The most useful medicinal herbs. Medicinal plants
It is a mistake to believe that useful medicinal plants are found only in the wild. Of course, they are mainly collected in forests and meadows. But with the same success it is possible to grow medicinal herbs in personal plots - of course, if conditions are created that are close to natural.
Below you can see photos and descriptions of medicinal plants, as well as find out what medicinal herbs are and how you can grow them in your garden.
Forest and meadow medicinal herbs
St. John's wort (HYPERICUM). St. John's wort family.
When talking about what medicinal herbs there are, St. John's wort is one of the first that comes to mind. It is a rhizomatous herb, but more often a subshrub and shrub. Another name for this medicinal herb is “Ivanovo grass”. It is due to the fact that St. John's wort begins to bloom on Midsummer's Day.
The leaves of this herbaceous medicinal plant are whole, hard, and in some species they overwinter; flowers solitary or in corymbose inflorescence, golden. Flower growers often use herbs or shrubs.
Kinds:
St. John's wort (H. ascyron)– forest medicinal herb of Siberia and the Far East, up to 100 cm high, lanceolate leaves up to 10 cm long.
St. John's wort calyx (H. calycinum)- plant 25 cm high, from the Eastern Mediterranean, leaves are oval, large.
Gebler's St. John's wort (H. gebleri)– a medicinal plant of the wet meadows of the Far East, bright orange flowers, resistant.
St. John's wort (H. olympicum)- dry forests of Southern Europe, height 50 cm, not stable in central Russia, leaves narrow-lanceolate, glaucous, height 25 cm.
St. John's wort (N. perforatum).
Growing conditions. The genus is very diverse in terms of the ecological needs of the species; it also includes typical plants of Central Russian meadows - h. perforated, and drought-resistant, heat-loving subshrubs of Southern Europe (W. cup-shaped, W. Olympic).
They are grown in sunny, wind-protected locations with well-drained alkaline soils. Drought resistant.
Reproduction. By dividing the bush (in spring and late summer) and cuttings. Planting density - 9 pcs. per 1 m2.
Melissa (MELISSA). Family Lamiaceae (Labiaceae).
Melissa officinalis (M. officinalis)- perennial of Southern Europe, forms a dense bush 40-60 cm high from branched dense stems covered with ovate leaves, jagged along the edges. The entire plant is softly pubescent. The flowers are small, white, in whorls. And if the description of this medicinal plant is unremarkable, then the aroma deserves the highest praise. The plant exudes a very pleasant lemon scent, which is why it is sometimes called lemon balm. The variety "Aurea" has leaves with yellow spots.
Growing conditions. Sunny and semi-shaded places with rich loose soils.
Reproduction. By seeds (sowing in spring) or dividing the bush (in spring and late summer). Planting density - 9 pcs. per 1 m2.
Mint (MENTHA). Family Lamiaceae (Labiaceae).
(M. piperita)- a perennial from the countries of Southern Europe with a branched, hairy stem 60-80 cm high. The leaves are ovate, dark green; the shoot ends in a spike-shaped inflorescence with whorls of purple flowers. It grows quickly due to above-ground stolons.
Growing conditions. Light and semi-shaded places with loose fertile soils.
Reproduction. Sections of rooted stolons. Planting density - 12 pcs. per 1 m2.
Lovage (LEVISTICUM).
Lovage officinalis(L. officinaie)- decorative deciduous perennial with thick rhizome. The leaves are shiny, slightly bluish, pinnately dissected, large in the basal rosette and on the stem. The stem is branched, up to 150 cm high, bearing a large umbrella of yellowish flowers. The whole plant has a specific pleasant aroma, therefore it is also used as a flavoring agent.
Growing conditions. Sunny to semi-shaded locations with clayey, rich, moist soils.
Reproduction. By seeds (sowing before winter), dividing the bush (in spring and late summer). Planting density - 3 pcs. per 1 m2.
Soapwort (SAPONARIA). Clove family.
Perennials with creeping rhizomes, growing mainly in the Mediterranean. The flowers are fragrant, collected in a shield.
Kinds:
Soapwort officinalis(S. officinalis)- height 100 cm.
Soapwort basilicofolia (S. ocymoides)- height 10 cm.
Growing conditions. Sunny areas with well-drained, light, lime-rich soil. Planting density - 16 pcs. per 1 m2.
Reproduction. Seeds (sowing in spring), summer cuttings.
Briefly about medicinal plants of forests and meadows
Below you can find a description of the medicinal herbs comfrey, yarrow, echinacea and valerian.
Comfrey (SYMPHYTUM). Borage family.
Perennials with thick rhizomes, 30-100 cm high, from the light forests of Europe and the Caucasus. The stems are winged, thick, straight. Leaves are petiolate, lanceolate. Plants are covered with stiff hairs. Flowers in drooping inflorescences - curl.
Kinds:
Caucasian comfrey (S. caucasicum)- 80-100 cm high, forms a thicket, blue flowers.
Comfrey officinalis (S. officinale)- 50-60 cm high, forms bushes.
Comfrey grandiflora (S. grandiflorum)- low (30-40 cm) compact bushes.
Growing conditions. Shady and semi-shady places with moist peaty soils.
Reproduction. By seeds (sowing in spring), dividing the bush (in spring and late summer). Planting density - 12 pcs. per 1 m2.
Yarrow (ACHILLEA). Family Asteraceae (Asteraceae).
The genus contains about 100 species, found in the meadows of the temperate zone. It attracts attention with its undemanding culture, ability to grow quickly and beautiful gray-green, usually feathery leaves. Small baskets are collected in a corymbose inflorescence (10-20 cm in diameter).
Yarrow(A. millefolium)- with a long branching rhizome, therefore it forms a thicket 70-80 cm high.
Yarrow ptarmika, sneezing herb (A. ptarmica), has a variety with white double flowers - pearl oyster, height - 60 cm.
U "Perry's White" and "The Pearl"- white balls of the baskets are collected in a loose brush.
Yarrow meadowsweet (A. filipendulina)- dense bush, 60-100 cm high, dark green, pinnate leaves; the flowers are bright yellow in dense large corymbs (diameter up to 9 cm).
Yarrow tomentosa (A. tomentosa)- 15-20 cm high, leaves finely dissected, grayish, pressed to the ground, shield of yellow flowers 6-8 cm in diameter.
Growing conditions. Sunny places with any garden soil, grows well in sand.
Reproduction. By seeds (sowing before winter or spring), by dividing the bush (in spring and autumn). Planting density -5-9 pcs. per 1 m2.
Echinacea (ECHINACEA). Family Asteraceae (Asteraceae).
Perennial tall (up to 150 cm) herbs with a tap root and dense leafy stems, at the top in July-August with a large pinkish basket. The leaves are oval, pubescent, with sharp-toothed edges. Three species are native to the grasslands and prairies of southeastern North America.
Most often grown echinacea purpurea (E. purpurea) with a dark pink basket.
Echinacea angustifolia(E. angustifolia) has a smaller and lighter basket.
And Echinacea pallidum (E. pallida)- reed flowers are narrow, pale pink. The last two species are more dry-loving.
Growing conditions. Sunny locations with rich soils.
Reproduction. By seeds (sown in spring), seedlings bloom in the 2nd year. The division of the bush is carried out in the spring. In one place without dividing, Echinacea can grow for up to 15 years. Planting density - 9 pcs. per 1 m2.
Echinacea purpurea will decorate any flower garden, mixborder, and can also be grown as individual bushes on the lawn. Often used as a medicinal plant.
Valerian (VALERIANA). Valerian family.
Perennial rhizome herbs of meadows and light forests of the temperate zone of Eurasia. They grow both as individual bushes and thickets (species with underground stolons). The flowers are small, in a beautiful openwork inflorescence-tassel, the leaves are usually pinnate.
Kinds:
Mountain valerian(V. montana)- bush 40 cm high, pink flowers in bunches.
Valerian officinalis(V. officinalis)-height up to 100 cm, white flowers, pinnate leaves.
Valeriana Fori (V. fauriei)- forms thickets 40 cm high.
Valerian lipophylla(V. tiliifolia)- up to 150 cm high, leaves are large, simple, heart-shaped, flowers are white, in a corymbose inflorescence.
Growing conditions. Sunny and semi-shaded areas with moderately moist rich soils.
Reproduction. By seeds (sowing in spring and before winter), by dividing the bush (in spring), they are often weeded. Planting density -5 pcs. per 1 m2.
If we talk about this medicinal plant briefly, we can define its medicinal properties as sedative. And in landscape design it is used to create a dense evergreen ground cover on tree trunks and spots on shady rockeries.
Description of the best medicinal herbs
(SALVIA). Family Lamiaceae (Labiaceae).
A large genus (almost 700 species), which includes plants of different life forms, growing all over the world. They all contain essential oils and grow in warm habitats. The leaves are ovate, the stems are branched, the final inflorescence is a raceme of medium-sized helmet-shaped flowers.
Kinds:
Sage sticky(S. glutinosa)- subshrub up to 100 cm high, from the forests of Southern Europe, pale yellow flowers.
Meadow sage(S. pratensis)- height 70-80 cm, blue flowers.
Sage rejected(S. patens)- height 70 cm, blue flowers.
Oak sage (S. nemorosa)- height 60 cm, purple flowers.
Salvia officinalis(S. officinalis)-height 50 cm.
Growing conditions. This is one of the best medicinal plants that prefers sunny areas (except for sticky sage) with fertile, well-drained soils.
Reproduction. By seeds (spring), dividing the bush (spring and late summer). Planting density - 9 pcs. per 1 m2.
Toothwort (DENTARIA). The cabbage (cruciferous) family.
Perennial herbs 15-20 cm high with a long, clear rhizome and dark green leaves, large pink and crimson flowers. Typical early spring forest ephemeroids, ending the growing season already in June. They are attractive because they form a bright pink flowering carpet in spring. They bear fruit. They form self-seeding.
Kinds:
Toothwort tuberiferous(D. bulbifera)- a plant of the Caucasus with fawn-colored flowers.
Glandular teeth (D. glandulosa)- from the Carpathians, with large crimson flowers.
Toothwort five-leaved (D. quinquefolia)- from the forests of Europe, pink flowers.
Growing conditions. Shaded areas under a canopy of trees with forest soils, moderate moisture.
Reproduction. Seeds (sow freshly collected) and sections of rhizomes (after the end of flowering). Planting density - 25 pcs. per 1 m2.
Initial letter (BETONICA). Family Lamiaceae (Labiaceae).
About 15 species growing in temperate meadows. Short-rhizomatous herbs that form decorative dense bushes of ovate rosettes, crenate along the edges of leaves.
Kinds:
Capital letter grandiflora - grandiflora chistema (B. macrantha = B. grandiflora = Stachys macranthus) 50-60 cm high, beautiful leaves and dark pink large flowers.
Medicinal initial letter (B. officinalis)- taller plant (80-90 cm), smaller flowers.
Growing conditions. Sunny places with fertile soils and moderate moisture.
Reproduction. By dividing the bush (spring and late summer) and seeds (sowing before winter). Seedlings bloom in the third year. Planting density - 12 pcs. per 1 m2.
Burnet (SANGUISORBA). Rosaceae family.
Short-rhizome perennials from wet meadows of the temperate zone of Eurasia.
Kinds:
Burnet (officinalis) (S. officinais)- 80-100 cm high, dark red flowers.
Gorgeous burnet (S. magnifica)- height 80-90 cm, large pinkish-crimson flowers.
Small burnet (S. minor)- height 40 cm, graceful inflorescences, red flowers, openwork plant.
Growing conditions. Sunny and semi-shaded areas with fertile, moist soils.
Reproduction. By seeds (sowing in autumn), dividing the bush (in spring and late summer). Planting density – 5 pcs. per 1 m2.
Perennial medicinal herbs with photos and descriptions
Below are photos and descriptions of the medicinal herbs elecampane, zopnik and cuff:
Elecampane (INULA). Family Asteraceae (Asteraceae).
Perennial herbaceous species (about 200), widely distributed in meadows and light forests in the temperate zone of Eurasia. The rhizomes are thick, powerful, and the root system is deep. The basal leaves are large, heart-shaped, oval, the stems are straight, slightly branched (except for elecampane), the flowers are large yellow “daisies”.
Kinds:
Elecampane magnificent(I. magnifica = I. orientalis)- up to 150 cm high, branched stem, basket -15 cm in diameter in sparse corymbs, spreading bush.
Elecampane tall (I. helenium)- stems are slightly branched, 150-200 cm high, elliptical leaves, baskets 6 cm in diameter, cylindrical bush.
Inula elecampane(I. ensifolia)- 30 cm high, narrow leaves, basket 4 cm, Compacta variety - 20 cm high.
Growing conditions. Sunny places with any garden soil and average moisture. Hardy perennials.
Reproduction. By seeds (sowing in spring), dividing the bush (in spring). Elecampane is a perennial medicinal herb that lives without transplantation or division for 8-10 years. Planting density of large plants - 3 pcs. per 1 m2; Elecampane sword-leaved - 12 pcs.
Zopnik (PHLOMIS). Lamiaceae family.
Perennial herbs (about 100 species) with a thick rhizome or tap root, rough leaves, flowers collected in false whorls forming a spike-shaped inflorescence.
Kinds:
Zopnik Roussell(P. russeliana)- 90 cm high, yellowish-pinkish flowers.
Zopnik tuberiferous (P. tuberosa)- 50-70 cm high, purple flowers.
Zopnik meadow (P. pratensis)- 50-70 cm high, pink flowers.
Cuff (ALCHEMILLA). Rosaceae family.
Pay attention to the photo of this medicinal herb - the cuff has a short rhizome and a rosette of round, often fluffy, bright green leaves forming a spherical bush. At the height of summer, loose openwork inflorescences of small yellow flowers rise above them. Flowering is abundant and long lasting.
Kinds:
Alpine cuff(A. aipina)- with trifoliate dense leaves and small inflorescences.
Red petiolate cuff (A. erythropoda)- with gray-green dense leaves, 30 cm high.
Soft cuff(A. moiiis)- the most beautiful, stable, undemanding cuff. Its leaves are round, fluffy, pale green with a wavy edge, up to 6 cm in diameter. Peduncles are numerous, up to 60-70 cm high.
Growing conditions. Sunny and semi-shaded areas with loose, fertile neutral soils and moderate moisture. Does not tolerate stagnant moisture.
Reproduction. By seeds (sowing in spring) and dividing the bush (in spring and late summer). Easily tolerates division and transplantation. Planting density - 5 bushes per 1 m2.
One of the most colorful, consistently decorative and interesting plants in mixed flower beds. The cuff looks good in flower beds of the “natural garden” style and in mixborders together with cornflower, heuchera, cornflowers, coreopsis, etc. It is used to decorate bouquets, giving them lightness and delicacy.
Medicinal herbs and their cultivation
Thyme, thyme, Bogorodskaya herb (THYMUS). Family Lamiaceae (Labiaceae).
A large genus (about 400 species) of herbaceous perennials and subshrubs with recumbent or erect woody stems and straight, upward-pointing peduncles. They grow on rocks in the southern regions of Eurasia. The leaves are small, oval, opposite, leathery, usually overwintering. Due to recumbent, rooting shoots, plants quickly grow, forming low, dense “mats” and “pillows” (10-30 cm high), emitting a pleasant aroma. In mid-summer, numerous inflorescence heads of small flowers appear.
Kinds:
Lemon-scented thyme (Th. citriodorus).
Common thyme (T. vulgaris)- height 5-15 cm, leaves are pubescent on the underside.
creeping thyme (T. serpyllum)- leaves are larger than those of other species.
Growing conditions. Sunny locations with light, well-drained soil, neutral or alkaline. Grows on sands.
Reproduction. By dividing the bush (in spring and late summer), by seeds (sowing before winter), by cuttings (in spring). Planting density - 25 pcs. per 1 m2.
Used as a carpet plant in mixed flower beds, rockeries and on paths among tiles. Looks good in containers.
Hellebore (VERATRUM). Melanthiaceae (lily) family.
Tall (100-150 cm) herbaceous perennials growing in meadows and steppes of the temperate zone of the Northern Hemisphere. Powerful short rhizome and deep roots. The stems are straight, thick, and bear tough, folded along the veins, elliptical, beautiful leaves. The flowers are small, open, in a large paniculate inflorescence. All species are similar in appearance.
Kinds:
White hellebore (V. album)- flowers are whitish-greenish.
California hellebore(V. californicum)- flowers are white with green veins.
Black hellebore (V. nigrum)- flowers are blackish-brown.
Growing conditions. Sunny areas with rich soils are moisture-loving, but tolerate drought well.
Reproduction. By seeds (sown in spring), seedlings bloom in the 5th-6th year. By dividing the bush (in spring), the divisions grow slowly and often die. Planting density - 5 pcs. per 1 m2.
Chernogolovka (PRUNELLA). Family Lamiaceae (Labiaceae).
Perennials with creeping rhizomes, erect, low (25-40 cm) stems; leaves are entire, with an uneven edge; flowers in false whorls in a capitate inflorescence.
Kinds:
Chernogolovka grandiflora(P. grandiflora)- height 25 cm.
Webb's blackhead (P. x webbiana)- purple flowers.
Chernogolovka vulgare (P. vulgaris)- flowers are reddish.
Growing conditions. Sunny and slightly shaded areas with garden, moderately moist soils.
Reproduction. By dividing the bush (in spring and late summer). Planting density - 16 pcs. per 1 m2. Capable of forming a thicket and growing weeds.
Euphorbia (EUPHORBIA). Euphorbiaceae family.
A large genus - about 2000 species, mainly distributed in tropical and subtropical regions of the globe, but there are also species in the temperate zone. Their height, leaf shape and type of root system are different, but they stand out for their original flowers.
Look at the photo of this medicinal plant: small flowers are collected in an inflorescence, surrounded by a common veil in the form of a glass (which appears to be a flower), and the “glasses” are collected in complex umbrella-shaped inflorescences with wrappers. In general, all this gives the impression of a “flying”, openwork yellowish inflorescence.
In sunny dry places - cypress spurge (E. cyparissias)- a low-growing (15-20 cm) plant of the steppes with narrow bluish leaves, densely located on lodging stems.
In sunny places with rich soils - Euphorbia multicolor(E. poiychroma), forming a tall bush (50-60 cm) of densely leafy woody shoots.
In the shadow - long-horned spurge (E. macroceras) with a high stem (up to 100 cm) and scaly euphorbia (E. squamosa) 20-30 cm high with a spherical through bush.
Growing conditions. Euphorbias can grow in a wide variety of conditions depending on the ecological characteristics of the species, but always in well-drained soils.
Reproduction. By seeds (sowing in spring) or dividing the bush (in spring and late summer).
They self-sow easily and are capable of weeding. Planting density - 5 pcs. per 1 m2.
Eryngium (ERYNGIUM). Celery (umbelliferous) family.
About 230 species are known, growing on almost all continents. But in cultivation, perennial herbs are more often grown with leathery, whole or dissected leaves, prickly along the edges. The flowers are small, blue, located in the axil of the bracts and collected in a capitate inflorescence surrounded by hard, spiny involucre leaves. Magnificent for their originality and exoticism. They bear fruit abundantly.
Kinds:
Alpine eryngium(E. alpinum) - 70 cm high, interesting wrapper of bluish, curved upward leaves.
Amethyst eryngium (E. amethystinum)- amethyst blue wrapper.
Burg's eryngium (E. bourgatii)- 30-40 cm high, leathery leaves with a white pattern.
Eryngium flatifolia (E. planum)- a plant of the steppes of Europe and Asia, the stems are bluish, the capitate inflorescences are small, bluish.
Growing conditions. Sunny areas with loose, poor, sandy or rocky soils.
Reproduction. By seeds (before winter) or by dividing the bush (in spring and late summer). Planting density - 5 pcs. per 1 m2.
Wormwood (ARTEMISIA). Family Asteraceae (Asteraceae).
Large genus (more than 250 species). Of the numerous species, subshrubs and perennials with fragrant silvery leaves, pubescent or tomentose, are mainly cultivated. The flowers are inexpressive and colorless, so it is better to cut off the peduncles.
Kinds. In central Russia the most decorative and stable are:
Wormwood Pursha (A. purchiana)- forms a cover of straight stems with silvery elongated whole leaves, responds well to constant pruning, can be planted in borders.
Steller's Wormwood (A. steiieriana)- a low plant with spatulate leaves, forming a dense spot; sometimes the leaves overwinter.
Wormwood Louis(A. iudoviciana)- with narrow, lanceolate leaves.
Wormwood Schmidt (A. schmidtiana), the “Nana” form is especially interesting, 15-20 cm high with rounded, heavily indented leaves.
Growing conditions. Wormwood is an undemanding plant that grows well in sunny places with any soil, and is especially good on well-drained sandy alkaline substrates.
Reproduction. By dividing the bush (in spring and late summer), by seeds (sowing in spring). Planting density - 9 pcs. per 1 m2.
Description of the best medicinal plants and their photos
In this chapter you can read the description of such medicinal herbs and plants as rhubarb, cat's foot, cyanosis, toadflax and mullein.
Rhubarb (RHEUM). Buckwheat family.
A powerful perennial with a multi-headed rhizome, from which large, round, five to seven-lobed light green leaves emerge on long, fleshy, ribbed reddish petioles.
At the end of spring, a powerful peduncle (up to 150 cm in height) rises above the rosette of leaves, bearing a large panicle of small whitish-fawn flowers. Grows in the meadows of Eurasia.
Kinds. In culture they often use:
Rhubarb palmate (Rh. palmatum) And R. Tangut (Rh. tanguticum) with more deeply dissected leaves.
Black Sea rhubarb (Rh. rhaponticum)-dense shiny leaves.
Growing conditions. Well-lit and semi-shaded areas with deep, fertile garden soils and normal moisture.
Reproduction. By seeds (sowing before winter) and dividing the bush (in spring and late summer). Planting density is single.
Cat's paw, antennaria (ANTENNARIA). Family Asteraceae (Asteraceae).
Low (5-10 cm) dioecious plants from pine forests of Europe and North America. The leaves are densely pubescent, white-tomentose, overwintering, collected in a rosette. They grow due to creeping shoots. Flower baskets are small, round, in a capitate inflorescence.
Kinds. Cat's paw dioecious (A. dioica) has the forms:
"Tomentosa"- more densely pubescent; "Rubra"- with red pink flowers; "Minima"- height 5 cm.
"Rosea"- with pink flowers; Antennaria sun-loving(A. aprica)- height 10-15 cm.
Growing conditions. Sunny areas with poor, slightly acidic, dry sandy soils. On ordinary garden soils it will quickly grow and lose its decorative properties.
Reproduction. By dividing a bush or a section of a creeping shoot (in spring or late summer). Plant densely - 36 pcs. per 1 m2.
On poor sandy soils it creates a low, slowly growing, but consistently decorative silvery ground cover.
Cyanosis (POLEMONIUM). Family of cyanaceae.
Cluster-rooted perennials, grow in light forests of the temperate zone of the Northern Hemisphere. Bushes from 25 to 50 cm tall, decorative leaves, wintering; the flowers are numerous, collected in a raceme-like inflorescence, blue.
Kinds:
Creeping cyanosis(P. reptans)- height 30 cm.
blue cyanosis (P. caeruleum)- height 60 cm.
Growing conditions. Sunlit or semi-shaded areas with normal garden soils. A very undemanding plant.
Reproduction. By seeds (sowing before winter), dividing the bush (in spring, late summer). Self-seeding possible. Planting density - 9 pcs. per 1 m2.
Toadflax (LINARIA). Norichnikov family.
Perennials from the Mediterranean with narrow leaves and two-lipped flowers with a spur in a racemose inflorescence. The plants are graceful, low (40-50 cm).
Kinds:
Dalmatian toadflax (L. daimatica)- yellow flowers.
Common toadflax (L. vuigaris)- yellow flowers.
Macedonian toadflax (L. macedonica)- pubescent plant, yellow flowers.
Purple toadflax (L. purpurea)- red flowers.
Growing conditions. Sunny areas with loose sandy dry soils.
Reproduction. By seeds (sowing in spring) and dividing the bush (in spring). Planting density - 20 pcs. per 1 m2.
Mullein (VERBASCUM). Norichnikov family.
Plants of open dry places of Europe and the Mediterranean. Biennials and perennials from 50 to 150 cm in height, basal leaves are large, on petioles; The stem is straight, with sessile, entire, pubescent leaves. The flowers are wheel-shaped, small, in a branched large inflorescence. A magnificent plant that provides flower garden architecture.
Kinds:
Hybrid mullein (V. x hybridum)- often grown as a two-year-old.
Olympic mullein (V. olympicum)- height 180-200 cm, leaves are very pubescent, flowers are yellow.
Purple mullein (V. phoeniceum)- height 100 cm, purple flowers in a sparse cluster.
Black mullein(V. nigrum)- height 120 cm, yellow flowers with a red center.
Growing conditions. Sunny areas with loose sandy soils. Drought resistant.
Reproduction. Seeds (in spring), seedlings bloom in the second year.
1) Horsetail (Equisetum arvense L.)
A perennial herbaceous plant with a very developed rhizome. It grows as a weed in fields, especially on clay soils, in meadows, along river banks, and in thinned forests.
The above-ground part - green summer shoots - is collected in June - August. Dry in attics with good ventilation.
The drug is used as a diuretic for heart and other diseases accompanied by congestion.
2) Spring primrose (Primula veris L.)
Perennial herbaceous plant. Blooms in early spring. Grows in forests, among bushes, on slopes.
The leaves are collected at the beginning of flowering, when they contain the greatest amount of vitamins, and immediately dried. The roots are dug up in autumn or early spring and dried in the attic or open air.
Tinctures from the leaves are used for vitamin deficiencies, and a decoction of the roots is used as an expectorant.
3) Common hop (Humusuls lupulus L.)
Perennial herbaceous liana. It grows in damp places, along river banks, on forest edges, among bushes, and sometimes in forests.
Hop inflorescences (“cones”) are harvested in August – early September. Dry immediately - in the air or in attics. The infusion is used for neuroses, insomnia, gastritis, and cystitis.
4) Lovage (Levisticum officinale Koch)
Also refers to perennial herbaceous plants with a straight cylindrical branched stem up to 2 m high. It grows mainly in Ukraine and is cultivated as a medicinal, ornamental and spicy plant.
All parts of the plant smell pleasant. Collected in September - October. The decoction is used for dropsy, nervous and heart diseases.
5) Common fennel (Foeniculum vulgare Mill)
Mainly biennial, sometimes perennial herbaceous plant, up to 2 m high. Distributed in the Crimea, the Caucasus and Central Asia, cultivated in Ukraine; is running wild in Crimea.
Fennel fruits are harvested at the beginning of ripening, when they acquire a greenish-yellow color. Dry in the shade with good ventilation. The decoction is used as an appetite stimulant and digestive improver. Used in the food industry and in perfumery.
6) Common juniper (Juniperus communis L.)
Shrub or low tree. Grows in pine forests, on the edges. Juniper cones are collected in the fall (September - October), shaking them from the bush onto the litter.
Dry in air or in attics. The drugs are used as a diuretic. Used in the food industry.
7) Common barberry (Berberis vulgaris L.)
It grows among bushes, on the edges, in lowlands and in the foothills. The roots are harvested in early spring or late autumn (October). Collect no more than ¼ of the plant's root system further from the root. Dry in attics or under sheds.
The bark is collected during the period of sap flow, the leaves - after flowering. The drugs are used as a choleretic agent, as well as for bleeding associated with inflammatory processes. An infusion of leaves is used as a hemostatic agent.
8) Common heather (Calluna vulgaris (L.) Hill)
An evergreen, branched shrub, 30-70 cm high. Grows on poor soils, in forests, damp places, in the mountains, on forest edges, and mountain pastures. Found in Russia and Ukraine.
The above-ground part (grass) is collected during the flowering period (July - September). Dry in the shade in the air, in the attic, indoors, laying out a thin layer. A decoction or infusion is used for gallstone disease, colds, rheumatism, gout and as a diuretic and diaphoretic.
9) Angelica (Archangelica officinalis (Moench.) Hoffm.)
This is a herbaceous biennial plant up to 2 m high. Grows in swamps and along river banks. Cultivated as a medicinal and spicy plant.
The roots are collected in spring and autumn. Dry in attics, indoors. The infusion is used as a diuretic and carminative, as well as to enhance intestinal motility.
10) Motherwort (Leonurus cardiaca L.)
Perennial herbaceous plants, up to 1 m high. They grow in weedy places. Distributed in forest-steppe and steppe areas.
Motherwort grass (the upper parts of the stems) is collected during flowering. They dry in attics. The drugs are used as a cardiac sedative.
11) European hoofweed (Asarum europaeum L.) (varagusha, hairweed)
A perennial herbaceous plant that overwinters with green leaves resembling the imprint of a horse's hoof. Grows in deciduous and mixed forests.
The rhizome (with roots) and leaves are collected in the spring (April - May). An infusion of the herb is used for cardiovascular diseases to normalize blood circulation.
12) Mistletoe (Viscum album L.) (devil's broom)
Leaves and annual shoots are collected in autumn and winter. Dry indoors or in an oven at low temperature. The drugs are used as a means of lowering blood pressure (for atherosclerosis with high blood pressure and related phenomena).
13) Digitalis purpurea L.
Biennial plants with a stem height of up to 1.2 meters. Leaves are collected from plants of the second year of life, sometimes also rosette leaves of the first year (from July to autumn).
Dry immediately after collection indoors at a temperature of 40-60 degrees. The drugs are used as a tonic and regulating agent for the heart and blood vessels, for chronic failure and other heart diseases.
14) Ephedra two-spikelet, ephedra (Ephedra distachya L.) (ephedra, kuzmichev grass)
Shrub with yellow-greenish thin-ribbed branches. Externally similar to horsetail. Grows on rocky places, sand, especially on coastal and steppe slopes. Ephedra is widespread in the forest-steppe and steppe parts of Ukraine.
Thin branches called “grass” are collected in August-September. Dry indoors or outdoors. The drugs are used as a tonic for the nervous and cardiovascular systems, for bronchial asthma, shock, and bleeding.
15) Ruta hortensis Mill.
A perennial shrub with a very strong odor. It lives in the wild in Crimea.
Only the upper parts of the stems are collected from the rue during flowering. Drying is done in the shade or in attics. The drugs are used as a stimulant, antiseptic, and antispasmodic.
That's all for me guys, the first selection is complete.
As stated, this is just a mini introduction to medicinal herbs. Posts are being prepared that will tell you the beneficial and medicinal properties of each plant, how to use it, in what doses and for what diseases.
See you in new posts. I wish you success, happiness and health.
Herbal medicine is perhaps the oldest method of healing from illness known to man. For centuries, people have studied what disease this or that part of a medicinal plant helps with. During this time, invaluable important experience was gained. To date, this experience has turned into solid knowledge that has been used with great success to heal many people. There are undeniable advantages in the use of medicinal herbs - for example, their use does not have a negative effect on the liver, and has almost no contraindications or side effects. But do not forget that before you start using any remedy (even alternative medicine), be sure to consult with your doctor.
Healing herbs and their properties and purpose
Herbs have a very wide range of healing properties. They cure both the simplest diseases (colds, allergies, runny nose, cough, minor abrasions and skin lesions), and complex ones - up to serious skin lesions, internal diseases: stomach ulcers, problems with the intestines or gall bladder. Some herbs have a sedative effect and can cure insomnia or nervous disorders. Others are used to improve the appearance (skin, hair), while others help with bleeding of various origins...
Herbs will help with heart disease, joint problems, and also with sexual problems. In addition, with the help of herbs you can significantly increase your vitality and maintain it at the desired level.
The variety of medicinal herbs in Russia is enormous. In our country there are many medicinal plants that can cure almost any disease. These are marsh calamus, nettle, birch and pine, oak and bird cherry, mint and lemon balm, valerian and motherwort, lingonberry, hawthorn, St. John's wort, viburnum, celandine, clover and burdock, horseradish, rose hips, chicory... It is almost impossible to list everything. What is especially valuable is that these plants grow throughout Russia, they are quite common, and it will not be difficult for anyone to collect and prepare as many raw materials as needed, without resorting to buying herbs at a pharmacy.
In order for herbal treatment to have the maximum effect, it is important to properly prepare the raw materials, that is, collect the herb at the right time, at the right stage of its growth. For each plant, this is usually determined individually. But the general criteria are as follows. Typically, raw materials (roots, leaves, branches, flowers) are collected during the period of greatest activity of the plant, that is, in the spring. The fruits are best harvested when fully ripe - usually in early autumn. All parts of the plant must be dried.
Use of medicinal herbs
1. Valerian and motherwort
Valerian and motherwort are used to relieve nervousness and insomnia. To do this, prepare a decoction of herbs (20 grams of herbs per glass of boiling water), which should be drunk before going to bed.
2. Mint
Mint will not only help calm your nerves, but will also help with heartburn and bloating. Tea will help with this - brew 50 grams of raw materials in a teapot, drink 1 glass.
3. Chamomile
Pharmaceutical chamomile is an excellent multifaceted remedy. It is suitable for gargling with a sore throat, suitable for lotions in cases where there are inflammatory diseases of the skin, will help with discomfort in the stomach, and will also become a sedative. Chamomile is best prepared with a strong decoction - about 20 grams per 100 milliliters of water.
4. Celandine
Celandine is a “borderline” plant. On the one hand, as the name implies, it is an excellent assistant for a wide variety of skin diseases - if you take celandine externally. On the other hand, its use in the wrong concentration or orally can be associated with a risk to life. To cure skin problems, make an infusion of celandine, moisten a bandage with it and apply it to the affected area.
5. St. John's wort
St. John's wort, on the other hand, is only effective if consumed exclusively as a drink. St. John's wort will help with digestive diseases, and it is also known as a remedy against inflammation in the oral cavity.
6. Licorice
Licorice is called "golden root" or "sweet root" due to its flavor. It can not only cure a cough, but also tone the body and saturate it with vitamins during the transition period of spring or autumn. For this, licorice root is finely chopped, infused in a water bath for about an hour, then the broth is poured into a thermos.
7. Sage
Sage gargles are successfully used in the treatment of throat diseases. In addition, the benefits of sage will be appreciated by young mothers who stop breastfeeding - the fact is that drinking sage decoction helps reduce the amount of breast milk. At the same time, it does not need to be brewed too strongly - about 2 tablespoons of dry herb per half liter of water.
8. Plantain
Plantain is used to treat various wounds and skin diseases. Medicines are not made from it; it is enough to tie a clean plantain leaf to the problem area and do not forget to change the bandage often.
9. Dandelion
Dandelion is the first assistant for problems with the digestive system. It cures gastritis and even stomach ulcers. The dried root (10 grams) is used as a medicine, which is infused for about an hour in a glass of hot water.
10. Sea buckthorn oil
Sea buckthorn oil is used for skin lesions; it accelerates healing and relieves inflammation. Sea buckthorn is also an excellent remedy for colds - to do this, you need to drink its juice, and also rinse your mouth and throat with the juice diluted half and half with water.
To make your search easier, we provide this list: Disease - Plant. , which are marked with an asterisk, are each poisonous in their own way, so be careful! Read more about contraindications
2. Plants that increase blood pressure - Eleutherococcus, lowers -.
3. Expectorants and emollients - calamus, budra, larch, dandelion, primrose (primrose), chamomile, hops, jasmine.
5. Astringents (antidiarrhea) - blackberry, St. John's wort, golden rod, willow, viburnum (berry juice), nettle, mint, white water lily*, dandelion (bark), wormwood, *, wheatgrass, rowan.
6. Laxative medicinal herbs and plants - (berry), knotweed, bearberry, yarrow, chicory, thyme, string, horse sorrel (roots), jasmine.
7. Bitter herbs that stimulate appetite - dandelion, plantain, wormwood, chicory.
8. Enveloping and adsorbing plants - mullein, larch, Lyubka, wormwood, yarrow, chicory.
9. Metabolic disorders - blueberries, oregano, strawberries, fireweed, cranberries, nettles, fireweed, nettles, agrimony, licorice, string, bird cherry, blueberries (leaves).
10. Plants to reduce the acidity of gastric juice - barberry (roots), (leaf), barberry.
11. Choleretic - calendula, viburnum, nettle, white water lily*, juniper, mint, tansy, plantain, wormwood, agrimony, knotweed, yarrow, hops, celandine*, horse sorrel.
12. Gallstone and kidney stone diseases - geranium, strawberry, cranberry, nettle, cloudberry, agrimony, pine, knotweed, yarrow, horsetail, blueberry, rose hip.
13. Anthelmintic and anti-giardiasis - valerian, hoof*, tansy, pine, chicory.
14. Peptic ulcer of the stomach and duodenum - calamus, St. John's wort, calendula, viburnum, fireweed, white water lily*, burdock, coltsfoot, sea buckthorn (oil), tansy, plantain, chamomile, licorice, marsh grass*.
15. Gastrointestinal improve digestion - calamus, marshmallow, bergenia*, birch, lingonberry, budra.
16. For bronchial asthma - viburnum (berry juice), coltsfoot, lemon balm, wormwood,.
17. Soothing to the central nervous system - calamus, hawthorn, valerian, speedwell, blackberry, willow, viburnum (bark), fireweed, mullein, meadowsweet, linden, lemon balm, mint, primrose, chamomile, pine, hops, thyme, clear.
18. Diaphoretic, antipyretic and anti-inflammatory - birch, oregano, blackberry, strawberry, St. John's wort, willow (bark), viburnum, cranberry, nettle, kupena, meadowsweet, linden, raspberry, mint, coltsfoot, plantain, chamomile, currant , string, bird cherry.
19. Diuretics - bergenia*, birch (buds), lingonberry, cedar, clover, cranberry, toadflax, raspberry, juniper, cloudberry, dandelion, nightshade, primrose, bearberry, string, celandine*, damask.
20. Hemostatic medicinal plants - bergenia*, barberry, blackberry, St. John's wort, viburnum (bark), nettle, meadowsweet, burdock, lemon balm, sea buckthorn, plantain, motherwort, chamomile, rowan, knotweed, yarrow, horsetail, thyme, yasami.
21. Anti-tuberculosis - calamus, birch (buds), budra*, nettle, buttercup*, coltsfoot, plantain, knotweed, bearberry, chin, celandine*, Icelandic moss.
22. For rheumatism, gout and radiculitis - birch, lingonberry, oregano, (needles), willow (bark), cedar, nettle, lily of the valley *, linden, larch (needles and resin), burdock, buttercup *, juniper, mint, aspen , nightshade, chamomile, pine, bearberry, hops, thyme, string, blueberry.
23. Against burns - burnet, meadowsweet, sea buckthorn (oil from the berries), rosehip (oil from the fruit).
24. Anti-alcohol - hoof*.
25. for eye diseases - chamomile, bird cherry, blueberry.
26. Wound-healing and anti-putrefactive - bergenia *, birch (tar), crow's eye *, oregano, blackberry, chickweed, St. John's wort, calendula, cedar, fireweed, clover, nettle, linden, burdock, buttercup, juniper, mint, linden, fir, plantain, marsh cudweed*, yarrow, chicory, celandine*, rose hips, jasmine.
27. Antihemorrhoidal medicinal herbs and plants - barberry, chickweed, St. John's wort, strawberry, cedar, mullein*, cat's foot, nettle, buckthorn*, burdock, raspberry, dandelion, nightshade, rowan, yarrow, horse sorrel.
28. Medicinal plants and herbs for skin diseases - birch (tar), oregano, viburnum (berry juice), clover, hoofed grass*, yellow capsule*, white water lily*, burdock, buttercup*, raspberry (leaves), aspen, fir, plantain, chamomile, licorice, knotweed, poplar, yarrow, horsetail, hops, string, celandine*, rose hips, jasmine.
29. Plants against insects - white water lily*, tansy, celandine*.
Medicinal plants and their use occupy an important niche in the field of medicine and pharmaceuticals. Each medicinal plant has its own unique properties, indications and contraindications. For what purposes and in what ways can medicinal plants be used?
The properties of medicinal plants are numerous and varied. Each plant element produces special substances that affect the immune, nervous, cardiovascular systems, and also restores a person’s energy balance.
The detailed properties and characteristics of each medicinal plant are studied by such sciences as pharmacology, herbal medicine, and pharmaceutics. Since ancient times, the effects of medicinal herbs have been studied and put into practice by herbalists, healers, and traditional medicine specialists.
When using medicinal plants in medicine and pharmaceuticals, experts divide them into several main groups, depending on the main active ingredients. Each group is characterized by the presence of certain therapeutic properties:
How are such plants useful?
The use of medicinal plants in the medical and pharmacological field is characterized by a number of undeniable advantages. Unlike most medications, herbal medicines are non-toxic, natural, bioavailable, and have a minimum of contraindications and possible adverse reactions.
In addition, doctors point to the following beneficial properties of medicinal plants:
Due to their mild effects and the absence of aggressive chemicals, most medicinal plants can be completely safely prescribed in the treatment of pregnant and nursing mothers, elderly patients, and young children.
What diseases are they suitable for?
The range of uses of medicinal plants is very wide. Experts actively use them to combat the following diseases:
- disturbances in the functioning of the respiratory system;
- diseases of a chronic nature, with frequent relapses;
- dermatological diseases;
- disturbances in the functioning of the heart and blood vessels;
- pathologies affecting the respiratory system;
- urinary tract diseases;
- nervous diseases;
- disturbances in the functioning of the neuroendocrine system.
In addition, many medicinal plants and medicines made from them are used to strengthen the human immune system.
Methods of using medicinal plants in medicine
The uses of medicinal plants in medicine and pharmaceuticals are divided into two main categories: internal and external. Medicines based on medicinal plants are taken orally in the form of infusions, decoctions, herbal teas, syrups, extracts and powders.
To carry out local treatment externally, powders, compresses from infusions and decoctions, as well as ointments from medicinal plants are used.
How are infusions prepared?
Healing infusions from medicinal plants can be used for oral administration, as well as for preparing compresses and lotions. In order to make an infusion, you will need a spoon of crushed medicinal herbs (the plant is selected taking into account its properties, depending on the patient’s diagnosis and functional purpose) and a glass of clean water.
Infusions are prepared using both cold and hot methods. In the first case, the herbs are poured with cool water, and then infused for 8 hours and filtered using gauze cloth.
With the hot cooking method, the vegetable raw materials need to be poured with boiling water and simmered for about 15 minutes over low heat. After this, the tincture is cooled and filtered using the same gauze cloth.
Making Herbal Powders
Powders from medicinal herbs are suitable both for oral administration and for local, external use. To prepare such a powder, first of all, you will need to prepare the raw materials - thoroughly dry the medicinal plant.
The preparation method itself is extremely simple: the plant is thoroughly crushed to a powdery state (this can be done using an ordinary coffee grinder or a special mortar, like real herbalists). The resulting medicine is stored in a dark place, in any container with a tight-fitting lid.
Alcohol tinctures from medicinal plants
Tinctures of medicinal herbs based on medical alcohol are characterized by a particularly strong effect, and therefore are taken in minimal concentrations, agreed with the attending physician. Be sure to dilute alcoholic herbal tinctures in clean water!
The raw materials are infused with medical alcohol for a period of time ranging from 10 days to 2-3 months. The resulting medicine is stored in a glass bottle, which is recommended to be tightly closed with a lid and placed in a dark place, protected from sunlight. When properly stored, an alcohol tincture based on medicinal herbs retains its amazing healing properties for several years.
Herbal ointments
Based on medicinal herbs, you can also prepare a healing ointment, which is subsequently used for compresses and medicinal applications. Experts use both raw and dried herbs as raw materials for ointments.
In order to obtain an ointment, the phytoelement used must be combined with a substance that has an astringent effect. For these purposes, you can use butter or vegetable oils, lard, petroleum jelly or lanolin.
Please note that the shelf life of ointments made from animal fats is short and can be no more than a few weeks.
Preparation of decoctions
Herbal infusions are considered one of the most common methods of using medicinal plants. Such products are absorbed by the body a little longer than infusions, but they have a longer and more pronounced effect.
In addition, preparing herbal infusions is extremely simple. You just need to pour a tablespoon of raw material with a small amount of water, boil, filter and dilute with clean water to the desired volumes.
However, herbal medicine specialists still do not advise overusing herbal decoctions, since boiling destroys some of the active substances of plants. The maximum storage time for herbal decoctions is two days.
Possible adverse reactions
Although herbal medicines are generally well tolerated by patients without side effects, in some cases there is still a possibility of the following adverse reactions:
It is worth noting that the unpleasant symptoms listed above usually appear when using medicinal plants that have a toxic effect, with prolonged use and non-compliance with the recommended dosage.
How to use medicinal plants correctly?
Experts identify the following rules for the use of medicinal plants that must be followed during treatment:
When are medicinal plants contraindicated?
The main contraindication to the use of medicinal plants is the patient’s increased tendency to allergic reactions, as well as individual intolerance to certain plant substances. Each individual plant has its own limitations for use.
Contraindications to the use of the most common medicinal plants are as follows:
A preliminary consultation with your doctor will help determine the presence or absence of contraindications to the use of a particular medicinal plant, making the therapeutic course extremely effective and, most importantly, completely safe!
The use of medicinal plants in the field of modern medicine and pharmaceuticals provides effective treatment for a number of diseases. The advantages of using drugs based on medicinal plants are their safety, mild action, virtually no contraindications or adverse reactions, along with high efficiency rates.
However, with prolonged and uncontrolled use, even natural remedies can cause significant harm to health. Therefore, before starting treatment with medicinal plants, you must definitely consult with a specialist and strictly follow his recommendations in the future!
