Description of loosestrife, its planting and care, medicinal properties

Loosestrife is a culture that belongs to the Derbennikov family. Popularly, this plant is often called weeping grass. In nature, it is found in different regions. It can be seen in Asia, Europe, North Africa. The plant is also found throughout almost the entire territory of Russia. The flower is often used in folk medicine. In addition, it is often used to decorate garden plots.

Description of the loosestrife

This plant is a valuable crop that includes a large number of useful components and is used in landscape design.

Appearance

Loosestrife is a perennial crop that grows in moist soil with a high content of useful components. In nature, the plant is found near swamps and ponds. It reaches 80-200 centimeters in height.

The plant is characterized by the following features:

1. The stem is straight and has small branches in the upper part. It is covered with fluff and has a tetrahedral shape. Each shoot has a large elongated inflorescence.
2. Leaves are opposite or whorled. At the bottom, the foliage is heart-shaped and covered with fluff on protruding veins. The leaves are twisted, narrow-lanceolate on top. They reach 8-10 centimeters in length.
3. The flowers are small in size and carmine pink in color. They form dense spike-shaped inflorescences and reach a length of 30 centimeters. The flower includes a calyx with sepals. It has a three-sided polygonal shape. Inflorescences are characterized by gradual development from bottom to top.
4. The fruits are elongated boxes that are covered with a dry bowl. There is a compartment inside that breaks as it ripens. The seeds are small in size.
5. Root – loosestrife is characterized by a powerful root system.

Chemical composition

Different parts of the plant – roots, stems and even seeds – bring benefits. They include many valuable ingredients:

1. Saponins – promote stimulation of the respiratory system, remove mucus from the bronchi, and activate the synthesis of hormones.These substances also have laxative and diuretic properties. In addition, they help cope with atherosclerosis.
2. Glycosides have a strengthening effect on the heart and blood vessels and have tonic properties. They help cope with microorganisms that provoke various dermatological pathologies. Individual glycosides are included in shampoos and detergent compositions. They are also used to fight herpes infections.
3. Flavonoids – stop the aging of the body and help fight free radicals. This avoids cell destruction. Such substances help prevent atherosclerosis. Flavonoids slow down inflammation in the body, resist viruses and strengthen the immune system.
4. Alkaloids – have sedative properties and help cope with certain pathologies of the nervous system. Some varieties have an analgesic effect and help stop bleeding.
5. Tannins are predominantly present in the root system. They have an anti-inflammatory effect and cope with viruses. These substances also have a beneficial effect on the digestive organs and cleanse the body of toxins. Also, these substances can stop internal and external bleeding. In addition, they improve the condition of blood vessels, making them more elastic, and prevent the accumulation of heavy metals in the body.
6. Phenolcarboxylic acids – stop inflammation, improve kidney and liver function, remove bile and normalize the functioning of the biliary tract.
7. Anthocyanins – have diuretic properties, have a sedative effect, and cope with pain. Also, these substances successfully eliminate swelling and protect the body from bacterial microorganisms.It is important to consider that these components are not synthesized within the body. At the same time, they help improve eye function and prevent the appearance of cholesterol plaques.
8. Gallic acid has many positive properties. It is often used as an antioxidant. This substance is also used for diabetes. Gallic acid successfully fights parasites and improves the functioning of the heart and liver. This substance also stimulates wound healing and helps cope with internal bleeding.
9. Vitamin C – strengthens the functioning of the body, improves the functioning of the immune system and protects the body from viruses and bacteria. This vitamin is of great importance for the functioning of the body. Its deficiency leads to the development of various pathologies.
10. Carotene – takes part in many processes and strengthens the immune system. This substance also supports the functioning of the reproductive organs. In addition, it is an important vitamin for vision, heart and blood vessels.
11. Choline – restores liver function and normalizes fat metabolism. Choline improves the absorption of food by the body and helps avoid oxygen starvation. The substance has a more powerful effect in combination with other vitamins.
12. Pectin substances provide the body with soluble fiber. Therefore, they have a good effect on the digestive organs. When it enters the intestines, this substance is converted into another component that can stop the digestive process. This ensures a feeling of fullness for a long time, which is important for people losing weight. Pectins also help cope with diarrhea.

Useful properties of the plant

The beneficial properties of this plant have been known since ancient times. This is due to the high content of valuable components.With the help of a merlin it is possible to achieve the following results:

1. Disinfect the body. The plant is used to eliminate inflammation and heal wounds. The culture has a sedative effect and helps stop bleeding.
2. Cope with intestinal disorders and dysentery. The herb is excellent for treating stomach pathologies and colds.
3. Improve the condition of migraines and sexually transmitted pathologies.
4. Cope with depression. Herbal infusions with the addition of loosestrife help strengthen the nervous system and improve mood.
5. Stop the bleeding. It is recommended to apply the leaves of the plant to the affected areas in whole or in crushed form.

Contraindications

Loosestrife is characterized by a number of contraindications. The main restrictions include the following:

• tendency to constipation;
• threat of blood clots;
• allergic reactions;
• excessive blood clotting;
• pregnancy;
• lactation;
• atherosclerosis;
• age up to 12 years;
• arterial hypertension.

Use in folk medicine

Loosestrife is actively used in folk medicine. It can be used to combat a wide variety of pathologies.

For the treatment of gastrointestinal tract

To combat pathologies of the digestive organs, it is necessary to use an infusion with anti-inflammatory properties. For this, it is recommended to use the above-ground part of the crop. In this case, you need to take 60 grams of dried raw materials and 2 glasses of water. The liquid must be brought to a boil and left for 1 hour. Take a quarter glass three times a day.

For diseases of the upper respiratory tract

For such problems, it is recommended to use an infusion of loosestrife flowers. To do this, it is recommended to take 1 large spoon of plant material and mix it with 200 milliliters of boiling water.First, the plant material must be combined with water, then closed with a lid and left for 1 hour. The finished composition must be strained and drunk three times a day. It is recommended to take 1 large spoon before meals.

For headaches

A decoction of fresh leaves and branches will help to cope with this problem. In this case, it is recommended to chop the plant material and add a glass of water. It should be at room temperature. After which you should put the composition in a steam bath and cook for a quarter of an hour. Then the mixture must be cooled completely and filtered. It is worth drinking 45-60 milliliters three times a day. This must be done regardless of food.

For migraines

This pathology is accompanied by serious discomfort. A tincture from the plant stem will help alleviate the condition. To do this, you need to take 10 grams of crushed raw materials and 100 milliliters of vodka. It is recommended to mix the ingredients, close the container tightly and place in a dark place for 5-6 weeks. The composition must be shaken at intervals of 3-4 days. After preparing the tincture, it can be filtered.

To get rid of diarrhea

To cope with diarrhea, it is recommended to use a decoction from the top part of the culture. The composition also has diuretic properties. To make a remedy, it is recommended to use the leaves and stems of the crop. In this case, it is recommended to grind the raw materials well. Then you need to take 3 tablespoons of the composition and pour 300 milliliters of boiling water. Then bring the mixture to a boil and cook for another quarter of an hour. Cover the mixture with a lid and wrap it in a blanket for several hours.

You are allowed to drink 200-250 milliliters of the composition per day. It needs to be divided into 3 parts and taken throughout the day. It is better to pour out the remaining substance, as the next day it will lose its medicinal properties.

Against insomnia

To cope with sleep disorders, you should use tea. This composition will also help relieve fever. To make such a mixture, it is recommended to take a little chopped herb - literally on the tip of a small spoon. After which it needs to be filled with 250 milliliters of boiling water. The same amount of merlin can be added to black or green tea. To strengthen your immune system, you should additionally use lemon.

A mixture of loosestrife with motherwort and chamomile will help cope with sleep disorders. It is useful to add a little honey to this composition. This tea is recommended to be consumed warm before bed.

Cold treatment

To combat colds, it is recommended to use an infusion of leaves and stems. In addition, this composition has a good effect on the nervous system and eliminates the symptoms of rheumatism. To make an infusion, it is recommended to take 1 small spoon of chopped stems per glass of boiling water.

The raw material must be filled with water and left to infuse for 4 hours under a closed lid. After this, it is recommended to strain the drink through gauze folded several times. Take the resulting composition a quarter glass three times a day, regardless of meals.

Recipes

Based on loosestrife, you can prepare a large number of useful compounds that help cope with a variety of pathologies.

Infusion

This product has a lot of useful properties.The infusion can be used for headaches and stomach discomfort. It is used to make lotions for wounds and affected joints. The composition also improves immune function and copes with inflammation. With its help it is possible to cope with hemorrhoids.

To make a valuable infusion, it is recommended to mix 20 grams of leaves with 1 glass of water. It is recommended to infuse the composition for 50 minutes. The finished mixture should be cooled and strained. You need to take the composition 50 milliliters 4 times a day.

Tincture

This composition is used to treat many pathologies. It successfully copes with migraines and diarrhea, helps strengthen the immune system and has an antibacterial effect.

To make a useful composition, it is recommended to use crushed leaves and stems. They need to be mixed with vodka in a ratio of 1:10 and left for 2 weeks in a cool, dark place. From time to time the composition needs to be shaken.

After 14 days, it should be strained and kept in the refrigerator in a glass container. Take the composition 3 times a day, 20 drops. This should be done half an hour before meals.

Tea

This remedy has general strengthening properties. It helps increase the body's defenses and helps cope with viruses and bacteria. The composition also has a diuretic effect and stops internal bleeding.

To make tea, you should use the flowers of the plant. In this case, for 1 liter of boiling water you need to take a handful of raw materials. The flowers need to be filled with water, closed with a lid and left to infuse for half an hour. Take 3-4 cups per day.

Decoction

This remedy has pronounced diuretic properties.It can also be used to treat ulcers and added to a hot bath to relieve stress. The decoction has a calming effect and helps treat sexually transmitted pathologies.

Decoctions from the roots of the plant can be used to combat seizures and pathologies of the respiratory system. They have expectorant properties and relieve inflammation. To make the medicine, you need to take 1 small spoon of crushed raw materials and 200 milliliters of water. Pour boiling water over the roots, bring to a boil and cook for another quarter of an hour. Leave the mixture for 1 hour and then filter. This composition is primarily suitable for external use.

How to grow a plant

Willow loosestrife needs a lot of moisture, so it needs to be watered regularly. In hot weather this is done twice a week. On other days, the crop is watered at intervals of 7-10 days.

It is recommended to add nutrients before the inflorescences appear. The loosestrife requires formulations with a small amount of nitrogen. Otherwise, there is a risk of stems lodging.

The plant can reproduce by self-sowing. To avoid this, it is recommended to get rid of flower stalks before the fruits ripen. The next time pruning is carried out in March or at the end of October. In this case, it is necessary to remove dry ground fragments.

Loosestrife is a common crop that contains many valuable components.Because of this, it is often used in medicine to combat a variety of pathologies.