Herbs with a bitter taste. Useful bitter herbs

Translated from the Greek name of the plant (artemisia) sounds like giving health. This best describes medicinal properties wormwood. And use it in traditional medicine from ancient times.

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

Wormwood is not difficult to recognize - high grass stands out with a grayish-silver tint. The plant has a strongly pronounced specific smell, which also brings a kind of benefit.

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

in the basal part - lanceolate, pinnately dissected, long-petiolate;
in the middle - short-leaved;
at the top - pinnate, sitting;
directly at the flowers - whole or incised.

During flowering on the top of the trunk you can see a dense panicle, consisting of spherical inflorescences with small tubular, yellow flowers. The plant produces small brownish fruits - oblong-shaped achenes without a crest.

The roots of wormwood are multi-headed, cylindrical, rather thick. But the plant conquers the territory not by rhizomes, but large quantity seeds scattered 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 in tannins, saponins, alkaloids, resins, etc.

Due to its powerful composition, the plant has antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, choleretic properties. Even traditional medicine practices the use of wormwood tincture to enhance the secretory activity of the gastrointestinal tract. But healing actions this is not limited to - the grass is used for many diseases:

Wormwood is also used externally - in the form of compresses and lotions, as an analgesic and hemostatic agent. Infusion of herbs is recommended to rinse the oral mucosa to get rid of bad smell. And enemas in combination with garlic are detrimental to pinworms.

Applied to wounds crushed fresh leaves contribute rapid healing. The same remedy can relieve inflammation in case of dislocations, bruises, sprains, skin ulcers, etc.

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

with caution, you need to take drugs for cholelithiasis and stomach ulcers;
thief attention must be taken acidity - with increased 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 categorically contraindicated for pregnant women, tk. is an abortifacient.

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

Application for diseases, prescriptions for treatment

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

At endocrine diseases wormwood can be taken in any form - add dry grass to cereals, brew tea from it, make various tinctures and decoctions. With diabetes, it is recommended to try these recipes:

with a mild form of the disease, they take a small crumb of black bread, make a recess in it, into which crushed wormwood grass is poured; having rolled up 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; for its preparation, fresh grass is slightly 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 scheme: 3 days twice in 20 ml, then the same amount of break and again taking the tincture; the course lasts 1 month.

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

There is an opinion that drugs this plant can be cured oncological diseases. But this does not apply to wormwood - we are talking about an annual variety of grass growing in China. Our domestic plant does not destroy cancer cells and helps the body fight them.

The composition of bitter wormwood contains iron, necessary blood for recovery after chemotherapy. Do not take grass as a panacea for cancer - decoctions and tinctures are introduced into complex therapy, how aid. Wormwood is especially effective as part of a herbal collection.

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 insisted for 2 hours;
then steamed in a water bath for another couple of hours;
having removed the pan from the stove, it is wrapped in a warm blanket, and the solution is insisted 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:

take inside alcohol tinctures herbs according to the scheme prescribed by the gynecologist;
you can brew the herb and take a quarter cup twice a day (or introduce wormwood into herbal preparations);
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 act on problematic appendages externally if you apply a compress from steamed wormwood on the lower abdomen for a couple of hours.

In which specific cases, which technique to use, the gynecologist should decide. Do independent appointments at female diseases not worth it.

Once upon a time in Russia, a little wormwood was added to mead, and this slowed down intoxication. A decoction of wormwood removes well and hangover syndrome. The plant is also used in the treatment of getting rid 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;
10 minutes languish on fire, then let it brew for 1 hour.

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

The grass will not only expel worms, but also help cleanse the blood of anti-enzymes, restore the intestinal microflora, and increase immunity.

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

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

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

Making a decoction on wormwood: video

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

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

Wormwood infusions are also effective in the care of weakened hair. The tool is used as rinses, and also injected into nourishing masks, contributing to the improvement of the bulbs and strengthening the roots.

The most saturated grass useful elements during budding and flowering. Harvesting of wormwood should be done in June-August. At the same time, the tops with inflorescences 25 cm long are cut with sickles or sharp knives, and the remaining parts are torn off by hand. Rough stems do not go into the harvest, so it is better to throw them away or not touch them at all.

Dry the raw materials should be in the form in which it was collected. Grass is laid out on bedding by one thin layer, and in the process, the branches should be periodically turned over. Wormwood is dried as it is convenient for anyone - 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 the direct rays of the sun and rain.

Wormwood - signs and superstitions

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

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

Artemisia assign magical properties, which is also indicated by one of the names of the plant - witch grass. Sorcerers use wormwood in their rituals, consecrate magic mirrors, crystal balls and other Vedic instruments with it. They collect grass for rituals on the only day of the year - on the Dormition. It was then that she would have the most powerful sorcerous power.

Medicinal properties of wormwood: video

Wormwood grass 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 bottles with a capacity of 25 ml, and its maximum cost is 20 rubles.

The benefits of bitterness for the body. The people say: bitter is cured, and sweet is spoiled. And it's hard to disagree with this saying. We all know that the abuse of sweets often leads to obesity and diabetes. It is no coincidence that wise nature endowed many medicinal herbs bitter taste. These plants are considered one of the most useful for a person. Today we will talk about what is benefits of bitterness , we will consider in detail their useful properties, use in traditional and official medicine, pharmaceuticals. Surely, many will be interested to know the history of the use of bitterness. We will also say how these herbs can help athletes.

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

bitterness ( Latin name Amara) - nitrogen-free non-poisonous substances of the terpenoid group, which 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 bitterness contains a whole a group of herbs (spices), which are used to treat a number of diseases. So, what are bitters used for?? They irritate the taste buds of the mouth, which stimulates digestion. There are many plants on this list: , elecampane, calamus, centaury, yarrow, wormwood and others.

These herbs have accompanied mankind 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 is too early to write off plants from the account. Basically, bitterness is prescribed for weakened digestion, loss of appetite, general poor diet body, with fermentation in the stomach, constipation, with the so-called catarrh of the stomach (gastritis).

**Benefits of bitterness:*Why should you eat bitter?***

Today, many do not understand why you need to eat bitter. Perhaps, highest value bitterness is for digestion, as it stimulates appetite. The value 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 product quality has deteriorated. A resident of megacities often consumes semi-finished products, fast food. The rhythm of city life forces many to eat in passing, on the run. We must not forget about frequent stress, pollution environment. As a result, by the age of 40, for many, the gastrointestinal tract stops working normally - they suffer from constipation, gastritis. In advanced cases, a stomach ulcer develops and duodenum.

Talking about why you need to eat bitter, it must be recognized that the diet of modern man is far from perfect. It has a clear lack of food products with a bitter taste. Even 100 years ago, our ancestors could not imagine life without such vegetables as radish, radish, turnip. And today, children are taught from an early age to sweet or salty foods. Nutritionists are sure that these products inhibit the work of the gastrointestinal tract. In addition, sweets are the favorite food of helminths, harmful bacteria and viruses. We add that the absence of bitter foods and herbs in the diet weakens the function of the liver.

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

What substance works in bitterness?

Academician IP Pavlov noted that the mechanism of action of bitter herbs is poorly understood. Much has changed since then, various ways allocation useful substances from plants. Academician's students - N.D. Strazhesko and V.Yu. Chagovets installed reflex action bitterness through the taste buds of the mouth. But for a long time it wasn't 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 are glycosides. Let's take a closer look at what it is. Glycosides are nitrogen-free, bitter-tasting compounds that include two parts: sugar and non-sugar. By their action they similar to hormones, render stimulating effect on a number of systems organism. In addition, glycosides are quite toxic, so they must be used with caution. It was also found that these substances have a high reactivity, in particular, they are exposed to enzymatic and acid hydrolysis. These compounds are unstable, so it is better not to combine them with acids, alkalis or tannins in the manufacture of medicines.

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 (fragrant woodruff), acorin (calamus vulgaris), verbenalin (verbena officinalis). Note that these substances, in addition to their action on the gastrointestinal tract, have the property increase efficiency.

The second group includes: taraxacin (dandelion officinalis), avicularin (Veronica officinalis), gentizin (gentian yellow), knitsin (curly thistle), meniantin (three-leaf watch), picroin (sowing saffron), eritaurin (umbrella centaury), intibin (common chicory).

Other classifications a third group is also distinguished, which includes nitrogen-free, non-glycoside substances, such as artemisin (common wormwood), quassin (quassia bitter), gelenin (elecampane high) and others.

Added to this is that Dr. pharmaceutical sciences V. A. Kurkin believes that it is possible to combine chemically related substances into one group - monoterpene glycosides(peoniflorin from the rhizomes of the elusive peony), iridoids(harpagid herb motherwort five-lobed) and bitterness presented mainly iridoid glycosides(centaury, water shamrock).

Benefits of bitterness:Main beneficial features

From a significant number gastrointestinal disorders bitterness can save us. Others must be named useful properties of bitterness.

Stimulate blood formation. A significant part of these plants increases the number of blood globules. Therefore, bitterness is sometimes prescribed for anemia.
They have a general strengthening effect. Modern research bitter herbs come to the conclusion that these plants gently stimulate recovery processes.
Improving metabolism;
anabolic action. Today, many do not even know about this property of bitter herbs, but meanwhile the strong men of the past knew about it well. Athletes used bitter herbs in the form of spices, decoctions and tinctures for muscle growth. In this case, the set muscle mass occurs due to the fact that a number of glycosides improves the digestibility of proteins, fats and carbohydrates. In addition, there is a stimulation of appetite.
Increase efficiency (ergogenic effect);
They sharpen the senses: sight, hearing, touch.
Many of these herbs, such as yarrow, have a hemostatic effect and promote wound healing.

In the 1980s, Soviet scientists actively studied beneficial properties of bitters. As a result, they found that bitter herbs have a positive effect on the nervous system. Taking many bitters in small amounts gives sedative effect. For example, with insomnia and overexcitation, they have a calming effect. At the same time, with neurasthenia, overwork and weakness, on the contrary, they tone up.

Meaning bitterness for the digestive tract

The benefits of bitterness for digestive system so huge that it deserves a separate story. AT last years have studied 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 the plastic exchange, emotional state, improves anabolism, with active training helps supercompensation. The value of bitterness for the digestive tract today increasingly attracts scientists.

In the book "Fundamentals of Phytotherapy" V.A. Kurkina says that bitterness in its effect on digestion "... is very similar to spicy substances containing essential oils and affecting the secretion of the digestive glands." According to the author, the difference between them lies in the fact that bitterness increases secretion slowly but steadily.

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

Can't 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 elecampane high.

Benefits of bitterness:Bitterness in folk medicine

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

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

And yet in Russia traditionally herbalists value more elecampane high. Another name of the plant - ninesil directly indicates its numerous medicinal properties. Russian healers used decoctions of the root 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.

On 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 assistant accountant". Main character tried to fight this disease with the help of the most various means: “What would such a take from Qatar? Should I take some citvar seed?” Civar seed is still in traditional 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 actively used, they are necessary to create drugs that help with various diseases. Thanks to the technology of cryogrinding, which is used by Parapharm, the beneficial properties of plants are preserved in the preparations. In particular, one should name such nutritional supplements how " Elecampane P » and, which help to cope with stomach ulcers, improve bowel function. You can use them for colds - as an expectorant. Taking these drugs improves the excretion of bile, so that gallstones will not form.

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

Noteworthy and biologically active additive to food "Yarrow". It stimulates appetite, is useful for inflammation in oral cavity and gastrointestinal tract improves metabolism. Also this excellent tool against hemorrhoids, uterine and other bleeding.

What is used for bitterness in sports

As mentioned above, athletes of the past 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 effect to the nervous system. Also they useful for improving performance, that is, they give an ergogenic effect. This is especially true dandelion officinalis. it unique plant used to manufacture the drug , which contributes to the regeneration of the chondrocyte layer of the joints, and therefore is excellent for athletes during the recovery period after injuries.

We have examined in detail the benefit of bitterness for the body. Summing up our reasoning, we can say that bitter herbs have a high potential as a therapeutic and prophylactic agent.

The bitter taste is more likely to reduce toxins and everything superfluous than to make up for any deficiency. In Ayurveda, bitter herbs are part of a cleansing, sedative, antipyretic, anti-excess therapy. In the same way, they are used in Chinese medicine.

According to Ayurveda, bitter herbs stimulate digestion, but only in small amounts and mainly in patients suffering from fever, fever or high Pitta conditions. They are rarely prescribed for 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 are composed of air and ether, dry up 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 hasten recovery and recuperation, while Ayurveda considers them ineffective in such cases. The states of weakness and convalescence are often of the nature of Vata, as is the case with colds, lack of fluids and depletion of tissues. 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 in vital juices. They may act as a restorative, chiefly in prolonged febrile states, in spasmodic or intermittent fevers, or in prostration from fever or high level Pittas.

Possibly in the past Western healers used bitter herbs as convalescent tonics for Pitta patients suffering from feverish illnesses or excess toxins due to the use of heavy meat food, alcohol, etc. Modern vegetarians, especially those with a Vata constitution, will only be weakened by the use of bitter herbs as tonics.

Ayurvedic tonic herbs are usually sweet, nutrients, contributing to the construction of tissues, strengthening vitality, increasing vital juices, increasing sexual energy and longevity. They are discussed in a separate section dedicated to them. Bitter herbs, on the contrary, can 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-febrile, antipyretic herbs, that is, they dispel heat, fire and fever.

It is true to some extent that bitter tonics serve as Pitta tonics, as they are most effective in lowering and regulating Pitta. But they should not be confused with real tonics, the action of which is nourishing and rejuvenating.

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

If the fever is caused by an external pathogenic factor and is a superficial condition, such as a 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 dissipate the cold that caused the disease. However, if the heat is strong, if it has penetrated deep into the body or into the blood and overheats the liver, if there are intense thirst, sweating, signs of inflammation or infection, which usually corresponds to a Pitta condition - 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 - toxins that have penetrated the tissues and caused a fever. Therefore, they are indicated in any fever due to the accumulation of Ama (as, for example, in arthritis due to the excitement of Vata and Kapha). Due to their lightness, they destroy the heavy Ama.

Reducing fever, reducing the formation of oxidation products and intoxication, they cool and release toxins from the blood. 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 function, reduce the production of bile and acid in the body. Due to these properties, they are indicated in most diseases of the liver, such as hepatitis and jaundice, especially in the initial and acute stages.

Bitter tonics reduce fat and regulate carbohydrate metabolism. Because of this, they regulate the function of the spleen and may be useful in diabetes. Being the strongest of the fat-reducing and weight-reducing herbs, they have a powerful anti-Kapha effect.

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

By reducing Pitta most strongly of all herbs and greatly reducing 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 can only aggravate the disorder. nerve functions and increase oversensitivity.

Typical bitter tonics and anti-febrile herbs include aloe, barberry, gentian, golden seal, koptis, colomba roots, poplar, hinna, chaparrel, and chirata, kutka, and margosa, found only in India.

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

Polyushko-field

Wormwood was known 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 (wife of the king) - 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: a wide field is a field. In the Old 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 lobules. 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 thing takes on a silvery-gray hue. Wormwood, bitter grass, blooms in July and August. It can be found on wastelands or roadsides, in the field or in the garden. A feature of this plant is its smell, strong, characteristic, which is enhanced by rubbing any parts of wormwood. And she has a specific taste - spicy, very bitter. Even when breeding water extract from wormwood in a strong proportion (1:10000) bitterness is felt. Perhaps that is why it is popularly called widow's grass.

Wormwood: properties

The property of this plant to stimulate digestion has long been known. Ancient Greeks in old times wormwood was so valued that the winners of equestrian competitions were rewarded with the right to take a sip of wormwood tincture to improve 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, with colitis, decreased secretory and motor functions organs of the gastrointestinal tract, diseases of the gallbladder, liver. As a rinse, it is used for bad breath, as well as for toothache.

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

How to be treated?

Treatment with wormwood mainly consists of the use of tinctures and decoctions. For example, when cleaning the body from worms, wormwood tincture is used both in an independent form and in combination with other herbs. Here is one of the tincture recipes: mix wormwood leaves and crushed pumpkin seeds (in equal amounts), pour the mixture with vodka (1: 3). You need to insist for a week in warmth or in the sun. Drink tincture twice a day, 100 g half an hour before meals. The treatment lasts for several weeks. Wormwood, a bitter herb, is used to improve appetite, also as a tincture. A teaspoon of wormwood is poured with 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 cup three times a day, preferably 30 minutes before meals.

Today we will talk about Wormwood. I've wanted to write about this for a long time. amazing plant. I love its fragrance, winding 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 states that "he who has tasted this plant may not at all be afraid of any harmful potion, and not one of the animals will dare to touch it."

Wormwood is one of those mysterious herbs, mentions of which can also be found among the papyri ancient egypt(1550 BC). She was known in 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 "fly" - to burn, again because of the very bitter taste that burns in the mouth. There is also a version that wormwood got its name - pelyn - probably because of the color characteristic of the plant. The Russian name for wormwood is from the old Russian verb “fly” - to burn (remained in the word “burn”). If you chew a leaf, then in the mouth there will be a feeling for a long time, as if something had singed. Generic name of wormwood: Artemisia - giving health. It was given in honor of Artemis - the goddess of hunting, the moon, fertility, childbearing and healing. There is a legend according to which Artemis, being the patroness of women in childbirth, was the first to use wormwood as a birth aid.

Popular names: pelyn, chernobyl, wormwood, wormwood, absinthe, Swiss tea, vermouth.

O useful properties Artemisia was known to the ancient Greeks, Arabs and Chinese. Descriptions healing properties Artemisia are found in the most ancient monuments of writing. The herb has a phytoncidal effect.

Since ancient times, wormwood has been used in the treatment of 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, as a cure for malaria, is mentioned in the 12th century. in the "Word of Daniil the Sharpener" and in the Russian chronicles of the XIV century. , in the book "Sweet Windfall" in 1616, in a dictionary published in 1792. Russian Academy, - in all these sources wormwood is mentioned.

In Russia, huts were fumigated with wormwood during an epidemic of plague and cholera, many laid wormwood grass on the floor to repel insects and aromatize, disinfect indoor air.

It is also known to be used in perfumery. Essential oil Artemisia lemon Queen Cleopatra used to obtain toilet water. Spirits containing Tauride wormwood remind a woman of a man, and there is evidence of their exciting effect on both sexes.

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

Drinks from lemon wormwood increase appetite, improve stomach function. It was its leaves that were used to make absinthe (Absinthe from Artemisia absinthium), a bitter liqueur 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 a talisman against dark forces. It was added to potions that protected against witchcraft and lightning, used in medicinal potions for fever, weakening vision.

There is a legend according to which it is necessary on the night before Ivan's Day 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 for collecting grass: some argue 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 green of the holy" 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 it did happen to swim. Protecting yourself from mawok, Ukrainian girls wore wormwood in their bosoms; she was woven into braids, believing that then the mermaid would not tickle them. And do not forget when meeting with mermaids about the simplest spell. To the mermaid's question, "What are you holding in your hands?" it was supposed to answer "wormwood", - then she would say: "zur tobi, bake tobi! shyn!" and disappear.

In Prussia, Bavaria and other German lands, wormwood was used for the same purposes as mountain ash in Scotland - that is, to protect against witches. Prussian farmers used to stack this herb at driveways and around meadows where cows grazed to protect the animals and their milk from witches. In Japan, residents of a robbed house, finding traces of the robber, burn wormwood on them to stab his legs and prevent him from escaping from the police.

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

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

Wormwood shrub is one of the symbols of love. Its popular names are "young lover", "kiss me soon", "maiden's death". According to another interpretation, wormwood symbolizes old age. Hence another vernacular name shrub wormwood - "old man". It is also a sign of humor.

The miraculous properties of wormwood are most vividly depicted in Taoist Chinese mythology, according to which the island of the immortals, Penglai, is a variant of the Taoist paradise. On this island those who eat wonderful plants with a marvelous aroma, become immortal. Interestingly, Penglai is a real area on the Shandong Peninsula in China, where the Lai people lived, and "Pen" in translation means wormwood - artemisia.

The legend of wormwood.

Once upon a time in the desert lands, among the wide steppe, a poor man grew up a beautiful daughter named Wormwood. One day, when she was picking flowers in the steppe, she was seen by a Bai son, a cruel, snobby and treacherous Kovyl. He liked her very much, because she was known as a beauty in those parts. He began to demand that she marry him. Wormwood refused him, rejected all his harassment. Then Kovyl, in order to take revenge on the girl, sang in the company of people a verse of a song that he dishonored the daughter of a poor man and from now on allows everyone to mock her.
Wormwood, in order to avoid shame, saddled a horse and, weeping 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 horsemen arrived at the place, they saw one horse, and a small gray bush grew against the background of green grass. Thus Wormwood became the daughter of the wide steppe. In the 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, penetrate the body of animals.

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