Herbs with a bitter taste. Useful bitter herbs

Translated from Greek, the name of the plant (artemisia) sounds like it gives health. This best characterizes medicinal properties wormwood. And they use it in folk medicine since ancient times.

Nowadays, wormwood is often perceived as a weed, preventing the plant from growing in cultivated beds. But in wastelands, weedy places, as well as on forest edges, in meadows, and on the slopes of hills, this perennial can be found in abundance.

It’s not difficult to recognize wormwood - high grass stands out with a grayish-silver tint. The plant has a strong, specific smell, which also brings unique benefits.

The erect stems, reaching a height of 1 m, are ribbed and branched in the upper part, with a pubescence. Wormwood is characterized by a variety of leaves:

in the basal part - lanceolate, pinnately dissected, long-petiolate;
in the middle - short-petioled;
at the apex – pinnate, sessile;
directly at the flowers - whole or cut.

During flowering, at the top of the trunk you can see a thick panicle, consisting of spherical inflorescences with small tubular, yellow flowers. The plant produces small brownish fruits - elongated achenes without a tuft.

The roots of wormwood are multi-headed, cylindrical, and quite thick. But the plant conquers territory not with rhizomes, but big amount seeds sprayed around.

Compound

Flowering tops and leaves are used as medicinal raw materials. In bitter wormwood a large number of vitamins, minerals, organic acids (especially malic, ascorbic and succinic), phytoncides, glycosides, blue-green essential oils (up to 2%). Also included tannins, saponins, alkaloids, resins, etc.

Thanks to its powerful composition, the plant has antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, and choleretic properties. Even traditional medicine practices the use of wormwood tincture to enhance the secretory activity of the gastrointestinal tract. But healing actions They don’t stop there - the herb is used for many diseases:

Wormwood is also used externally - in the form of compresses and lotions, as an analgesic and hemostatic agent. It is recommended to rinse the oral mucosa with an infusion of the herb to get rid of unpleasant odor. And enemas in combination with garlic are destructive for pinworms.

Crushed applied to wounds fresh leaves contribute fast healing. The same remedy can relieve inflammation from dislocations, bruises, sprains, skin ulcers, etc.

There are not many contraindications to the use of wormwood, but they should be taken into account:

You should take medications with caution for cholelithiasis and stomach ulcers;
thief attention must be taken for acidity - with elevated levels, wormwood is contraindicated;
large doses and long-term use wormwood acts as a hallucinogen, which is dangerous for mental illness;
wormwood negatively affects lactation and can cause problems in the baby;
This herb is strictly contraindicated for pregnant women, because is an abortifacient.

It is necessary to take into account individual intolerance components that make up wormwood. Even the smell of grass can trigger an allergy.

Application for diseases, treatment recipes

The most universal remedy from wormwood - an infusion that fits all of the listed diagnoses. Prepare it according to the standard scheme - 1 tsp for 2 glasses of water. chopped grass. Take a quarter glass three times a day 30 minutes before meals. For a number of diseases, other recipes are used.

At endocrine diseases wormwood can be taken in any form - add dry herb to porridge, brew tea from it, make various tinctures and decoctions. If you have diabetes, it is recommended to try the following recipes:

in case of a mild form of the disease, take a small crumb of black bread, make a depression in it, into which crushed wormwood herb is poured; Having rolled a ball, it is eaten during a meal; duration of the 1st course – 2 weeks;
at a more serious stage of diabetes, wine tincture will be effective; To prepare it, fresh herbs are lightly dried and ground in a meat grinder; you need to get a glass of juice, which is added to a liter of heated Cahors; the product is stored in a dark bottle and taken according to the following scheme: 3 days, twice 20 ml, then a break for the same amount and again taking the tincture; the course lasts 1 month.

If you have a pharmacy alcohol tincture on hand, just add it to 1 tbsp. water 18 drops and take several times a day.

There is an opinion that drugs of this plant can be cured oncological diseases. But this does not apply to wormwood - we're talking about about an annual species of grass native to China. Our domestic plant does not destroy cancer cells, but helps the body in the fight against them.

Wormwood contains iron, necessary blood for recovery after chemotherapy. You should not perceive the herb as a panacea for cancer - decoctions and tinctures are introduced into complex therapy, How aid. Wormwood is especially effective as part of a herbal mixture.

combine 5 g of wormwood, 50 g each pine cones, rose hips and yarrow;
the collection is poured with 3 liters of boiling water and left for 2 hours;
then steam in a water bath for another couple of hours;
After removing the pan from the stove, wrap it in a warm blanket, and leave the solution for a day;
200 g of chopped aloe leaves and chaga extract are added to the finished infusion, as well as a glass of cognac and half a kilogram of honey.

All ingredients are mixed well and the composition is poured into glass containers. You need to store the medicine in the refrigerator, taking 1 tbsp. before meals.

Wormwood preparations are actively used in the treatment of various female diseases:

taken orally alcohol tinctures herbs according to the regimen prescribed by the gynecologist;
you can brew the herb and take a quarter glass twice a day (or add wormwood to herbal teas);
pharmacology produces suppositories with wormwood extract, which are used vaginally or anally (depending on the indications);
with a number gynecological diseases useful sitz baths from herbal decoction;
You can also influence problematic appendages externally by applying a compress of steamed wormwood to the lower abdomen for a couple of hours.

In which specific cases, which particular technique to use, the gynecologist must decide. Do independent appointments at women's diseases not worth it.

Once upon a time in Rus', a little wormwood was added to mead, and this slowed down intoxication. A decoction of wormwood relieves well and hangover syndrome. The plant is also used in the treatment of alcoholism. But best result can be achieved if wormwood is mixed with other herbs - centaury or thyme:

mix herbs in a ratio of 2:8;
2 tbsp. collection is poured hot water(half a liter) and bring to a boil;
Simmer for 10 minutes on fire, then let it brew for 1 hour.

The drink is taken three times, ¼ cup each. The course of treatment lasts a month, then a break is taken for 30-45 days.

The herb will not only drive out worms, but will also help cleanse the blood of anti-enzymes, restore intestinal microflora, and improve immunity.

Having prepared a decoction of wormwood in the standard way, drink it a quarter glass half an hour before breakfast and immediately before bed. But you can use another scheme - 2 tbsp. four times a day. Without the simultaneous use of sorbents and laxatives, wormwood may not be effective.

The herb is also included in some cough preparations, and is also good remedy to improve appetite, increase immunity and get rid of anemia. But the toxic properties of wormwood should be taken into account and children should prepare decoctions in lower concentrations.

The course of treatment for any diagnosis should not exceed 5 days, since the elements that make up wormwood accumulate in the body and will negatively affect the body in the future. nervous system child. The age of the children is also important - only a doctor should give preschoolers recommendations for taking a decoction of this herb.

Preparing a decoction of wormwood: video

The plant contains substances that allow women to look young. Decoctions and infusions are used as a drink, and also used externally for healing. problem skin. In this case, the following effects of the herb are manifested:

metabolic processes are activated;
the functioning of the sebaceous glands is regulated;
anti-aging effect is observed;
removal of toxins improves skin color;
lotions and steam baths relieve irritation, inflammation and itching.

Wormwood infusions are also effective in caring for weakened hair. The product is used as a rinse aid, and is also introduced into nourishing masks, promoting healthy bulbs and strengthening roots.

The most saturated grass useful elements during the period of budding and flowering. Harvesting wormwood should be done in June-August. In this case, the tops with inflorescences 25 cm long are cut off with sickles or sharp knives, and the remaining parts are torn off by hand. Coarse stems are not suitable for harvesting, so it is better to discard them or not touch them at all.

The raw materials should be dried in the form in which they were collected. The grass is laid out on the mats in one thin layer, and the branches should be turned over periodically during the process. Wormwood is dried as convenient as possible - in drying cabinets, in attics or in the open air. In the latter case, a canopy is needed that will protect the raw materials from direct rays of the sun and rain.

Wormwood - signs and superstitions

The house, barns and cattle pens were smoked with dry grass. They carried wormwood with them, protecting themselves from bad eye and other misfortunes. On the night of Ivan Kupala, it was impossible to leave the house without a sprig of strong-smelling grass - this saved you from the witchcraft spells of the mermaids.

They say that wormwood not only has a beneficial effect on health, but also brings good luck in serious matters, travel and love affairs. A bunch of grass hung near the door will protect the house from thieves and ill-wishers.

Wormwood is appropriated magical properties, as evidenced by one of the names of the plant – witch’s grass. Sorcerers use wormwood in their rituals, consecrating magic mirrors, crystal balls and other Vedic instruments with its help. They collect grass for rituals on the only day of the year - on Assumption. It is then that she will have the most powerful magical power.

Medicinal properties of wormwood: video

Wormwood herb is not only available in pharmacies, but also has a low price - 50-80 rubles (depending on the amount of crushed packaging). Wormwood tincture is sold in dark 25 ml bottles, and its maximum cost is 20 rubles.

The benefits of bitters for the body. People say: Bitters heal, but sweets spoil. And it’s hard to disagree with this saying. We all know that excessive consumption of sweets often leads to obesity and diabetes. It is no coincidence that wise nature has endowed many medicinal herbs bitter taste. These plants are considered one of the most useful for a person. Today we will talk about what it is benefits of bitters , we will consider in detail their beneficial properties, application in folk and official medicine, pharmaceuticals. Surely, many will be interested in learning the history of the use of bitters. We will also tell you how these herbs can help athletes.

**Benefits of bitters:*What are they used for?***

Bitterness ( Latin name Amara) are nitrogen-free, non-toxic substances of the terpenoid group that have a strongly pronounced bitter taste. Most often they are isolated from plant materials. There are also other compounds and herbs that taste bitter, but their active ingredients will be different. It must be said that the whole contains bitterness group of herbs (spices), which are used to treat a number of diseases. So, what are bitters used for?? They irritate the taste buds in the mouth, which has a stimulating effect on digestion. There are many plants on this list: , elecampane, calamus, centaury, yarrow, wormwood and others.

These herbs have accompanied humanity for thousands of years. Until the beginning of the 20th century, they were actively used as official medicine, and folk. Infusions and decoctions of bitter herbs were called "appetizing drops." Today there are many modern medicines, but it’s too early to write off plants. Bitters are mainly prescribed for weakened digestion, loss of appetite, general poor nutrition body, with fermentation in the stomach, constipation, with the so-called catarrh of the stomach (gastritis).

**Benefits of bitters:*Why should you eat bitter foods?***

Many people today don't understand why should you eat bitter foods? Perhaps, highest value bitterness is good for digestion because it stimulates appetite. The importance of such herbs for modern man Not only has it not decreased, but on the contrary, it is increasing every year. There are several reasons for this, but one of the main ones is that the quality of products has deteriorated. Residents of megacities often consume semi-finished products and fast food. The rhythm of city life forces many to eat casually, on the run. We must not forget about frequent stress, pollution environment. As a result, by the age of 40, many people’s gastrointestinal tract stops working normally - they suffer from constipation and gastritis. In advanced cases, a stomach ulcer develops and duodenum.

Talking about why should you eat bitters?, it must be recognized that the diet of modern man is far from perfect. There is a clear lack of bitter-tasting foods in the diet. Just 100 years ago, our ancestors could not imagine life without vegetables such as radishes, radishes, and turnips. And today children are taught from an early age to sweet or salty dishes. Nutritionists are confident that these products inhibit the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract. In addition, sweets are the favorite food of helminths, harmful bacteria and viruses. Let us add that the absence of bitter foods and herbs in the diet weakens liver function.

Today you can hear complaints that herbal preparations are bitter. But this only reveals the illiteracy of such people, since bitter taste is important property huge amount herbs

What substance works in bitterness?

Academician I.P. Pavlov noted that the mechanism of action of bitter herbs is poorly understood. Much has changed since then, and various ways discharge useful substances from plants. Academician's students - N.D. Strazhesko and V.Yu. Chagovets installed reflex action bitterness through the taste buds of the oral cavity. But for a long time it was not clear what substance works in bitterness. Thanks to the development of science, we now know chemical composition many medicinal herbs.

Most experts agree that the main active substance these plants - glycosides. Let's take a closer look at what it is. Glycosides are nitrogen-free compounds with a bitter taste, which include two parts: sugar and non-sugar. By their action they similar to hormones, provide stimulating effect on a number of systems body. In addition, glycosides are quite toxic, so they must be used carefully. It has also been established that these substances have high reactivity, in particular they are subject to enzymatic and acid hydrolysis. These compounds are unstable, so when producing medicines it is better not to combine them with acids, alkalis or tannins.

Classification of glycosides

One of classifications of glycosides appeared in the 70s of the last century in our country. These substances are divided into aromatic(contain essential oil) and non-aromatic. The first group includes: absinthine (wormwood), achillein (yarrow), asperuloside (woodruff), acorin (calamus), verbenaline (verbena officinalis). Note that these substances, in addition to their effect on the gastrointestinal tract, have the property increase efficiency.

The second group includes: Taraxacin (dandelion officinalis), avicularin (Veronica officinalis), gencisin (yellow gentian), knitsin (curly thistle), meniantin (trifoliate), picroin (saffron sativum), eritaurin (centaury umbelliferum), intibin (common chicory).

Other classifications There is also a third group, which includes nitrogen-free, non-glycoside substances, such as artemisin (artemisia), quassin (bitter quassiya), Helenin (elecampane tall) and others.

To this we can add that Dr. pharmaceutical sciences V. A. Kurkin believes that it is possible to combine chemically related substances into one group - monoterpene glycosides(paeoniflorin from the rhizomes of the evasive peony), iridoids(harpagide herb Leonurus pentaloba) and bitterness, presented mainly iridoid glycosides(centaury, water trefoil).

Benefits of bitters:Basic beneficial features

From a significant number gastrointestinal disorders It is bitterness that can save us. Others need to be named beneficial properties of bitters.

Stimulates hematopoiesis. A significant part of these plants increases the number of blood cells. Therefore, bitterness is sometimes prescribed for anemia.
They have a general strengthening effect. Modern research bitter herbs conclude that these plants gently stimulate recovery processes.
Improving metabolism;
Anabolic effect. Many people today are not even aware of this property of bitter herbs, but meanwhile the strongmen of the past knew well about it. Athletes used bitter herbs in the form of seasonings, decoctions and tinctures for muscle growth. In this case, the set muscle mass occurs due to the fact that a number of glycosides improve the digestibility of proteins, fats and carbohydrates. In addition, appetite is stimulated.
Increases performance (ergogenic effect);
Sharpen the senses: vision, hearing, touch.
Many of these herbs, for example, yarrow, have a hemostatic effect and promote wound healing.

In the 80s of the last century, Soviet scientists actively studied beneficial properties of bitters. As a result, they found out that bitter herbs have a positive effect on the nervous system. Taking many bitters in small quantities gives sedative effect. For example, with insomnia and overexcitability, they have a calming effect. At the same time, with neurasthenia, overwork and weakness, on the contrary, they tone up.

Meaning bitterness for the gastrointestinal tract

The benefits of bitters For digestive system so huge that it deserves a separate story. IN last years Studies have been carried out on the effect of glycosides on the body. It turned out that they stimulate the production of peptide hormones in the stomach. As a result, this has a positive effect on plastic exchange, emotional state, improves anabolism, helps supercompensation during active training. The importance of bitterness for the gastrointestinal tract Today it increasingly attracts scientists.

In the book “Fundamentals of Herbal Medicine” V.A. Kurkin says that bitters, in their effect on digestion, “...are very similar to spicy substances containing essential oils and affecting the secretion of the digestive glands.” According to the author, the difference between them is that bitterness increases secretion slowly but steadily.

In modern medical practice bitterness is most often prescribed for hypacidal and chronic atrophic gastritis, in combination with choleretic and other medicines. Bitter herbs are contraindicated for peptic ulcer stomach and duodenum, with increased gastric secretion.

It is impossible not to say about anthelmintic action bitterness. For this purpose, a plant such as wormwood is widely used, but it must be used carefully, since it is quite toxic. Also suitable for this purpose is elecampane tall.

Benefits of bitters:Bitters in folk medicine

Benefitbitterness in folk medicine goes back more than one century. Academician I.P. Pavlov called these drugs “veterans” compared to other drugs. Apparently, they began to be used for treatment at the dawn of human civilization. For example, it is known that Dandelion was used by the ancient Chinese as a liver tonic and gallbladder , and constipation and stomach diseases were treated with decoctions from the roots of this plant.

In our country, the medicinal properties of this bright flower are also well known. Dandelion roots collected in the fall and then dried are most suitable for treatment. They are used in the form of decoctions and infusions to enhance the secretion of the digestive glands. It is also a component of preparations that are used to improve appetite, prevent and treat a number of stomach diseases. Also dandelion is great remedy against arthrosis, because it restores chondrocytes - the basis of cartilage tissue. This is why dandelion is called the “elixir of life.”

And yet in Russia, traditionally, herbalists value elecampane tall. Another name for the plant, deyasil, directly indicates its numerous medicinal properties. Russian healers used root decoctions not only for stomach diseases, but also as sedative . With the help of this herb even today they get rid of stomach and duodenal ulcers. It is also used for bronchitis, tuberculosis, anemia, thrombophlebitis and other disorders.

About the treatment of gastritis or catarrh of the stomach, as it was called in pre-revolutionary Russia, with the help of bitterness wrote A.P. Chekhov in the story “From the Diary of an Accountant’s Assistant.” Main character tried to fight this disease with the help of the most various means: “What should I take for catarrh? Should I take the citvar seed?” The citvar seed is still in folk medicine called wormwood seeds bitter. By the way, the great writer was well versed in herbs not only because he was a doctor. A.P. Chekhov himself suffered from catarrh, which he repeatedly complained about in letters to his wife.

Bitter herbs in pharmaceuticals

Currently bitter herbs in pharmaceuticals are actively used, they are necessary to create drugs that help with various diseases. Thanks to the cryo-grinding technology, which is used by the Parapharm company, the beneficial properties of plants are preserved in the preparations. In particular, it is necessary to name such nutritional supplements How " Elecampane P » and, which help cope with stomach ulcers and improve intestinal function. You can use them for colds - as an expectorant. Taking these drugs improves the excretion of bile, which will prevent the formation of gallstones.

It would not be superfluous to mention the drug "Dandelion P" which is suitable for stimulating appetite, has choleretic properties. It is important that it helps people suffering from arthrosis and osteochondrosis.

Biologically worthy of attention active additive to food "Yarrow". It stimulates appetite, is useful for inflammation in the oral cavity And gastrointestinal tract, improves metabolism. Also this excellent remedy against hemorrhoidal, uterine and other bleeding.

What is it used for? bitterness in sports

As mentioned above, athletes of past times used bitter herbs as an anabolic agent. But even today the application bitterness in sports has not lost its relevance. In particular, it must be said that in small doses glycosides have beneficial influence on the nervous system. They also useful for improving performance, that is, they give an ergogenic effect. This is especially true dandelion officinalis. This unique plant used to produce the drug , which promotes the regeneration of the chondrocyte layer of the joints, and is therefore excellent for athletes during recovery from injuries.

We looked in detail the benefits of bitterness for the body. To summarize our reasoning, we can say that bitter herbs have high potential as therapeutic and prophylactic agents.

The bitter taste is more likely to be used to reduce toxins and excess, rather than to compensate for any deficiency. In Ayurveda, bitter herbs are part of cleansing, sedative, antipyretic, and excess-eliminating therapy. They are used in the same way in Chinese medicine.

According to Ayurveda, bitter herbs stimulate digestion, but only in small quantities and mainly in patients suffering from fever, fever or high Pitta conditions. They are rarely prescribed to chronic or debilitated patients. It is believed that in more high doses they suppress digestion, slow down absorption and disrupt peristalsis.

Bitter herbs, due to the fact that they consist of air and ether, dry out tissues and vital juices and can cause muscle tension or even muscle spasms. In many cases, instead of maintaining the tone of muscles, organs and tissues at the proper level, bitter herbs reduce it.

In Western herbal medicine, the use of these herbs is usually prescribed to speed up recovery and restore strength, but Ayurveda considers them ineffective in such cases. States of weakness and recovery are often of Vata nature, as is the case with colds, lack of fluids and tissue depletion. In these cases, warming, moisturizing and nourishing therapy is required. Bitter herbs themselves belong to Vata and therefore do not contribute in any way to the restoration of tissues or the increase of vital juices. They can act as a tonic mainly in prolonged febrile states, in spasmodic or intermittent fever, or in loss of strength due to fever or high level Pittas.

It is likely that in the past, Western healers used bitter herbs as convalescent tonics for Pitta patients who suffered from febrile illnesses or excess toxins due to heavy drinking. meat food, alcohol, etc. For modern vegetarians, especially those with a Vata constitution, the use of bitter herbs as tonics will only weaken them.

Ayurvedic tonic herbs are usually sweet, nutrients, helping to build tissue, strengthen vitality, increase vital juices, increase sexual energy and longevity. They are discussed in a separate section dedicated to them. Bitter herbs can, on the contrary, deplete vitality, suppress sexual energy and accelerate the aging process. We refer to them in this book as bitter tonics only insofar as they are known by that name. We also call them anti-fever, antipyretic herbs, that is, dispelling heat, fire and fever.

It is true to some extent that bitter tonics serve as tonics for Pitta as they are most effective in reducing and regulating it. But they should not be confused with real tonics, whose effects are nourishing and rejuvenating.

Nevertheless, bitter tonics have an important place in herbal medicine. Ayurveda and Western herbal medicine agree that these are the most powerful herbs for reducing heat and cleansing the body. They reduce fever, Pitta, fat and toxins.

If the fever is caused by an external pathogen and is a superficial condition, such as the fever caused by a cold or flu, then it should be treated with diaphoretic therapy, increasing sweating to open the pores, restore blood circulation and dispel the cold that caused the disease. However, if the fever is strong, if it has penetrated deep into the body or into the blood and overheats the liver, if there are extreme thirst, sweating, signs of inflammation or infection, which usually correspond to a Pitta state - then bitter tonics are preferred.

Bitter tonics do more than just suppress fever. They eliminate the pathogenic factor, destroying the infection that caused the fever. They attack and destroy Amu - the toxins that have penetrated the tissues and caused the fever. Therefore, they are indicated for any fever caused by the accumulation of Ama (as, for example, in arthritis due to agitation of Vata and Kapha). Thanks to their lightness, they destroy heavy Amu.

By reducing heat, reducing the formation of oxidation products and intoxication, they cool and free the blood from toxins. In addition to this, they improve metabolism. One could say that they are similar to herbs that improve metabolism, but their effect is an order of magnitude stronger.

They regulate liver functions, reduce the production of bile and acid in the body. Due to these properties, they are indicated for most liver diseases, such as hepatitis and jaundice, especially in the initial and acute stages.

Bitter tonics reduce fat and regulate carbohydrate metabolism. As such, they regulate spleen function and may be beneficial for diabetes. Being the most powerful of the fat-eliminating and weight-reducing herbs, they have powerful anti-Kapha effects.

All this, along with the blood purifying effect, gives them antitumor properties. They can help reduce both benign and malignant tumors. By accelerating catabolic processes, they eliminate dense deposits and congestion in organism.

While they reduce Pitta most strongly of all herbs and significantly weaken Kapha, they also excite Vata more than other herbs. If used for indigestion caused by Vata (neurogenic digestive disorders that can be mistaken for hypoglycemia), they may only aggravate the indigestion nerve functions and increase oversensitivity.

Typical bitter tonics and anti-fever herbs include aloe, barberry, gentian, golden seal, coptis, colomba roots, poplar, quinna, chaparrel and, found only in India, chirata, kutki and margosa.

The comparison “bitter as wormwood” has a solid basis. The bitterness of this herb is so great that if cows eat wormwood (and they avoid this), the milk not only tastes bitter, but also has a specific smell.

Polyushko-field

Wormwood was known back in Ancient Egypt, where the priests of the goddess Isis used it in their rituals. The very name “wormwood”, according to one version, has Latin roots, according to another - Greek. Artemisia absinthium L. - Artemisia (the king's wife) - Artemis (Greek goddess). This is how the chain turns out. The Russian “wormwood, bitter grass” is associated with a wide field, as if in a song it is sung: the pole is a wide field. In the Old Church Slavonic language there was even an adjective “pol”, which meant “open, free”...

Wormwood: description

It's grassy perennial reaches a height of about a meter. Its leaves seem to be divided into lanceolate lobes. Yellow flowers small in size are collected in rounded baskets, which, in turn, form a panicle. The plant is covered with many silky hairs, which is why the whole plant takes on a silvery-gray hue. Wormwood, a bitter herb, blooms in July and August. It can be found in vacant lots or roadsides, in fields or in gardens. The peculiarity of this plant is its smell, strong, characteristic, which intensifies when rubbing any parts of the wormwood. And it has a specific taste - spicy, very bitter. Even with breeding aqueous extract from wormwood in a strong proportion (1:10000) bitterness is felt. This is probably why it is popularly called widow's grass.

Wormwood: properties

The ability of this plant to stimulate digestion has been known for a long time. Ancient Greeks in old times Wormwood was valued so much that the winners of equestrian competitions were given the right to take a sip of wormwood tincture as a reward to improve their health. Today medicinal properties wormwood is recognized not only among the people, but also in medicine. This herb is used to increase appetite and improve digestion, for colitis, decreased secretory and motor functions gastrointestinal tract, diseases of the gallbladder, liver. It is used as a rinse for bad breath and toothache.

Wormwood, a bitter herb, is even included in special herbal mixtures used to treat chronic alcoholism.

How to treat?

Treatment with wormwood mainly consists of the use of tinctures and decoctions. For example, when cleansing the body of worms, wormwood tincture is used, either alone or in combination with other herbs. Here is one recipe for the tincture: mix wormwood leaves and crushed pumpkin seeds (in equal quantities), pour the mixture with vodka (1:3). You need to insist for a week in a warm place or in the sun. Drink the tincture twice a day, 100 g, half an hour before meals. Treatment lasts several weeks. Wormwood, a bitter herb, is used to improve appetite, also as a tincture. A teaspoon of wormwood is poured into a glass of boiling water, then the mixture is heated for 15 minutes in a water bath and infused for 45 minutes. After straining, it is recommended to take a quarter glass three times a day, preferably 30 minutes before meals.

Today we will talk about Wormwood. I've been wanting to write about this for a long time amazing plant. I love its scent, it evokes the tart aroma of summer.

In the popular poem of the Middle Ages “On the Properties of Herbs,” wormwood is called the mother of numerous herbs and it is stated that “whoever has tasted this plant may not be at all afraid of any harmful potion, and not a single animal will dare to touch it.”

Wormwood is one of those mysterious herbs, mentions of which can also be found among papyri Ancient Egypt(1550 BC). They knew about her Ancient Greece, China. The priests of Isis, the goddess of fertility and motherhood, wore wreaths of wormwood on their heads.

Russian name“wormwood” comes from the Slavic “flight” - to burn, again due to the very bitter taste that makes the mouth burn. There is also a version that wormwood probably got its name - pelyn - because of the characteristic color of the plant. The Russian name wormwood is from the old Russian verb “fly” - to burn (remained in the word “burn”). If you chew a leaf, your mouth will feel as if it was scorched by something for a long time. Generic name of wormwood: Artemisia - health-giving. It was given in honor of Artemis - the goddess of the hunt, the Moon, fertility, childbirth and healing. There is a legend according to which Artemis, being the patroness of women in labor, was the first to use wormwood as a birth aid.

Common names: polyn, Chernobylnik, wormwood, wormwood, absinthe, Swiss tea, vermouth.

ABOUT beneficial properties The ancient Greeks, Arabs and Chinese knew wormwood. Descriptions healing properties wormwood is found in the most ancient written monuments. The herb has a phytoncidal effect.

Since ancient times, wormwood has been used to treat malaria. Treatment methods are described in detail by many ancient medical scientists: Hippocrates in the 3rd century BC. and Ibn Sina (Avicena) in the 10th century AD. In Slavic literature, wormwood was mentioned as a cure for malaria in the 12th century. in the “Word of Daniel the Sharper” and in Russian chronicles of the 14th century. , in the book “Blagokohladny Vetrograd” in 1616, in a dictionary published in 1792. Russian Academy, - all these sources mention wormwood.

In Rus', wormwood was used to fumigate huts during the plague and cholera epidemic; many people laid wormwood grass on the floor to repel insects, aromatize, and disinfect indoor air.

It is also known to be used in perfumery. Essential oil Queen Cleopatra used lemon wormwood to produce eau de toilette. Perfumes containing Tauride wormwood remind a woman of a man, and there is information about their stimulating effect on both sexes.

In Bankes’s “Herbarium”, published in the 18th century, it was noted that “wormwood, if burned, and the ashes collected and ground with vegetable oil, restores hair growth to someone who has already lost it,” and another medieval treatise, “Gardens of Health,” reports that the smoke rising when burning this plant smells good and drives snakes out of the house. And in the monastery gardens Western Europe Artemisia has been cultivated since the 9th century.

Drinks made from lemon wormwood increase appetite and improve stomach function. It was its leaves that were used to make absinthe (Absinthe from Artemisia absinthium), a bitters popular in France. Cigarettes made from Tauride wormwood are used in China for acupuncture, which dramatically increases the effectiveness of treatment.

Wormwood has been used since ancient times as amulets against dark forces. It was added to potions that protected against witchcraft and lightning, and was used in medicinal potions for fever and weakening eyesight.

There is a legend according to which it is necessary on the night before Midsummer to dig up the ground at the root of the wormwood, find a coal there and carry it with you. And this very coal will protect you from plague, lightning, malaria and burns. Moreover, information from different sources differs in the time of day of collecting grass: some claim that it is necessary to collect at noon, others - at midnight.

In Russia, in Ukraine, in the Poltava province, in the Kharkov province, and in other cities and villages, wormwood and similar herbs were scattered around the house, placed on windows, thresholds, under the eaves of houses, in order to protect themselves “from mermaids coming out that night from their waters to land,” and if “on the holy greenery” they had to spend the night in the open air, they put it under their heads. From the attack of the mermaids they carried wormwood with them; she was thrown into the water if she did happen to swim. Protecting yourself from maks, Ukrainian girls they wore wormwood in their bosoms; they wove it into their braids, believing that then the mermaid would not tickle them. And don’t forget about a simple spell when meeting mermaids. To the mermaid’s question, “What are you holding in your hands?” it was supposed to answer “wormwood” - then she would say: “tsur tobi, bake tobi! and will disappear.

In Prussia, Bavaria and other Germanic lands, wormwood was used for the same purposes as rowan in Scotland - that is, to protect against witches. Prussian farmers stacked stacks of this grass at the entrances and around meadows where cows grazed to protect the animals and their milk from witches. In Japan, residents of a burglarized house, upon discovering the burglar's footprints, burn wormwood on them to sting his feet and prevent him from escaping from the police.

There are also quite a few superstitions associated with wormwood that relate to eye care. It was believed that if you look at the flame of a bonfire lit in honor of the summer solstice through a bunch of wormwood, it will provide good vision during a year.

Some sources mention wormwood as part of an anti-fatigue potion. Wormwood juice drunk from eggshells, or wormwood ointment prepared with pork lard, helped with general fatigue. Travelers were advised to put wormwood in their shoes in the morning in order to walk for many miles without fatigue.

Wormwood bush is one of the symbols of love. Its popular names are “young lover”, “kiss me quickly”, “maiden ruin”. According to another interpretation, wormwood symbolizes old age. Hence the other popular name bush wormwood - "old man". It is also a sign of playfulness.

The miraculous properties of wormwood are most clearly described in Taoist Chinese mythology, according to which a version of the Taoist paradise is the island of immortals - Penglai. On this island those who eat wonderful plants with a wonderful aroma, they become immortal. Interestingly, Penglai is a real area on the Shandong Peninsula in China, where the Lai people lived, and “pen” translated means wormwood - artemisia.

The legend of wormwood.

Once upon a time, in desert lands, among the wide steppe, one poor man had a beautiful daughter named Wormwood. One day, when she was picking flowers in the steppe, the Bai's son, the cruel, arrogant and treacherous Kovyl, saw her. He really liked her, because she was known as a beauty in those parts. He began to demand that she marry him. Wormwood refused him, rejected all his advances. Then Kovyl, in order to take revenge on the girl, sang a verse of a song in a company of people about how he had dishonored the poor man’s daughter and from now on allows everyone to mock her.
Wormwood, in order to avoid shame, saddled a horse and, crying bitterly, rushed into the wide steppe. But the chase was getting closer. Then the beauty stopped the horse and asked the steppe: “Hide me.” When the horsemen arrived at the place, they saw one horse, and a small gray bush grew against the background of green grass. So Wormwood became the daughter of the wide steppe. In spring it is very bitter, like the tears of a girl. But the dashing, vile Kovyl was destined for a sad fate. It turned into grass, the seeds of which, falling into the wool of sheep, permeate the body of the animals.

Wormwood looks beautiful in dry bouquets. You can also put it in the closet with linen. The linen then acquires the fresh scent of summer.