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Useful properties and application of harpagophytum
Description of harpagophytum
Harpagophytum is an unusual perennial plant with opposite leaves on creeping stems. Graceful single flowers of the plant have a bright red-violet hue. They are decorated with a wide fold of the rim and a tubular lower part. The fruit is presented in the form of a small box. It has an interesting crown of long outgrowths, which are equipped with rather sharp hooks. Large tuberous thickenings are formed on the roots of the plant.
For medicinal purposes, adventitious roots are used, which are collected in the autumn. They are carefully dried and finely cut in the form of beautiful rings. The modern pharmaceutical industry produces all kinds of preparations from this delicious harpagophytum. These include powders, infusions, drinking solutions, medicinal ointments, topical creams and gels. In phytotherapy, only developed wild plants are used.
By the beginning of each rainy season, large above-ground shoots grow at the harpagophytum. They reach one and a half meters in length. At the same time, the shoots of this herbaceous plant extend along the ground, forming beautiful purple flowers. Its homeland is considered to be various semi-desert territories of greater South Africa, including Namibia.
Useful properties of harpagophytum
The main active ingredient of the plant is the glycoside harpagoside. In addition, various bitters and glycosides should be mentioned. The composition of the harpagophytum contains such active components as iridoids, represented by polyterpene glycosides and harpagoside. Their content ranges up to 3%. Each pharmacological preparation must contain at least 1,5% harpagosides.
Relatively recently, well-known French scientists have revealed the powerful analgesic effect of this plant on the human body. Due to its unique properties, it is indicated for chronic arthritis. Harpagophytum significantly reduces pain, improves joint mobility, while providing an anti-inflammatory effect. This leads to a significant reduction in the required number of chemical painkillers.
The exceptional biologically active substances found in the roots of the plant determine the undoubted effectiveness of the plant in serious pathological processes. Healing agents are recommended for the treatment of organs of the osteoarticular and genitourinary system. In diseases of the liver of the kidneys, harpagophytum shows excellent treatment results. It is also indispensable for ailments of a degenerative-dystrophic nature.
The use of harpagophytum
The analgesic properties of harpagophytum have been confirmed through many medical experiments. In the prevailing majority of patients with arthrosis, the general condition has improved significantly. Along with this, the undoubted healing properties of various preparations of this plant have been proven for other acute attacks of pain, as well as for impotence. For the treatment of mild forms of rheumatism, drugs based on harpagophytum are often prescribed. It is indicated for oral administration.
With non-started joint pain, the presented remedy is indispensable. In this case, it is recommended to use all kinds of effective gels and ointments.
For the treatment of mild forms of rheumatism, you can prepare a special remedy. To do this, we take 200 ml of boiling water for a standard package of powder. To eliminate pronounced bitterness, add a teaspoon of honey. You can use special gelatin capsules, which contain 435 mg of powder. The dosage is 2 capsules three times a day after the main meals, while they should be washed down with a large glass of clean warm water.
With mild joint pain, experts recommend applying special gels, ointments and creams. The selected drug should be gently rubbed into all painful areas of the body at least twice a day. Its action is based primarily on the unique anti-inflammatory properties of the main components. The use of harpagophytum also reduces swelling by facilitating joint mobility.
Mention should be made of the successful use of tea from such an incomparable harpagophytum, which is prescribed for disorders of the gastrointestinal tract. This healing drink restores appetite, normalizes digestion and promotes sufficient separation of bile. For its preparation of tea from harpagophytum, you should take 1 tsp. roots and pour them with a glass of water. It is necessary to insist the mixture for at least 5-6 hours. The optimal dosage for an adult is no more than 3 full cups per day.
In addition, Harpagophytum is a highly effective sedative, cardiotonic, and myocardial arrhythmic remedy. Due to this, he rightfully deserves really serious attention.
Contraindications garpagophytum
Serious side effects with regular use of products based on the presented plant in therapeutic doses are unknown. However, it is not recommended to use drugs inside with stomach ulcers, as well as intestines. As a rule, all harpagophytum remedies are easily tolerated by many patients, but diarrhea may occasionally occur in some people. It is also not recommended to prescribe drugs to pregnant women and nursing mothers.