Meadowsweet (meadowsweet) elmous: photo, medicinal properties, planting and care

Perennial herbaceous plant of the Pink family – meadowsweet meadowsweet (meadowsweet) is often found in water meadows in Europe, Central Asia, the Caucasus, Siberia, Primorye. Juices of the culture contain ascorbic acid in large quantities. Due to this, the plant has long been used in folk medicine. In the Caucasus, meadowsweet is used in vitamin salads. The flowers of the meadowsweet exude a delicate honey aroma, which attracts honey bees.

How it looks and where it grows

The stalk of the meadowsweet is high (up to 2 m), strong, ribbed, densely leafy. It can be simple or branched.

The leaves of the meadowsweet are discontinuous, pinnately separate. They have 2-3 pairs of lateral pointed serrate twins, divided into 3-5 lobes. The leaf plate of meadowsweet is dark green, smooth on top and brown fleecy below. Among the large leaves are small, sharp-toothed.

If you rub the meadowsweet leaf plate with your fingers, it will begin to exude a sharp but pleasant smell.

The root system is fibrous, creeping, without tuberous thickenings.

The flowers of the meadowsweet are small, numerous, cream-colored, collected in panicles up to 20 cm in diameter. There are five petals in the calyx, rarely six can be formed. In the center are long yellow stamens. Flowering begins in June or July.

The fruit of the meadowsweet is formed in the form of a multi-leaf, which consists of 10-15 spirally twisted segments. As they mature, they harden. Fruiting begins in late July or August.

Up to half a thousand seeds can ripen on one meadowsweet plant, in autumn they will spread by wind or river waters.

The plant can be found in damp meadows, on the edges of forests or near marshy swamps. The meadowsweet appears in damp glades, surrounded by dark thickets of shrubs, on the banks of reservoirs.

The culture is widespread in Europe (the central part, the countries of Scandinavia, the entire coast of the Atlantic Ocean). Meadowsweet is less common in the central regions of Ukraine, in the Northern Black Sea region, in the Carpathians. The meadowsweet is distributed throughout the territory of Central Asia, Mongolia. In Our Country, culture is mainly collected in the European part, Ciscaucasia, Western and Eastern Siberia.

Chemical composition

Meadowsweet vyazolistny contains a large amount of ascorbic acid, flavonoids (quercetin and kaempferol). Traces of coumarins were found in the chemical composition, there are phenolic compounds, tannins. Meadowsweet leaves and shoots contain caffeic and ellagic acids, flowers contain essential oil, camphor, and aromatic compounds.

Types of meadowsweet

At present, in addition to meadow species of meadowsweet, ornamental plant species have also been bred. They are cultivated in flower beds, flowerbeds.

Meadowsweet variegated (variegated)

An unpretentious perennial that can winter without shelter at a frost of 40 ᵒС is the meadowsweet (Latin name filipendula ulmaria variegata). Throughout the summer, the culture retains decorative qualities. Thanks to this, the plant has become popular with flower growers on many continents.

The meadowsweet variegata is a compact plant, the height of which does not exceed 0,9 m, the width of the bush is 60 cm. The leaves are large, pinnately dissected with a 5-lobed terminal lobule. The color is dark green, the entire surface is covered with bright yellow stripes.

The variegated meadowsweet is distinguished by an unusual color of the leaves, retains a fresh decorative look for a long time.

The buds are small, snow-white or cream, with a delicate vanilla-honey aroma. Flowering lasts from June to July, may repeat in August. Sometimes flower stalks are removed to preserve the beauty of openwork and variegated leaves longer.

The variegated meadowsweet is suitable for mixed plantings. Looks good in green groups near ponds, on the lawn, under a tree.

Meadowsweet Aurea

It is a perennial herbaceous plant that is ideal for a shady garden. The culture is unpretentious, has good winter hardiness.

Meadowsweet Aurea (Aurea) grows up to 90 cm. The bush is thick and wide. Branched shoots are covered with large, hairy, toothed leaves of a bright yellow hue. The inflorescence is large, rounded, consists of many tiny cream-colored buds.

The bright yellow leaves of the meadowsweet Aurea look beautiful against the backdrop of evergreens.

Aurea meadowsweet grows well both in open areas and in the thick of plants, under the canopy of trees and shrubs. The culture looks great in group plantings near water bodies and on the lawn.

Flore Pleno toilet seat

This is a tall shrub, the length of the shoots can reach 1,5 m. The culture grows up to 1 m wide. Its stems are tall, straight, strong. The leaves are intermittently pinnate, the upper 5-lobed share is quite large. The surface of the leaf plate is dark green, it is whitish below.

The flowers of the meadowsweet Flore Pleno are white or cream, double, small. They are collected in loose paniculate inflorescences at the ends of the shoots. The budding process begins in June.

The meadowsweet Flore Pleno differs from other representatives of the species in its lush, bright flowering.

Culture feels equally good in the sun and in the shade. But the soil prefers loose, moist, fertile. Does not tolerate drying out of the rhizome.

The Flore Pleno meadowsweet is grown in flower beds of various types. Suitable culture for single and group plantings near water bodies, on lawns.

Useful properties of meadowsweet

In ancient times, the culture was used as a salad plant, for the preparation of desserts and drinks, they scented linen, the air in the rooms.

Currently, meadowsweet is actively used in landscape design.

The medicinal properties and contraindications of meadowsweet are well studied. Thanks to this, the plant is included in the official register of the Pharmacopoeia.

Medicinal properties of meadowsweet:

• increases immunity;
• participates in the proper production of hormones;
• normalizes the functioning of the nervous system;
• reduces inflammation;
• reduces pain;
• liquefies blood;
• fights inflammation;
• has an antiviral effect;
• good antiseptic.

Thanks to the tannins included in the composition, meadowsweet herb can have an astringent or irritant effect. It depends on how it’s prepared.

Influence of meadowsweet vyazolistny on human pressure

Meadowsweet contains a large amount of ascorbic acid. It is known that this substance contributes to the proper functioning of the cardiovascular system. Due to the diuretic action, a large amount of fluid is excreted from the body, the volume of circulating blood and the load on the heart are reduced. As a result, swelling disappears, pressure decreases.

Meadowsweet grass is called “natural aspirin”, it is taken when pharmaceutical tablets are contraindicated

Tincture of meadowsweet flowers well dilutes the blood, lowers blood pressure, promotes the resorption of blood clots in the vessels, is effective in atherosclerosis, improves cerebral circulation.

Also meadowsweet has a sedative effect. Herbal infusions are indicated for hypertensive patients suffering from nervousness. Herbal remedies with meadowsweet strengthen the immune system, which improves overall well-being.

Methods of Use

Medicinal preparations are prepared from the flowers and roots of meadowsweet: teas, infusions, ointments. They are used to treat various diseases, as antiviral and immunostimulating agents.

Tincture

The tool is used during the recovery period after a stroke. 2 tsp pour half a glass of vodka with a strength of 40%, mix. Fill glassware with the composition, close tightly, leave for two weeks in a cool, dark place. The drug must be shaken daily.

After the specified time, the composition is filtered, poured into a clean container. Take 1 tsp. (can be dissolved in water) three times a day with meals. The course of treatment is three weeks. Then a break – seven days.

Infusion

Dry flowers of meadowsweet (2 tsp) are poured with a glass of boiling water, kept for half an hour. The infusion is cooled, filtered. It should be taken six times a day for 2 tbsp. l.

The infusion is indicated for poisoning, including toxic, with snake bites. Outwardly, the remedy is used as lotions for psoriasis, acne, boils.

Infusions and decoctions based on meadowsweet are prepared in glass or enameled dishes, metal dishes are undesirable.

decoction

2 tsp crushed roots of meadowsweet vyazolistny pour a glass of boiling water, simmer for half an hour in a water bath. Then the solution is infused for an hour, filtered before use.

The tool is used half an hour before meals for 3 tbsp. l. three times a day. One course will be three weeks. The decoction is effective in blood diseases.

Oil

50 g of chopped herb meadowsweet is poured with any vegetable oil. The liquid should completely cover the meadowsweet. The ingredients are mixed, the jar is wrapped, the healing oil is infused in a dark, cool place for two weeks.

The product is filtered, poured into a clean bowl. Before use, the oil is heated in a water bath.

The drug is indicated for rheumatic, headache, muscle, joint pain, suitable for the treatment of sciatica, colds, fever. The oil is rubbed into the sore spot twice a day or massaged.

Ointment

To prepare the composition, take part of the dry flowers of the meadowsweet and five parts of any fat. The base is preliminarily liquefied in a water bath, mixed with raw materials.

To prepare the ointment, you can use badger fat or petroleum jelly

The tool is used for joint pain, rheumatism, osteochondrosis, as an anti-inflammatory and warming agent.

Tea

1 st. l. dried meadowsweet flowers pour 0,5 liters of boiling water, insist 15-20 minutes. Ready infusion drink like tea. No more than 3 g of chopped grass or flowers are consumed per day.

Tea from meadowsweet is used for migraines, heart disease, suffocation.

The use of meadowsweet in medicine

The meadowsweet has an antiseptic and anti-inflammatory effect. Externally, as part of liquids, it is applied for boils, ulcers, and skin diseases.

The use of meadowsweet for washing wounds

Fresh decoction of meadowsweet is used to wash purulent wounds. Tannins have a bactericidal effect. Lotions are indicated for the treatment of ulcers and boils. In this case, it is recommended to mix the meadowsweet with the coil equally.

Tincture of meadowsweet is effective in the treatment of trophic ulcers

Blood thinning with meadowsweet

Meadowsweet has the ability to thin the blood, reduce its viscosity. Infusions of herbs and flowers are effective for increased clotting, a tendency to thrombosis, thrombophlebitis. Herbal remedies will help improve the condition after ischemic stroke and heart attack. Decoctions are prescribed in cases where pharmacy aspirin is contraindicated due to stomach diseases. Decoctions from meadowsweet root are also effective. Such drugs contain coumarins, they reduce blood viscosity.

Meadowsweet vyazolistny with hyperthyroidism

The main treatment for this disease is thyroid hormone replacement therapy. Phytotherapy based on meadowsweet is an additional means of correcting hypothyroidism.

Vitamin C, contained in the ground part of the plant, is involved in the proper production of hormones, which is important in hyperthyroidism. Decoctions and infusions of meadowsweet are shown as additional means in the treatment of this disease.

Treatment of gynecological diseases with meadowsweet

For douching with whites and infertility, a special decoction is made from the herb of the meadowsweet. For this, 2 tbsp. l. dry flowers and herbs are boiled in 1 liter of water for half an hour. Then the solution should be filtered, bring its volume to 1 liter with boiled water. For treatment, douche twice a day. The course of therapy is 10-12 days. Be sure to take breaks during menstruation.

Meadowsweet vyazolistny with skin diseases

The healing powder is preliminarily prepared: dry meadowsweet flowers are ground in a mortar. The remedy will help with sweating of the legs, bedsores and diaper rash. If you mix flower powder with fish oil, the resulting ointment is used for burns, with psoriasis.

The ashes from the burnt buds of the meadowsweet will stop the blood. If you mix it with mineral water and a drop of lemon juice, it will turn into an ointment for inflammation on the skin. Meadowsweet tea heals wounds, ulcers.

Used in cosmetics

Meadowsweet meadowsweet is rich in flavonoids, phenolic compounds with powerful antioxidant activity. Use the extract of the meadowsweet as a decongestant and fat-burning agent in weight loss products.

Meadowsweet, brewed like tea, will improve the condition of the skin if you wash your face with liquid in the morning

Meadowsweet is effective in caring for oily skin. Also suitable for a mixed type, if indicated.

What cosmetic defects can be eliminated with the help of meadowsweet:

• decrease in skin tone;
• inflammation, irritation on the skin;
• swelling;
• bags under the eyes;
• oiliness of the scalp.

Decoctions with meadowsweet are widely used in home cosmetology. On their basis, ice, cleansers, compresses are prepared.

Contraindications to the use of meadowsweet

Medicines based on meadowsweet have many medicinal properties. They may not apply to everyone. Before starting therapy, you must familiarize yourself with the contraindications.

Who should not be treated with meadowsweet:

• children up to 14 years;
• pregnant women;
• patients with epilepsy;
• people suffering from intestinal atony;
• patients with hemophilia;
• allergy sufferers.

With hypotension, a low level of platelets, a tendency to constipation, meadowsweet can not be used categorically. There are also cases of individual intolerance to the herbal remedy.

Planting and caring for the variegated meadowsweet

The culture prefers open sunny areas, but also actively grows in partial shade. In closed glades, decorativeness decreases: budding is not so lush and bright, soon the bush may stop flowering altogether.

For the cultivation of the variegated meadowsweet, as well as the elmifolia, choose fertile, loose soil with good drainage. The acidity of the soil should be weak or neutral. Meadowsweet can be propagated by seeds or by dividing the bush. The first method is suitable for all types of meadowsweet.

Meadowsweet seedlings are planted in autumn, in September before the onset of cold weather.

If there is a large healthy bush on the site, it is dug up, and the rhizome is divided into 3-5 parts to obtain young plants.

Meadowsweet seedlings quickly take root, have time to take root before the onset of the first frost.

In September, small holes are dug up to a depth of 15 cm, a seedling is placed there, the rhizome is covered with loose soil, and the plant is watered.

The first week, young bushes are watered daily. After the soil is moistened as it dries. The soil is loosened in a timely manner, weeds are uprooted. In June and July, the variegated meadowsweet is fed with complex mineral fertilizers.

Flowering occurs a year after planting. Young plants need shelter in the first winter, after which they endure frosts without problems.

Collection and harvesting of meadowsweet grass

The leaves and inflorescences of the meadowsweet are harvested in the summer during the budding period. They are laid out in one layer in the shade under a canopy. You can use special dryers, setting the temperature not higher than + 40 ° C. The shelf life of finished raw materials is not more than a year.

Roots are harvested in autumn or early spring before flowering. They are dug up, washed, cut into pieces. The blanks are dried under a canopy or in a well-ventilated area. The shelf life of finished raw materials is three years.

For the preparation of medicines, well-dried roots of the meadowsweet are taken without rot and mold.

Conclusion

Meadowsweet is included in the official pharmacopeia of many countries. Especially widely medicinal plant is used in folk medicine. It is a source of substances with high biological activity. Due to its unique composition, meadowsweet elmifolia occupies one of the first places among medicinal plants.

Reviews on the treatment of cataracts with meadowsweet