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Wild plants often become objects of close study by biologists and doctors. White-mouthed aconite is a herb for open ground, which is known throughout the northern hemisphere due to the content in the leaves of a poison that is dangerous to humans. With the right approach, its special chemical composition can be used for medicinal purposes.
Description of the species
Its generic name "fighter" received from the Greek word meaning "arrow". In ancient times, hunters rubbed spear and arrowheads with plant sap before encountering wolves and bears. The poisonous properties of the aconite plant have been known since ancient times. According to legend, it was these flowers that grew at the site of the death of the Cerberus.
White-mouthed aconite is a widespread plant in the mountainous regions of Siberia and Altai.
The white-mouthed wrestler belongs to the Buttercup class. The stem of the plant reaches a height of 2 m. Wide leaves up to 40 cm in size extend up to 15 cm in length. Aconite inflorescence is a multi-flowered raceme. The plant is distinguished by a special appearance of the buds. The end of the flower has a white edging with bright lilac buds.
Where and how it grows
The white-tailed wrestler is distributed throughout the mountainous territory of Western Siberia, Altai and Western Sayan mountains. To the south, the habitat of aconite extends up to Mongolia and Central Asia. Perennial prefers alpine meadows and woodlands at an altitude of 1500-2500 m above sea level.
A distinctive feature of the whole species is the dying off of the upper part of the plant in winter. The root system goes through an unfavorable time, after which it completely restores the green part.
Composition and value
For many centuries, white-mouth aconite has been known not only for its poisonous capabilities. Researchers have long ago determined the chemical composition of the perennial, came to an unambiguous decision - it can be used as a source of nutrients for the human body. Among the most important compounds are:
- saponins;
- coumarins;
- tannins;
- flavonoids.
The most important constituents of white-mouth aconite are alkaloids. This group of substances is considered to be naturally occurring poisons with neurotoxic effects. During the period of active fruiting, the percentage of alkaloids in stems, leaves and flowers can reach from 1 to 4%.
Beneficial features
The rich chemical composition of belostoy, when used rationally, makes it possible to exert a very beneficial effect on the human body. The roots and leaves are used as an analgesic and antispasmodic agent. In small doses, the active substances of aconite effectively fight infections and inflammation.
White-mouth aconite has anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects
One of the most important properties of a perennial is its antiarrhythmic effect on the body. Natural flavonoids restore the vascular system. With prolonged therapy, the normalization of the function of the heart muscle is observed.
Application in traditional and folk medicine
The beneficial properties of white-mouth aconite were used by ancestors for many generations. Traditionally, it was used only by the wisest doctors, since even a small miscalculation in the dosage could cause serious health problems.The main areas of application in traditional medicine are:
- diseases of the spine and joints;
- skin infections;
- abscesses;
- syphilis;
- abscess;
- rheumatism;
- violation of the nervous system.
Aconite white-mouthed is included in the register of medicinal plants in Russia, but at the moment it is not used in official pharmacology. This is due to the high content of compounds that are toxic to the body. But there are a number of studies aimed at studying the possibility of using the plant to fight cancer. Aconite contains substances that can completely stop the growth of certain types of cells.
Limitations and contraindications
Even in the hands of experienced healers, white-tipped can become a rather dangerous remedy. Despite the noticeable anti-inflammatory effect, during the course of therapy, patients often exhibit all the signs of poisoning.
White-tipped wrestler is very poisonous even in small doses
Even a short stay near a flowering plant can cause serious poisoning. The most pronounced effect on the human body is produced by essential oils secreted by perennials in extreme heat. During the drying of the harvested raw materials, it is not recommended to stay in this room for more than 1.5-2 hours.
Collection and procurement of raw materials
A feature of white-mouth aconite is almost the same concentration of nutrients in all parts of the plant. To get the maximum effect from using a folk remedy, the collection should be carried out separately. Aconite leaves and side shoots are obtained before flowering. The collection of roots is carried out in the autumn period before the first snow falls.
There is a special method used when collecting roots. When excavating, the root system of Aconite belostoy is disassembled into several parts. Too old perennial root is thrown away. The young and thin are returned to the soil to preserve the plantings for harvesting for the next year. The remaining parts of the root system of aconite are used for the preparation of medicines.
The collection of raw materials is carried out in gloves, a mask and goggles. It is completely forbidden to touch white-mouth aconite with bare hands. The mask and goggles protect the eyes and respiratory tract from harmful essential oils produced by the plant. It is also recommended to wear personal protective equipment when in the place of storage and drying of plant materials.
For medicinal purposes, all parts of aconite are used - leaves, flowers and roots
After collecting white-mouth aconite, the raw materials are thoroughly washed in running water, then dried in the sun. The duration of such drying of the plant is from 3 to 5 days. For small pieces of aconite, you can use special boxes upholstered with a layer of gauze. The finished material is crushed, laid out in banks, hermetically closed and removed to a dark place.
Poisoning symptoms
Signs of injury with essential oils of white-mouth aconite are in many respects similar to ordinary symptoms of intoxication. Active alkaloids cause the patient to vomit, fever and worsening of the stool. But poisoning by Beloustovs has distinctive features. The most important of these is the lack of air when trying to inhale.
First aid
Despite the thoroughly studied chemical composition and scientifically tested effects of the poison on the human body, an effective antidote has not yet been created. The only positive point in the defeat of aconite is a rather slow effect due to the low concentration of alkaloids.
Upon detection of the first symptoms of poisoning, it is necessary to call an ambulance as quickly as possible.If the poison has penetrated through the digestive tract, it is recommended to wash the stomach with a saline solution, followed by the intake of an absorbent - activated carbon. Most often, the poison of white-mouth aconite enters the lungs, after which it passes into the blood. Only droppers can restore health and completely remove harmful compounds from the body.
Household use
The most popular way to use Aconite Belousty is a tincture against oncological diseases. Experienced healers grind 10 g of dried root and mix with 0.5 liters of vodka. Homemade distillate or alcohol diluted to drinkable strength can also act as an alcoholic base.
Aconite white-mouth is used for the treatment of oncology
Infusion is carried out for two weeks in a dark place. The contents are shaken periodically. The finished drink from white-mouth aconite is filtered through gauze folded in several layers. The treatment algorithm is as follows:
- on the first day, drink 1 drop of the drug;
- every day the dosage of the medicine from aconite is increased from 1 drop up to 40;
- the dosage is reduced by one drop per day until the infusion is completely abandoned;
- after 3-4 weeks of a break, the treatment is repeated.
Another popular way to use white-mouth aconite is to prepare a decoction for abscesses and skin lesions. For him, you need to take 20 g of dried aconite flowers and pour them with one glass of boiling water. The mixture is poured into a small saucepan, which is placed in a water bath for 20 minutes over low heat.
The resulting solution of white-mouth aconite is filtered through a gauze cloth and cooled. The most popular method of application is to wash open wounds. The procedure is carried out 2-3 times during the day. 10 minutes after the application of aconite, a complete rinsing of the wound with water is required. For serious abscesses and erysipelas, compresses and lotions are applied. In this case, it is important to observe a precaution - the maximum exposure time should not be more than 2 hours.
Conclusion
White-mouthed aconite is a herb for open ground, planting and cultivation should be treated with extreme caution. Even small doses of the poison contained in its composition can cause serious harm to the human body. But in the right hands, a perennial can become a real panacea for many ailments up to the treatment of cancerous tumors.
