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British elecampane is a grass, a weed that grows under everyone’s feet. It is known among the people under different names – nine forces, British Oman or boletus.
The plant has bright yellow, sunny flowers.
Botanical description of the plant
British elecampane, or British oman, is a perennial from the Compositae family. This is not such a huge plant as its relative elecampane tall. British Oman has an erect stem, its height is only 15 – 20 cm. But the beauty of plants, the healing properties are almost the same:
- leaves are oblong, soft-pubescent, arranged alternately;
- flower baskets – yellow;
- 5 stamens;
- pistil – with lower ovary and bifid stigma;
- the fruit is a fluffy achene.
This is a bright, small plant, very beautiful in appearance. Both the stem and leaves are pubescent. Having once seen the British elecampane, it becomes clear why the plant is planted in flower beds. It will look very beautiful both on the lawn or near the fence, and on the rocky hill.
Distribution area
This type of elecampane is widespread in most regions of Our Country, this zone is considered native to this plant. Although, judging by the name, he is most likely a native of Britain. Preferred Growth Locations:
- wet soils;
- coasts of rivers and lakes;
- the island;
- water meadows, forests;
- fields with close groundwater;
- ditches
The natural habitat of the grass is southern and central Our Country, Ukraine, the entire central part of Eurasia.
All parts of the plant have medicinal properties.
The value and composition of British elecampane
British elecampane has tremendous healing power. It contains the following substances:
- inulin – almost 40%;
- alkaloids;
- terpenoids;
- acids;
- tannins;
- flavonoids;
- saponins.
The roots of elecampane in their properties can successfully replace ginger. In ancient times, this part of the plant was used for dyeing woolen, linen products, threads. And today, by adding potassium carbonate or potassium alkali to the broth, you can easily get a dark blue color. But what our ancestors added to the infusion to make paint is really a mystery.
In addition to the fact that the plant is very beautiful, it is an excellent honey plant. Unfortunately, there are not so many of them in the fields. It is the beauty of the grass that has become the reason that it is uncontrollably plucked, reducing the number in the wild. The plant contains volatile compounds. Their presence gives off a slight aroma emanating from the herb.
All parts of the herb have medicinal properties:
- stem with leaves;
- inflorescences;
- rhizomes with roots.
Grass can be used for home cosmetic care of appearance, here it has no equal. The plant will cope with any skin diseases:
- wounds;
- cuts;
- eczema;
- dermatitis;
- acne
- of Macedonia.
In the old days, grass was often added to bathing water. Young girls made tinctures or decoctions to get rid of acne and pimples. But who does not need to drink elecampane is those who are prone to overweight. The compositions of this herb increase appetite.
The herb can be used as a tea substitute
The healing properties of British elecampane
The pharmacological properties of British elecampane are almost equivalent to a high variety. The plant can have the following effects on the human body:
- diuretic;
- diaphoretic;
- hemostatic;
- antiseptic;
- immunomodulating;
- wound healing;
- stimulating appetite.
Application in folk medicine
Gruel from fresh leaves of the plant can be applied to wounds and ulcers, bites of rabid animals. For the treatment of internal diseases, prepare an infusion:
- steam 1 tbsp. l. dry herbs in 250 ml of boiling water;
- 2 hours to insist;
- strain the warm solution;
- drink 3-4 times a day for 1-2 tbsp. l.
It is recommended to take with diathesis, diarrhea and bleeding. Children in a reduced dosage should be given for worms. In Belarus, the infusion is used for alcohol addiction. The herb can be used externally to help heal wounds. The infusion has a beneficial effect in the treatment of female diseases. Before use, consult a doctor.
A decoction of the herb is useful for both men and women.
Limitations and contraindications
British elecampane as such has no contraindications. For children, the dose of the drug should be reduced by about half or slightly less, depending on age.
Like any herb or food product, elecampane officinalis can cause individual body immunity to its components, an allergic reaction. Therefore, for people prone to such diseases, it is better to start taking the decoction with minimal doses.
Conclusion
British elecampane is known in folk medicine in many countries. This amazing herb has not been fully studied, but it is already known that it has many positive properties.