Content
Astragalus malt (Astragalus glycyphyllos) is a perennial herbaceous crop, which is one of the representatives of the legume family. Its value lies in the fact that it has healing properties and helps in the treatment of many diseases. But for the plant to be really useful, it must be used correctly and the existing contraindications must be taken into account.
Astragalus malt has a characteristic odor and a bitter taste.
What it looks like and where it grows
Astragalus malt-leaved, as seen in the photo, is a herbaceous culture with a lying shoot, the length of which reaches 1-1.5 m. Their surface is slightly pubescent. At the bottom, it branches out.
The leaves of the malt-leaved astragalus consist of a pair of stipules with a sharp tip. They can be green or yellow. Plates in a plant are complex, they contain 4-7 pairs of separate segments of an oval-oblong shape. Their length varies within 1.8-4 cm, and their width is no more than 2 cm. They are attached to one common petiole about 20 cm long. The surface of the plates of the malt-leaved astragalus is bare from above, and there is a rare short edge on the back.
Peduncles appear from the axils of the leaves, on which several inflorescences are subsequently formed, consisting of moth-type flowers, which is inherent in all members of the legume family. The corolla has a greenish yellow tint. The sail is no more than 15 mm long. It is connected to the marigold up to 4 mm. The flower boat grows no more than 11.5 mm, it has a plate with a pronounced hump and is equal in size to a marigold, or may be slightly shorter.
The bracts of Astragalus solitifolia are white-filmy, they have subulate teeth. They are practically inseparable from the corolla. In the center of each flower there is a fine-fibrous or bare ovary, which is located on a short column.
The fruits of the malt-leaved astragalus are simple beans that stick out in bunches upward. They are sickle-shaped. Inside there are numerous brownish seeds, which are located on a white bed with slight pubescence.
The flowering period for Astragalus malt begins in June and lasts until August. And the fruit ripens in September-October. Astragalus malt-leaved by seeds propagates.
Another name for astragalus malt is Bogorodskaya grass
This perennial prefers sandy loam and loamy soils, rich in humus with a neutral level of acidity. Astragalus malt-leaved is a shade-loving plant, therefore it can be found under the canopy of trees and shrubs, where usually the soil is always slightly damp. It can also be found in meadows, in river floodplains, in a pine forest and at the edge of an oak forest.
Distribution locations:
- All regions of Russia, except for the Karelo-Murmansk and Dvinsko-Pechora regions.
- Ukraine.
- Belarus.
- Moldova.
- Caucasus.
In the world, it is found in the countries of Western Europe and Asia Minor.
Chemical composition
Astragalus malt-leaved contains a large amount of beneficial substances for human health. Its chemical composition is very diverse, which allows the aerial part to be used for medicinal purposes.
Astragalus malt contains the following components:
- vitamins of group B, C;
- flavonoids;
- saponins;
- organic acids;
- alkaloids;
- tannins;
- polysaccharides;
- micro and macro elements;
- rutin;
- essential oils.
This combination of nutrients makes it possible to use the plant to treat many diseases and maintain the vitality of the body.
The plant increases insulin sensitivity
Medicinal properties of astragalus malt
The medicinal properties of astragalus are widely used in folk medicine. The plant helps to strengthen the human immune system. Also, its use allows you to activate your own defenses, which significantly speeds up recovery.
The main healing properties of this plant:
- has an antiviral effect;
- slows down the growth of malignant tumors;
- improves sputum discharge;
- strengthens the immune system;
- normalizes metabolic processes;
- promotes the elimination of toxins from the body;
- normalizes blood pressure;
- has a labor-stimulating effect, accelerates the separation of the placenta.
It is known that astragalus malt-leaved has a calming effect on the central system, therefore it is widely used for various neuroses.
The plant is recommended for such health problems:
- hypertension;
- ischemic disease;
- the initial stage of heart failure;
- atherosclerosis;
- pyelonephritis;
- cystitis;
- urolithiasis disease;
- venereal diseases;
- epilepsy;
- flatulence;
- leucorrhoea;
- gastroenteritis.
The culture can be used for douching in the treatment of inflammatory processes of the female reproductive organs.
Application in traditional medicine
The plant is widely used in folk medicine. On the basis of malt-leaved astragalus, decoctions, infusions, tea and tinctures are prepared, which can be used for ingestion and externally.
Cooking recipes:
- Infusion. This remedy should be prepared overnight so that it can be taken in the morning. For cooking, it is necessary to pour 50 g of astragalus raw materials into a thermos and pour 500 ml of boiling water. Insist 10 hours, then peel. Take 2 sips three times a day. The course of therapy is 14 days. The infusion is recommended for disorders of the digestive system, as a general tonic, for female diseases.
- Broth. To prepare the product, it is necessary to pour 20 g of the collection of malt-leaved astragalus with 250 ml of water and boil for 30 minutes using a water bath. Then cool and bring the total volume of liquid to the original, clean. The broth is recommended for rinsing the mouth with stomatitis, in the form of a compress for the treatment of skin diseases, as well as douching. The duration of therapy is 14 days.
- Tincture. Pour the dried parts of the malt-leaved astragalus into a glass container and pour vodka in a ratio of 1 to 3. Insist the mixture in the dark for 2 weeks, shaking occasionally. At the end of the waiting period, clear. Take 10-30 drops before meals daily, previously dissolved in 100 ml of water. The course of treatment is 10 days, and then take a break for a week. The tincture is recommended for atherosclerosis and arrhythmias.
- Cool tea. Brew 30 g of medicinal raw Astragalus malt-leaved in 300 ml of boiling water, cool to a warm state. Drink 100 ml three times a day. You can add honey to improve the taste. The tea is recommended for relieving puffiness, strengthening the immune system. The treatment should be carried out once, if necessary.
Contraindications
Despite the beneficial properties of astragalus malt, in some cases it can be harmful to health.
The main contraindications:
- pregnancy;
- age up to 14 years;
- serious violations of the heart muscle;
- individual intolerance to the component.
It is necessary to use with caution folk remedies based on astragalus malt-leaved with diabetes mellitus.Therefore, initially you should start with small doses and only gradually increase to the standard rate. In case of deterioration of health, the reception should be discontinued.
Collection and procurement
For medicinal purposes, shoots and leaves of astragalus are used. The collection of medicinal raw materials must be carried out in June-July, during the period of active vegetation and flowering before the formation of fruits. Shoots should be cut at a height of 5-7 cm from the ground.
After that, the raw materials must be dried in a dry, dark place, excluding direct sunlight. To preserve the number of malt-leaved Astragalus, when harvesting, it is imperative to leave several copies for seed ripening. Also, for these purposes, it is impossible to procure raw materials at the same place annually.
The dried herb of astragalus malt must be crushed and stored in a closed glass container or in linen bags. Shelf life is 2 years.
Conclusion
Astragalus malt-leaved is a valuable medicinal plant, which, subject to the rules for the use and procurement of raw materials, can bring health benefits. This culture is not yet in demand in traditional medicine, since its properties are not fully understood. It is also grown in many countries as a grazing plant that is used for animal feed.
