lungwort is one of the first plants that blooms in early spring immediately after snowdrops. Its leaves can be eaten both raw, added to salads, and boiled. But still, the main use of lungwort is as an expectorant and sedative (relieves irritation of the mucous membranes).

Description of lungwort

The name of the genus lungwort comes from the Latin Pulmoa and means "easy". The name of this genus was first given by the German botanist L. Fuchs. She got her name for the similarity of her leaves with human lungs. In the Middle Ages, it was believed that the medicinal value of any plant lies precisely in the similarity of this plant with certain human organs.

But in our country this grass is traditionally called lungwort, regardless of the genus. She received this name for the sweet nectar that her flowers secrete. This grass has other names depending on its habitat. So, somewhere it is called "medunka", "medunica". People have always loved this flower with respect for its beautiful appearance. There is also such a name as the primrose of Jerusalem or Jerusalem primrose.

Lungwort officinalis is a low herbaceous plant, about 30 centimeters high and belongs to the genus Lungwort of the borage family. It grows wild throughout the world in many temperate countries. We mainly meet Lungwort obscure, Lungwort narrow-leaved and Lungwort soft. In the Kaliningrad region, the lungwort grows.

Lungwort can be found in forests, among bushes, on the slopes of ravines. She loves shady and damp places.

The main difference between lungwort and this whole genus is the ability to change the color of flowers, which at the beginning of flowering are light pink or pink and turn blue or purple by the end of flowering. Often on the same plant you can find flowers of different colors. This property is due to the presence of anthocyanins.

Lungwort has green heart-shaped leaves and pointed at the end with white or pale green spots. The upper part of the leaves of all types of lungwort is covered with small villi.

Lungwort is an excellent honey plant and bees and bumblebees love to visit it.

Lungwort grows in gardens and flower beds. Yet she is one of the most beautiful flowers.

The main medicinal part of the lungwort is the leaves. The leaves are odorless, but have a specific bitter taste.

But in folk medicine, the roots and flowers of the plant are used for medicinal purposes. All types of lungwort can be used for medicinal purposes. But the medicinal lungwort has the best.

Useful properties of lungwort

Lungwort contains saponnins, caffeic acid derivatives, allantoin, flavonoids, such as quercetin, tannins, vitamins C and B, iron, copper, manganese, titanium, nickel, carotene. Lungwort also has a high mucus content, which is useful in the treatment of respiratory problems, bronchitis and asthma.

This herb has long been used as an antitussive. But lungwort also has other properties, such as:

sedatives;

Emollient;

Anti-inflammatory;

Diuretic.

Due to its composition, lungwort can be used to normalize metabolism, strengthen immunity, accelerate wound healing and relieve inflammation.

Lungwort flowers are useful for strengthening immunity, with bleeding and various inflammations. Collect them at the beginning of flowering, while they have not yet blossomed. On grass flowers, you can make an alcohol tincture or brew it like a tea.

Less often, the roots of the plant are used in treatment. Lungwort root preparations can be used internally and externally. Inside they drink as a diuretic, anti-inflammatory, wound healing agent. Treated with infusion and decoction of the roots of wounds, cuts, ulcers.

Medicinal properties of lungwort

The use of lungwort only as an expectorant for respiratory diseases is not limited.

Lungwort tea is used to treat diarrhea, hemorrhoids, coughs, asthma, flu, colds, bronchitis, hoarseness. Mild diuretic properties make it possible to use for the treatment of diseases of the kidneys and urinary tract.

A stronger decoction of lungwort can be used for pulmonary bleeding. A compress with a decoction of lungwort helps with an enlarged thyroid gland, swelling with bruises and injuries.

It will also be useful for women. Preparations with lungwort are used for excessive bleeding during menstruation.

Due to the presence of allantoin, which is known for its wound healing properties, lungwort preparations can be applied topically in the form of compresses and lotions to treat skin problems such as eczema, burns, ulcers.

Once upon a time, folk healers used lungwort to treat debilitated children suffering from anemia.

For the treatment of tuberculosis, lungwort preparations were used together with badger fat or goat's milk.

Lungwort is one of the earliest plants that can be eaten. In the spring, most people have a deficiency of vitamins. Salads with fresh young leaves (and flowers) are an excellent vitamin remedy.

If you are lucky enough to meet honey from a lungwort, do not hesitate to buy it. Although such honey is very rare. We do not grow lungwort as a honey plant. Therefore, bees collect only nectar from flowers in the forest or in the garden beds.

This honey has good medicinal properties. After all, the bees collect it not only to feed the uterus during the laying of eggs, but also to restore their strength after the winter.

Honey is an excellent remedy for coughs and colds, it is also rich in vitamins. Honey should always be diluted with tea or water. It has a very rich taste and can cause a sore throat, irritating the mucous membranes of the throat and mouth.

Preparation and storage of lungwort

Medicinal raw materials are harvested during the flowering of lungwort. During this period, you can prepare flowers and grass leaves.

Dry raw materials under a canopy in a well-ventilated area away from sunlight. You can use an electric dryer for fruits and vegetables, setting the temperature no higher than 40 degrees.

Store dried raw materials in paper or cotton bags. Shelf life 2 years.

The use of lungwort officinalis in folk medicine

In folk medicine, lungwort is used in the form of decoctions, infusions, tinctures, teas. Lungwort is also used in powder form.

How to make a tincture with lungwort

Cut freshly picked flowers and leaves and place them in a bottle or jar, filling the container halfway. Pour in vodka to completely cover the grass. Close the lid and put in a dark warm place for 2 weeks. Shake the container daily.

Tincture is taken from 1 to 4 ml 3 times a day, previously diluted in a small amount of water.

When preparing an alcohol tincture from dried lungwort grass, the container is filled by one third. Further, the cooking process is the same as with fresh herbs.

Lungwort tincture on beer with honey

Pour two tablespoons of lungwort grass with 1 liter of natural beer. Add a tablespoon of natural honey to the saucepan. Put on the stove and boil over low heat until the mixture is reduced to half of the original volume. Strain.

Take this syrup in a tablespoon before meals 3 times a day.

Tincture on beer with honey can be taken for lung diseases, such as laryngitis, tracheitis, bronchitis, with pneumonia not accompanied by complications.

If any unexplained side effects appear during the treatment of lungwort tincture, stop drinking it. Do not take tincture during pregnancy and lactation.

How to prepare an infusion of lungwort

Pour one tablespoon of grass with a glass of boiling water and leave for 1.5-2 hours. Take a glass a day, divided into several doses.

Infusion of lungwort treat bronchitis, including chronic, drink it with hoarseness. Such a decoction is also used in the treatment of hemorrhoids, inflammatory diseases of the kidneys and urinary tract.

In gynecology, the infusion can be used to restore the microflora of the vagina. It will help relieve itching and irritation.

A decoction can be used to treat long-term non-healing wounds and other skin lesions, such as. Like ulcers, wounds, boils.

After consultation with a doctor, infusion can be used to treat tuberculosis in children.

How to prepare a decoction of lungwort

The decoction is prepared in the same way as the infusion. After the grass has been poured with boiling water, you need to put it on the stove and boil for several minutes over low heat. Take a decoction of 100 ml 4 to 5 times a day.

A decoction of lungwort is used in the treatment of diseases of the upper respiratory tract, colds, for gargling, diseases of the gastrointestinal tract as an anti-inflammatory, astringent, enveloping, expectorant.

A decoction prepared in a more concentrated form is used for douching with whites, various skin lesions are treated.

During the flowering of the lungwort, you can squeeze the juice out of it. Juice is taken 1 teaspoon 3 times a day with honey.

To preserve juice harvested in summer, vodka is used in the ratio of 1 part vodka to 1 part juice. Store in a closed container (preferably in a dark glass bottle) in the refrigerator.

Lungwort juice is an excellent remedy for many diseases. It can be drunk during the course of treatment of a number of oncological diseases, leukemia. Juice is especially useful for the treatment of anemia, as it contains elements that improve blood composition and help restore blood cells.

The presence of iodine makes the juice an excellent remedy for thyroid diseases. Everyone knows a simple folk way to use iodine tincture as a prophylactic. Lungwort juice can be used in the same way as iodine.

Lungwort juice has hemostatic properties.

When using juice preserved with vodka when taken orally, it must first be diluted with water in a ratio of 1 part juice to 10 parts water.

In the form of a powder, lungwort is taken 1 teaspoon with milk.

How to make lungwort tea

To make tea, pour 1 tablespoon of herbs into 150 ml of boiling water and insist for 10-15 minutes. Strain after insisting. Lungwort tea is bitter in taste. Therefore, you need to add honey to it and acidify it with lemon juice. Drink tea with lungwort 3 times a day.

Lungwort contraindications

Unfortunately, the lungwort has not received much attention from scientists. Its effectiveness and safety cannot be fully confirmed or refuted from a scientific point of view. The only thing that can be said in its favor is that this herb has been used by people as a medicine for many centuries.

Side effects may include stomach upset, prolonged bleeding, and skin inflammation.

Do not take lungwort during pregnancy and breastfeeding. And the reason is that there is no scientific evidence about its effect on the body during this period of a woman's life. Before use, be sure to consult with your doctor about the advisability of treatment with lungwort.

You can not be treated with lungwort preparations for glomerulonephritis and pyelonephritis.

Individual intolerance to this herb can also serve as a contraindication.

But in general, lungwort is a safe remedy that people have been using for hundreds of years.

Traditional medicine recipes with lungwort

For treatment, both lungwort herb alone and in collections are used. Below are recipes for the use of lungwort for the treatment of various diseases. Before use, consult with your doctor.

For the treatment of the upper respiratory tract

Breast collection with lungwort. Take 2 tablespoons of linden, calendula, tricolor violet, coltsfoot, pine buds, wild rosemary and elderberry flowers. Mix all herbs and chop.

For brewing, take 3 tablespoons of the collection and pour 3 cups of boiling water in a thermos. Leave for 8 hours. Drink an infusion of 100 ml several times a day.

This collection is taken for bronchitis with asthmatic complications.

Brew 2 tablespoons of lungwort grass with half a liter of boiling water and leave for 4 hours. Strain and drink 150-160 ml before meals 3 times a day.

For the treatment of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, hemorrhoids

Collection 1. Equal proportions of herb chamomile, lungwort, yarrow, veronica, nettle, white willow leaves, lingonberry leaf. Pour two tablespoons of the collection in a thermos with 500 ml of boiling water and leave for 30 minutes. Strain and drink half a glass 3 times a day in a warm form.

Additionally, at night, put candles with apilac.

This collection can be taken with uterine fibroids. As an additional procedure - douching and tampons with celandine infusion.

Collection 2. Take in equal proportions the herb of wormwood, sage, plantain, lungwort, centaury. Pour a tablespoon of the collection with a glass of hot water. Add 1 tablespoon of honey and boil in a water bath for 10 minutes. Cool and strain. Top up to the original volume and drink 1 tablespoon 3 times a day before meals.

Pour 10 grams of dry lungwort grass with 100 grams of boiling water. Leave for 2 hours and strain. Take 100 ml 2-3 times a day for diarrhea, hemorrhoids and other diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.

In case of intestinal diseases, lungwort can be brewed with flax seeds, mixed in equal proportions.

Collection for bowel disease. 40 grams of lungwort, 100 grams of wild rose, 1 tablespoon of flax seed and 1 tablespoon of comfrey.

Pour a collection of 1 liter of water in a thermos and insist overnight. Strain and drink in small portions throughout the day.

For diseases of the joints

Collection. 4 parts of knotweed, 2 parts of marshmallow and bedstraw, 1 part of lungwort, veronica and hawthorn. Mix herbs. Take 3 teaspoons of the collection and pour 2 cups of hot water. Insist for half an hour and drink 100 grams after meals.

For the treatment of urinary tract and kidneys

Collection. Take one part of each herb: lungwort, plantain, sage, centaury and wormwood. Pour a tablespoon of crushed collection with 1 glass of water and add a tablespoon of honey. Boil over low heat for 5 to 10 minutes. Let cool to room temperature and strain. I drink a decoction of a tablespoon 3 times a day before meals.

Collection 2. Take in equal proportions lungwort grass, lingonberry leaf and black currant. Pour the collection in a thermos 500 ml of boiling water and leave for half an hour. You can insist in a jar or saucepan, wrapping it with a towel. Take 45 times 2 tablespoons before meals.

For non-healing wounds

Mash fresh lungwort leaves to extract the juice. Apply the resulting slurry to the affected area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe skin or wound.

Vitamin salad with lungwort

For salad, take lungwort leaves, chicken egg and green onions. Dress the salad with sour cream, butter or mayonnaise.

Also, the salad can be made with leaf lettuce, radish or radish.

In addition, leaves, and flowers, can be added to okroshka or cold soup, to cook green soup.

Watch this video and you will definitely recognize this beautiful lungwort flower

Previously, in the old days, the lungwort flower was considered a modest primrose of the forests. It was on the edges after the snow melted that this unique flower appeared. Literally, ten years ago, not a single gardener thought about growing this plant. But now, thanks to scientists-breeders, the flower beds of many gardeners are full of various types of lungwort.

Scientists have achieved that the leaves of the plant have become decorative. And now, after flowering, the lungwort in the flower beds delights the eye with decorative leaves of the plant, which have a wide variety. These leaves may have spots, specks, dots, a chaotic pattern. The edges of the leaves are either wavy or straight. Breeders even achieved that the lungwort flower began to bloom longer, extending its flowering period to 30 days. The sizes and shades of flowers have changed. But still it is a chic honey plant and perennial.

So, let's talk about the plant itself, its history and the diversity of natural and breeding varieties, about sowing and watering, about the distribution area and use.

There are many names for Lungwort, one of which is Pulmonaria, which translates as "lung". It was for its ability to treat lung diseases that the lungwort flower became famous among the people. The Russian name of the flower is associated with a large amount of nectar that bees collect.

Characteristic features of the plant:

• The stem of the plant can sometimes reach up to 80 centimeters in height, but most often the lungwort plant reaches a height of no more than 50 centimeters.
• The root of the plant is long for grass and has small tubers. The leaves of the lungwort are lanceolate-wedge-shaped, and many of them have fluff.
• Flowers are always paired small-flowered curls located at the very tops.
• Lungwort flowers have a different structure: some have long pistils and short stamens, while others have the opposite. This prevents self-pollination.
• The fruit of the lungwort is a single-seeded crescent bean.

The second peculiarity of the flowers of this wonderful plant is the fact that in one inflorescence, on one stem, flowers of different shades and tones can be located at the same time: from pale pink to dark purple.

This is due to the fact that the grass contains plant pigments - anthocyanins. They are responsible for the color of the petals. Due to the acidity of the juice, anthocyanins change the color of the petals. Young flowers have high acidity and the petals are painted in a soft pink color, in mature flowers the acidity is lower, so the petals are blue or dark purple. That's the whole point.

It was this fact that forced breeders to work and create plant varieties suitable for sowing in gardens, flower beds, and flower beds. After all, plant species growing in the coniferous and broad-leaved forests of Eurasia are unsuitable for breeding them in artificial conditions. These plants prefer moist, loamy or sandy soil.

The best option is the soil is slightly acidic, loose, with a high content of humus.

The medicinal properties of the plant are legendary. It is known that the famous herbalist Hildegard of Bingen, who lived in the 11th century, was one of the first to use the herb in the treatment of pulmonary diseases. Paracelsus, the great healer, also noted his addiction to lungwort as a remedy in the treatment of pulmonological diseases.

Decoctions and infusions of herbs have diuretic and anti-inflammatory properties. They have antitussive and wound-healing effects. And the lungwort leaf attached to the wound contributes to its faster healing than from the leaves of plantain or Kalanchoe.

For medicinal purposes, buds, leaves and even roots of the plant are harvested. Dry in ventilated rooms at a temperature not exceeding +40 degrees. Store medicinal raw materials in crushed form in paper or fabric bags.

Lungwort is used to treat:

• Bronchial asthma.
• Tuberculosis.
• Cardiovascular diseases.
• Thrombophlebitis.
• Bronchitis.
• Pleurisy.
• prostate adenomas.
• Uterine bleeding.
• Laryngitis.
• Thyroid gland.
• anemia.
• Anorexia.
• Cystitis.
• Diseases of the kidneys.
• Pneumonia.

When used correctly, lungwort cures the above diseases, raising seriously ill people to their feet.

Medicinal varieties include:

• Soft lungwort.
• The softest lungwort.
• Lungwort sugar.
• Lungwort unclear.
• Red lungwort.
• Lungwort long-leaved.
• Medunitsa officinalis.

Often all these species are called one - Medunitsa officinalis, although all these species are peculiar and have different properties. All of them are able to have a beneficial and healing effect on the human body.

Now Medunitsa officinalis, like many breeding varieties, is grown under artificial conditions.

There are a large number of lungwort variegated and flowering varieties:

• David Ward is a leaf plate with silver spots and a white border.
• Golden Haze - with a yellow border.
• Berries and Cream.
• Majesty - completely almost silver foliage.
• Silver Shimmer "s - with a curved edge.
• Mrs. Moon - red-violet flowers and lush graceful leaves.
• Dora Barnsfeld - light pink flowers.
• Argentea Group - heavily mottled leaves, almost silvery, and red buds initially, opening flowers are already a rich dark purple.
• Silverado - large leaves with a silver central part, a green border; white, blue, pink flowers at once on one plant.
• little star.
• May Bouquet.
• Northern Lights.
• Foreign Bowles Red, Janet Fisk and Margery Fish.

If we talk about growing in a garden, it should be noted that growing is difficult. Preferred places: under bushes and. Watering the plant should be regular and moderate throughout the entire period. Throughout the growing season and into winter, grass root collars are mulched.

The soil should be loamy with a high humus content.

The plant is planted in open ground. This is done in early spring or late August. Planting takes place in a hole with fertile soil with ash and mineral fertilizer. The plant must be immersed in the soil to the very outlet. If this happens in the summer, then the leaves are shortened to retain moisture.

Growing tricks:

• Every 3-5 years, the bush is transplanted, as it eventually becomes bare and bifurcates.
• When transplanting, the rhizome can be broken into pieces by hand and seated in different places. This is done at the same time as the planting of the lungwort.
• To improve plant growth after flowering, dry flowers and unnecessary leaves should be removed.
• It is necessary to avoid an excess of moisture in order to protect the rhizome from rot, snails and slugs.
• Lungwort is often damaged by powdery mildew, so it is difficult to grow healthy bushes.

In conclusion, we can add that the lungwort flower is not only an ornamental and medicinal plant. It is customary to use it in food, as an additive to salad. For this, juicy young lungwort leaves are used. For example, in the UK, lungwort is grown as a vegetable and.

More information can be found in the video.

Page 19 of 63

Lyubka bifolia- Platanthera bifolia (L.) Rich. This plant has another name - “night violet”: in the evening and at night, during the flowering period, the love exudes a strong pleasant smell, which noticeably weakens during the day. Perennial plant from the orchid family (Orchidaceae) with root tubers formed from adventitious roots. By the time of flowering there are two tubers: old - wrinkled and young - smooth, filled with spare substances. At the base of the flowering stem there are several brownish scaly leaves, and above - 1-2 leaves with a developed oval green plate up to 20 cm long and 3-7 cm wide. The flowers are collected in a brush 6-20 cm long, white. Perianth with a thin spur, at the bottom of which nectar accumulates. The fruit is a capsule with numerous small seeds. Lyubka blooms in May, the seeds ripen in July.
On the territory of the USSR, it is distributed in the forest and forest-steppe zone of the European part, in Altai, in the Sayans, in the Caucasus, in the mountains of Kazakhstan and Central Asia. Often found in all areas of the Non-Black Earth Region. It grows in light small-leaved, mixed and broad-leaved forests, green moss forests, on edges, glades, in shrubs, less often in upland meadows; throughout damp or damp places.
In addition to being highly decorative, Lyubka is also known as a medicinal plant. In medicine, young root tubers are used. They are collected after the flowering of the plant (July - August) and only those from which flowering stems have not grown.
They contain about 50% mucus, 27% starch, 5% proteins, 1% sugar, a small amount of calcium oxalate and other salts. Dried tubers are called "salep" in pharmacy. It is also used in medicine. Its action is enveloping and antitoxic, therefore Salep is prescribed for poisoning with certain poisons that cause gastrointestinal upset, for chronic gastritis, gastric and duodenal ulcers, colitis, various intestinal diseases in children, less often for acute and chronic bronchitis. In folk medicine, tubers are known as a means of maintaining strength in debilitated patients with tuberculosis, with severe and prolonged bleeding, etc.
Preparations from the tubers of a number of other orchids have a similar effect. However, most of these species cannot be harvested, as they have been thoroughly exterminated due to their beautiful flowers. Now a number of such plants are included in the Red Book of the USSR and are protected. Needs protection and two-leafed love, collected in large quantities for bouquets; it reproduces by seeds, but with great difficulty (the presence of mycorrhizal fungi is necessary).

Lungwort obscure, or medicinal, - Pulmonaria obscura Dumort. - a perennial plant from the borage family (Boraginaceae) with a peculiar development cycle. In spring, it develops flower-bearing shoots, on which fruits are then formed, and in summer vegetative shoots grow, represented by a bunch of large basal heart-shaped ovate or ovate-lanceolate pointed stiff-haired leaves, suddenly narrowed into a long narrow-winged petiole. Flowering stem 10-30 cm tall. Inflorescence few-flowered. Flowers drooping, on legs. Corolla 7-10 mm in diameter, tubular-bell-shaped, pink at the beginning of flowering, later blue-violet or blue. The calyx is preserved in fruit, 10-15 mm long, narrowly bell-shaped. Lungwort blooms in April - May, fruits ripen in June.
Distributed in all regions of the European part of the USSR, except for the Arctic. In the Non-Chernozem region, it is found in all areas. It grows in broad-leaved and coniferous-broad-leaved forests and their derivatives, along forest ravines and in thickets of shrubs; more often on humus-rich soil.
Lungwort is an early spring honey plant. Its aerial part (grass) has long been used in folk medicine. A hematopoietic complex of trace elements was found in it: manganese, iron, copper, as well as other trace elements, mucus, tannins (up to 10%), carotene, a lot (up to 0.15%) of ascorbic acid, rutin. The herb has anti-inflammatory, astringent, diuretic, hemostatic and wound healing properties. The manganese contained in it stimulates growth, activates vitamin B6, regulates the activity of some endocrine glands. A decoction of the herb is popularly used for pneumonia, catarrh of the upper respiratory tract, as well as for diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, inflammation of the female genital area. Outwardly, the leaves are used for scrofula as therapeutic baths, as well as in the form of lotions for abscesses and purulent wounds. Young leaves and shoots are eaten: they are used to make mashed potatoes, salads, soups.

Primrose real, or medicinal, rams, - Primula veris L. - a perennial plant from the primrose family (Primulaceae) with a short rhizome, cord-like adventitious roots (Fig. 14). All leaves are rosette, ovate, obtuse, suddenly narrowed into a petiole, wrinkled, crenate along the margin, 5-20 cm long and 2-6 cm wide. Inflorescence umbellate, drooping, on a leafless peduncle 10-30 cm long, with five-membered flowers facing one direction. Calyx angular-faceted, 8-15 mm long. The corolla is tubular, its tube is several times longer than the limb lobes, bright yellow. The fruit is a multi-seeded capsule, equal in length to the calyx. Blossoms in May, fruits ripen in June - July.

Rice. 14. Real primrose

Distributed in the forest and steppe zones of the European part of the USSR. A common plant in all non-chernozem areas. It grows in light, sparse deciduous and mixed forests, clearings, edges, meadow slopes of ravines and hills, along forest roads and clearings.
The underground organs of the primrose contain triterpenoids and essential oil, while the aboveground organs contain essential oil and flavonoids. In
all parts of the plant have quite a lot of ascorbic acid. Primrose has long been used for medicinal purposes. Medicinal raw materials are flowers, leaves, rhizomes with roots. Primrose preparations increase the separation of mucus and excretion of urine, are used as a diaphoretic, antipyretic, expectorant and tonic. Infusion of flowers in folk medicine is recommended for insomnia. Leaves are an excellent remedy for hypo- and beriberi. Leaves and flower arrows are eaten fresh, salads, can be used for soups. Above-ground organs stain tissues in a brown-olive color. Primrose is an ornamental and honey plant.

Before the snow melts, the first bright spring flowers filled with life-giving power appear, among which are medicinal primroses. With the arrival of spring weather, these early-flowering plants already speak of the imminent approach of summer with its bright sun and warm rains.

Medicinal primroses include obscure lungwort (Pulmonaria obscura). The herb of this medicinal primrose is harvested during flowering. A decoction of lungwort has hemostatic, emollient, anti-inflammatory, expectorant, diuretic and enveloping properties.

In the treatment of respiratory diseases, the decoction is taken orally. Therefore, the lungwort also has a Russian name - lungwort. This decoction is also used externally for washing abscesses and purulent wounds.

Lungwort prefers partial shade and grows well in moist, loose and humus-rich soils. Lungwort is sown in June, propagated by seeds. After the end of flowering, the leaves of the lungwort retain their decorative effect until the end of summer.

Spring nomad or spring rank (Lathirus vernus) is also a medicinal primrose, which is used in folk medicine, collecting leaves, stems, flowers from April to June.

Herbal healers prepare a decoction from the grass, which has long been used to treat rheumatism, pain in the heart area, they also use a decoction for stomatitis to rinse the mouth, throat with sore throat, wash purulent ulcers and wounds.

Spring nomad can be easily propagated by dividing the bush or segments of rhizomes, which are performed in September-October. The soil for this plant is suitable for any, but always wet.

Sochevnik prefers to grow in the shade of trees. Decorative plant provide only flowers. When growing medicinal spring primrose, it should be remembered that it is poisonous, and it should be taken with great care.

Another medicinal primrose is spring adonis (Adonis vernalis) or spring adonis. The name Adonis is given to this primrose in honor of Aphrodite's beloved Adonis, who died while hunting. The heartbroken goddess, in memory of her beloved, from the blood of Adonis grew a beautiful flower that blooms every spring.

The plant lives on the slopes of the hillocks, which are well warmed up by the sun, as evidenced by the Russian names Chernogorka and Adonis. During the flowering period, the aerial part of the adonis is collected, which is used in medicine.

For use in medicine, a hot infusion is prepared from the collected raw materials, which is taken for insomnia, heart neurosis, heart failure, and as a diuretic.

Growing medicinal primrose adonis is associated with some difficulties. This plant requires a well-lit area to grow. The soil should be dry, light and fertile and, in addition, contain lime and have good drainage. Adonis is also poisonous, so it should be used in everyday life only under medical supervision.

In addition to its medicinal properties, adonis is also very decorative. It fits well into group plantings, looks spectacular on alpine hills and among rarefied shrubs. Combines very well with anemones, primroses and other early flowering plants.

Medicinal primrose - ranunculus anemone (Anemone ranunculoides). The aerial part of this plant is harvested during the flowering period and used in folk medicine. Anemone infusion has analgesic, expectorant, bactericidal, hypnotic and sedative effects.

It is also used externally for washing purulent wounds and eczema.
Preparations made from ranunculus anemone should not be used for inflammation of the kidneys and diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.

Anemone is propagated by dividing the bush, seeds, rhizomes. Medicinal anemone primroses bloom for 2-3 years of life. Anemone is used for group plantings, along paths, near trees and shrubs.

They not only have medicinal properties, they can decorate an alpine hill or create beautifully flowering group plantings, decorating a garden or a suburban area.