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Danish Astragalus (Astragalus danicus) is the oldest plant on the planet, shrouded in many legends. In the old days, it was used by alchemists when conducting experiments to search for the “philosopher’s stone.” There are indeed reasons for this. Astragalus grows mainly in places of deposits of gold layers and accumulates a large amount of this precious metal throughout its entire lifespan.
Description of Danish Astragalus
Danish astragalus (meadow) is a member of the legume family. This is a perennial herb. It extends from 15 to 42 cm in height. It is characterized by ascending, sometimes erect stems, usually branched in the lower part. The length of the shoots is from 8 to 30 cm.
The leaves of Danish astragalus are sessile and consist of 6-13 pairs. They have an oblong shape, somewhat similar to an egg. On both sides there is a small pile, mostly protruding.
The flowers are always purple. The corolla consists of 5 petals, the upper ones are larger in comparison with the lower ones. Peduncles are longer than leaves, exceeding it by 1,5-2 times. Bracts oblong, 2 to 4 mm long.
The calyx is bell-shaped and tubular in shape, with fine hairs, predominantly black, with some white interspersed.
The fruits ripen in the form of beans. They are egg-shaped and have two nests, leathery. Length from 7 to 12 mm. Carefully covered with white pile, which becomes black as it matures.
The root system of Danish astragalus is pivotal.
The flowering period is from May to June.
Danish Astragalus grows in the European part of Our Country and in Siberia
Where grows
The plant’s habitat is the steppe zone of Europe, Siberia and the European part of Our Country. Prefers forest edges, steppe slopes, floodplain meadows and clearings.
By the way, the name “Danish”, astragalus was due to the fact that it was first described and found in Denmark. Previously, it was on this principle that plants got their name.
Chemical composition
Danish Astragalus contains:
- 0,13% coumarin;
- 220 mg of ascorbic acid;
- saponins;
- essential oils;
- organic compounds;
- amino acids;
- acids: succinic, citric, malic and oxalic;
- tannins;
- flavonoids;
- polysaccharides.
Of the vitamins that make up Danish astragalus, C and E can be distinguished. The first stimulates the formation of collagen, stabilizes cholesterol levels and reduces the likelihood of blood clots. Vitamin E is very useful for the eyes, is involved in the metabolic process and has an antioxidant effect on the body.
Organic compounds include asparagine, choline, gluconic acid, aromatics, betaine, and essential oils. Their intake in the body improves the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract.
The rich mineral composition makes the plant a real helper in the treatment of many diseases. Among the most useful minerals are sodium, silver, gold, manganese, iron, cobalt, aluminum and others.
Polysaccharides affect cancer cells, improve the effectiveness of chemicals used in the treatment of oncology. They also help to cope with the manifestations of aging and relieve a person from chronic fatigue. Thanks to polysaccharides, you can regulate blood sugar levels and remove excess cholesterol.
Flavonoids, or plant polyphenols, reduce vascular permeability, reduce intraocular pressure and allow regulation of urine output. Helps to improve the work of the adrenal glands and stabilize heart rhythms.
Tannins, which are part of Danish astragalus, help a person strengthen the walls of blood vessels and remove harmful bacteria from the body. They have astringent properties and are directly involved in the synthesis of hemoglobin.
Essential oils of the plant have bactericidal, analgesic and antiseptic properties. They have a calming effect on the human nervous system, that is, they allow you to normalize the emotional state.
For medicinal purposes, the Danish Astragalus herb is harvested during flowering.
Medicinal properties of Danish Astragalus
The plant is an excellent honey plant. It is used as a fodder crop in agriculture.
Danish astragalus is also widely used in herbal medicine. Tonic properties allow it to be used in the treatment of:
- headaches;
- to relieve symptoms of hypertension;
- during colds and flu;
- pathologies of the gastrointestinal tract;
- to eliminate gynecological problems, even with uterine prolapse;
- arthritis;
- obesity;
- rheumatism;
- tuberculosis;
- with scrofula.
Astragalus allows you to eliminate the effects of weight lifting and remove signs of fatigue and exhaustion. It is widely used as a hemostatic and decongestant.
Herbal infusion helps to get rid of fatigue
Ways of preparation
There are several hundred varieties of astragalus in the world. However, the membranous and Danish species have truly healing properties. But the first is very rare and is listed in the Red Book.
Danish Astragalus is common and widely used in medicine. Tinctures, syrups and infusions are made from it.
Tincture
To eliminate the first manifestations of a cold or flu, prepare the following tincture:
- Inflorescences of Danish astragalus are laid out in a container, evenly distributed over the entire bottom.
- Fill with vodka so that the raw material is completely covered with liquid.
- Sent for 30 days in a dark room.
Periodically, the tincture must be shaken well. You can use the medicine even without dilution with water. Drink 1 tbsp. l. several times throughout the day.
Infusion
Danish Astragalus allows you to get rid of severe overwork, and even a depressive state. For cooking, you will need the following components:
- 1 st. l. Danish astragalus herbs;
- 1 st. l. long leaf black tea, necessarily large-leaf;
- 1 tsp kuzmichevy grass;
- 500 ml boiling water.
All components should be mixed and infused for about 30 minutes. The entire amount of the drug is drunk for the whole day in 3-4 doses, in equal parts.
To get rid of puffiness, you need 1 tbsp. l. Astragalus Danish herbs mixed with 500 ml of boiling water and close the container with the mixture, put in a water bath. Boil the infusion over low heat for 15 minutes. After bringing to room temperature, consume 1/3 cup all day, always before meals for a quarter of an hour.
Danish astragalus helps to get rid of migraines. For tincture you will need:
- 200 ml boiling water;
- 1 tsp herbs.
Danish astragalus is used to prepare medicines for headaches and depression.
The mixture should be insisted in a thermos for 60 minutes. The medicine must be filtered and used in the form of lotions on the forehead and inside. The last treatment option involves the use of 200 ml throughout the day in equal parts 3-4 times.
To prepare a tonic infusion, you will need:
- 2 st. l. Danish astragalus herbs;
- 300 ml of boiled but chilled water.
Fresh raw materials are mixed with water and infused for 4 hours. It is necessary to drink the medicine 50 ml daily, at least 4 times.
Medical applications and recipes
Official medicine recognizes the beneficial properties of Danish astragalus, and even includes it in treatment courses. The root extract is most often recommended for use. It allows you to alleviate the condition in the presence of nephritis, regardless of the stage.
As an auxiliary course in the treatment, Danish astragalus extract mixed with motherwort tincture is also used. Mix the components in equal parts.
If you are worried about angina pectoris, then three components will be required to prepare the medicine:
- hawthorn (tincture);
- valerian;
- astragalus extract.
All components should be mixed in equal proportions.
In the presence of pyelonephritis, urolithiasis and cystitis, doctors often recommend making a complex preparation from several extracts: horsetail, chamomile, astragalus and knotweed.
Due to the high silicon content, the plant extract is often included in a comprehensive course of tuberculosis therapy. It is this substance that improves the process of delivering useful components directly to the lungs.
Danish astragalus cannot be a basic element in therapy, but only acts as an additional means of combating pathology.
Danish astragalus extract is used as a wound healing agent. To do this, 35-40 drops are diluted in 500 ml of water and lotions are made from the solution. This recipe is also suitable for douching in the presence of gynecological pathologies.
The solution can rinse the mouth, throat, if there is stomatitis or a sore throat is diagnosed. In these cases, the extract is diluted with water. 1-20 drops are required for 25 glass.
Danish astragalus can be used as a wound healing agent
Противопоказания
Despite the enormous medicinal properties of Danish astragalus, nevertheless, in some cases, its use will have to be abandoned.
Plant contraindicated:
- during pregnancy and lactation;
- children under 6 years of age;
- in the presence of hypotension.
You should not increase the doses indicated in the recipes or use astragalus for allergic reactions.
Despite the extremely rare cases of individual intolerance, it is still recommended to conduct a sensitivity test before starting treatment with Danish astragalus. To do this, 5-7 fresh leaves of the plant or 1 tsp are steamed in a quarter cup of boiling water. dry raw materials, insist and drink. If during the day there were no unpleasant symptoms and discomfort, then you can safely proceed to therapy.
Collection and Procurement
Those who are poorly versed in medicinal herbs can get acquainted with how the Danish astragalus looks like in the photo. It is very difficult to confuse it with other plants. The roots and aerial part of the plant are suitable for collection.
The collection of flowers, leaves and stems is carried out until the fruit appears, that is, at the stage of active budding. It is necessary to cut the plant at a height of at least 7 cm from the ground. The roots are harvested in autumn.
It is recommended to dry the plant in the attic. If this is not possible, then the room where the raw materials will be prepared must be well ventilated.
Under the bottom, it is desirable to lay paper or natural fabric, which will absorb moisture well. The layer of grass should not be higher than 7 cm.
Shelf life of Danish astragalus herb in dry form is 1 year. It no longer makes sense to store it, as it will lose all its useful properties and vitamins. This should be taken into account when collecting, so as not to take more than will be used.
The plant contains coumarins and flavonoids
Conclusion
Danish astragalus is a perennial plant that allows you to relieve fatigue and stress after a long and hard day at work. Official medicine includes this drug in the complex therapy of many diseases, from cystitis to tuberculosis.
Traditional medicine also makes extensive use of Danish astragalus. Many tinctures and infusions are prepared from it to eliminate the first symptoms of a cold before treating epilepsy. The main thing is to always remember that increasing the dose can play a “cruel joke” with the patient, only worsening the condition, or cause the development of allergies.
