Content
The medicinal properties and contraindications of the European zyuznik have been confirmed by clinical studies. Due to its unique composition, the plant is often used to treat endocrine and gynecological diseases. Despite its low toxicity, it should be used very carefully for medicinal purposes.
What does a zyuznik look like and where does it grow
Zyuznik is a herbaceous perennial plant belonging to the Yasnotkov family. Its height ranges from 20 to 120 cm. The plant has long shoots and smooth leaves on short petioles. In their pointed shape, they resemble nettles. The stem has a deep purple hue. The blooming period of the zyuznik falls on July-August. The flower diameter is 2 mm. They are pink or white and have purple dots. A distinctive feature is the specific smell of the plant.
The European zyuznik, whose photo is presented below, is often found in European countries. On the territory of Russia, it can be found in Siberia and the Ciscaucasia. Some varieties of the cinquefoil grow in North America, Western Asia and the Azores. For growth, the plant chooses semi-shady places with moist fertile soil. Most often, it grows in wetlands, in reed beds and on the coast of small rivers.
Chemical composition
The heart herb received its distribution in alternative medicine due to its rich composition. Biologically active substances are found in the leaves, flowers and stems of the plant. Sometimes the root system is used to prepare medicinal decoctions. The following substances are present in the chemical composition of the plant:
- resin;
- essential oils;
- lycopene;
- manganese;
- flavonoids;
- cardiac glycosides;
- carotene;
- tannins;
- organic acids;
- vitamin C;
- fluorine.
The plant's cardiac glycosides help stabilize blood pressure and lower heart rate. Flavonoids strengthen blood vessels and capillaries. Carotene, present in the heart herb, helps eliminate free radicals from the body. Tannins regulate the work of digestion and help get rid of toxins.
The healing properties of the European zyuznik
The main advantage of zyuznik over other herbs is the beneficial effect on the thyroid gland. Thanks to this, it can regulate hormonal levels. It is used to relieve nervousness and relieve pain in the heart. The medicinal properties of the herb zyuznik include:
- normalization of intestinal motility;
- elimination of stomach pain;
- diuretic action;
- decrease in body temperature;
- removal of puffiness;
- getting rid of tachycardia;
- prevention of vascular spasms;
- regulation of thyroid function;
- decreased heart rate.
Due to its diuretic properties, zyuznik is used for kidney diseases. However, it is prohibited in case of exacerbation of inflammatory and infectious processes. With diseases of the digestive tract, the plant and its derivatives effectively relieve pain and facilitate the process of bowel movement. In some cases, it is prescribed to treat hemorrhoids.
The effect of zyuznik on the body is compared with the properties of quinidine. It reduces the excitability of the heart muscle and slows down the pulse. This effect helps to cope with unreasonable fear and increased anxiety. By preventing vascular spasms, it is possible to achieve the normalization of blood circulation and blood pressure.
The healing properties of a zyuznik for women
The heart herb is often used to treat female diseases. Due to the content of lithospermic acid, it reduces the activity of the thyroid gland, which is important for hyperthyroidism. By reducing thyroxine production, the plant controls iodine levels in the body. As a result of using zyuznik for hyperthyroidism, it is possible to get rid of excessive sweating, irritability and excessive apathy.
The herb is no less effective against mastodynia. It helps relieve breast pain that worsens before menstruation. This effect is due to the content of hydroxycinnamic acid derivatives. In addition, zyuznik is able to reduce the level of prolactin, which often causes the appearance of cystic formations in the chest.
The use of zyuznik herb in folk medicine
Zyuznik is considered one of the most common herbs used in alternative therapy. Decoctions, tinctures and various fortifying teas are prepared from it. To enhance the effect of the remedy, zyuznik is mixed with other herbs. Most often, a medicinal plant is used in the fight against the following problems:
- cough and respiratory cramps;
- hyperthyroidism;
- nausea;
- increased anxiety;
- irregular menstrual cycle;
- heart diseases;
- pain in the area of the mammary glands.
To preserve the therapeutic effect and avoid possible complications, you should refuse to jointly take the zyuznik with hormonal drugs. This prohibition does not apply to homeopathic remedies. When taken together with motherwort, the calming effect of the plant increases.
Infusions
An infusion prepared on the basis of zyuznik perfectly helps to cope with the symptoms of hyperthyroidism and vegetative-vascular dystonia. It is often used to normalize digestion. The medicinal infusion is taken in 100 ml no more than 4 times a day. The duration of treatment should not exceed 2 months.
Ingredients:
- 3 tbsp. l. dried herbs;
- 250 ml boiling water.
Cooking algorithm:
- Raw materials are poured into a container and filled with water.
- Having closed the lid, the infusion is kept for 15 minutes.
- After a specified time, the drink is filtered and taken according to the prescribed scheme.
Tinctures
Components:
- 100 g zyuznik;
- 500 liters of vodka.
Recipe:
- The dried herb is placed in a dark glass container and poured with vodka.
- The tincture should be kept in a dark place for 2 weeks. If you use the components in a ratio of 1: 3, then the duration of infusion increases to 2 months.
- The finished drink is filtered and then taken orally.
Reception is carried out at 10 drops a day, 20-30 minutes before meals. The tincture is preliminarily diluted with a small amount of water. The duration of treatment is determined by the intensity of the disease. The main indication for the use of zyuznik tincture is tachycardia.
Tea
Fortifying zyuznik tea can be used as an alternative to other drinks. It helps to cope with nervousness and effectively regulates the functioning of the heart. For insomnia, drink 1 tbsp. 2 hours before going to bed.
Ingredients:
- 4 g dry grass;
- 1 tbsp. boiling water.
Cooking process:
- The zyuznik is poured with hot water and covered with a lid.
- After 10 minutes of infusion, the drink is filtered.
- Tea is taken as needed for 1 tbsp. per day.
Contraindications
Correct application of the heart herb eliminates the possibility of side effects. It is equally important to take into account the contraindications of the European zyuznik. These include:
- childhood;
- low blood pressure;
- allergic reaction;
- lactation period and pregnancy.
Collection and preparation of grass
It is customary to harvest the aboveground parts of the plant during its flowering period. Leaves and inflorescences are plucked in any convenient way. To preserve the beneficial properties of the herb for a long time, drying is carried out. It is advisable to do this as soon as possible after collection. If you do not dry the grass in time, it will lose a significant part of its beneficial properties.
The zyuznik branches are connected to each other, forming brooms. Then they are hung with the handle up in a secluded place. It is important that the room has access to air and is not exposed to sunlight.
Conclusion
The medicinal properties and contraindications of the European zyuznik are mandatory for everyone who uses non-traditional methods of treatment. It should be remembered that in case of serious diseases, herbal medicine may not give the desired result. In this case, medication will be required.
