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Gentian cruciform is a wild plant from the Gentian family. It occurs in pastures, meadows, slopes and forest edges. Culture is distinguished not only by its decorative qualities, but also by its therapeutic effect. In alternative medicine, formulations based on gentian roots are used for rheumatism, gout, arthritis, hypertension, diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, kidneys, liver, skin, and many others. In official medicine, preparations containing an extract from the rhizomes of the culture are also used.
Description of cruciform gentian
The cruciform gentian (Gentiana cruciata) is also known as the kryzhapydobny gorachka, kryzhapdobny gorachuk, falconer, falcon flight, falconer. Based on the botanical description of the cross-leaved gentian, the culture is a perennial herb from the Gentian family. Reaches 75-100 cm in height, the roots are not very long, dark brown in color. Gentian cruciform is distinguished by densely leafy single or group greenish-purple stems and elongated leaves that have a characteristic bend to the ground.
The flowers of the gentian cruciform goblet, each inflorescence has rounded-elongated petals, bent at the ends
The fruits of the culture ripen in early autumn. Inside the seed pod, there are a large number of elongated seeds. The flowering of gentian cruciform begins at the end of May or in the first decade of June. The culture is considered frost-resistant, it does not require additional shelter for the winter. The plant easily tolerates drought, feels great both in partial shade and in a sunny place.
Where and how cruciform gentian grows
According to the description of the cruciform gentian (pictured), the culture grows well both in meadows and edges, and in flower beds. The natural habitat of the plant is sparse forests, thickets of shrubs and upland meadows of Western Siberia, Central Asia, the Caucasus and Europe. Due to urbanization, the transformation of river valleys and other negative factors associated with human intervention in nature, the natural reserves of medicinal herbs have been significantly reduced. Gentian cruciform prefers open ground, well-moistened and drained. Growing a crop in a garden plot is quite simple, it is worth preparing soil rich in lime for it.
Cruciform gentian can be used to decorate flower beds and flower beds
The composition and value of the plant
Gentian cruciform rhizomes contain glycosides (gentiamarin, gentiopicrin, gentin and others), iridoids (secondary metabolites), plant polyphenols (flavonoids and catechins), fatty and essential oils, ascorbic acid, as well as tannins, resins and mucus. Such a diverse composition makes the culture in demand not only in folk, but also in traditional medicine.
Useful Properties
For medicinal purposes, mainly the roots of gentian cruciform are used.
The famous ancient Roman philosopher and physician Galen mentioned in his treatises the healing properties of gentian cruciform and its high effectiveness in the treatment of diseases associated with impaired water-salt metabolism (rheumatism, gout)
Application in folk medicine
Decoctions from the roots of gentian cruciform have long been used in folk medicine to stabilize the digestive process and increase appetite. They were used to treat heartburn, gastritis with low acidity, and various diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. Bitter glycosides, which are part of the roots, have a positive effect on gastric juice secretion. Therefore, they are part of many fees intended for the treatment of ailments affecting the gastrointestinal tract.
Recipes for decoctions and infusions
One of the most popular healing recipes from bitter roots is a “cold” infusion. It is used for intestinal atony, persistent heartburn, lack of appetite or chronic constipation. A number of folk healers use the infusion in the complex therapy of respiratory diseases (including tuberculosis). It is prepared as follows:
- 1 teaspoon of dried crushed roots is poured into 400 ml of pre-boiled and cooled water.
- The container is removed in a dark place with a temperature not higher than room temperature and infused for 8-12 hours.
- The liquid is filtered, the raw material is squeezed out.
- Take the infusion 3 times a day, 100 ml shortly before the meal.
The decoction is used as lotions and compresses that perform a disinfecting function. The composition accelerates the healing of purulent wounds. To prepare a decoction:
- Take dried crushed raw materials in the amount of 3 teaspoons and pour purified water (750-800 ml).
- The mixture is brought to a boil, then reduce the heat to a minimum and cook for 15-20 minutes.
- The container is removed from the fire and insisted for at least three hours.
- The liquid is filtered, after which it can be used to create compresses and lotions.
Bitter tincture is prescribed for various disorders of the digestive tract. To make it:
- A few teaspoons of bitter roots are mixed with the grass of a small centaury and orange fruits (50 g each).
- Dried turmeric is added to the mixture in an amount of 30 g and poured with alcohol (60 °) or high-quality distillate.
- Infuse the product for three weeks. After pressing, straining and filtering, bitters are ready to drink. Drink it in an amount of 25-100 drops (depending on the diagnosis) mixed in a glass of water.
To prepare the extract, take 50 g of crushed roots and pour them with 250 ml of alcohol. After the remedy has been infused for a month, it is used 15-30 drops shortly before meals. Phytocollection, which includes centaury, St. John’s wort, rhizomes of gentian cruciform, yarrow, medicinal fumes and wild chicory, is poured with hot water and taken from gastritis (chronic or acute form).
Rules of admission
In the treatment of ailments associated with metabolic disorders, as well as arthritis, gout and rheumatism, a decoction of gentian is used.
Drink it in an amount of 90-100 ml three to four times a day. For hepatitis, a decoction of buckthorn bark, cruciform gentian, dandelion rhizomes and celandine is taken. In case of infection with roundworms or pinworms, a collection of bitter roots, wormwood, tansy and chamomile flowers is used. All ingredients are taken in equal proportions, poured with purified water and boiled for 15 minutes.
Limitations and contraindications
The plant gentian cross-leaved contains alkaloids and compounds that can cause intoxication of the body. Therefore, before using medicines, you must read the instructions and strictly observe the dosage.
It is not recommended to take drugs based on this culture during lactation and pregnancy, as well as for hypertension and peptic ulcer.
Collection and procurement of raw materials
In medical practice, the rhizomes of gentian cruciform are used. They start harvesting in late autumn, when the vegetative mass dies off. Medicinal raw materials are obtained from plants that have reached the age of four and older. Harvest the roots of culture can only specialized farms that have the appropriate licenses.
During industrial harvesting, rhizomes and roots of gentian cruciform are heat-treated using electric dryers.
Conclusion
Gentian cruciformis is a perennial herbaceous crop with great therapeutic potential. Bitter roots and rhizomes have long been used in folk medicine to treat various diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, pancreatitis, rheumatism, gout and many other ailments. Extracts and decoctions of gentian cruciform are used to combat parasites and stimulate the secretory function of the stomach. You can plant a crop in your own garden plot, as it is unpretentious and frost-resistant.
