Chickweed herb. Photo plants, medicinal and useful properties, used in folk medicine, contraindications

The Romans called this plant is the elixir of life, the old sailors, it helps to combat scurvy, but Gardeners of the 21st century ruthlessly eradicate this grass from their land, considering it useless weed. Photos and pictures of grass, accompanied by effective recipes are available in most reference books on herbal medicine in many countries.

Appearance woodlice

The botanical name of woodlice - Stellar Media (Lat. Stellaria media), or chickweed. Being a native of Eurasia, it is found throughout the world, including the territory of Greenland and the Arctic Circle.

Cold resistance annual plant of the family Caryophyllaceae sometimes called "summer snow" because a large number of white star-shaped flowers, which are crowned thin stems stelyaschiesya plants.

Woodlice contains small flowers which consist of a 5 bladed petals (deep dissection creates the illusion of a flower with petals tiny 10). This is clearly seen on closer inspection of fresh grass or photo. Pointed oval leaves on the stem are arranged in pairs. Chickweed blooms all summer fruit ripening-capsules is observed from July to October.

There are a number of closely related plants that are united by the common name of "wood louse". However, they are similar to Stellar average in appearance only and do not have culinary and medicinal qualities (often toxic).

Stellaria can distinguish 3 main features:

1. When cracked the plant does not produce milk juice.
2. thin hair line along the stem, there is only one side and alternately different interstitial sites (the others Representatives of the family clove-like chickweed, hairs are evenly distributed throughout the stem).
3. With careful stretching stem its outer shell bursts, and the inner core is slightly stretched while remaining intact.

In addition, the wood louse is another twist: even in dry weather it can leave wet marks on the clothes and shoes.

woodlice species

Biologists know Chickweed 120 species, 50 of which are native to Russia. Being closely related plants, they apparently do not differ much from each other. However, today it is wood louse, or the average Stellar has the wide range of medicinal and culinary uses.

In addition to her in the territory of Russia there are other types of Chickweed:

• lanceolate;
• Bunge;
• cereal;
  
• sprawling;
• Dubravnaya;
• forked;
• squat.

Much less can be seen tolstolistuyu, marsh and pushistochashechnuyu and Martyanova chickweed growing in the Altai, it is considered a rare relict plant.

Structure

A set of substances that are part of Chickweed, allows the use of the plant as a medicinal and edible.

Structure	Function in the body
minerals	Magnesium is essential for the functioning of the nervous system; It promotes the absorption of B1, B6, C, and DNA synthesis.
Iron delivers oxygen to tissues; It is a major component of several enzymes and proteins responsible for metabolic processes.
Phosphorus is very important for mental activity.
Copper delivers iron to the organs; necessary for the production of hemoglobin, erythrocytes, leucocytes.
Calcium is present in all living tissues and is an element indispensable for most vital processes.
Potassium is involved in the work of many systems of the body: the muscular, skeletal, nervous, excretory.
vitamins	Ascorbic acid - antioxidant, promotes the production of interferon, immunoglobulin, collagen; required for normal metabolism
E - an antioxidant important for the conception and development of the child; It is an element of cancer prevention, heart disease, and neurological disorders; It shows a restorative and rejuvenating properties.
D needs in the nervous and immune systems; It is important for maintaining bone health and muscle tissue.
A - a powerful antioxidant that improves vision, activating the protective functions and metabolic processes of the body.
By strengthens blood vessels, bone, heart muscle; It normalizes the process of blood clotting.
Niacin improves cognitive performance, functioning of the nervous, cardiac systems, regulates enzymes.
B2, B6, B12, B1 help metabolize fats, proteins and carbohydrates are transformed into glucose; required for normal energy transfer.
Rutin - an antioxidant similar to quercetin helps reduce inflammation and improve blood circulation.
Gamma-linolenic acid	One of the essential fatty acids.
Beta-carotene	The antioxidant capable converted into vitamin A; It enhances the protective function and resistance to physical and mental stress; improves eyesight, heart, gonads.
triterpene saponins	It has powerful anti-inflammatory effect.
Tannins	Possess anti-inflammatory action, eliminate heavy metals.

As part of the plant are also present flavonoids, lipids, phytosterols, essential oils, mucus.

Beneficial features

Woodlouse - grass, which photos can be seen in reference books on herbal medicine, has a number of important therapeutic properties:

• antirheumatic;
• antiscorbutic;
• astringent;
• hypotensive;
• antiseptic;
• choleretic;
• diuretic (unlike stronger diuretic not leaches minerals from the body);
  
• expectorant;
• soothing;
• laxatives;
• wound healing;
• analgesic;
• anticonvulsant;
• protivoavitaminoznym;
• hemostatic.

New research shows that common chickweed can be used as an effective antihistamine and as a stimulant of the lymphatic system.

Indications

A variety of therapeutic properties allows the use of the plant for many diseases.

For skin diseases (relieves itching, irritation, swelling)

• eczema;
• psoriasis;
• rubella;
• chapped skin;
• insect bites;
• ulcers;
• boils;
• burns.

Multiped helps with problems with respiratory organs (prints sputum, tones):

• influenza;
  
• bronchitis;
• asthma.

The plant is used in disorders of the musculoskeletal system:

• sprains, strains, bruises;
• gout;
• sciatica;
• It eases the pain of rheumatism, arthritis.

Wood louse is useful in trouble with the digestive system:

• flatulence;
• constipation;
• hemorrhoids;
• irritable bowel syndrome;
• imbalance of bacterial intestinal environment.

Woodlouse - grass, which photos can be found on the Internet, will have tangible assistance and other problems in the body:

• hypovitaminosis, loss of strength, nervousness;
• iron deficiency;
• urinary tract infections;
• menstrual cramps;
• weakened immunity;
• hypertension;
• difficulties in the work of the thyroid gland;
• corneal opacity;
• scurvy;
  
• to improve blood composition.

Dried extracts chickweed able to activate the regeneration process in the body at a toxic hepatitis. Research published in March 2009 in the journal "Plant foods for human nutrition", talking about the possibilities of anti-cancer plant.

Benefits for Men

Chickweed is not used as a "purely male" remedy. However, it should be remembered that the majority of men's problems associated with dysfunction of the nervous system, fatigue, loss of strength.

In these matters would be a good tool wood louse: teas, salads, dressings, soups of this plant have a beneficial effect on the general condition will improve a man's activity and opportunities.

For women

Meanwhile, chickweed has been used successfully for the treatment of diseases affecting women:

• cervical erosion;
• fibroids;
• mastitis;
• cysts.

For example, when ovarian cyst and erosion apply swabs soaked woodlice broth. Within 5 days of the swab are left on all night. If necessary, the treatment is repeated after 5 days.

The use of alcohol tinctures and tea from fresh herbs helps to reduce inflammation of the pelvic organs. Decoctions drink at irregular and painful menstruation (recommended guzzle means during the last week before the start of the cycle).

When mastitis helps compress juice plant which is applied to the affected area for 1 hour (or 20 minutes once a day).

Also suitable for use dry raw materials: grass necessary to compress parboiled and cool to warm (body pleasant) state.

Pregnancy and breast-feeding

In folk medicine, you can find a recipe to increase lactation: Stellar juice and honey mixed in equal amounts. Means used three times a day for 1 hour. l.

However, most doctors believe that during pregnancy and lactation from taking herbs should be abandoned. To date, there is insufficient data to prove the complete safety of a pregnant or nursing woman and her child.

For children

Chickweed Application for the treatment of children is not recommended, but it still can be used for outdoor use.

Ointments, oils, tinctures are ideal for the treatment of damage children's skin:

• abrasions;
  
• cuts;
• diaper rash;
• eczema;
• various rashes;
• insect bites.

On the nervous children beneficial impact of the warm bath with the addition of Chickweed extract. In the works of the German pediatrician Alfred Vogel (1829-1890) found a recipe based on Stellar average for internal use. The agent according to this recipe used against seizures in children. For its preparation 20 g of fresh grass poured liter of water and boiled for 15 min.

You can use the dry raw material. In this case, taking 30 g of dry grass frizz liter of water and boiled for 20 minutes. A decoction is used several times a day. A single dose of from 20 to 100 g (depending on the age of the child).

Woodlouse - grass picture which should be compared with the pre-plant, which will be used for the treatment of the child. When choosing raw materials can not be mistaken, as many members of the family clove are poisonous.

Juice

the greatest amount of nutrients in the juice is concentrated woodlice. Therefore, the therapeutic activity of it is great. For external use juice can be used in almost all skin lesions and as a cosmetic.

Mode of application:

• compresses;
• lubrication;
• irrigation;
• lotions.

Warm compresses help with muscle and joint pain. Fresh juice is washed eye inflammations.

For internal use juice woodlice:

• eliminates the bothersome beriberi and headaches associated with high blood pressure;
• improves blood circulation, strengthens the heart and the digestive system;
• beneficial effect on liver condition, kidney, thyroid;
• It improves memory and the blood, relieve irritation and fatigue.

Juice drink woodlice recommended three times a day for 100 ml (can be added lemon juice, an infusion or decoction hips). The maximum rate should not exceed 3 months (As the plant can be carried to conditionally toxic).

Liver disease or thyroid juice is best to dilute the honey in equal proportions and take a teaspoon several times a day for about 2 weeks. Keep the juice is only necessary in the cold and no more than 2 days.

Infusion

For therapeutic purposes, commonly used infusion Chickweed.

It gives good results in:

• treatment of inflammatory diseases of the eye;
  
• beriberi;
• to strengthen the nervous system;
• liver diseases, colds.

Coughing and hoarseness better help the infusion of dried herbal raw materials. Infusion of fresh and dry herbs Stellar medium, added to the water bath, softens and refreshes the skin, relieves pain in joints and muscles. In the 17th century English physician, naturalist John Gerard infusion woodlice treating scabies.

Examples of application:

• Tonic infusion can be prepared conventionally: 1 cup of boiling water is poured Art. l. fresh raw materials and insisted a couple of hours. Drink infusion of 2 tbsp. l. 4 times a day before meals.
• When weakness, iron deficiency, to strengthen the nervous system a single dosage should be increased to 50 ml, and cystitis - 100 ml.
• When eye diseases infusion is recommended to dig up to 4 times a day for 1-2 drops in each eye.

Tincture

The infusion medium stellyarii apply at:

• tumors;
• acne;
• skin irritations;
• burns.

It eases digestive problems, acts as a mild laxative for constipation, strengthens the immune system. The infusion used as rubbing, lotions rheumatism, gout and arthritis.

Prepare it from dry or fresh feed. Freshly washed thoroughly with grass, slightly dried (rid of excess of water), filled to 2/3 of its capacity and selected vodka poured to the top.

A well-closed container is left to infuse in a dark and inaccessible place for the kids to 2-4 weeks. For better mixing of the layers of liquid tincture should be shaken from time to time. If the medication needs to be done in the dry grass, the container is filled only to 1/2 volume.

For internal use a standard dose considered reception 1-4 ml three times a day:

• If urinary tract infection is recommended to take 20-30 drops daily for 3 months.
• When the pain in the stomach or intestine 20-25 drops diluted in a small amount of water and taken before meals for 2 weeks.
• Rubbing tincture bruises, aching joints, muscles, helps relieve pain (after rubbing a painful place to be warm wrap).
• Wiping and lotions for sensitive skin do better dilute tincture.

Tea

Tea woodlice - pleasant tonic having healing properties. He removes from the body toxins, improves the digestive system. Tea useful in cystitis, bronchitis, asthma, respiratory diseases. The drink helps to cope with hypovitaminosis, anxiety is a fortifying agent.

Recent studies show that drinking tea from woodlice can reduce the size of fibroids and reduces the possibility of thrombosis.

Brewed tea from Stellar average as a normal herbal: 1 tbsp. l. dry herbs (fresh or 2) of boiled water and steeped for 10-15 min. For colds it is recommended to drink at least 1,5-2 glasses of warm healing drink a day.

Excessive use of tea is not: a diuretic and laxative action can lead to severe diarrhea and excessive fluid loss.

decoction

Broth, made from wood lice, is an excellent means for cleaning the skin of purulent rash and irritation, rapid healing of wounds. Tool helps with constipation, painful menstruation, improves blood composition.

The broth is used as a remedy for inflammation of the urinary tract, with postpartum complications. Compress on the basis of Stellaria ameliorate pain in the joints. People practice claims that herbal teas help with incontinence. Prepare the medicine is simple: in 1 liter of water should boil for 5 minutes on low heat 4-5 Art. l. grass. Infuse 2 hours.

The medicine can be taken:

• If you have problems with the skin decoction rubbed his face.
  
• Decoction of dampened cheesecloth or other natural fabric is applied to the painful places: the joints, bruises, sprains, wounds.
• Gynecological problems (e.g., erosion) broth impregnated tampons.
• For internal use is recommended to take 50-60 ml 3-4 times a day.

Ointment

Making ointment is time consuming, but the result is worth it.

It is carried out in two stages: the preparation of oil woodlice and compound it with wax:

1. To prepare fresh herbs oil washed, finely cut, spread in a thin layer and leave for 12-24 hours to dry grass and podvyala.
2. Then the prepared raw material and olive oil (in the proportions 1: 1) were mixed in a blender and heated on a steam bath (oil temperature must not rise above 70-80 ° C). Give the brew mixture for several hours and warming procedure is repeated. A day or two oil should drain.
3. For ointment oil woodlice added melted on a steam bath beeswax, all mixed thoroughly. On one glass of oil required about 30 g of wax. The proportions can be changed to your liking. a few drops of your favorite essential oil suitable for flavoring.

The resulting ointment helps with psoriasis, dry skin, cracked. It is good as rubbing with radiculitis, painful joints, sprains.

bath

Take a bath with the addition of Stellar is not only pleasant, but also very useful:

• When joint and muscle pains in bath water broth is added: 1 l of water for 10 minutes 200 g Stellaria boil. Cool to a safe temperature, filter and pour into the prepared bath. Water procedures should not exceed 20 m (optimum water temperature - close to body temperature).
  
• When the skin problems fit less concentrated broth: 130-150 g herb in 1 liter of water. It is necessary to brew a mixture of about 2 hours and add to the water for bathing. More saturated decoction (300 g herb in 1 liter of water) will with edematous legs, skin lesions strengths.
• Eliminate itching, pH balance and soothe irritated skin to help bath with the addition of apple cider vinegar, infused with Chickweed grass. A few tablespoons of the vinegar is enough for one bathing.

compresses

Compresses give good therapeutic results with:

• various tumors;
• disorders of the musculoskeletal system (inflammation of the joints, ligaments, myositis);
• diseases of the skin;
• problems with surface veins.

Compresses woodlice analgesic, improve blood circulation, accelerate wound healing, resist infection:

• To the affected area (joints, problem areas), you can attach a cotton cloth soaked in a decoction of the plant. Top cover it waxed paper or polyethylene insulate wool layer and fasten all the bandage.
  
• Medical bandage (compress) do as well on the basis of juice woodlice (ie replace juice broth).
• When cracks (eg, the heels) applied to damaged skin ointment and bandage. So you can avoid infection, soften the skin, accelerate healing.

Used in cosmetics

In addition to medicinal properties, Stellar is endowed with nature and effective cosmetic features:

• For a problem youthful skin that is affected by acne, acne, effective help will daily washing decoction of Stellaria.
• facial skin will look healthier if it lubricate the juice of the plant.
• To wipe the skin lotion will be useful. For its preparation in 100 ml of alcohol (50-60%) to place tablespoon chopped fresh herbs and let stand for 14 days. Before use, the infusion should be diluted 1 h. l. means 20 ml distilled or boiled water.
• Refresh and tighten your skin this mask: 1 tablespoon. l. shredded green mix 1 h. l. honey and 1 hour. l. cream. Apply on face for 15 minutes and rinse with water.
• Rinsing hair broth woodlice relieve itchy skin, will have a strengthening effect on hair due to its rich chemical composition.

  

• Warm baths from broth Stellaria soften the surface coarseness of the hands and feet. The same effect on dry skin will have the oil or ointment on its basis.

Chickweed for weight loss

Herbalists recommend drinking tea, decoction, infusion Chickweed as a tool for weight loss. However, nutritionists do not quite agree with that. It is believed that the weight loss in the use of plants is associated with laxative and diuretic properties of herbs. The loss of excess kilos timing, and the weight is returned to the initial performance after discontinuation of lice.

Perhaps nutritionists are mistaken, since studies in 2012 show that woodlice use contributes to weight loss, "due to the inhibition of intestinal absorption of dietary fats and carbohydrates" (that is, by inhibiting the process of absorption of fats and carbohydrates).

Used in cooking

Stellar average are increasingly began to appear in the menu of restaurants that specialize in local, seasonal organic vegetables and fruits. This is not surprising, as the grass grows in abundance from spring to autumn, it contains a lot of vitamins, up to 20% protein and has a pleasant taste.

Fresh sweet Chickweed some compare with the taste of young corn salad "Boston" or "Iceberg". Stellar being a wild grass, it has significant advantages over cultivated food plants or hybridized.

Introduction woodlice in the diet has a number of positive aspects:

1. It helps the body to adapt to ever-changing environmental conditions.
2. Wild greens - balanced source of nutrition, growing in harmony with the natural cycles.
3. Grass increases the permeability of mucous membranes, thus contributing to better assimilation of essential nutrients. This is especially true for people who are prone to anemia, hypovitaminosis, weakened by illness or during convalescence.

From the point of view of taste, connoisseurs believe that the sweetness and freshness of woodlice combine well with sweet flavors (E.g., fruit and vegetable salad) and with sharper and stronger flavors (e.g., cheese or fish).

Chopped and fried green goes well with mushrooms and eggs, added to soups, salads. Boiled young grass taste is no different than spring spinach.

The dried and ground into powder frayed part of plants and seeds used as a spice and add to the dough when baking bread.

Woodlouse - grass, which first photo still to be found in the botanical catalog and check with the plant, which will be used as food, as a mistake can cost the health (there are many similar poisonous representatives Flora).

Contraindications

With all the enormous benefits that can bring this wonderful plant, its use has certain limitations.

By lice is to give in these cases:

• during pregnancy and breastfeeding;
  
• at constantly reduced pressure;
• suspected possibility of allergic reactions to the plant;
• during reception of laxatives and diuretics.

Internal receiving Chickweed is also not recommended for children.

Possible risk of harm and side effects

Uncontrolled reception lice can lead to undesirable consequences:

• nausea;
• vomiting;
• diarrhea;
• dehydration;
• pressure fall;
• contact dermatitis (in contact with grass) and other allergic manifestations.

Excessive use of Stellar due to the large amount of saponins, included in its composition, can lead to an accelerated disintegration of red blood cells.

Collection and Storage

For medicinal and nutritional needs is only good part of the ground Chickweed. Collect plant can be from early spring until late autumn. Salad greens fit young (before flowering). She is gentle and sweet.

The most valuable (active) drug raw material is considered fresh grass, but works well and dry, and frozen wood louse.

Plants begin to harvest the flowering period. It is purified by various impurities (if there is no confidence in the purity, it is better to wash), spread in a thin layer on a fabric or paper and dried in a ventilated area or in the shade outdoors. You can use special dryer, where the temperature is set at around 35-40 ° C.

Keep dry in paper, canvas bags, glass jars, boxes, waxed paper laid. Well dried raw material at low humidity, absence of sun stored for 1 year.

Woodlice considered safe herb. But do not forget that it often grows on wasteland near the landfill may be contaminated with herbicides. In addition, it has similarities with other related plants. Therefore, you should use the herb, collected in a clean area, and verify it with a description and photo of chickweed botanical guides.

Author of the article: Irina Zhuravka

Registration of the article: Lozinski Oleg

Video about the beneficial properties of woodlice

Description and useful properties of lice: