Lungwort: medicinal properties and contraindications, rules for the use of herbs

Lungwort is a plant from the borage family, which is characterized by early flowering and a large amount of nectar, for which it is valued by bees. Researchers have found not only the medicinal properties of lungwort, but also contraindications that must be considered before taking plant-based remedies.

Chemical composition of grass

The use of lungwort for medicinal purposes is due to its constituent components, which are quite numerous. Among the main medicinal substances of the plant, the following can be distinguished:

Flavonoids. They have a prophylactic effect on sclerotic vascular lesions, help to accelerate the elimination of free radicals from the body, normalize blood pressure, normalize heart activity, cause general calm by regulating the work of the central nervous system, and stimulate the activity of the adrenal cortex.
Anthocyanins. They increase the strength of the vascular walls, improve the functioning of the central nervous system, slow down the natural aging process of the body, regulate metabolic processes, relieve inflammatory processes or reduce their effectiveness. In addition, under the influence of substances, the heart muscle is strengthened, the risk of developing oncological pathologies and diabetes is reduced.
Saponins. They enhance the secretion of bronchial glands, contribute to the thinning of sputum in the lungs and bronchi, enhance the production of hormones in the body. Substances provide regulation of water and s alt metabolism.
Allantoin. Promotes regeneration and softening of the skin, narrowing enlarged pores, slowing down age-related aging of the dermis. Also, the substance normalizes metabolic processes in the body, retains moisture in the epidermis, accelerates the process of cell renewal, nourishes them.
Silic acid. It regenerates connective tissues, accelerates wound healing, helps to reduce the intensity of inflammatory processes in the gastrointestinal tract and oral cavity. Removes toxic substances and metabolic products from the body.
Slime. It causes the elimination of inflammatory processes, a decrease in their intensity, accelerates the removal of sputum from the lungs and bronchi.
Carotene. Reduces the risk of formation of tumor-like neoplasms, increases the protective function of the body, slows down the aging process, ensures the normalization of oxidative and reduction processes.
Ascorbic acid. Helps strengthen capillaries, accelerates the growth and development of bone tissue. Increases immune defense, accelerates the production of adrenal hormones. Under the influence of ascorbic acid, the work of the central nervous system, endocrine system, and hematopoiesis normalizes.
Tannins. Provide protection of the body from the active effects of harmful microorganisms, toxic and chemical substances. In addition, tannins cause vasoconstriction.

Polyphenols. Contribute to the normalization of the process of blood circulation, the work of the heart and blood vessels, accelerate the removal of toxins and metabolic products from the body. Increase the strength of the skin, strengthen the vascular walls.
Iodine. Normalizes mental, physical and mental development, regulates the cardiovascular system, enhances metabolic processes.
Rutin. Increases the strength of blood vessels, reduces the risk of stroke, heart attack, lowers blood pressure and causes a slow heart rate. Normalizes the activity of the adrenal cortex.

The plant also contains manganese, copper, calcium, potassium, iron.

Healing properties of lungwort

Due to the rich chemical composition, the herb lungwort has found its use in traditional medicine.Plant extracts are used to prepare medicines used in various industries and in the treatment of many diseases. For example, plant-based products are actively used for coughing, to improve the excretion of sputum from the lungs and bronchi. Due to this property, preparations with lungwort are prescribed for bronchitis and pneumonia.

In addition, plant-based products are used to treat complications caused by diseases of the urinary tract. The use of drugs is also effective in pathologies such as cystitis, nephritis, urethritis.

Not so long ago, products based on lungwort extract began to be used in the treatment of endocrine diseases, since the herb contains iodine, which is useful for the thyroid gland.

The use of the plant in gynecology helps to eliminate some female pathologies. For example, an oral extract is effective for cystic neoplasms in the uterus or ovaries, as well as for uterine fibroids.

Due to the resolving and hemostatic action, the plant is used in the treatment of hemorrhoids, preparing on its basis infusions, decoctions, compresses for external use. The infusion is also used to rinse the mouth with toothache.

Collection and storage

The plant is harvested for further harvesting throughout the flowering period. In order to treat diseases and use in the field of cooking, any part of the lungwort (flowers, roots, stem, leaves) is used. For harvesting for the winter period, it is better to collect the plant at the end of summer. It is completely pulled out (together with the root) from the ground, dried in a room where fresh air enters, but open sunlight does not penetrate.

After extracting the plant from the place of germination, the stem, together with its components, is well washed, removing the remnants of the earth. After drying, the herbs are crushed, placed in paper bags.Store raw materials in a well-ventilated area, where the level of humidity is normal.

Duration of use and storage of raw materials - 2 years.

Folk recipes using plants

Helpful for human he alth lungwort extract is used to treat many diseases. However, in order for it to be useful, you need to know how to properly prepare the product:

infusion for internal use for any diseases: 200 milliliters of hot water are taken for 1 tablespoon of raw materials, left to infuse for 30 minutes, take 10 milliliters three times a day, before meals;
decoction for menopausal bleeding: take 0.5 liters of water for 2 tablespoons of raw materials, heat in a water bath for 15 minutes, cool, strain, take half a glass three times a day, before meals;
infusion for urolithiasis: take 0.5 liters of water for 4 teaspoons, add 3 tablespoons of honey; after insisting the remedy for 30 minutes, take half a glass three times a day;
tea that is drunk throughout the day: take 200 milliliters of water for 2 teaspoons, leave for 15 minutes, cool, strain, take 200 milliliters three times a day.

If diarrhea treatment is required, lungwort tea is drunk without added sugar.

Side effects

Not only ready-made synthetic drugs, but also folk remedies can cause adverse reactions. Lungwort is no exception. If contraindications are not observed, the following symptoms may occur:

allergic manifestations: urticaria, itchy skin syndrome, hyperemia;
reactions in the gastrointestinal tract: nausea and vomiting, a feeling of heaviness from the stomach.

If these symptoms occur, stop taking the lungwort remedy and consult a doctor to correct treatment.

Contraindications for use

The only absolute contraindication to the use of lungwort-based products is an increased risk of an allergic reaction due to hypersensitivity to the components of the plant.

It is not recommended to take funds on an empty stomach, in order to avoid nausea. Long-term use is contraindicated in the development of intestinal atony with chronic constipation.

In any case, before using products with lungwort in the composition, you should consult a doctor. It will eliminate contraindications, which will help to avoid adverse reactions in the future.