Bergenia: medicinal properties and contraindications. Bergenia leaves - all beneficial properties and contraindications
It often happens that many plants grow right under our feet, as they say. Some people simply trample on them, not even knowing they have them. medicinal properties. All this fully applies to such a medicinal plant as bergenia. It is an ancient plant and belongs to the group of evergreen representatives. It is often used for decorative purposes on their garden plots. The plant has an evergreen stem, which allows the formation of various compositions throughout the year.
Beneficial properties for the body
The plant has mass therapeutic effects, which have been known to traditional healers for quite some time. The plant is effective in relation to the following organs and systems:
- Cardiac muscle. The plant helps strengthen the heart, increasing its endurance and performance. It will also help get rid of problems associated with instability of blood pressure.
- Mechanical damage. Bergenia herb promotes wound healing. The cut will heal faster if someone starts using incense.
- We strengthen the body. The plant has natural antiseptic properties, being an enemy of bacterial flora. If serious surgical interventions have taken place, then with the use of bergenia the rehabilitation period is significantly shortened, which allows the patient to get back on his feet faster. Daily consumption of incense tea strengthens the immune system. Thanks to this, you can simply forget about the presence of seasonal colds.
- Colds. Bergenia will provide effective assistance in the fight against colds of various types. This is achieved due to the presence of antipyretic properties. As a result, the high temperature drops.
- Digestive tract. Taking compositions based on bergenia leads to normalization of the digestive tract. Diarrhea and flatulence will disappear. Regulating your bowel movements will eliminate constipation. The body gets rid of toxins that accumulate as a result of the activity of pathogenic microflora.
- Mental disorders. Decoctions of the plant can be used to combat depression, anxiety caused by stressful situations. Sleep is normalized, anxiety and restlessness disappear.
- Prevention of cancer. Due to the presence of antioxidant components in the composition, the growth of cancer cells is inhibited, which leads to improvement general condition sick. Bergenia, acting at the intracellular level, inhibits the aging process, including its effect on the skin.
- Migraine. With the use of the plant, headaches disappear. The manifestations caused by vegetative-vascular dystonia become milder. Badan is an excellent remedy to eliminate the existing low-grade fever.
- Gynecology. If a woman has cervical erosion, applying tampons moistened with plant juice will help. With the help of the plant, you can eliminate inflammation in the ovaries and their appendages. If there is uterine bleeding, the use of bergenia tincture in the amount of 30 drops is indicated. Take it three times a day until the condition improves.
- Allergy. The plant helps combat allergic reactions. Rashes are eliminated, skin itching disappears, symptoms of cough and runny nose become less. Allergy sufferers begin to feel great even when plants begin to bloom.
Badan in cosmetology
Bergenia can be safely classified as a plant that has a rejuvenating effect. It is a reliable assistant in the fight against conditions characterized by age-related changes. Facial wrinkles disappear, the skin becomes smoother, and existing acne disappears.
Bergenia is an effective remedy that eliminates dandruff. The production of secretions by the sebaceous glands is reduced, and the hair follicle is restored. The nail plate is strengthened and nails grow better.
The flowers of the plant are mainly used for cosmetic purposes. They are shaped like a bell. Bergenia tincture will become a good helper in solving problems with oily skin. A lotion prepared with the addition of bergenia will get rid of dark spots on the skin after acne. It will also be effective for skin dermatitis.
Contraindications
Unfortunately, the plant also has certain contraindications, which should definitely be taken into account by those who are planning to use bergenia-based products. They can be reduced to the following positions:
- If you take drugs based on bergenia uncontrollably and often, you can increase problems associated with blood clotting for those who already had them before using it. In addition, venous congestion in the lungs and blood pressure problems may occur.
- Tachycardia may occur from taking medications based on bergenia.
- Long-term use may lead to constipation.
- Diabetics may experience increased blood sugar levels.
The benefits of medicinal tea
Some people refer to bergenia tea as a Mongolian drink. This is facilitated by the fact that it contains a whole bunch of useful properties, which determines the positive effect on all organs and systems without exception:
- Has a general strengthening effect.
- Normalizes blood pressure.
- Leads to stimulation of cardiac activity.
- The vascular wall is strengthened.
- The rheological properties of blood are normalized.
- The functioning of the digestive system improves.
It is better to drink tea on an empty stomach. A cup of tea with incense will charge you with energy for the whole day.
Bergenia extract
In this form, it preserves to a greater extent all beneficial features. To prepare it you will need:
- plant root - three tablespoons;
- boiling water – 200 ml;
The mixture is boiled until its volume is reduced by half. After this, the broth must be squeezed out and strained. Take 30 drops three times a day. This composition is capable of toning well and perfectly quenching thirst. It is a source of replenishment of the body with minerals. Serves prophylactic to prevent the occurrence of malignant neoplasms, will help with pulmonary tuberculosis, and is an effective means of combating stress. This composition can even improve your mood.
If someone does not know how to cope with a large bruise, then the external use of bergenia can get rid of it. It will also improve wound healing. If a decoction of the plant is diluted with water in a ratio of 1:10, then seborrhea can be treated with this remedy. It is used for washing. The course requires 10 procedures.
Badan in the form of tincture
Dry bergenia rhizome in the amount of 50 g is crushed to a powder. It is transferred to a container. It is advisable to use an enamel pan. Half a liter of alcohol is added there. Cover the container with a lid and place it in a cool place. The composition should be infused for a week. Then it should be thoroughly filtered. The cake will not be useful in the future and can simply be thrown away. The resulting composition is used for cosmetic purposes. You can wipe your face with it. To do this, you need to use a napkin that is pre-moistened in this composition. This eliminates oily shine on the face.This composition will also help your nails. You can make baths for them. They will break less and grow faster. When diluting the tincture with water in a ratio of 1:5, you can rinse your hair with it. Hair will gain strength, shine and elasticity.
To reduce blood pressure or eliminate stomach pain, you should take 15 drops of tincture. At the same time, intestinal function is also normalized.
We prepare the plant for future use
To preserve all the beneficial substances, you need to properly harvest the plant. The stem, leaf and root are used as medicinal raw materials. Parts of the plant should be thoroughly cleaned of soil and washed cold water. The root should be cut into separate parts. The temperature during artificial drying should not exceed 45 degrees. After proper drying, the raw material breaks easily. Storage is carried out in paper or linen bags. Store for no more than 4 years.
Foliage and flowers are harvested when they become dark in color. This indicates that they are fully mature and have accumulated maximum amount useful substances. Bergenia leaves should not be overdried. In this case, its beneficial properties are lost. The rhizome of the plant is used much more often than other parts.
In addition, the plant is used in cooking. The rhizome contains a lot of starch, which is used in making desserts. The soup will be delicious if made from bergenia. It will be useful for strengthening the immune system and fighting colds.
Those who decide to use bergenia for the therapeutic correction of various conditions should not forget that the plant has certain indications. They should definitely be taken into account. It is better to consult a doctor before use. You should never discount the possibility of cases of individual intolerance. We must always remember this. Finally, the plant should not be used for a long time, and when using it, you should adhere to the prescribed dosage.
Video: beneficial properties and uses of bergenia
Bergenia (more precisely “thick-leaved bergenia”) - perennial with a powerful rhizome, leathery leaves and small red flowers collected in a thick panicle. It grows mainly on hillsides and forest edges, but can often be found in floodplains. Feature bergenia thick-leaved is a long shoot, stretching into an arrow during flowering, up to 60 centimeters long.
Bergenia thickleaf
What determines the medicinal properties of bergenia?
Bergenia thick-leaved contains many useful substances, and therefore has long been used in folk medicine. All parts of the plant - both underground and aboveground - are rich in carbohydrates, tannins, flavonoids, phytoncides, and also contain a number of microelements, including something so necessary for the body as iron. In addition, the bergenia rhizome contains many antioxidant polyphenols that have the ability to resist the activity of free radicals.
Thanks to this composition of useful substances, preparations created on the basis of bergenia have a pronounced anti-inflammatory, astringent and tonic effect. In addition, they lower blood pressure, strengthen and make the walls of blood vessels more elastic, and are good for a number of gynecological diseases and diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. Bergenia is also included in products created for skin care.
There is evidence that bergenia can prevent the development of certain types of malignant tumors
How is bergenia used in folk medicine?
You will need:
- dry bergenia leaves
- bergenia flowers
- bergenia roots
- black bergenia leaf
- elecampane
- St. John's wort
- boiling water
- sea buckthorn oil
- enamel container for preparing the product
- sieve or cheesecloth for straining
Herbalists have long used infusions and decoctions of bergenia as a hemostatic and wound-healing agent, as well as in the treatment of digestive disorders, skin diseases, headaches, and rheumatism. In addition, infusion of bergenia was considered an effective treatment oral cavity for bleeding gums, ulcers, inflammatory processes. A decoction of this plant was used for hemorrhoids (in the form of sitz baths).
To prepare an infusion of bergenia, you need to take 3 full (topped) tablespoons of dried flowers and leaves, pour a glass of boiling water and leave for 12-15 minutes in a water bath, at a low boil. Then cool and strain the resulting infusion. Store it in a cool, dark place, taking 2 tablespoons 3 times a day.
To prepare a decoction, take 15 grams of dried bergenia roots. Pour a glass of boiling water, then soak in a water bath for 30 minutes. Cool slightly and strain. Also take the decoction 3 times a day, 2 tablespoons.
To use bergenia in the treatment of hemorrhoids, prepare a larger amount of decoction, proportionally increasing the amount of dry roots. Calculate that the finished decoction almost fills the container used as a sitz bath. The duration of the procedure should be no more than 20 minutes, at a temperature of the decoction not exceeding 38°C. Procedures must be carried out daily until lasting improvement occurs. But their total should not exceed 15.
For severe runny nose, traditional medicine recommends this method of treatment. You need to mix 1 tablespoon of dry bergenia leaves, 1 tablespoon of elecampane and 2 tablespoons of dry St. John's wort. Pour a glass of boiling water over the resulting mixture, then boil over low heat for 20 minutes, strain and cool under a closed lid. Twice a day, take 1/4 cup of this infusion, hot. As a rule, improvement occurs quickly. For greater effect, it is recommended to add a few drops of sea buckthorn oil to the resulting infusion.
In folk medicine, the so-called “black leaf of bergenia” can be used, that is, old, dying leaves of plants. They turn black when they dry out. It is from such unattractive-looking leaves, collected in the spring, when the snow melts, traditional healers Altai prepares a drink that has excellent tonic and restorative properties. Simply add these dry black leaves to the mixture of herbs from which you will prepare the drink, pour boiling water over it and let it brew. The result is a kind of Altai tea that invigorates, relieves fatigue and improves immunity.
Black leaf of bergenia can be stored and used for 2 years after collection
Finally, bergenia extract is used in folk medicine. To prepare it, pour 2 tablespoons of dried and crushed plant roots with a glass of boiling water and simmer over low heat until the amount of liquid is reduced by half. The resulting extract is filtered and stored in a cool, dry place. Take it 25-30 drops 3 times a day.
For douching, prepare the following product. Pour six tablespoons of roots with a glass of boiling water, place the container on the fire and simmer over low heat for 15 minutes. After this, dilute 1 tablespoon of the resulting broth in a liter of water. The resulting remedy can cure a number of gynecological diseases.
Since ancient times, humanity has widely used medications gifted by nature itself. The beneficial properties of a huge number of plants have been used in folk medicine on all continents. It should be noted that many healing herbs They just grow under a person’s feet, you just need to see them. Modern synthetic drugs, of course, are unconditionally effective in treating diseases of various etiologies, but their use has such pronounced side effects that in some cases many of them are simply risky and dangerous to use.
If we talk about proven over centuries folk remedies Ah, then, as a rule, they do not have any negative properties and their only drawback is a long course of therapy.
One of the oldest plants, the tea from which has truly healing properties, is bergenia. The beneficial properties of bergenia are truly inexhaustible - the plant contains many tannins, ascorbic acid, arbutin glycoside, phytoncides, sugars, copper, iron, manganese.
Medicinal bergenia or Mongolian tea (bergenia thickleaf, saxifrage thickleaf) is a perennial herbaceous plant, which belongs to the saxifrage family. Medicinal incense is perhaps the most the oldest plant, from which for many centuries a healing tea of a beautiful dark brown hue, with a slightly astringent taste and a charming cedar aroma has been prepared.
Not only the leaves, but also the root of the bergenia are used in medicine. The roots begin to be harvested in early summer. They are dug up, washed thoroughly and laid out to dry on paper or cloth. Large bergenia root can be pre-chopped. From a kilogram of fresh root, drying produces 250 g of dry medicinal plant. Properly processed and dried bergenia root does not bend and breaks easily, forming a pink or light yellow color at the break. Dry bergenia root can be stored for no more than four years.
Although bergenia root is known for its high healing properties, the foliage part of the plant is also widely used in folk medicine. Only last year's leaves are used, which have overwintered under the snow, which are collected in spring or autumn, washed and dried in a box or paper bag at a temperature of 60°C. The shelf life of dry leaves is similar to the shelf life of the root.
Beneficial features
Old dry leaves of medicinal bergenia, overwintered under the cover of snow, are brewed as tea, which is also called Siberian or Mongolian. Medicinal incense is brewed like regular black tea, and it is better to drink it in the morning. Thanks to a huge number beneficial substances contained in leaf tea medicinal incense, the drink gives strength, increases body tone, improves metabolism.
In Tibetan medicine, tea from medicinal incense was used as effective remedy in the treatment of pulmonary tuberculosis, diseases of the joints and kidneys, gastrointestinal diseases, and rheumatism. Bergenia thick-leaved contains a unique complex of substances that can resist malignant formations. Mongolian tea eliminates depression, relieves fever and diarrhea, helps in the treatment of acute and chronic pneumonia, sore throat and respiratory infections.
Medicinal incense is used for high blood pressure, uterine bleeding, diarrhea, cervical erosion, goiter, fibroids, oily seborrhea, rheumatism of the joints, nausea, vomiting.
Infusions and decoctions of bergenia effectively strengthen the walls of capillaries, help with diseases of the throat and oral cavity, headaches and fevers. Bergenia extract is used for heavy menstruation and bleeding, and is used in the form of baths for colpitis and cervical erosion.
Tea made from bergenia leaves not only has therapeutic effect, but also perfectly quenches thirst. To prepare tea, take one leaf of the plant and pour two or three glasses of boiling water. After brewing, the tea must be strained, added honey and drunk throughout the day.
To prepare a decoction from the root of the plant, take one tablespoon of dry crushed rhizome and pour one glass (200 ml) hot water, after which the solution is covered and heated over low heat for thirty minutes. The finished broth must be strained and the roots squeezed out. Boiled water bring the volume to 200 ml, drink the decoction one tablespoon three times a day. For hemorrhoids, sitz baths with a decoction of bergenia are effective.
The beneficial properties of bergenia determine its use for dysentery in combination with sulfonamides and antibiotics. For chronic inflammation of the oral cavity, a decoction for rinsing is prepared in the same way, but two tablespoons of dry rhizome are added for a more intense concentration of astringents. This decoction should be drunk two tablespoons after meals three times a day.
Therapeutic incense, when applied externally, helps speed up the healing of wounds, ulcers, bruises, and the resorption of bruises. Their unique properties medicinal incense appears in the form of an extract, which can also be easily prepared independently. You need to take three tablespoons of dry crushed rhizome, pour a glass of boiling water and evaporate until the volume of liquid is reduced by half. When hot, the extract is filtered and the roots are squeezed out. This extract is taken 20–30 drops 3 times a day. for two to three weeks.
When treating oily seborrhea, dilute a decoction of bergenia with water 1:10 and wash your hair with it twice a week. The procedure should be repeated at least ten times.
4.35 4.35 out of 5 (10 Votes)Botanical characteristics
Bergenia thick-leaved, translated - Bergenia crassifolia, the second name is Mongolian tea. It is a perennial herbaceous plant, its height ranges from twenty to fifty centimeters.
The plant has a rather thick creeping rhizome, which turns into a powerful vertical tap root. The stem is not very tall, about five to ten centimeters in length. Its leaves are dense, large and rounded.
It must be said that thick-leaved bergenia successfully winters under the snow. Its flower stalks can sometimes reach a height of sixty centimeters; they bear paniculate inflorescences of rather large white and pink flowers.
Spreading
IN natural conditions this perennial is widespread in Northern China, southern Siberia, as well as in the forest and alpine zones. It grows on rocky slopes and grows comfortably in rock cracks.
It is considered a rather unpretentious crop, and in European countries it is often grown for decorative purposes, as bergenia decorates gardens and parks. It is also used as a medicinal raw material.
Part used
The parts used include rhizomes and sometimes leaves; the following components accumulate in them: arbutin, isocoumarin, hydroquinone, gallic acid, tannins and a number of others.
Collection and preparation
The collection time for raw materials occurs throughout the summer months. For medicinal purposes, quite old leaves are harvested, black - Brown, which hung on the bergenia for at least three years. Since during this time, under the influence of moisture and ultraviolet rays they undergo an enzymatic process and acquire quite pleasant aroma.
In early spring It is recommended to store last year's dry and slightly browned leaves that have successfully overwintered under the snow. Around June or July, they begin to dig up the rhizome, clean it of adhering soil, remove damaged parts, and carefully cut it into small pieces.
The chopped raw materials are laid out in the sun to dry a little. Then they place it in a shady, ventilated area, or use dryers in which the temperature is maintained at 30°C.
They are dried slowly, this ensures the preservation of beneficial tannins in the plant. The shelf life of finished dried raw materials is four years, after its expiration, healing properties, as they say, disappear.
Growing and care
Bergenia prefers partial or no shade shady place with fertile soil, but can also grow in sunny areas. It requires virtually no maintenance. It is usually propagated by dividing the bush; it is better to carry out this procedure in the fall.
About application and properties
The medicinal properties of Mongolian tea have been known for a long time; the plant is actively used in folk medicine of Tibet and China, and it is also used by healers from Russia. Preparations prepared from it have an astringent, hemostatic, and anti-inflammatory effect.
In dental practice, rinsing with its decoction is used for chronic inflammation of the oral mucosa. Compresses are made with it to heal bruises, wounds, ulcers, and used to resolve old hematomas. A tincture prepared from the rhizome is used in the form of masks in cosmetology to care for oily facial skin.
Recipes
- Tincture. You will need raw materials and vodka, which you need to pour dry crushed rhizome in a ratio of 1:10. A napkin is moistened with this medicine and carefully applied to the face area for fifteen minutes in the form of a mask. It is recommended to do this procedure twice a week; it is used for oily skin.
-Decoction. To prepare it, you will need fifteen grams of crushed rhizome, which should be poured with 200 milliliters of boiling water, and place the container on water bath for thirty minutes. Then the drug is cooled, filtered, and can be used for its intended purpose.
Liquid bergenia extract. You will need forty-five grams of crushed root or leaves, which you need to pour a glass of hot water, then boil the drug until about half of the original volume has evaporated. It is recommended to take it thirty drops twice a day.
This extract is antiseptic, astringent, anti-inflammatory and mild diuretic properties.
Contraindications to the use of bergenia
Contraindications include severe heart disease vascular system, for example, myocardial infarction. Bergenia should not be used in case of intestinal pathology with a tendency to frequent constipation, hemorrhoids, hypotension, as well as in case of individual intolerance to some components of the plant.
Conclusion
Bergenia thickleaf is very popular among gardeners; probably, at every dacha you can find this pretty plant with large leaves and beautiful, gentle - pink flowers. It is quite easy to care for, so you can happily grow Mongolian tea in your garden.
Bergenia root
A versatile plant, bergenia root is prized landscape designers, is included in the register of many medicinal products, and is also used in the leather industry to produce high-quality luxury products.
For the cardiovascular system
A general strengthening and tonic effect, bergenia root products help normalize blood pressure, strengthen the walls of blood vessels, and increase the contractile activity of the heart. Get rid of choking and difficulty breathing when caused by pollen and other irritants.
Hemostatic and healing effect
Remedies based on the rhizome of the plant are used to stop bleeding from wounds and other damage to the skin, as well as to reduce nasal and menstrual discharge.
Thanks to this product, you can speed up the healing process of even deep wounds, apply lotions to the site of an extracted tooth, for the purpose of antibacterial cleansing and relieving inflammation. Bergenia root will help cope with bacterial infections of various kinds and prevent their re-entry into the body.
Febrifuge
With the help of folk remedies based on the rhizome of bergenia, you can quickly get rid of a cold, normalize the temperature, cleanse the body of phlegm and mucus, improve breathing, and relieve the symptoms of a dry and severe cough.
In order to prevent seasonal diseases, use bergenia root to strengthen the immune system and improve overall well-being. The product will help energize the body, give vigor and good spirits, and get rid of fatigue and drowsiness.
For the digestive system
The product improves digestive properties, eliminates constipation and flatulence, and relieves pain in the intestines. Normalizes metabolism and controls the breakdown of products. Excess calories are converted into energy, not subcutaneous fat, and therefore such drugs are widely used for the purpose of losing weight and improving the health of the whole body.
Powerful antioxidant
Bergenia root copes well with age-related changes, is able to prevent premature aging, smoothes out facial wrinkles, and makes the skin elastic and velvety.
For cosmetic purposes
Helps eliminate oily shine on hair and skin, improves nail growth, makes them elastic and strong. Removes dandruff, accelerates hair growth, strengthens hair follicles and saturates them with useful microelements.
Attention! Before using bergenia root at home, you must consult a specialist and take a necessary tests for elimination allergic manifestations for medicine.
Contraindications and side effects
Generally speaking, the plant has no special contraindications, but despite this, some people need to be careful when using bergenia rhizome:
- for bleeding disorders, which can lead to the formation of blood clots;
- in case of individual intolerance to components that are part of folk remedies;
- with high blood pressure, with chronic or congenital disorders of the cardiac system.
Important! Incorrect dosage of the drug can lead to gastrointestinal disorders, diarrhea and flatulence. A rapid heartbeat may occur. You should also be careful when using a product based on bergenia root for pregnant and breastfeeding women. It is not recommended to give the drug to small children under three years of age.
Bergenia root is a powerful and useful remedy that, when used skillfully, can restore vitality body and improve functioning internal systems person. With its help, you can get rid of various diseases, strengthen the immune system, cleanse your face of acne and eliminate oily hair.
Advice! If you use bergenia root with yarrow, you can reduce the likelihood of diarrhea and other stomach upsets.
Take care of your health from a young age and do not do rash things! Consultation with a specialist is the key to speedy and effective recovery patient!