Content
The beneficial properties and contraindications to thistle are of great interest to most biologists. The plant belongs to the Asteraceae family. It is considered a weed, but it is often used in alternative medicine. Thistle is also called bluehead, milk thistle, and thistle.
What does thistle grass look like?
The thistle flower, the photo of which is located below, is a plant that is covered with pink-purple buds with sharp petals during the flowering period. They are surrounded by green thorns. The stem of the plant is erect, branching at the top. Under favorable conditions, it can reach a height of 2 m. There are more than 120 plant varieties in nature, but they all have similar features. Due to its interesting appearance, the bluehead is often used to decorate garden plots. In addition, it is completely unpretentious in cultivation.
Where does the thistle grow
Milk thistle got its distribution in the countries of Western Europe. Then she began to populate Russia, Asia and the United States. Most often, the plant is found in the forest-steppe zone. It lives along roads, in landfills and in meadows. It is not purposefully cultivated.
The chemical composition of thistle
The healing properties of thistle herb are due to its rich chemical composition. The main feature is the fatty oil content. An equally important advantage is the presence of a number of organic acids. They take part in the normalization of metabolism. The chemical composition is represented by the following components:
- coumarins;
- inulin;
- alkaloids;
- vitamin C;
- saponins;
- vitamin K;
- flavonoids;
- proteins;
- organic acids (oxalic, malic, citric);
- tannins.
Saponins have a diuretic and laxative effect. Thanks to this, thistle can help relieve constipation and kidney disease. Flavonoids in their antioxidant properties can compete with vitamins C and E. They normalize oxidative processes and help neutralize free radicals. Inulin, in turn, normalizes the intestinal microflora and helps restore the functioning of the digestive system.
The tannins in thistle act as a natural antibiotic. They have a disinfectant effect and protect the body from radioactive strontium. Coumarins prevent the formation of malignant tumors in the body. And proteins are involved in building processes.
What does thistle heal
Sinegolovka is considered a safe and effective alternative treatment. Since ancient times, she was credited with a lot of magical properties.In addition, the plant is classified as a honey plant. Beekeeping products derived from its pollen have a huge number of useful properties. The greatest efficiency of thistle is observed in relation to the following diseases:
- bronchial asthma;
- hemorrhoids;
- laryngitis;
- liver disease;
- cystitis;
- gout;
- convulsions;
- disorders of the nervous system;
- allergic diseases;
- radiculitis;
- cholelithiasis;
- cardiovascular pathology.
Thistle is often used to normalize liver function. It protects organ cells from harmful toxins and has a choleretic effect. Doctors often prescribe it to people with alcohol addiction and hepatitis.
The juice of the plant is often used to treat purulent wounds and boils. When taken internally, it has a positive effect on the functioning of the cardiovascular system. Thistle is often used as an antidepressant.
Useful properties of thistle for men
Men often use blueheads in the fight against urological diseases. Decoctions based on this plant have diuretic and anti-inflammatory properties. Thistle is able to remove stones from the body and normalize kidney function. In addition, the herb is highly effective against erectile dysfunction. The substances included in its composition stop inflammation and improve the blood circulation in the small pelvis.
Useful properties of thistle for women
Due to its ability to protect the liver from toxins, thistle is often used while using hormonal contraceptives. The substances that make up the plant neutralize the harmful effects of harmful components. Another useful property is the normalization of the nervous system. This is especially true during the premenstrual period.
During breastfeeding, thistle is used to increase milk volume. The plant stimulates the production of prolactin, which has a positive effect on lactation. Often, women use a medicinal plant to eliminate subcutaneous acne.
Thistle harm
Despite the abundance of beneficial properties, the plant can be harmful to health. This is possible if you use it without taking into account contraindications and recommended dosages. Side effects of thistle include the following:
- nausea;
- epigastric pain;
- headache;
- upset stool.
If side symptoms appear, you must stop using the remedy. If allergies develop, you need to use antihistamines. They prevent the occurrence of Quincke's edema.
Contraindications to thistle
When used correctly, thistle is well tolerated by the human body. Problems arise with overdosing. Contraindications for blueheads include the following:
- age under 12;
- pregnancy and lactation period;
- individual intolerance;
- nervous disorders.
People with an unstable emotional state need to take into account that with excessive use, thistle has a depressing effect on the nervous system. Small dosages, in turn, tone it up.
Rules for the use of thistle
Before using the bluehead, you must make sure that there is no allergic reaction and other contraindications. You should also choose the most convenient dosage for yourself. Herbal decoction is recommended to take 100 ml not more than 3 times a day.It is not necessary to link the use of the medicine to meals. The broth is prepared at the rate of 1 tbsp. l. chopped grass for 1 tbsp. hot water.
Application of thistle
Traditional medicine is in demand no less than traditional medicine. Its main advantage is the low risk of encountering side effects. Bluehead is considered one of the most common medicines. It has a tonic effect and effectively copes with serious diseases. Thistle herb is especially often used in the treatment of the liver. It restores the work of the organ in a short time without exerting a systemic effect on the body.
Dried bluehead leaves are often used to combat insomnia. For these purposes, the broth should be taken in 100 ml 4 times a day. For diseases of the bladder, gout, tetanus and renal pathologies, the juice of a medicinal plant is used. In such cases, it is taken in 1 tsp. 1 per day.
The use of milk thistle in traditional medicine
Milk thistle is often found in dietary supplements. It is successfully used for the treatment of muscular rheumatism, gallstone disease and liver diseases.
Thistle broth is in demand in the elimination of toothache. The seeds of the plant are often used to get rid of lamblia. To overcome neurodermatitis, they are eaten in 1 tsp. up to 3 times a day. For gynecological diseases, herbal decoction is used for douching.
The use of thistle in cosmetology
Thistle is also widely used in cosmetology. Especially popular is the oil prepared on its basis. It is added to nourishing creams and moisturizing lotions.
You can also enrich homemade hair masks with it. The useful properties of thistle in cosmetology include the following:
- protection of the skin from solar radiation;
- normalization of the natural water barrier of the epidermis;
- elimination of visible signs of aging;
- restoration of hair structure;
- fight against acne;
- removal of irritation.
When applied locally, milk thistle derivatives do an excellent job with thermal and mechanical damage to the skin. Plant oil experts advise to apply to the surface of the lips and facial skin before going outside. In winter, it saves from frostbite.
In case of intense hair loss, rinsing with herbal decoction is effective. The procedure not only restores the production of sebum, but also improves the appearance of the hair.
Thistle during pregnancy
Pregnancy is a conditional contraindication to the use of thistle. Despite this, it has been used very successfully under certain circumstances. In the early stages of pregnancy, a remedy is used to eliminate the symptoms of toxicosis.
In the third trimester, thistle helps to cope with the disturbance of the digestive process. It quickly relieves bloating and treats constipation. Along with this, thistle has a general strengthening effect on the body and eliminates chronic diseases. Despite its many beneficial properties, the plant is used in accordance with the recommended dosages. If a woman feels worse while taking it, treatment should be discontinued.
Collection and storage rules
For blanks I use seeds, roots and leaves of thorny burdock. The seeds are harvested from mid-August to October. The leaves and roots are torn off in late autumn.
When collecting a plant, you must follow the following rules:
- it is advisable to choose areas that are as remote as possible from highways and production facilities;
- do not touch a plant that has diseases or pests;
- the leafy part should not be torn off in wet weather.
The collected raw materials must be properly dried, thereby prolonging the beneficial properties for a long time.
It is advisable to harvest the root part of the bluehead in an oven or specialized dryer. The temperature should not exceed 50 ° C. The readiness is evidenced by the increased fragility of the roots.
Leaves must be dried in a well-ventilated place. Stir them constantly during drying to avoid the formation of mold. It is desirable that the temperature does not exceed 40 ° C.
Store the workpieces in a glass jar or linen bag. It is important that the container is completely sealed. It is also required to protect raw materials from moisture and direct sunlight. The back shelf of the cabinet is ideal for storing. The shelf life of dried raw materials is 3 years.
Conclusion
The beneficial properties and contraindications to thistle cause a lot of controversy. But with skillful use, the plant has an extremely positive effect on health. The main thing is to observe the dosage and the recommended dosage regimen.
