Useful properties and contraindications of Potentilla erecta, rules of use

Medicinal plants can be no less effective than drugs obtained artificially. But at the same time they do not have so many contraindications and side effects. Useful properties and contraindications of cinquefoil erecta has long been known to traditional healers. Decoctions and tinctures of the plant were used for gastrointestinal disorders, internal and external bleeding.

Appearance of the plant

Cinquefoil erecta, or galangal grass, belongs to the Rosaceae family. The thin stem rises above the ground to a height of 15-50 centimeters. In the root zone, the leaf blades are divided into 3 or 5 parts and have a petiole attached to the stem. The leaves on the stem are trifoliate and sessile. The rhizome is powerful, cylindrical in shape.

Yellow flowers are located at the top. The diameter of the corolla is within 2 centimeters. By the number of petals (4) in the corolla they are distinguished from other types of cinquefoils. The fruit is a nut in which from 5 to 12 seeds ripen. Flowering period is May-August. The seeds ripen in August-September.

Chemical composition of Potentilla erecta

All parts of the plant are used for medicinal purposes, but mainly the roots of galangal. The beneficial properties of Potentilla erecta are determined by the presence in it:

• tannins;
• essential oils;
• flavonoids;
• saponins;
• gum

In terms of tannin content, cinquefoil rhizomes are not inferior to oak bark. Tannins, high-molecular phenolic compounds with a wide spectrum of action, impart an astringent taste and astringency to infusions. The medicinal effect of tannins is an antimicrobial effect, stopping bleeding (external and internal).

Cineole contained in essential oil has an antiseptic and expectorant effect. Flavonoids are plant pigments that are similar in structure and chemical composition to hormones; they are useful as antioxidants for medicinal purposes.Triterpene saponins (glycosides) have a beneficial effect on the immune and reproductive systems of the human body.

Gum is a high-molecular carbohydrate with analgesic, wound-healing, and anti-inflammatory properties.

Habitat

Cinquefoil erecta is unpretentious to soils and is found in meadows, forest edges, and undergrowth throughout the European territory of Russia to Altai.

Medicinal properties of the flower

The chemical components of galangal herb have an astringent, hemostatic, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial effect. The therapeutic effect is manifested when taking preparations from cinquefoil orally, locally and externally.

For women

Potentilla erecta is useful for women with uterine bleeding, as it reduces capillary permeability and constricts blood vessels. As a local remedy, it is used for douching for cervical erosion, colpitis, and vaginitis.

For men

For men, galangal grass is recommended for problems with potency and reproductive function.

How and when is the best time to collect a plant?

Flowers, leaves, and stems of Potentilla erecta are collected in May-August to distinguish it from other types of Potentilla by flowers. Yellow color and 4 petals are the main species characteristics of Potentilla erecta. Rhizomes are dug up in late autumn or early spring. Damaged roots are not used.

For what diseases is it useful to take?

Diseases for which the use of Potentilla erecta gives a positive therapeutic effect:

• gastritis;
• stomach ulcer;
• enteritis;
• enterocolitis;
• dysentery;
• duodenal ulcer;
• cholecystitis;
• cirrhosis;
• chronic hepatitis;
• inflammation in the uterus;
• cervical erosion;
• inflammation of the gums;
• tonsils (acute and chronic);
• haemorrhoids;
• wounds and burns;
• skin diseases (dermatitis, eczema).

Extracts from the rhizome have an analgesic effect.

Kalgan in folk medicine

In folk medicine, the properties of the medicinal plant have long been known and widely used. Modern biochemical studies have shown that the use of galangal herb is justified.

Medicinal raw materials are dried roots, fresh and dried flowers, leaves and stems of cinquefoil.

Decoction for cirrhosis

To prepare a decoction, the root is ground in a coffee grinder or smashed with a hammer. For 20 milliliters of chilled boiled water you will need 1 tablespoon of powder. The suspension in a glass container under a tight lid is placed in a water bath at a water temperature of 50 degrees. Bring water to a boil over low heat and leave for 15 minutes.

Allow the broth to cool to 60 degrees, then filter, squeeze, and add boiled water to 200 milliliters. Take 1 tablespoon 10-15 minutes before meals. The decoction is stored in the refrigerator for no more than 3 days.

Infusion for rheumatism and gout

The crushed root (2 tablespoons) is poured into a container and filled with 500 milliliters of water. Boil over low heat, covered, for 20 minutes. Cool and filter. The medicine is taken 1/3 glass per day before meals. In case of exacerbation, the dose is reduced by half. After the onset of remission, the drug is taken in the same amount.

Infusion for dysentery

For dysentery, cinquefoil infusion is taken if the disease is mild (without high fever and bloody discharge in the stool). Flowers and leaves are added to the ground rhizome. The total volume of medicinal raw materials per glass of boiling water is 2 tablespoons.

The mixture is brought to a boil and kept over low heat for 10 minutes.Take 1 tablespoon 5 times for the first 3 days, then reduce the dose by 1 spoon every 3 days. If the symptoms of the disease do not go away, drug treatment is necessary.

Tincture for bleeding

For uterine bleeding accompanied by severe pain, a tincture is prepared from cinquefoil seeds in milk. For 250 milliliters of milk, use 1 teaspoon of dried seeds. The mixture is boiled for 5 minutes, cooled and filtered. The resulting tincture is drunk in 2 doses: morning and evening, before breakfast and before bed.

In case of stomach or intestinal bleeding, an infusion is prepared from flax root and seed: 1 tablespoon per 200 milliliters of boiling water. Cover the container with a lid and steam for 3-4 hours under a tight cover. Take 1 tablespoon before meals 3 times a day.

Potentilla erecta is used in the treatment of tuberculosis with hemoptysis. An infusion is prepared from crushed root or mixed with sage (herb) and Ethiopian clove. In the first option, 20 grams of root (powder) are boiled in 250 milliliters of water. After straining, take 1/3 glass 4 times a day half an hour before meals. In the second option, all components are crushed, take 1 tablespoon, and brew in boiling water for 7 minutes. Medicinal dose – 1 tablespoon 4 times a day.

Ointment for burns and ulcers

The ointment is prepared on the basis of cold-pressed olive oil. Soak 150 milliliters of oil and 10 grams of root powder in a water bath for 30 minutes. Leave for a day at room temperature. Before application, the ointment should be mixed well.

Decoction for seizures and tetanus

A decoction prepared from all parts of the plant has analgesic properties. The root is crushed with a hammer or in a coffee grinder.The herbaceous part, seeds and flowers are taken whole. Place all components in an enamel container in the following ratio: 10 grams of root powder, 20 grams of leaves and stem, 5 grams of flowers and seeds. Fill the contents with boiling water (1 liter). Maintain a simmer over low heat for 5 minutes. Remove from the stove and cover with thick, warm material for a day. Take warm in the morning and evening, ½ cup.

Tincture for stomach disorders

To prepare the tincture you will need 200 milliliters of 70% ethyl alcohol, part of galangal root (approximate ratio 10:1). The container with alcohol and galangal is placed in a dark, warm place for infusion for 14 days. The finished medicine is diluted with water before use. Single dose – 30-40 drops. Number of doses: 5 times a day.

For stomach ulcers, the tincture is prepared with vodka. For 0.5 liters of 40% ethyl alcohol you will need:

• leaves and stems of cinquefoil - 1 tablespoon;
• thyme – 1 tablespoon;
• water mint – 1 tablespoon;
• sage – 1 teaspoon.

Leave for 3 weeks in a warm, dark place. The course of treatment is 10 days, 10 milliliters before meals. The break in taking is 10 days. Repeated course. For hepatitis and cirrhosis, exclude thyme from the tincture.

Decoction for stomatitis

For diseases of the oral cavity, prepare a decoction for rinsing. The root (20 grams) must be finely crushed, pour 0.5 liters of cold water. Cover with a lid, place over low heat and bring to a boil. After 15 minutes, remove from heat and cool. Rinse with warm broth 3-4 times a day.

Decoction for diarrhea

Intestinal dysfunction is treated with a decoction of the mixture:

• cinquefoil root;
• burnets;
• shepherd's purse herbs.

The ratio between the ingredients is 1:1:2.The mixture is crushed. Pour two tablespoons of powder into a glass of water at room temperature, bring to a boil and simmer over low heat for 20 minutes. During the day, take ¼ cup 3 times.

Tincture for potency

Kalgan tincture with vodka has a tonic and general strengthening property. The root (20 grams) is infused in 0.5 liters of vodka in a dark place for a month. The drink takes on a cognac color and taste. The root is removed and the vodka is filtered. Before lunch, it is recommended to take 30 milliliters of tincture.

Galangal extract

An alcoholic extract of galangal is used to treat the biliary tract. An aqueous extract is prescribed to normalize the functioning of the thyroid gland in diffuse goiter.

More information about use in women

Decoctions and tinctures of galangal are used to treat acne, acne, and oily skin and hair. Potentilla decoction can be added to micellar water (in a ratio of 1:4) and used morning and evening instead of washing your face for acne.

In spring and summer, an infusion can be prepared from fresh flowers, leaves and stems. In autumn and winter, preparations are prepared from the roots.

For thin, sensitive facial skin, daily rinsing and decoction/infusion compresses for 15-20 minutes are useful. The greasiness of your hair will be reduced if you add galangal tincture to the rinsing water.

Contraindications and side effects

All preparations from Potentilla erecta have a hypotensive effect. People with low blood pressure are not recommended to take medicine from galangal orally. The use of decoctions and tinctures internally is contraindicated for persons suffering from constipation. An overdose causes vomiting and abdominal pain.