Medicinal properties and contraindications of lungwort herb, rules of use

Lungwort is a plant from the borage family, which is characterized by early flowering and a large amount of nectar, for which bees value it. Researchers have found not only the medicinal properties of lungwort, but also contraindications that must be taken into account before taking plant-based products.

Chemical composition of the herb

The use of lungwort for medicinal purposes is due to its constituent components, of which there are quite a lot. Among the main medicinal substances of the plant are the following:

1. Flavonoids.They have a preventative effect on sclerotic vascular lesions, help accelerate the elimination of free radicals from the body, normalize blood pressure, normalize the activity of the heart, cause general calm, regulating the functioning of the central nervous system, and stimulate the activity of the adrenal cortex.
2. Anthocyanins. They increase the strength of vascular walls, improve the functioning of the central nervous system, slow down the natural aging process of the body, provide regulation of metabolic processes, relieve inflammatory processes or reduce their effectiveness. In addition, under the influence of the substances, the heart muscle is strengthened, the risk of developing cancer pathologies and diabetes is reduced.
3. Saponins. They enhance the secretion of bronchial glands, help thin mucus in the lungs and bronchi, and enhance the process of hormone production in the body. Substances provide regulation of water and salt metabolism.
4. Allantoin. Promotes regeneration and softening of the skin, narrowing enlarged pores, slowing down the age-related aging of the dermis. The substance also normalizes metabolic processes in the body, retains moisture in the epidermis, accelerates the process of cell renewal, and nourishes them.
5. Silicic acid. Regenerates connective tissue, accelerates wound healing, helps reduce the intensity of inflammatory processes in the gastrointestinal tract and oral cavity. Removes toxic substances and metabolic products from the body.
6. Slime. Eliminates inflammatory processes, reduces their intensity, accelerates the removal of mucus from the lungs and bronchi.
7. Carotene. Reduces the risk of formation of tumor-like neoplasms, increases the protective function of the body, slows down the aging process, and ensures the normalization of oxidative and reduction processes.
8. Ascorbic acid.Helps strengthen capillaries, accelerates the growth and development of bone tissue. Increases immune defense, accelerates the production of adrenal hormones. Under the influence of ascorbic acid, the functioning of the central nervous system, endocrine system, and hematopoiesis is normalized.
9. Tannins. Provide protection to the body from the active effects of harmful microorganisms, toxic and chemical substances. In addition, tanning components cause vasoconstriction.

• Polyphenols. They help normalize blood circulation, the functioning of the heart and blood vessels, and accelerate the removal of toxins and metabolic products from the body. Increases the strength of the skin and strengthens the vascular walls.
• Iodine. Normalizes mental, physical and mental development, regulates the cardiovascular system, and helps enhance metabolic processes.
• Rutin. Increases the strength of blood vessels, reduces the risk of stroke, heart attack, lowers blood pressure and causes a slowdown in heart rate. Normalizes the activity of the adrenal cortex.

The plant also contains manganese, copper, calcium, potassium, iron.

Medicinal properties of lungwort

Due to its rich chemical composition, lungwort herb has found its use in traditional medicine. Medicines used in various industries and in the treatment of many diseases are prepared from plant extracts. For example, plant-based products are actively used for coughs, to improve the removal of phlegm from the lungs and bronchi. Due to this property, drugs with lungwort are prescribed for bronchitis and pneumonia.

In addition, plant-based products are used to treat complications caused by urinary tract diseases. The use of drugs is also effective for pathologies such as cystitis, nephritis, urethritis.

Not long ago, products based on lungwort extract began to be used in the treatment of endocrine diseases, since the herb contains iodine, which is beneficial for the functioning of the thyroid gland.

The use of the plant in gynecology helps eliminate some female pathologies. For example, an extract for oral administration is effective for cystic neoplasms in the uterus or ovaries, as well as for uterine fibroids.

Due to its absorbable and hemostatic effect, the plant is used in the treatment of hemorrhoids, preparing infusions, decoctions, and compresses for external use based on it. The infusion is also used to rinse the mouth for toothache.

Collection and storage

The plant is collected for further harvesting throughout the entire flowering period. For the treatment of diseases and culinary applications, any part of the lungwort (flowers, roots, stem, leaves) is used. To harvest for the winter, it is better to collect the plant at the end of summer. It is completely torn out (along with the roots) from the ground, dried in a room where fresh air enters, but open sunlight does not penetrate.

After removing the plant from the place of germination, the stem, along with its components, is washed well, removing any remaining soil. After drying the herb, it is crushed and placed in paper bags. Store raw materials in a well-ventilated area where there is a normal level of air humidity.

The duration of use and storage of raw materials is 2 years.

Traditional recipes using the plant

Lungwort extract, beneficial to human health, is used to treat many diseases. However, for it to be beneficial, you need to know how to prepare the product correctly:

• infusion for internal use for any diseases: take 200 milliliters of hot water for 1 tablespoon of raw material, leave to infuse for 30 minutes, take 10 milliliters three times a day, before meals;
• decoction for menopausal bleeding: take 0.5 liters of water for 2 tablespoons of raw material, heat in a water bath for 15 minutes, cool, strain, take half a glass three times a day, before meals;
• infusion for urolithiasis: take 0.5 liters of water for 4 teaspoons, add 3 tablespoons of honey; after infusing the product for 30 minutes, take half a glass three times a day;
• tea, which is drunk throughout the day: take 200 milliliters of water for 2 teaspoons, leave for 15 minutes, cool, strain, take 200 milliliters three times a day.

If treatment for diarrhea is required, drink lungwort tea without adding sugar.

Side effects

Not only ready-made synthetic drugs, but also folk remedies can cause adverse reactions. Lungwort is no exception. If contraindications are not followed, the following symptoms may occur:

• allergic manifestations: urticaria, itchy skin syndrome, hyperemia;
• reactions in the gastrointestinal tract: nausea and vomiting syndrome, feeling of heaviness in the stomach.

If such symptoms occur, it is necessary to stop taking the lungwort-based remedy and consult a doctor to correct the treatment.

Contraindications for use

The only absolute contraindication to the use of lungwort-based products is the increased risk of an allergic reaction due to hypersensitivity to the components of the plant.

It is not recommended to take the medication on an empty stomach to avoid nausea.Long-term use is contraindicated in the development of intestinal atony with chronic constipation.

In any case, before using products containing lungwort, you should consult a doctor. It will eliminate contraindications, which will help avoid adverse reactions in the future..