Elecampane British: photo and description

Elecampane British - grass, a weed that grows under everyone's feet. It is popularly known under different names - nine-force, British Oman or boar.

The plant has bright yellow, sunny flowers

Botanical description of the plant

Elecampane British, or British Oman, is a perennial from the Asteraceae family. It is not as huge a plant as its relative elecampane tall. British Oman has an erect stem, its height is only 15 - 20 cm.But the beauty of plants, healing properties are almost the same:

  • leaves are oblong, soft-pubescent, alternately arranged;
  • flower baskets - yellow;
  • 5 stamens;
  • pistil - with lower ovary and bipartite stigma;
  • the fruit is a fluffy achene.

This is a bright, small plant, very beautiful in appearance. Both the stem and the leaves are pubescent. Having seen a British elecampane once, it becomes clear why the plant is planted in flower beds. It will look very beautiful both on the lawn or near the fence, and on a rocky hill.

Important! It is necessary to harvest medicinal raw materials during flowering, in June-August.

Distribution area

This type of elecampane is widespread in most regions of Russia, this zone is considered native to this plant. Although, judging by the name, he is most likely a native of Britain. Preferred growth sites:

  • wet soils;
  • the coast of rivers and lakes;
  • islands;
  • flooded meadows, forests;
  • fields with close groundwater;
  • ditches.

The natural area of ​​distribution of grass is southern and central Russia, Ukraine, the entire central part of Eurasia.

All parts of the plant have healing properties.

The value and composition of the British elecampane

British elecampane has tremendous healing power. The following substances were found in it:

  • inulin - almost 40%;
  • alkaloids;
  • terpenoids;
  • acids;
  • tanning agents;
  • flavonoids;
  • saponins.

The roots of elecampane in their properties can successfully replace ginger. In ancient times, this part of the plant was used to dye woolen, linen products, threads. And today, adding potassium carbonate or potassium lye to the broth, you can easily get a dark blue color. But what our ancestors added to the infusion to make paint is really a mystery.

Besides the fact that the plant is very beautiful, it is a wonderful honey plant. Unfortunately, there is not so much of it in the fields. It is the beauty of the grass that has caused it to be plucked uncontrollably, reducing its numbers in the wild. The plant contains volatile compounds. Their presence gives off a light aroma emanating from the herb.

All parts of the herb have healing properties:

  • stem with leaves;
  • inflorescences;
  • rhizomes with roots.

The herb can be used for home cosmetic care of appearance, here it has no equal. The plant will cope with any skin diseases:

  • wounds;
  • cuts;
  • eczema;
  • dermatitis;
  • acne;
  • comedones.

In the old days, grass was often added to bathing water. Young girls made tinctures or decoctions to get rid of acne and pimples. But those who do not need to drink elecampane are those who are prone to being overweight. The formulations of this herb increase appetite.

Important! Obese people, if they do not want to gain even more weight, use the infusion as a last resort.

The herb can be used as a tea substitute

Healing properties of British elecampane

The pharmacological properties of the British elecampane are practically equivalent to the high variety.The plant can have the following effects on the human body:

  • diuretic;
  • diaphoretic;
  • hemostatic;
  • antiseptic;
  • immunomodulatory;
  • wound healing;
  • stimulating appetite.
Comment! In ancient Russia, the plant replaced yeast when baking bread.

Application in traditional medicine

Gruel from fresh leaves of the plant can be applied to wounds and ulcers, bites of rabid animals. For the treatment of internal diseases, prepare an infusion:

  • steam 1 tbsp. l. dry herbs in 250 ml of boiling water;
  • 2 hours to insist;
  • strain the warm solution;
  • drink 3-4 times a day for 1-2 tbsp. l.

It is recommended to take it for diathesis, diarrhea and bleeding. Children in a reduced dosage should be given for worms. In Belarus, the infusion is used for alcohol addiction. The herb can be used as an external remedy to help heal wounds. The infusion has a beneficial effect in the treatment of female diseases. Before use, consult a doctor.

Attention! The plant has an antiseptic effect and a pleasant aroma, so it can be added for canning, baking culinary products.

A decoction of the herb is good for both men and women.

Limitations and contraindications

The British elecampane has no contraindications as such. For children, the dose of the drug should be reduced by about half or slightly less, depending on age.

Like any herb or food product, elecampane officinalis can cause an individual body's immunity to its components, an allergic reaction. Therefore, for people prone to such diseases, it is better to start taking the decoction with minimal doses.

Conclusion

Elecampane British is known in folk medicine in many countries. This amazing herb has not been fully studied, but it is already known that it has many positive properties.

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