Cinquefoil erecta (galangal) - beneficial properties and use in medicine. Kalgan, or cinquefoil erect: medicinal properties

Potentilla erecta (L.) Rausch. - a perennial herbaceous plant from the Rosaceae family with a short thick rhizome covered with numerous adventitious roots different shapes And different sizes. There are usually several stems, they are erect or ascending, 20-40 (up to 50) cm high, thin, branching in the upper part. The basal leaves are trifoliate (less often 5-palmated), with long petioles. Stem leaves are trifoliate, sessile, with large stipules.
The flowers are solitary, equipped with thin long pedicels. The perianth is double, 4-membered, with a subcup. This species has exactly 4 sepals and 4 petals, and not 5, like most Rosaceae, including other cinquefoils. The calyx and calyx are green. The corolla is about 1 cm in diameter, with yellow petals. Stamens and pistils are numerous.
It blooms from May to September, respectively, the fruits ripen in different times, starting in June. The fruit is a multi-nut, which breaks apart when ripe into individual smooth or wrinkled nuts.

Distribution of Potentilla erecta

Potentilla erecta is widespread in the temperate zone of Eurasia. In our country it is found throughout the forest and forest-steppe belt of the European part and in the Ural regions Western Siberia, also enters the forest-tundra.
It grows in meadows, clearings, forest edges, along the edges of swamps, in cleared forests, and forest ravines. It prefers open, fairly moist habitats, but ecologically this plant is very plastic and adapts to life in a wide variety of conditions.

Economic use of Potentilla erecta

The rhizomes of Potentilla erecta are used as an excellent tanning agent for tanning and dyeing leather. Rhizomes serve as raw materials in the distillery industry for flavoring and imparting a pleasant color to some brands of spirits.
In the old days, Kalganovskaya spice was made from the root, which was valued in the production of gingerbread.

Features of the preparation of medicinal raw materials of Potentilla erecta

Potentilla rhizomes are harvested in the fall (August-September) and spring (March-May). They are dug out with shovels, cleaned of above-ground shoots and roots, thoroughly shaken off soil residues, washed in cold water and dried with any in an accessible way. If it was not possible to rinse the rhizomes with water before drying, then after drying it is advisable to shake the raw materials on iron sieves to separate the remaining soil.

Medicinal value of Potentilla erecta and methods of medicinal use

The healing qualities of cinquefoil are determined mainly by the presence in its rhizomes of a large amount of tannins(up to 35%), flavonoids, organic acids, gum, essential oil, resins, dyes.
Cinquefoil is a superconcentrate of manganese, and manganese belongs to important role in the life of any living cell: it is necessary for the normal functioning of the gonads and the musculoskeletal system. Its deficiency negatively affects membrane stability nerve cells And nervous system generally. There is an opinion that with age, the digestibility of manganese decreases, while the need for it remains the same. As a result, an unfavorable background arises for the development of older and elderly people. malignant neoplasms and cardiovascular diseases.
IN different areas In Russia, cinquefoil is called differently: uzik, snake, grass snake, wild galangal, dubrovka, drevlyanka, perevyazhikha, oak root, ovary root, ovary root. The variety of names indicates widespread her in nature and about the same widespread use V medicinal purposes(ovary, ovary - indicates astringent properties; bandage - to properties that stop blood). She was called the mighty one great power in treatment.
“There is a grass called Uzik that grows on ramen and hazel trees... what egg yolk. That herb is good for toothache or for those whose “navel hurts,” - this is how an ancient herbalist characterizes galangal.
Mentions of cinquefoil in Europe are found among doctors of the Middle Ages and the Renaissance. It was used very effectively to treat dysentery in those days. In Bulgaria, this herb is used to treat liver diseases, enteritis, and enterocolitis. In domestic scientific medicine Potentilla began to find use at the beginning of the 20th century, although people have used galangal since ancient times.

Medicines from cinquefoil rhizomes have astringent, anti-inflammatory, bactericidal and hemostatic properties.
Decoction: pour 2 teaspoons of rhizomes into 1 glass of water, boil for 20 minutes, then add boiling water to the original volume and take 1 tablespoon 3 times a day for 30-40 minutes. before meals or 1 hour after meals.

Use the decoction for gastrointestinal diseases, heavy uterine, pulmonary and intestinal bleeding, with bloody urine, lacrimation, pulmonary tuberculosis. In Altai, a vodka infusion of cinquefoil rhizomes is considered effective means for ailments, pain in the abdomen and chest, prolapse of the stomach.
Five tablespoons of crushed dry galangal roots are poured into a bottle of vodka, left for 12 days, and taken half a glass 3 times a day before meals. This tincture is used for various internal bleeding.

Powder from the rhizomes of the plant can be used to brush your teeth to prevent inflammation of the gums when bleeding from them and to eliminate bad breath.
Aqueous extracts of cinquefoil have a detrimental effect on some microbes and therefore give good effect in the form of rinsing and lubricating with inflammatory processes in the oral cavity (including with stomatitis and gingivitis), with loosening of the gums, as well as externally in the form of compresses and lotions for burns, ulcers, wounds, frostbite, weeping eczema and some other skin diseases.
For external use for inflammation of the oral cavity, a more concentrated decoction is prepared than for internal use.

Pour one tablespoon of chopped rhizomes with 1 cup of boiling water and heat in a water bath for 30 minutes. and strain immediately. Bred hot boiled water 1:4 and rinse your mouth. If your gums are bleeding, rinse every 2 hours.
50g cinquefoil root, infuse in 1 glass cold water 5 hours, boil for 2-3 minutes. Gargle and gargle.

You can prepare an ointment for stomatitis: mix 10 parts of tincture (see recipe below) and 5 parts of glycerin.

If cracks appear on the lips and hands, use an ointment prepared from the roots: 5 g of root powder is boiled for 5 minutes. in 200 g butter. The ointment should be stored in the cold.

For gout and salt deposition, prepare a tincture.
Take 20 g of cinquefoil per 100 ml of 70% alcohol and leave for 6 weeks in a bright place. Take 40 drops 2-3 times a day before meals. If you are prone to constipation, this tincture is not recommended.
Take 1 tablespoon of cinquefoil rhizome per 1 glass of water. Boil for 15-20 minutes. After boiling, leave, covered, for 2 hours, strain. Take 1 tablespoon 3-4 times a day for 30 minutes. before meals.

Potentilla rhizome - 20 g, leaf - 20 g, cinquefoil leaf - 20 g, knotweed grass - 20 g.
Brew one tablespoon of the mixture with 200 ml of boiling water and drink before and after meals. The infusion helps with intestinal disorders, with diarrhea (even bloody).

Potentilla rhizome - 40 g, knotweed rhizome - 40 g. Infuse a full teaspoon of the mixture for 6 hours in 1 glass of cold water and then boil. Drink in sips throughout the day.

This is what Odo of Mena (11th century) wrote about galangal in his treatise “On the Properties of Herbs”:
“Take galangal, and it will immediately dissolve the phlegm in the stomach;
If the sick person is phlegmatic, then it strengthens his strength.
Accepted, it expels the imprisoned winds,
It improves digestion and cures colic.
If you chew it, your mouth will smell pleasant.
Taken, it increases Desire and the action of the kidneys.”
According to Raphael, cinquefoil is ruled by Jupiter and is especially healing for those born under the sign of Sagittarius and Pisces.

Cinquefoil erecta, or galangal ( Potentilla erecta(L.) Raeusch.), from the Rosaceae family, is a perennial herbaceous plant up to 15-40 cm high with thin, erect, forked-branched stems at the top. Leaves are trifoliate, with two large stipules, alternate: basal - petiolate, upper - sessile; stems and leaves are covered with hairs. The flowers are solitary, yellow, with regular perianth, with orange-red spots at the base, axillary, on long pedicels. The calyx is double, with a subcup. The corolla has 4 separate petals, unlike other cinquefoils which have 5 petals. It is precisely by these four petals that it is easy to find in nature, and that is why its roots are usually harvested at a somewhat inopportune time - not at the end of the season, but during flowering. The fruit is an ovoid, slightly wrinkled achene of dark olive or brown. The fruit consists of 5-12 achenes. Blooms from May to August. The fruits ripen in August-September.

In the wild, the plant is found in the forest zone of the European part of the country, in Western Siberia, and the Caucasus. It often grows in damp and dry places, between bushes, in meadows, in young plantings, in pastures, sometimes in swampy places, thinned coniferous and coniferous-small-leaved forests. Collecting wild roots is very labor-intensive - they are quite small and are located in the turf layer. Therefore, it makes sense to plant this plant in the area.

Growing

Kalgan looks good in a group on the eastern or western slope of a rocky hill. Flowering continues almost all summer, so it is decorative for a long time. Dissected leaves and numerous small yellow flowers create the effect of lightness and airiness.

The plant prefers loose, fertile soil with a neutral or slightly acidic reaction environment. On heavy clay soils, the roots turn out to be clumsy and small, and the above-ground part is not so lush.

It takes a long time to grow this plant from seeds. Planting material The easiest way is to bring it from natural habitats. It is better to dig up plants during flowering, when they are easy to identify. After planting on the site, they are watered and shaded for a while. This promotes better survival. Care is the most common and only includes loosening, weeding and, if necessary, watering. Later, when digging up raw materials, the upper part of the root with renewal buds can be planted in the vacant space and after 2-3 years the plants are again suitable for obtaining medicinal raw materials and further division.

The rhizomes are collected in the fall. They dig it up with a shovel, free it from lumps of earth, cut off thin roots and branches of the stems, place it in baskets and wash it. Lay out outside to dry and dry, and then dry in the attic or in a dryer at a temperature not exceeding +60 o C, stirring occasionally. Raw materials are preserved medicinal properties 4 or even more years.

Chemical components

The main substances that determine pharmacological activity Potentillas are condensed tannins, triterpene saponins, in particular the glycoside tormentillin and the ester tormentol, and flavonoids. The content of tannins in the rhizomes of cinquefoil is greater than in oak bark and reaches 20-30, and in some cases - 35%, and therefore the plant in Rus' was used for tanning leather and dyeing fabrics.

Medicinal properties

The rhizomes of the plant have an astringent, bactericidal, anti-inflammatory and hemostatic effect. The local anti-inflammatory effect is associated with tannins that can create a biological film that protects tissues from chemical, bacterial and mechanical influences accompanying inflammation. At the same time, capillary permeability decreases and blood vessels narrow. These features of action are well manifested on inflamed, reddened mucous membranes with pharyngitis, stomatitis, gingivitis, as well as with gastritis and enteritis. The general anti-inflammatory effect is associated with the effect of flavonoids. A number of authors note the moderate analgesic effect of cinquefoil preparations.

Potentilla decoctions are prescribed orally for enteritis, enterocolitis, dyspepsia, dysentery, ulcerative colitis with bleeding from the intestines, with gastritis, peptic ulcer stomach and duodenum, How choleretic agent for cholecystitis, cholecystocholangitis, acute and chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis of the liver, including in the edematous-ascitic stage.

Potentilla decoctions are very effective for poisoning and intestinal infection. It was and is used even for dysentery. Due to its antimicrobial, astringent and hemostatic effect, it can be very effective.

Decoctions are used for hypermenorrhea and uterine bleeding of various origins as a hemostatic agent internally; for colpitis, vaginitis, and cervical erosions, the decoction is used for douching.

Cinquefoil is used for rinsing when inflammatory diseases oral cavity (stomatitis, gingivitis), bleeding gums, sore throat and chronic tonsillitis. In the form of an application, a decoction of cinquefoil is used for hemorrhoids, burns, eczema, neurodermatitis, cracks in the skin and mucous membranes, and sweating of the feet.

Externally, herbalists use a decoction of the roots for burns and weeping eczema.

Recipes for use

For cooking decoction 1 tablespoon of cinquefoil rhizomes is poured into a glass of water at room temperature, brought to a boil, boiled in a water bath for 10-15 minutes, cooled, filtered, taken 1 tablespoon 3-4 times a day 1-1.5 hours before meals for diseases of the stomach and intestines.

Alcohol tincture galangal is prepared in 70% alcohol, infused for 2 weeks in the dark in a ratio of 1:10 and taken 30-40 drops 4-5 times a day, diluted with water if there are problems gastrointestinal tract.

Tincture infused with cinquefoil root vodka, the color resembles cognac and tastes quite pleasant. And at the same time she retains all her beneficial properties. As a drink, 10-20 g of roots are infused in 0.5 liters of vodka. After 2-3 weeks, the tincture is filtered and used as a liqueur glass before meals as a general strengthening and tonic. By the way, in Russian villages it was believed that this tincture was very useful for men, but, of course, in a very moderate dose.

In the article we discuss galangal. You will learn what medicinal properties it has, why the plant is useful for men and women, when to prepare medicinal raw materials, how to prepare medicines based on it, and also how the product is used in cooking, what contraindications there are for it.

Kalgan or Cinquefoil erecta is a perennial medicinal herb of the Rosaceae family. Other names of the plant: galangal grass, wild galangal, dubrovka, cinquefoil, seven fingers, drevlyanka, oak root, blood root or red root. Latin name: Potentilla erecta. Used in folk medicine and in cooking as a spice.

Cinquefoil is often confused with the root of Kalgan (lat. Alpinia), a herbaceous plant from the Ginger family. Root of this plant used in the production of alcoholic beverages, added to first courses, and also used as a replacement for ginger root.

Description

Plant height is from 20 to 50 cm, the stems are erect, branching. Root system tuberous, creeping, red-brown in color, about 2.5 cm wide, located almost horizontally to the surface, has a woody structure, covered with numerous shoots extending vertically.

The arrangement of the leaves is regular. The leaves are oblong-wedge-shaped, three- or five-fingered with a coarsely serrated edge. The stem leaves are sessile, the basal leaves are located on long petioles.

Appearance (photo) of flowers.

Flowers bright yellow, small, about 2 cm in diameter, solitary. The location is apical or axillary, flowering shoots are long and thin. The corolla is four-petalled. The flowering period is from May to early September.

The fruit of the plant consists of single-seeded, smooth or slightly wrinkled olive-colored nuts, ovoid or kidney-shaped. The fruiting period is from August to the end of September.

Where does it grow

Its habitat is throughout Russia, Europe, the Caucasus, and southwest Asia. The grass is found among meadow herbs, on the edges of forests, forest clearings, and the outskirts of swamps. Prefers moist, slightly flooded areas of soil. Among gardeners, there is a practice of growing cinquefoil in summer cottages and garden plots.

When to collect

Potentilla roots are harvested to treat diseases. They are collected only from plants older than 5 years, since young shoots have low medicinal value. The collection of rhizomes begins in early spring before the appearance of young shoots or in late autumn after the above-ground part of the plant dies.

Rhizomes are used to treat diseases.

The rhizome is cleared of soil, washed and dried. The prepared roots are cut into pieces ranging in size from 2 to 9 cm in length, dried scattered on a tarpaulin under awnings on the veranda or in the attic. Dry in an automatic dryer at a temperature of 50-60 degrees. Store medicinal raw materials in fabric bags or paper envelopes. Shelf life: 5 years.

For more information about collecting galangal, watch the following videos:

Chemical composition

The tool has the following chemical composition:

• tannins;
• glycosides;
• plant polyphenols;
• ellagic acid;
• quinic acid;
• essential oil;
• vitamins;
• tormenthol ether;
• phlobafens;
• resinous substances;
• starch;
• vegetable wax;
• iron;
• magnesium;
• copper.

Medicinal properties

The main benefit of the plant depends on the large amount of tannins in its composition (up to 30%), which have an astringent, hemostatic effect. The plant also has the following medicinal properties:

• has an anti-inflammatory effect;
• heals damaged tissues;
• kills germs and bacteria;
• relieves pain;
• reduces vascular permeability;
• relieves skin irritation;
• displays excess liquid and eliminates swelling;
• calms the nervous system.

The healing properties have official scientific confirmation. The plant is included in the State Pharmacopoeia of the Russian Federation.

Potentilla erecta is used in the treatment of the following ailments:

• inflammation of the small and large intestines;
• intestinal disorder accompanied by diarrhea;
• difficult and painful digestion;
• stomach ulcer;
• inflammation of the mucous membrane of the mouth and gums;
• acute tonsillitis;
• wounds and frostbite;
• dermatological diseases;
• pulmonary tuberculosis;
• rheumatism;
• gout;
• heart disease;
• gynecological diseases;
• dysfunction of the liver and gall bladder;
• thyroid diseases.

For women

In women, the drug is used to stop uterine bleeding, restore menstrual cycle, normalization hormonal levels. Decoctions and infusions are used to douche for cervical erosion and to treat inflammation of the vaginal mucosa caused by Trichomonas.

For men

For men, the product is useful for sexual dysfunction. The plant helps reduce nervous tension, increases blood flow to the genitals. Potentilla is also used for the prevention and treatment of prostatitis.

Application

Dried or fresh plant used to treat diseases. It is also used in cooking as a spice. Dying substances are also extracted from the rhizome of cinquefoil, which are used to make red and black paint.

In cooking

Aromatic alcohol tinctures are prepared with cinquefoil, and fish is also preserved. It has a pleasant delicate aroma, similar to the smell of a rose. Aromatic galangal milk is prepared using moonshine and root. It has a pleasant tart taste and amber-brown color.

For the recipe for alcohol galangal, watch the following video:

The raw materials are also boiled and seasoned vegetable oil, served as a side dish or main course. Young leaves of the plant are also used for cooking as a seasoning for cereals, fish and meat dishes.

Treatment

Traditional medicine actively uses the plant. Based on the rhizome, decoctions, alcohol, water infusions, which are taken orally, used externally for rinsing, lotions, and douching. Below are recipes that are used to treat various ailments.

Tea for diarrhea (diarrhea)

For intestinal upset, a strengthening tea with cinquefoil is prepared.

Ingredients:

1. Chopped root - 1 tsp.
2. Drinking water - 100 ml.

How to cook: Boil the water. Place the medicinal raw material in an enamel ladle, pour boiling water over it, and place on low heat. Boil the root for about 10 minutes, then cool the broth slightly and filter through cheesecloth.

How to use: Drink the entire amount of the product hot. Daily norm- 3 cups. Drink the remedy until completely cured.

Decoction for gastrointestinal diseases

To treat gastritis, inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract, and to stop intestinal bleeding, a decoction is prepared.

Ingredients:

1. Root - 2 tsp.
2. Drinking water - 250 ml.

How to cook: Fill the product with water and place on medium heat. As soon as the broth boils, reduce the heat as much as possible and simmer the medicine for 15 minutes. Cool, filter, bring the volume of the product with boiled water to 250 ml.

How to use: Take 1 tablespoon one hour before and after meals three times a day. The duration of treatment depends on the diagnosis. Consult your physician before use.

Cognac tincture for impotence

For weak erections, use cognac tincture. The product is contraindicated for men with alcohol addiction.

Ingredients:

1. Rhizome - 100 g.
2. Cognac - 500 ml.

How to cook: Place the dried raw materials in a glass container, fill it with cognac, and seal tightly. Let it brew for 1 week in a dark place at room temperature. Shake the cognac tincture periodically.

How to use: Take 1 tablespoon twice a day. The course of treatment is 1 month.

For dental diseases

Rinse with a decoction of cinquefoil root oral cavity for stomatitis, gingivitis, scurvy.

Ingredients:

1. Dried root - 1 tbsp.
2. Drinking water - 250 ml.

How to cook: Pour the chopped roots with water at room temperature. Let it brew for 5 hours in a dark place, then put it on the fire and bring to a boil. Cool and filter the product.

How to use: Rinse your mouth with the broth for 1-2 minutes 3-4 times a day.

Water infusion for hemorrhoids

For external treatment hemorrhoidal cones, cracks anus prepare a water infusion.

Ingredients:

1. Fresh or dried rhizome - 1 tbsp.
2. Pure water - 200 ml.

How to cook: Grind the raw material and place it in a thermos. Boil water, pour in medicine boiling water Let it brew for 3 hours, then cool and filter through cheesecloth.

How to use: Moisten a cotton swab or gauze swab in infusion and apply to anal passage. Apply lotions 1-2 times a day.

Ointment with galangal

The ointment is used to treat cracked feet, diaper rash, bedsores, burns, and is also used for chapping and chapped lips.

Ingredients:

1. Fresh root - 5 g.
2. Butter or visceral fat— 150 g.

How to cook: Grind the raw materials using a blender. Mix with the fat base, place the mixture in an enamel ladle, place on water bath. Boil for about 5 minutes, then strain the warm mass through a thick gauze cloth. Store the ointment in a glass jar in the refrigerator.

How to use: Apply the ointment 2-3 times a day until complete healing.

Tincture

Alcohol tincture is used in the treatment of many diseases. It is taken orally for diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, uterine bleeding, diseases of the liver, gall bladder, and is also used for washing wounds, compresses, lotions, and rinsing the mouth.

Ingredients:

1. Rhizomes - 100 g.
2. Edible alcohol (40%) - 1 l.

How to cook: Grind the dried raw materials in a mortar to a fine powder. Place the product in a glass container, fill with alcohol and seal tightly. Let it brew for about 3 weeks. Shake the tincture periodically.

How to use: Take 15-30 drops, previously diluted in water, half an hour before meals. The course of treatment depends on the disease.

For children

It is not recommended to take decoctions or infusions of water with Potentilla erecta for children under 3 years of age. At an older age, treatment is possible only under the supervision of a doctor. Alcohol tincture is strictly contraindicated for children under 18 years of age.

Contraindications

Medicines based on Potentilla erecta should not be taken orally for the following diseases and conditions:

• individual intolerance;
• pregnancy at any stage;
• increased body temperature;
• reduced acidity of gastric juice;
• arterial hypertension of 2 degrees and higher;
• chronic constipation;
• increased blood clotting.

Damage to Potentilla erecta is possible with an overdose or illiterate use of drugs, which leads to the development of the following negative reactions body:

• nausea and vomiting;
• pain and cramping in the stomach;
• heartburn;
• skin allergies.

If any of the above symptoms occur, stop taking it immediately. folk remedy and consult a doctor.

Where to buy

Dried medicinal preparation sell in pure form or as an ingredient in various healing fees. Average price— 100 rubles for 50 g of crushed roots. You can also purchase a ready-made alcohol tincture. The average price is 300 rubles per 100 ml.

What to remember

1. Folk recipes use the roots fresh or dried.
2. The plant is used for wide range diseases.
3. The medicinal properties of the raw material have been scientifically confirmed; the species is included in the State Pharmacopoeia of the Russian Federation.

Before taking medicines containing bloodroot, you should consult your doctor.

Since ancient times, medicinal plants have been used by people to treat ailments. One of them is galangal root, the medicinal properties and contraindications of which are known not to many, and often only to specialists or those who know first-hand about traditional medicine.

herbaceous plant galangal, cinquefoil erecta ( Latin name Potentilla erecta) and known as oakroot, cinquefoil, redroot or bloodroot. This plant of the Rosaceae family is sometimes called galangal grass or wild galangal to distinguish it from galangal of the Zingiberaceae family. A perennial plant with a height of no more than 50 cm.

1. The root is thickened, woody, reddening at the fracture.
2. Stems are erect, branched at the top, covered with short hairs.
3. The leaves are large-serrate, carved, trifoliate or quintuple, located at the root and have a long petiole.
4. The flowers are bright yellow, solitary on thin stalks, have four petals and a hairy calyx. They bloom from May to September.
5. The fruits are collective, nut-shaped, olive-colored.

Collection and preparation of galangal

Collection times depend on the region of growth. Best time for collecting medicinal raw materials - late autumn, when the plant’s growing season is over and the upper part has completely died off. Or in early spring - at the very beginning of the growing season. This is the difficulty of collecting raw materials - the plant is difficult to find. To make the search easier, you must mark the collection point in advance.

The rhizomes are dug up, the soil is carefully and very carefully shaken off and washed well. Trim the top lobe and dry it in the shade. After drying, small roots and rotten parts are removed, and the surface of the roots is carefully cleaned and only then cut into small plates.

Drying of prepared raw materials is carried out in a well-ventilated room or in the open air, protected from direct sun rays place, distributing it thin layer on fabric or paper.

Well-dried galangal roots are stored in canvas bags or in loosely closed containers. Our ancestors stored the raw materials collected and prepared for storage in birch tueskas, which prevented its premature deterioration and ensured maximum term suitability. Galangal dried in this way can be stored and not lose its medicinal properties for quite a long time - for 6 years.

Kalgan - medicinal composition and use

Kalgan, Potentilla erecta has been known in medicine for quite a long time. The unique properties of the plant were used in their practice by ancient healers who, based on primitive ideas about the causes of the occurrence and development of diseases, based on their observations, widely used decoctions, tinctures and ointments from the rhizome of galangal, attributing mystical properties to it.

Later studies extraordinary properties medicinal plant allowed scientists to substantiate pharmacological action preparations from cinquefoil due to the biological presence in the root of the plant active substances.

Yes, the most valuable part of the plant and now used for medicinal purposes is the root of galangal; other parts of the cinquefoil are used less frequently. The main advantage of the cinquefoil rhizome is its rich chemical composition: the presence of organic resins, gum, starch and wax, and mainly a significant content of tannins (a third of general composition).

Reference. Phlobophenes (tannins) - have a large range biological activity. Contained in many types higher plants. They are characterized by anti-inflammatory, astringent, hemostatic, antimutagenic and antitumor effects. These unique properties widely used in pharmacology and folk medicine.

Cinquefoil erecta - use in traditional and folk medicine:

1. The antiseptic and astringent qualities of preparations made from galangal determine their use for treatment gastrointestinal pathologies.
2. Medicinal action, weakening permeability blood capillaries and constricts blood vessels, allows you to stop uterine, gastric and intestinal bleeding.
3. Decoctions and infusions are also used for external use. Thus, for diseases of the larynx and inflammation of the oral cavity, they resort to rinsing, and in the form of applications - for wounds, burns, eczema, purulent diseases skin and hemorrhoids.
4. In the treatment of hepatitis and cirrhosis of the liver, decoctions and infusions are used upper parts Potentilla erecta - inflorescences, leaves and stems.
5. Colgan herbal teas are often recommended to be consumed as tonic and restorative drinks.
6. For bronchitis and pneumonia, steam inhalations of cinquefoil decoctions are performed to have an anti-inflammatory effect on the bronchi and improve the removal of mucus from the lungs.

It would not be superfluous to note that galangal has medicinal properties and contraindications for its use. Before starting treatment with this remedy, you must consult a doctor.

Recipes for tinctures and decoctions of galangal root and their use

For medicinal purposes, decoctions, water and alcohol tinctures are prepared from the rhizome of galangal, and medicinal extracts are made.

Water decoctions

Water decoctions and infusions have a limited shelf life, so it is advisable to prepare them immediately before use and not store them for more than a day, unless specified in the recipe.

1. First you need to wash several pieces of dried galangal rhizome cold water. Place in an enamel pan. Then add 300 ml of cold, filtered water and bring to a boil, reducing the heat to low, cook the galangal pieces for 15 minutes. After the allotted time has passed, pour the broth into a thermos and bring to a volume of 500 ml. Let it brew. The decoction can be consumed immediately after preparation during the day. In this way, you can brew the same portion of galangal twice. The decoction is simple and effective. Used for diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, pancreas and liver.
2. Pour 20 g of crushed rhizome into a glass of water (200 ml). Bring to a boil and simmer over low heat for 15 minutes. Cool and strain; bring the resulting broth to 200 ml with boiled water. Take 1 tbsp. 5 to 6 times a day as a hemostatic medicine.
3. A decoction for rinsing for inflammatory diseases of the oral cavity and infections of the upper respiratory tract prepared in a similar way. Only half as much cinquefoil raw material is taken.
4. 1 tsp medicinal collection from the roots of nettle, licorice and galangal, pour three glasses of cold water and boil for 3 minutes. Cool and strain. Drink one glass in the morning and evening. This decoction is taken for prostate adenoma.
5. A prepared decoction of 25 g of cinquefoil herb and 5 g of rhizome is recommended to be taken to restore liver function after hepatitis. Preparation of the decoction: the measured ingredients are poured into 600 ml of boiling water and kept in a water bath for 30 minutes and another 30 minutes at room temperature, filtered and taken 50-100 g 3 times a day for 2 months. And for prevention purposes - a course of 30 days, 2 times a year. This tincture is recommended for those who have had hepatitis or after long-term treatment antibiotics. During the course, it is recommended to give up alcohol and limit consumption fatty foods and salt to reduce the load on the liver.

Provides good results in the treatment of gastric and liver pathologies folk recipe decoction with milk. 1 tsp Potentilla powder is poured into 200 ml of low-fat milk and boiled over low heat for 3 minutes, then left for half an hour. Take three times - 1 tbsp. l.

Alcohol tinctures

1. 5 g of galangal rhizome powder is poured into 50 ml of 70° alcohol. Leave for a week and filter. Prescribed orally 25-30 drops 3-4 times a day.
2. A vodka tincture is prepared from the root as follows: pour 100 g of crushed root into 0.5 liters of vodka and leave for 21 days. Place in a dark place and shake periodically during this time. Take 40-50 drops for various stomach disorders. For compresses and rinses, the tincture is used in diluted form - dilute 2 tsp. in a glass of water.
3. Medicinal tincture on cognac is used in cases in which treatment using galangal is practiced. The infusion is prepared as follows: 50 g of not dry, but fresh, pre-grated cinquefoil root is poured into a bottle of cognac and placed in a dark place for 3 weeks. After the expiration date, the infusion is filtered. Take 25-40 drops orally 30 minutes before meals.
4. In dentistry, in the treatment and prevention of bleeding gums, a tincture with glycerin, prepared by mixing 80 ml of glycerin and 20 ml of alcohol tincture of bloodroot, is successfully used. The mixture is lubricated on the gums.

1. Brewed with a glass of boiling water 1 tsp. the crushed plant is boiled for 10 minutes, infused for 15 minutes and filtered. This tea is useful to drink to treat persistent diarrhea.
2. At increased flatulence Herbal tea is brewed from equal amounts of cumin and cinquefoil seeds, and for problems with the gastrointestinal tract, mint leaves are used instead of cumin. The recipe for making tea is similar to the above recipe.
3. Tea with unusual taste and the aroma can be obtained simply by adding a few slices of dried galangal to it. This tea is useful after a hearty meal, as it improves the secretion of gastric juice.

Treatment of male impotence

Kalgan root, the use of which for treatment male impotence advise traditional healers, and doctors refer to unconfirmed data, but do not refute the claims of healers, still has its supporters.

For severe pathological changes, which led to irreversible consequences, treatment with both galangal preparations and other medications will not give the expected effect. But the results of case studies sexual disorders in men not associated with aggravated pathology and manifested at the level of psychosomatics or provoked by other diseases, they prove that cure is still possible with the help of decoctions and tinctures of galangal.

Centuries of use for medicinal purposes have revealed beneficial properties and contraindications to the use of drugs from this wonderful plant. People with low acidity stomach, predisposed to persistent constipation, with increased coagulability blood, those prone to alcohol abuse, those suffering from hypertension, and pregnant women. It is not recommended to use galangal-based preparations for children and people with individual intolerance substances contained in galangal.

Video - Kalgan - a miracle root (cinquefoil erecta)

Cinquefoil erecta is also called "galgan". This word is of Arabic origin and translates as “wild ginger.” This is due to the fact that this herb in the east was used, like ginger, as a seasoning. In Rus', it was called “the whisperer” and “the mighty one” and they believed that galangal was a herb that had medicinal and supernatural properties.

There is a legend according to which this herb grew near a source with real living water. Ilya Muromets, the Russian hero, before calling the Nightingale the Robber to battle, went to this source, lay down on the ground, and began to inhale the aroma of its roots. Thanks to the galangal, he felt great strength and immense courage. After this, he went to battle, where he defeated his insolent opponent.

Although galangal is an herb that has legendary powers, it is quite inconspicuous in appearance.

Another legend tells about this that somehow, tired of the constant ridicule of her sisters, the cinquefoil turned to the good witch, saying that her sisters were laughing at her because she did not have a silver outfit and beautiful large flowers, but only four petals instead five sisters. In addition, she complained that she looked nondescript, and no one noticed her in the grass.

To this the good fairy answered her not to be sad, because although she is inconspicuous in the grass and does not shine with beauty, people will look for her only for her healing power. It all happened that way. People are constantly looking for erect cinquefoil in the grass, although only an experienced herbalist can distinguish it from its sisters - other cinquefoils.

Description

Cinquefoil erecta, a photo of which is presented in this article, is a herbaceous perennial plant of the Rosaceae family. It has a multi-headed, thick, horizontal, tuberous or cylindrical rhizome 1-3 cm wide and 2-7 cm long, reddish-brown, woody, with a huge amount fine roots. The plant has erect or ascending stems, thin, forked-branched, slender, covered with short hairs.

The leaves are trifoliate, sessile, with deeply incised large stipules. Usually the leaves are oblong-wedge-shaped, large-serrate, appressed-hairy on both sides, sometimes almost bare. The basal leaves are long-petiolate, 3-, 5-palmated, collected in a bunch, with 2 large stipules, dying off at the time of flowering.

Flowers on long stalks, solitary, with a diameter of no more than 10 mm. In this case, the calyx is double, hairy, consisting of four subcup leaves, as well as 4 sepals, which remain with the fruit. Petals are obovate, yellow. There are 20 or more stamens, and there are a huge number of pistils that sit on a hairy convex receptacle.

Cinquefoil erecta (kalgan) differs from other species by four yellow petals (other species always have 5). The fruit of the plant is a multi-nut that ripens at the end of August.

Chemical composition

The rhizome of the plant contains up to 31% of substances of the protocatschip group, crystalline ester of tormenthol, elagic and quinic acids, flavonoids, wax, phlobaphenes, gum, resins, starch. The most great content tannins were found at the beginning of flowering in the roots, while during the flowering period in the aerial part, where vitamin C is contained (the most large number which is found here precisely at the moment of full flowering), various organic acids (elagoic and malic), as well as wax, phlobaphenes, resins, starch and gum. After flowering is completed, the number of biologically active substances decreases.

Pharmacological properties

The rhizomes of Potentilla erecta have a bactericidal, astringent, hemostatic and anti-inflammatory effect. The anti-inflammatory effect is directly related to the presence of tannins, which can create a biological film. It, in turn, protects tissues from chemical, mechanical and bacterial influences. At the same time, blood vessels narrow and capillary permeability decreases. Such features of action are perfectly manifested on reddened, inflamed mucous membranes with stomatitis, pharyngitis, gingivitis, enteritis and gastritis.

Application in medicine

Cinquefoil erecta has quite extensive medicinal properties. It is used for rinsing for various inflammatory diseases of the larynx, pharynx and oral cavity. It is taken orally for dyspepsia, enterocolitis and enteritis. Decoctions and infusions from inflorescences, stems and leaves are used in the treatment of liver cirrhosis with such stagnation such as ascites, edema, as well as chronic and acute hepatitis. In patients, the bilirubin content stabilizes, hemorrhages, ascites and edema decrease, and diuresis increases. At the heart of the mechanism healing effect lies the ability of flavonoids and tannins in bloodroot to reduce permeability cell membranes and capillaries. The juice helps with scrofula. It is diluted with water, and this infusion significantly reduces toothache.

The roots of Potentilla erecta are used to make medicinal plasters. They, in turn, heal lichens and wounds. The product is also used externally in the form of applications for burns, hemorrhoids, inflammatory skin diseases and eczema.

Blank

Potentilla erecta is harvested in the fall, in October (after its above-ground parts die off) or in early spring, before the first leaves appear.

The rhizomes must be dug up, the soil must be shaken off, and the above-ground parts and rotten parts of the rhizomes must be cut off with a knife. After this, wash the roots in cool water and leave for a couple of days. fresh air. Then, for several days, they should be taken to dry under a shed or in an attic with excellent ventilation. Dry rhizomes are stored for up to 6 years.

Dosage forms

In traditional and folk medicine, the following forms of galangal preparations are used:

• tincture;
• decoction;
• extract;
• powder;
• balm.

Decoction

Cinquefoil erecta in the form of a decoction is taken orally for such pathologies as:

• bleeding;
• gastrointestinal diseases;
• liver diseases;
• rheumatism;
• gout;
• flatulence;
• scurvy;
• diarrhea;
• lung diseases;

Decoctions of galangal are used externally as anti-inflammatory and hemostatic agents in the treatment of the following diseases and conditions:

To make a decoction, we will need galangal herb, the medicinal properties of which are described in this article. 30 g of it must be poured into a glass of boiling water and boiled for half an hour. Then the decoction is taken one tablespoon 3 times a day an hour before meals.

Tincture of galangal

The tincture is used internally for pathologies such as:

• diseases of the stomach and liver;
• jaundice;
• dysentery;
• enteritis;
• diarrhea;
• enterocolitis;
• gastritis;
• ulcer;
• colitis;
• cholangitis;
• cholecystitis;
• bronchitis;
• nephritis;
• gout;
• heart disease;
• bleeding;
• diseases of the uterus.

The tincture is used externally in the form of lotions for burns and eczema, in addition, for various diseases oral cavity. It has been proven that polyphenols from galangal roots have excellent antibacterial properties.

In order to prepare this tincture, you need to pour 30 g of cinquefoil rhizomes into a bottle of vodka, then leave to infuse for three weeks in a dark, ventilated place, shaking regularly. Then the tincture is taken thirty drops three times a day. Take twenty minutes before eating.

Galangal extract

It is used as an anti-inflammatory, astringent, choleretic, hemostatic and expectorant for the following diseases:

• gum disease;
• uterine and intestinal bleeding;
• gallbladder disease;
• skin diseases;
• enterocolitis;
• thyroid diseases;
• haemorrhoids;
• gastrointestinal diseases;
• diarrhea;
• angina;
• gout.

This extract is prescribed for adults (6 drops three times a day), as well as for children (3 drops three times a day); you can add it to warm tea, compote or juice.

Undiluted galangal extract is used for lotions.

Balm

It is shown in the form of medicinal and prophylactic which helps heal stomach ulcers.

Collection Recipe

• a tablespoon of thyme;
• Potentilla erecta - a tablespoon;
• clove bud;
• large allspice;
• a teaspoon of mint;
• a tablespoon of honey.

This collection is placed in a shallow glass container with a fairly wide neck, after which it is filled with half a liter of vodka. This container is closed and then infused for two weeks (the tincture must be shaken every day) in a cool, ventilated place. On the sixteenth day, this medicine is shaken and poured into a glass decanter. The balm should be taken before lunch, one tablespoon at a time. This drug improves appetite and normalizes the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract.

Powder

It is used to treat external bleeding, weeping wounds, ulcers, burns as a powder. You can also periodically brush your teeth with this powder - this will prevent gum inflammation and also eliminate bad smell from the mouth.

It is also used to make an ointment for all kinds of skin diseases(it is especially good at healing and moisturizing chapped lips). To prepare it, five grams of powder must be mixed with one hundred and twenty grams of natural butter.

Side effects and contraindications

Reception various drugs Kalgan is unacceptable in such cases as:

• low acidity of gastric juice;
• high temperature;
• pregnancy;
• hypertension;
• high blood clotting;
• high prothrombin index;
• individual intolerance;

The whole point is that cinquefoil erect, the use of which must be carried out with caution, reduces the permeability of capillaries, due to which vasoconstriction occurs.

Side effects from the use of galangal preparations include the following:

• vomit;
• nausea;
• stomach pain.

This symptomatology may be caused high concentration tannins in the plant. Therefore, galangal is an herb that should be taken with extreme caution. Therefore, follow the dosage prescribed by your doctor, the schedule and rules for taking the drug.