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Elecampaneus willow leaf has been known since ancient times as an effective medicinal plant. It was used to treat many ailments by Hippocrates and Galen. According to old Russian beliefs, elecampane got its name due to the fact that there was an opinion that it has nine magical powers. The medicinal part of the plant is mainly the roots, they are used most often. They must be treated in a special way before use.
Botanical description of the plant
Willow elecampane is a perennial herb with a long, straight stem up to 80 cm tall. The leaf plates are arranged alternately, the venation is pinnate. The shape is elongated, with pointed edges, the structure is leathery.
Leaves extend at right angles from the stem
The flowers of the plant are yellow with a golden tint, most often solitary. Extreme reed, all others are tubular. Pistil with lower ovary, bipartite stigma, five stamens. Blooming flower up to 35 mm in diameter. The plant begins to bloom from July and continues until August. The fruits of the willow elecampane are bare achenes.
It is during flowering that it is desirable to harvest the grass for its subsequent use for medicinal purposes. At the same time, it is important to collect the plant away from roads and industries. After collection, it is necessary to sort the grass, throwing away all the spoiled, and then rinse, tie up in a well-ventilated place. The shelf life of correctly collected herbs is no more than 2 years.
The chemical composition of the plant has not yet been fully understood, but it is known that it contains many useful substances. These include:
- essential oils;
- tocopherol;
- ascorbic acid;
- polysaccharides;
- inulin;
- flavonoids;
- gum;
- alkaloids.
It is the rich chemical composition that determines the beneficial properties of elecampane.
Distribution area
Willow elecampane is found in many areas of the steppe, forest-steppe and forest zones of the European part of Russia. It also grows in Ukraine, Belarus, Moldova and some regions of Central Asia. Occasionally found in Eastern and Western Siberia, in the Far East - in the Amur region, Primorye and Kuril Islands.
It prefers to grow among shrubs and on forest lawns, on forest edges and meadows.
Often elecampane can be found along the banks of rivers and lakes, as well as on chalk slopes.
Healing properties of willow elecampane
Almost all parts of the plant are endowed with healing characteristics. For the treatment of pathologies, roots, stems, leaf plates and inflorescences can be used. Infusions, decoctions and other medicinal drinks are used for throat diseases, acute respiratory diseases. In addition to these ailments, elecampane willow can help with angina pectoris, spasmophilia, epilepsy and hepatitis. Revealed its high efficiency in some skin and venereal diseases.
Preparations based on elecampane have an astringent, anti-inflammatory, wound healing and antiseptic effect. They also work great as an expectorant, diuretic, and diaphoretic.
The following conditions and diseases should be considered indications for use:
- respiratory diseases, including bronchitis and pneumonia;
- a number of pathologies of the digestive tract;
- diseases of the skin - eczema, dermatitis, as well as purulent wounds;
- rheumatism;
- metabolic disorders, including diabetes mellitus;
- gynecological diseases;
- tuberculosis;
- rheumatism;
- some vascular diseases.
Elecampane is often used as a sedative for various nervous disorders
Limitations and contraindications
Like many medicinal plants, willow elecampane has a number of contraindications. These include:
- childhood;
- pregnancy and lactation;
- some pathologies of the gastrointestinal tract, for example, gastritis with low acidity;
- nephritis;
- serious pathologies of the cardiovascular system;
- excessive blood viscosity;
- atonic constipation.
Of course, contraindications include individual intolerance to the components, as well as a tendency to allergic reactions.
Using drugs based on elecampane, you must strictly follow the instructions and the recommended dosage, and before starting treatment, you need to consult a doctor.
If side effects are found (nausea, vomiting, dizziness, salivation and allergies), you must immediately stop taking the drug and visit a doctor.
Conclusion
Elecampaneus willow leaf is a well-known medicinal plant that is effective in various pathologies. It can be used both externally and internally. Elecampane has a number of useful properties, but also some contraindications. Before taking medications from this plant, it is imperative to consult with your doctor.
