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Ergot

The reproduction and use of useful properties of ergot


Botanical characteristics of ergot

Ergot is a parasitic fungus on the grains. On the flowers of rye ear develop sclerotia of the fungus. They are elongate-oblong in shape, wrinkles and cracks. The color of the sclerotium black and purple, they can be white patches, easily washable fingers. In view of sclerotia slightly larger than grains of rye. Depending on what structure of the flower of grass, the sclerotia are of different shape and weight. Ergot develops not greater than the flower of grass.

Ergot is a poisonous fungus. It contains poisonous alkaloids, but, despite the poisonous mushroom, it is used for the preparation of drugs used in the treatment of many diseases.

Ergot can be seen in any place of Russia, where grow cereals. Grow ergot in Kirov and Novosibirsk. Ergot fungus prefers moist climate.


Reproduction of ergot

Ergot in winter is in the upper layer of the soil. When the air becomes warm, it begins the germination of the sclerotium. On sclerotia formed strands (stroma), which has bulges at the ends, and inside the bulges, there are ascospores.

Spores ripen together with flowering of grasses. When the spores are ripe, they fall off and end up in the air. The air carries the spores over long distances. If ascospore find yourself in the open flower of the grass, it will begin to grow inside him. As a result, the flower forms a filamentous mycelium. After 1-2 weeks after sprout acompora, affected the flowers will begin to stand out a sweet liquid. This liquid is called honeydew. In the droplets of the liquid are the same ascospore that infect the rest of the flowers and grass.

Ergot is propagated not only by self-seeding. Its distributors may become insects who like sweet dew. They are just flitting from one flower of grass to another, carry with them and the spores of the fungus.


Useful properties of ergot

Ergot contains alkaloids, which can count about 40, proteins and fatty oils. This fungus has hypotensive and vasodilating properties, this is why it is used in the treatment of hypertension and diseases, which contribute to circulatory disorders. Ergot helps with headaches, menopause, mental disorders, and migraines.

Ergot – strong adrenoliticheskoe tool. This mushroom is used for high blood pressure, ulcers of the lower leg, concussion of the brain. This fungus is a parasite helps with diarrhea, diabetes anddifficult childbirth.

The use of ergot in medicine

Today ergot is rarely used in folk medicine, not only because it is a poisonous plant, but because its not everywhere you can find.

The ergot is most often used as a tool, which greatly reduces the uterine musculature if necessary, stop uterine bleeding. The mushroom has a sedative effect on the nervous system. Ergot prescribed for intestinal bleeding, endometriosis and ovarian dysfunction.

The infusion of ergot for migraine. Take 1 teaspoon of ergot and pour a glass of boiling water. Leave for half an hour to infuse. Infusion take 1 tablespoon 3 times a day. This medicine helps stop uterine bleeding.

Ergot in violation of the circulation. Take half a teaspoon of ergot and fill it with 300 ml of boiling water. Allow 1 hour to stand and strain. Take the infusion 4 times a day for 1 tablespoon before meals. To be treated by this tool is required 5-7 days. Take a break, treatment can be continued.

The enzyme of ergot from drug addiction. For its preparation take half Cup of dried ergot and pour 3 liters of water. To this mixture, add 1 teaspoon of sour cream and 200 grams of sugar. It all a good mix and leave in a warm place for 10-14 days. Ready to take the medicine 15 minutes before meals in 100 ml.

Tincture of ergot. Take 10 grams of ergot and blend it . Pour the powder of ergot 20 ml of alcohol. Leave it for 7 days to infuse. Before applying the tincture should be shaken. Now take 50 ml of water and dilute 10 drops of tincture is ready. Taking medicine in the morning and before bed. This tincture is used for long periods.


Ergot poisoning

When excessive doses of ergot poisoning is observed with this fungus. At poisoned person appear diarrhea, nausea, itching and vomiting, a person wants to drink and stomach hurts. The muscles begin to twitch, and the person staggers when walking. Appear hallucinations and dizziness. The result of the poisoning can become death. So at the first signs of poisoning should induce vomiting, then gastric lavage with potassium permanganate. Washing is carried out using enemas. In addition to enemas, give the man to drink coffee or strong tea. Hands and feet, the victim must be rubbed with vodka.A person can impose warmers with hot water and wrap in a blanket. After these events poisoned still need to get to a hospital, because only there the doctors will be able to bring it fully back to normal.


Contraindications to the use of ergot

Preparations of ergot should never be used on pregnant women, women undergoing a miscarriage. People with ulcer disease of the gastrointestinal tract is strictly forbidden to use ergot. People with epilepsy should use ergot with caution.