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Hedge-nettle betony

Useful properties and applications of betony


Description of Stachys

Stachys is a genus of perennial or annual herbs of the family yasnotkovyh. Its height often exceeds one meter. The leaves of the plant are toothed, one-piece, oppositely arranged.

Collected in false whorls, the flowers have a beautiful purple, lilac, pink, yellow or white color and form spike-like inflorescences. The calyx is five-toothed with acute teeth has a campanulate or tubular-campanulate in shape. The fruit is a triangular, oblong or ovate nut.


The beneficial properties of betony

Many species of Stachys has long been used in folk medicine. In particular, extracts of this medicinal herb was used to ease childbirth. It was considered that they are able to numb the pain of contractions and to accelerate the process of birth. The official science is also not left behind, and since the mid-twentieth century, the preparations of Stachys began to enter into obstetric practice as an effective styptic.

Stachys boasts a solid range of nutrients and elements. The different types contain pectin, various organic acids, essential oils, carotenoids, tannins, sugars, flavonoids and traces of alkaloids. The presence in the plant of vitamin C has beneficial effects on the body and enhances immunity.


The use of betony

In medical applications most often used aboveground part of the plant that contains the greatest number of useful components. Are harvested medicinal raw materials in the flowering period, then dried in the shade outdoors or in a warm room with good ventilation. Folk medicine recommends infusions of certain species of Stachys in fainting, the scrofulous, diathesis, gout, nervous disorders, various skin diseases.

Fresh leaves of the herb applied to the affected places for abscesses, abrasions, bruises, cuts. Some folk healers use infusions of betony for lowering blood pressure, increasing the force of heart contractions, eliminate uterine bleeding and menstrual disorders. It should be noted that, despite many useful properties, preparations of Stachys are not included in the official list of medicinal plants in many countries, particularly in Ukraine and Russia.


The flowers of betony

The flowers of betony, a small, lilac-pink or purple, they are collected in dense spike-like inflorescence on long stalks. In folk medicine, the flowers of this medicinal plant are used a little less often the rest of the aerial part. This files most often based on them prepare decoctions and infusions to reduce dandruff, acne and some skin inflammation.

Infusion: to prepare it you need to pour one liter of water four tablespoons of the herb betony mixed with the flowers, ten minutes to boil in a sealed container, then infuse for eight hours, then strain. To use this tool should be externally in the form of lotions, compresses and wash.

The species of Stachys

Stachys has a large number of species distributed almost all over the globe. Many of them in varying degrees are used in folk medicine or other fields.

Chistets forest has a straight quadrangular stems, long creeping rhizome and a beautiful dark crimson flowers. This species blooms throughout the summer, fruits in July. Grows chistets forest in Western Asia, China, Europe, the European part of Russia and Kazakhstan. The plant is often found in ravines, forests, clearings, meadows. This medicinal herb has proved itself as a good styptic. In addition, it has a sedative effect.

The woolly betony is a popular ornamental perennial plant, grown for decorating gardens, lawns and parks. Care it is quite unpretentious, cold-resistant. The first flowers bloom in early June, flowering plants for 40-50 days.

Stachys Byzantine is a perennial herb. It has a branched or straight stems to a height of not more than 60 cm is Widely distributed this species in Iran, Turkey, Armenia, found in Russia, Ukraine, the Crimea and the Caucasus. This plant is used as ornamental and medical purposes. Stachys Byzantine contains in its composition vitamin C fatty oil and many other items.

Marsh woundwort reaches up to 110 cm in height has a hairy stem, hard, downward hairs and finely toothed acute leaves. Flowers painted in violet-purple color. This species of Stachys is one of the most used in folk medicine. Its leaves promote rapid healing of wounds, cuts, abrasions, bruises and boils.

Stachys Annua grows throughout Europe, Western Siberia and Central Asia. This plant is a good honey plant. Active in folk medicine it is not used.


Contraindications to the use of betony

Stachys refers to poisonous plants, so its use must adhere to the exact dosages and doctor's recommendations. SELF the grass is PROHIBITED! Stachys is also absolutely contraindicated during lactation and pregnancy.