Antiseptic herbs. Natural antiseptics

If herbs and flowers are used, an infusion is prepared from it - the medicinal raw material is poured with hot boiling water and infused for 30 minutes to 2 hours.

The roots, rhizomes and bark are used to prepare decoctions. They are filled with cold water and boiled in a water bath for 30 minutes.

Alcohol tinctures for washing, rinsing and irrigating the mucous membranes of the nose and throat, as well as ears, are not recommended - they can cause burns. In extreme cases, they can be diluted with water.

Marshmallow (root) - the antiseptic effect of marshmallow is not as strong as that of other plants, but it contains a lot of mucus, so it is good for them to treat the mucous membranes of the nose and throat if they are extremely dry. Marshmallow also relieves coughs and relieves irritation.

It is not necessary to prepare a decoction of marshmallow roots - 2 tsp is enough. pour the crushed raw material into a glass of warm water and let it brew for half an hour, stirring occasionally.

Oak (bark) - a decoction of oak bark, on the contrary, is used in cases where the mucous membrane needs to be dried and a lot of pus is released. Oak relieves inflammation well and disinfects mucous membranes. 1 tbsp. l. Boil the bark in a glass of water for 20 minutes.

Willow (bark). Willow bark contains salicylic acid and tannins. Before the invention of aspirin, decoctions of willow bark were the main anti-inflammatory and antiseptic agent in medicine. Willow bark tea can be drunk as an antipyretic.

St. John's wort (herb). If you need to be careful with this plant for internal use (in large quantities it has a toxic effect), then there are no contraindications for rinsing and washing the nasopharynx and ears. St. John's wort also has a wound-healing effect and relieves inflammation well.

Calendula (flowers). To prepare the infusion, 2 tsp. flowers are poured with a glass of boiling water in a thermos and left for 2 hours (you can cook in a water bath for 10-15 minutes). Calendula, in addition to antiseptic, has a wound-healing and anti-inflammatory effect, it is not toxic, so if you swallow the infusion while rinsing, nothing bad will happen. Calendula tincture can be used to treat the skin around ear boils.

Lemon. Lemon juice is used to disinfect kitchen utensils, which prevents the growth of bacteria. Lemon juice quenches thirst well during fever, and even prevents the formation of blood clots. Lemons are especially effective in fighting bacterial chest infections and thrush.

Onion is a multifaceted antiseptic. This natural antibiotic is merciless against streptococci, diphtheria, tuberculosis and dysentery bacillus. Eating fresh onions increases your chances of not getting colds. Its sulfur components cause tears, but they are the ones that have antimicrobial properties.

A poultice of raw grated onions helps with minor cuts, burns and scalds; chopped raw onion helps with sore throat, cough and bronchitis.

Juniper. Juniper berries contain a large amount of volatile oils, and therefore they are a powerful antiseptic for the urinary system. Should be taken as a tincture or decoction.

Plantain (leaves) is one of the most popular medicinal plants. If you don’t have iodine or peroxide on hand at your dacha, you can always apply plantain leaves to the wound. To treat diseases of the ear and nose, fresh juice is used, which can be instilled without harm. An infusion of leaves (1 tablespoon per 0.5 cup of boiling water, leave for 1 hour) is used for gargling and rinsing the nasal cavity.

Turnip is healing for both respiratory and stomach infections. You can eat it raw or drink turnip juice. A poultice made from grated turnips heals minor wounds and skin scrapes.

Turnip is a good preventative against tuberculosis and leprosy, and boiled turnip helps strengthen the immune system. Turnip decoction is used to treat sore throats and toothache.

Chamomile (flowers) is the undisputed leader in the list of natural antiseptics. Chamomile tea helps with intestinal infections, and many skin diseases are treated with its infusion. Gargling with chamomile infusion is an excellent way to combat sore throats and even a runny nose.
Licorice (root) - like marshmallow, licorice is used to treat mucous membranes in cases where it is too dry. Licorice forms a protective film while fighting germs. For laryngitis, a decoction of licorice roots relieves cough and sputum discharge. To prepare the decoction 1 tbsp. l. Boil the roots in a glass of water for 15 minutes in a water bath.

Yarrow (herb) - this plant is rich in tannins, flavonoids and essential oils, one of which - azulene - makes it an excellent disinfectant and anti-inflammatory agent. For infectious diseases, you can use yarrow infusion not only for rinsing, but also as tea - this helps to quickly cope with the infection.

Thyme, or thyme (herb) - it is better to use its essential oil. For rinsing, it is diluted in warm water, and for treating the nasal cavity and ear, you can apply it using cotton swabs. You can also use an infusion (1 tbsp per glass of water).

Infuse thyme leaves to create an antimicrobial tea that fights coughs and colds. It is also effective for gastroenteritis and other digestive infections. The essential oil contains thymol, which is useful as a mouth rinse for gum inflammation.

Sage (leaves) - advice to gargle and rinse your nose with sage infusion is found in all recommendations. It has very strong antimicrobial properties, so it is indispensable for sore throats and sinusitis.

Garlic - the antimicrobial active ingredients of garlic can fight bacterial and viral infections. To disinfect an abscess, you can apply garlic juice to it, and when taken orally, entering the bloodstream, it disinfects the entire body.

Garlic is highly effective for diseases of the upper respiratory tract, whooping cough, pneumonia, and bladder. Improves overall metabolism - all vessels in the body, especially blood vessels, become elastic; prevents hypertension, myocardial infarction, angina pectoris, sclerosis, and the formation of various tumors. Relieves headaches, tinnitus.

Some medicinal plants contain substances that can have an antiseptic effect: phenolic compounds, tannins, essential oils, phytoncides, flavonoids and organic acids. Such plants, prepared in the form of juices or concentrated infusions, can have an antiseptic (static) and wound-healing effect. Not all plants are antiseptics can be used internally, many of them are designed only for external use due to the fact that in addition to useful antiseptic substances they may also contain toxic compounds.

From the group of phenolic compounds, arbutin, obtained from the leaves of bearberry and lingonberry, and hydroquinone (an arbutin derivative), obtained by hydrolysis of arbutin, have an antimicrobial effect from the group of phenolic compounds.

Tannins (tannins)- these are polymeric phenolic compounds, which also have an anti-inflammatory and bacteriostatic effect. Tannins have anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties due to the fact that when tannin interacts with protein structures, proteins coagulate, forming a protective film (albuminates) that prevents the development of the inflammation process. TO antiseptics of plant origin, which have tanning properties, include: snakeweed (rhizomes), burnet (rhizomes), alder (cones), bergenia (rhizomes), cinquefoil erecta (synonym: galangal - rhizomes), oak bark, tea leaves, plantain leaves.

Plant essential oils soluble in ether, alcohol, oil, but insoluble in water. Easily isolated from plants using hot water or steam, but very volatile. Some essential oils have anti-inflammatory and wound-healing effects: chamomile (substance - chamazulene), thyme (substance - thymol), sage (leaves), calendula (flowers), fir (needles), eucalyptus (leaves), St. John's wort (aerial part of the plant) . The essential oils of clove and bay tree contain eugenol, which is considered a strong antiseptic.

Phytoncides– a group of volatile compounds that have an active antiseptic effect. Phytoncides are found in plants such as garlic, onion, nettle, St. John's wort, pine, oak, birch, juniper, radish, horseradish, lichens, plantain. The composition of phytoncides and their antiseptic effect vary depending on the season, climatic conditions, and the stage of plant vegetation. When the plant is destroyed (crushed), the release of phytoncides stops after a few minutes (or seconds). But there are plants that produce phytoncides for a long time even when picked (garlic, onions).

Flavonoids, enzymes and organic acids in the juice from the leaves of Kalanchoe Degremona, aloe and plantain (seeds and aerial parts of the plant) have an anti-inflammatory, anti-granulation, anti-necrotic effect.

Antiseptics of plant origin can be purchased at the pharmacy in the form of liquid extracts or ointments:

Rotokan (ingredients: chamomile, calendula, yarrow),
Chlorophyllipt (composition: essential oil and eucalyptus extract),
Rekutan (composition: chamomile extract),
Calendula tincture (ingredients: calendula flower extract),
Sophora japonica tincture (composition: Sophora japonica flavonoids and excipients),
Wundehil - ointment (composition: cinquefoil extract, yarrow extract, Japanese Sophora extract, calendula extract, propolis and excipients),
Calendula ointment (composition: calendula extract and excipients),
Altan ointment (composition: alnitannins and flavonoids from alder, birch family).

Common blackhead (black gourd, etc.) is a perennial herbaceous plant of the Lamiaceae family. Classified as poisonous! It grows in fields, forest edges, meadows, along roadsides in the European part of Russia, Karelia, Siberia, and the Caucasus. Grown in ornamental gardening for flower beds. It is used in folk medicine as a plant with anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, diuretic and a number of other valuable medicinal properties.

Liverwort noble or common (copse, blue snowdrops) is a perennial herbaceous plant of the Ranunculaceae family with very decorative flowers. It will grow in shaded areas of deciduous forests in Europe and Asia. Liverwort is loved by gardeners and is also used in folk medicine and homeopathy.

The common strawberry tree or common arbutus (common strawberry, etc.) is an evergreen shrub or tree of the Ericaceae family. In nature, it grows on forest edges, clearings, and rocky slopes in the Mediterranean, Western Asia, Western Europe and America. Arbutus is valued in ornamental plant growing, cooking, as well as in folk medicine and homeopathy.

Adoxa musk (musk grass, musk grass, etc.) is a herbaceous plant of the Adoxaceae family, the flowers of which have a musky aroma. It grows in Europe, Asia, China, Korea, Mongolia, and North America. Adoxa musk is used in folk medicine, perfume production, and also in everyday life to repel mosquitoes and midges.

Djungarian fighter or Djungarian aconite is a poisonous perennial herbaceous plant of the Ranunculaceae family. Distributed in Kyrgyzstan, China, Kazakhstan, and the Hindustan Peninsula. It is used in folk medicine as a plant that has analgesic, antitumor, antiseptic and a number of other medicinal properties.

Alpinia officinalis (Chinese galangal) is a perennial herbaceous tropical plant of the Zingiberaceae family. Cultivated in Japan and Southeast Asian countries as an ornamental, spicy and medicinal plant. Alpinia root is used in cooking, perfume making, medicine, homeopathy and aromatherapy. The beneficial effects of alpinia on the gastrointestinal tract are best known for its medicinal properties.

Navel nobilis (Anthemis, yellow chamomile, Roman chamomile, Italian chamomile) is a perennial herbaceous plant resembling chamomile. It grows wild in Crimea. The navel is grown in ornamental gardening, and is also widely used in folk medicine as a plant that has a number of valuable healing properties.

Common fennel (fennel) is a herbaceous biennial or perennial plant of the Apiaceae family, which has long been used in cooking, as well as in folk and official medicine.

Antiseptics are widely used to fight germs. Almost everyone has a kind of “gentleman’s set” of drugs in their medicine cabinet that can save them from various infections: most often this includes such things as iodine, hydrogen peroxide, brilliant green and even medical alcohol. But there are times when it is not possible to use these drugs. For example, how to treat an open wound? Iodine will only burn damaged tissue

And hydrogen peroxide may cope with the task, but it will give you a lot of very unpleasant experiences.

Oddly enough, traditional medicine will come to the rescue. We, of course, do not offer you dubious methods, and in general we advise you to be extremely careful about the very idea of self-medication. However, there are many natural remedies that have been tested over the years and experience, which act as excellent antiseptic drugs. We will talk about them.

Pharmaceutical chamomile

Perhaps the simplest and one of the cheapest to use means. Chamomile has a whole list of beneficial properties - antimicrobial, astringent and anti-inflammatory. The infusion is simple to make and may well help with gum inflammation. In winter, a decoction that should be used to gargle will easily relieve inflammation from the throat and sore throat.

Eucalyptus

Eucalyptus has a whole list of antiseptic, antibacterial and healing properties. Most often it is used to care for problem areas of facial skin. It is much better and much cheaper than many pharmaceutical drugs.

Pine buds

Getting this product will not be so easy. However, the therapeutic effect of pine buds fully justifies the time and effort spent on searching for them. Most often, decoctions and tinctures from the kidneys are used to treat diseases of the upper respiratory tract. There is also a whole list of pharmaceutical ointments that include pine tar - it helps with various skin diseases, even such serious ones as eczema and psoriasis.

Plantain leaves

This is probably the most famous way to disinfect a wound. We applied plantain leaves to skinned knees in deep childhood - it seems that nature initially endowed people with knowledge about the beneficial properties of this plant.

Garlic is used not only to get rid of vampires. A natural antiseptic in many small towns and villages of our country is still prepared for the whole winter ahead, adding it to many dishes not only to add spiciness and taste, but also because garlic is an excellent preventative.

The same applies to horseradish. The roots of the plant have medicinal properties, but sometimes its leaves are also used. The roots contain a high amount of simple carbohydrates and vitamin C, and the range of uses of horseradish is very wide - from removing acne to treating sinusitis and otitis media. However, with the latest diseases, we still recommend that you consult a doctor.

Cornflower blue

Blue cornflower was known to the ancient Greeks - decoctions from it are indirectly mentioned in many myths. Colds and coughs, kidney swelling and inflammation of the bladder can be treated correctly with the help of this natural antiseptic. But it must be used carefully, since in large quantities, decoctions from this plant can have a negative effect on the body.

Sage leaves, also prepared as a decoction, can boast a strong antiseptic effect. Stomatitis, colds, sore throats - all these diseases will go away much easier if you use this decoction.

Diaphoretic, diuretic and soothing bactericidal properties are hidden in common heather. Decoctions from it can be used to treat and prevent colds, bronchitis and nervous diseases.

The essential oil, tannins, flavonoids and triterpenes contained in thyme have antimicrobial and even antiviral effects. Thyme essential oil can be used for inhalation, which increases its scope of application.

Almost all medicinal plants have several healing properties at once - this is their advantage over chemicals. There are a lot of herbs that have an antiseptic, that is, antibacterial, cleansing effect. Therefore, we will only talk about those that can be easily found here or that are sold in almost every pharmacy.

If herbs and flowers are used, an infusion is prepared from it - the medicinal raw material is poured with hot boiling water and infused for 30 minutes to 2 hours.

The roots, rhizomes and bark are used to prepare decoctions. They are filled with cold water and boiled in a water bath for 30 minutes.

The antiseptic effect of marshmallow is not as strong as that of other plants, but it contains a lot of mucus, so it is good for them to treat the mucous membranes of the nose and throat if they are extremely dry. Marshmallow also relieves coughs and relieves irritation. It is not necessary to prepare a decoction of marshmallow roots - 2 tsp is enough. pour the crushed raw material into a glass of warm water and let it brew for half an hour, stirring occasionally.

Oak (bark)

A decoction of oak bark, on the contrary, is used in cases where the mucous membrane needs to be dried and a lot of pus is released. Oak relieves inflammation well and disinfects mucous membranes. 1 tbsp. l. Boil the bark in a glass of water for 20 minutes.

Willow (bark)

Willow bark contains salicylic acid and tannins. Before the invention of aspirin, decoctions of willow bark were the main anti-inflammatory and antiseptic agent in medicine. Willow bark tea can be drunk as an antipyretic.

St. John's wort (herb)

If you need to be careful with this plant for internal use (in large quantities it has a toxic effect), then there are no contraindications for rinsing and washing the nasopharynx and ears. St. John's wort also has a wound-healing effect and relieves inflammation well.

Calendula(flowers)

To prepare the infusion, 2 tsp. flowers are poured with a glass of boiling water in a thermos and left for 2 hours (you can cook in a water bath for 10-15 minutes). Calendula, in addition to antiseptic, has a wound-healing and anti-inflammatory effect, it is not toxic, so if you swallow the infusion while rinsing, nothing bad will happen. Calendula tincture can be used to treat the skin around ear boils.

Plantain (leaves)

This is one of the most popular medicinal plants. If you don’t have iodine or peroxide on hand at your dacha, you can always apply plantain leaves to the wound. To treat diseases of the ear and nose, fresh juice is used, which can be instilled without harm. An infusion of leaves (1 tablespoon per 0.5 cup of boiling water, leave for 1 hour) is used for gargling and rinsing the nasal cavity.

Chamomile (flowers)

The undisputed leader in the list of natural antiseptics. Chamomile tea helps with intestinal infections, and many skin diseases are treated with its infusion. Gargling with chamomile infusion is an excellent way to combat even a runny nose.

Licorice (root)

Like marshmallow, licorice is used to treat mucous membranes in cases where it is too dry. Licorice forms a protective film while fighting germs. For laryngitis, a decoction of licorice roots relieves cough and sputum discharge. To prepare the decoction 1 tbsp. l. Boil the roots in a glass of water for 15 minutes in a water bath.

Yarrow (herb)

This plant is rich in tannins, flavonoids and essential oils, one of which - azulene - makes it an excellent disinfectant and anti-inflammatory agent. For infectious diseases, you can use yarrow infusion not only for rinsing, but also as tea - this helps to quickly cope with the infection.