Leuzea (Rhaponticum carthamoides) is a herbaceous plant common in the mountainous regions of Altai. Reaches a height of two meters and is well recognizable due to the bright lilac flowers and pointed leaves. The plant is better known as “maral root”, as its long rhizomes are often dug up by deer and eaten for medicinal purposes. Leuzea tincture is used in folk medicine as a remedy for fatigue and overstrain, stimulating mental and physical activity. “Maral root” is taken to increase potency and sexual activity.
Useful properties of Leuzea
Large-scale studies of the “maral root” were carried out in the 1960s in the Soviet Union. A group of scientists led by pharmacologist Israel Brekhman was studying the properties of the plant. At the same time, Soviet doctors introduced the term “adaptogen” into the description of Leuzea, meaning the ability of a medicinal herb to increase the body’s resistance to physical and mental stress.
Rhaponticum carthamoides is one of the few plants included in the State Register of Medicines of Russia.
It is known that leuzea, due to its unique composition, has been used for centuries by Siberian and Mongolian folk healers not only as a stimulant, but also as a medicine for acute respiratory diseases, sore throats and fever.
Useful components of the plant:
- ecdysterone – regulates protein synthesis, promotes the production of enzymes that stimulate the brain, protects liver cells;
- phytoecdysones – plant hormones that promote muscle building;
- lignin is a natural sorbent;
- glycosides – increase myocardial performance;
- flavonoids – act as antioxidants;
- tannins – have an anti-inflammatory effect;
- vitamins and organic acids – have a general strengthening effect.
Scientists believe that the effect of ecdysterone is similar to what steroid hormones have on the body. At the same time, the herbal preparation works more gently and does not harm health.
At the same time, Leuzea breaks down body fat, replenishes energy reserves, improves mood and improves immunity. “Maral root” is widely used by bodybuilders to increase muscle mass, although a number of studies indicate the dangers of its long-term use.
“Maral root” helps with the following diseases:
- pyelonephritis;
- erectile disfunction;
- colds and viral diseases.
Leuzea tincture is sold ready-made in Russian and Western online stores, the liquid extract can be found in pharmacies. Self-production of bioadditives is difficult because the area of distribution of the “maral root” is limited to mountainous areas. In Russia, levzeya is massively harvested in Altai and grown artificially on experimental bases of medicinal plants. Dried and packaged roots can be purchased on specialized portals, and the tincture can be prepared at home.
How to prepare and take leuzea tincture
Collectors harvest plants no older than two years old – such roots are easier to extract from the soil. The raw materials are thoroughly washed from the remnants of the earth and dried in the sun or in fire ovens, and then left for a day under a canopy for natural moisture. The roots are stored in dry and ventilated rooms, they are sold in two forms – already cut, or twisted into a kind of ring. The tincture is prepared at the rate of 100 g of rhizomes per 0,5 l of vodka.
Recipe
- Grind the raw materials and put them on the bottom of the jar (it is better to use dark glassware).
- Pour 0,5 liters of vodka or moonshine.
- Seal the container and place in a place protected from light.
- Infuse for 14 days, periodically shaking the jar.
- Strain, pour into a separate bowl, store in the cold.
The herbal remedy is in demand by athletes during intensive training to increase muscle mass, quick recovery from injuries, as a stimulant on competition days.
An alcohol solution is taken 20-30 drops before meals for a month. Longer reception is possible only on the recommendation of the attending physician.
The same scheme is recommended for adjunctive therapy for the following problems:
- reduced potency;
- asthenia;
- vascular disorders;
- decrease in working capacity;
- state of chronic fatigue.
Leuzea tincture for women is useful for gynecological diseases, menstrual disorders, decreased libido, secondary infertility. In order to strengthen the immune system, the drug is taken in courses twice a year – in spring and autumn.
Противопоказания
Before taking the tincture, you should consult your doctor and make sure that you are not allergic to its components. A side effect is an increase in blood pressure and tachycardia, so the “maral root” is contraindicated in hypertension and heart rhythm disturbances. Leuzea should be discontinued if insomnia, irritability, and gastrointestinal disturbances occur.
Attention! Self-medication can be dangerous, consult your doctor.