Ambrosia: harm and beneficial properties, use and contraindications, storage

One of the most difficult weeds that gardeners have to deal with is ragweed. In addition, this herb has a harmful effect on the human body, which consists in the appearance of an allergic reaction. However, in addition to harm, ambrosia also brings benefits. It is also used in the preparation of traditional medicine for the treatment of various diseases. For the herb to bring only benefits, you must use proven recipes.

Chemical composition and properties

The healing properties of weeds are due to its chemical composition, which includes the following components:

• essential oils;
• micronutrients;
• biologically active substances;
• vitamins.

The aerial part of the weed contains substances such as cinerole, camphor, isorhamnenthin, coumarin, quercetin, hydroxycinnamic acids, isobelin. Not so long ago, scientists in the composition of ambrosia discovered new substances that inhibit the development of cancer cells, which allows the plant to be used in the complex treatment of oncological diseases - dihydroparthenolide and psilostakhiin.

In folk medicine, all parts of weeds are used, including pollen, which is considered a strong allergen, so when using it, you must be careful not to exceed the recommended dosages. However, the plant is used not only in traditional medicine recipes, but also in the creation of medicines, including antihistamines.

Useful properties and harm of ragweed

Due to its rich chemical composition, ambrosia has a number of useful and medicinal properties:

• hypotensive;
• anticancer;
• antipyretic;
• anti-inflammatory;
• binder;
• antibacterial;
• antiparasitic.

The weed plant is included in recipes of folk remedies that are used to lower blood glucose levels, to heal wounds, as well as in remedies that are used to relieve pain with a diagnosis such as sciatica. Ambrosia has a beneficial effect on the pancreas, and also improves the functioning of the liver and kidneys. Herbal remedies are used to improve blood formation processes, to prevent the development of leukemia.

As for the harm caused by ragweed when used uncontrollably, these are, first of all, allergic reactions, which, in the absence of first aid, lead to the development of hay fever and even asthmatic attacks. In addition, the pungent smell that comes from the plant leads to severe headaches, so before using folk or pharmacy remedies, you should definitely consult a doctor so that, instead of doing good, do not harm the body.

Terms and rules of collection

Ambrosia seedlings appear at the end of spring, to collect medicinal raw materials, it is necessary to choose a period before the plant blooms - it is at this time that the maximum concentration of useful substances is in its composition. The flowering period of weeds falls on the last days of July, the first decade of August.

A dry day is selected for harvesting ambrosia, it is better to do this in the afternoon, when there is no dew on the grass. It is better to collect weeds in a respirator or gauze bandage to minimize the negative effects of a strong odor on the respiratory tract. The cut grass is laid out in a thin layer under a canopy, periodically turning over until it dries properly. Final drying can be done at home using an oven or electric dryer.

In the event that it is necessary to collect pollen, they wait for the ragweed flowering period, but the harvesting is carried out in compliance with safety requirements.

Use in traditional medicine

For use in traditional medicine, special recipes have been developed that must be followed so as not to harm the body. It is not advisable to use plant-based products without first consulting a doctor.

Compresses for sciatica and back pain

To create pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory compresses, fresh herb leaves or juice squeezed out of them are used.

Carry out the procedure in several ways:

1. Pick off fresh ambrosia leaves, lightly rub them in the hands and apply to the sore spot, covering them with a warm scarf or scarf.
2. Squeeze juice from the leaves through gauze and rub it into problem areas, it is advisable to carry out such a procedure at night, when a person is warm for a long time.

Gastritis, enterocolitis, rectal cancer

For the preparation of an infusion that is taken orally, dried leaves of the plant are needed. The recipe looks like this:

1. Dry raw materials are crushed and put into enamelware.
2. Pour 300 ml of boiling water over the grass.
3. Cover the pot with a lid and let it brew for 30-40 minutes.
4. After that, filter through gauze and take orally, keeping the product in the refrigerator.

For the treatment of gastritis and enterocolitis, drink 2 tablespoons of infusion no more than 6 times a day. The same infusion is recommended to be taken if a person is diagnosed with rectal cancer.

Tincture for neurasthenia, against convulsions

In this case, a tincture is prepared using ambrosia flowers for it, and they can be prepared with whole brushes. Adhere to the following recipe:

1. The inflorescences are carefully ground and put into a dark glass container.
2. Pour raw materials with vodka based on 1 part of flowers 5 parts of alcohol.
3. They put the bottle in a dark place and wait for the product to infuse (about 7-9 days), periodically shaking the container.
4. Take the remedy half an hour before meals, 25 drops 3 times a day.

Also, the tincture can be used externally, for compresses.

Wound healing oil extract

Oil extract is prepared using fresh raw materials - leaves and flowers.

Folk Recipe:

1. Plant raw materials are crushed and put into a glass container.
2. Pour in oil based on 1 part of grass 5 parts of oil (use olive, rapeseed or mustard).
3. Keep the product in a dark place for 14 days, after which it is used to treat wounds.

Contraindications

Before you start using folk remedies from ragweed, you should study the contraindications:

1. 1. The period of pregnancy and lactation.
   2. Having an allergic reaction and hypersensitivity to strong odors.
   3. Children under 16.

Storage

Dried raw materials are stored in canvas bags or cardboard boxes in a dry and dark room. Ambrosia tinctures and infusions are best kept in the refrigerator, however, it must be remembered that the latter have a limited shelf life - no more than a week, after which you will have to prepare a fresh portion of the medicine.

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