Medunitsa medicinal. Spring flowers in my garden

Lungwort sugar - perennial evergreen shrub, a modest forest primrose that optimally combines decorative and medicinal properties known since ancient times. Perhaps that is why the people call such a plant "lung" - for the ability to help with respiratory ailments, from which Hildegard of Bingen, a famous herbalist who lived in the 11th century, was one of the first to treat people. The plant is called lungwort for its ability to give large quantities of nectar to bees.

IN vivo sugar lungwort (or spotted) forms chic green carpets with clearly visible silvery spots on the leaves and beautiful. A large number of cultivars of lungwort have been bred from this species by breeding science, including Cambridge Blue, Mrs.Moon, Sissinghurst White.

Lungwort: photo and description

A unique flower that grows on the forest edges after the snow melts, has firmly taken its niche in household plots and flower beds. Its early appearance, long flowering (about 30 days) and decorative appearance, emphasized by neat leaves and beautiful flowers, determined the popularity among flower growers of such a modest, but very attractive plant.

Belonging to the Buravchikov family, the lungwort reaches a height of 30 cm and is a rhizomatous shrub, usually growing in groups. The lungwort leaf is lanceolate, oval-wedge-shaped, completely pubescent.

Lungwort in cultivation

How does sugar lungwort bloom? This plant is a real find for early spring compositions, because it begins to delight with flowering when leaves have not yet appeared on the trees. Lungwort flowers are always paired, located in the apical part, in one inflorescence several different shades can be located at the same time: from pale pink to dark purple. This is due to the presence of plant pigments in the composition of the herb - anthocyanins, which are responsible for the color of the petals. The sight when the sugar lungwort blooms is truly bewitching. Pink-purple spots against the backdrop of a green garden and spring flowers look original, charming and breathe freshness into the surrounding landscape.

Lungwort sugar: plant benefits

The advantage of sugar lungwort is its exceptional shade tolerance, high frost resistance and a long growing season with decorative properties. In one place, a bush of a charming plant can grow for an incredibly long time: about three decades.

It is recommended to plant sugar lungwort in the shade or partial shade - it is in such conditions that the original pattern appears on its leaves to the maximum, and the flowers acquire a more saturated color. If it is impossible to place a flower in the shade, it can be planted under bushes and trees, thus providing partial protection from the sun's rays.

Features of care

Lungwort is a flower that does not require a special approach to soil and feels comfortable in any soil. The plant needs to be fed especially during the period of intensive leaf growth (approximately in July).

Being a moisture-loving culture, spotted lungwort does not tolerate stagnant water. Therefore, the plant should be watered regularly (especially during the formation of buds and flowering), but without frills. In order to avoid exposing the bushes and losing their attractiveness, the plant needs to be planted every 3-4 years. Be sure to cut off the inflorescences at the end of flowering (this action is aimed at activating the growth of young shoots) and cut out (do not break out) old dry leaves in a timely manner. The soil must be regularly weeded and remove excess shoots leading to thickening. It is desirable to carry out aimed at preventing the growth of weeds and maintaining the necessary moisture. For the winter, the lungwort, the photo and description of which are of increasing interest to flower growers, needs shelter with peat or leaves.

Lungwort in the garden - beautiful hardy plant, which does not require a waste of time and effort and is able to delight with its flowering for a long period.

Lungwort breeding methods

The sugar lungwort propagates by seeds, division of the bush and rhizomes. The seed method is not very in demand, since it is quite long-term (flowering of plants is observed 2-3 years after planting). In addition, young bushes may not retain signs mother plant and differ significantly from them.

The division of the bush is a more popular method that preserves the purity of the variety. Early spring or after flowering (July-August) mature plant it is required to divide into parts that are planted at a distance of 30 cm from each other, after cutting the roots. The land around young seedlings is recommended to be mulched with humus.

The plant can also be propagated by dividing the rhizome. To do this, at the end of summer, it is required to separate a small part of it from the main root with the obligatory presence of a renewal bud. Planting is done at a depth of 4 cm with a distance of about 20 cm between plants.

Diseases and pests

Lungwort is a flower quite resistant to diseases and pests, however, stagnant water and sudden temperature changes can cause powdery mildew and rot to appear. In this case, the affected plants must be removed and burned, and the remaining bushes should be treated with sulfur preparations. With excess moisture, the lungwort can be affected by snails and slugs that eat its leaves. The fight against them is agrotechnical methods(moderate watering, avoiding thickening of plantings, thorough tillage, removal weeds), preventing the creation of a microclimate comfortable for such pests.

Lungwort in folk medicine

Lungwort sugar is a plant widely used in traditional medicine due to its content a large number beneficial vitamins, tannins, macro- and microelements, carotene. IN medicinal purposes buds, leaves and roots of the plant are harvested. It is required to dry them in a well-ventilated area at a temperature not exceeding +40 C⁰. Ready raw materials are recommended to be stored in cloth or paper bags.

From this healing herb decoctions and infusions with diuretic, antitussive, wound healing and anti-inflammatory properties are very effective. A leaf of such a plant attached to the wound will cause its speedy healing.

Lungwort sugar is used to treat diseases such as:

• bronchitis;
• bronchial asthma;
• tuberculosis;
• pleurisy;
• uterine bleeding;
• BPH;
• thrombophlebitis;
• pneumonia;
• laryngitis;
• inflammation of the bladder;
• anorexia;
• pneumonia.

Lungwort has been considered since ancient times medicinal plant. Growing at the edge of the forest, the lungwort was a primrose, delighting passers-by with beautiful flowers.

To date, breeders have been able to deduce home variety a plant that flower growers have already fallen in love with.

Among the people, the lungwort was called the water key, honeydew and pulmonaria, it is classified as a dicotyledonous and angiosperm. The plant differs from the rest in the amazing coloring of flowers that can change the color of the petals from pink to bluish.

The question of where the lungwort grows is of interest to many amateur flower growers. Forest beauty is common in many countries, it can be found:

• in Central and Eastern Europe;
• In Great Britain;
• in Belarus;
• in Ukraine;
• in Russia.

Lungwort officinalis is cold-resistant and shade plant, therefore, she prefers to grow mainly in shady forests, ravines, often hiding between shrubs. The water key reaches a height of 30 cm, has a strong rhizome. The flowers are very beautiful, in the form of purple or bluish bells. Loves moist air, prefers loosened alkaline soil. Flowering from April to May, fruiting in summer. The fruits of the plant are in the form of nuts, no more than four pieces.

This type of herb is used as a remedy, as well as in cooking: recipes for dishes with the addition of honeydew have already appeared in cookbooks.

The plant got its name due to the smell that the lungwort exudes. It is considered one of the best honey plants, especially loved by bumblebees and bees.

Gallery: lungwort (25 photos)

Types of lungwort officinalis

Pulmonaria includes many types. The most popular are:

Silverado reaches 27-30 cm in height, the lungwort flower belongs to perennial rhizomatous herbs. The petals are usually purple, blue, pink and red. Likes shade and coolness, quite moisture-loving. It grows mainly in alkaline, loamy soils, begins to bloom in spring.

Majestic differs from its counterparts in a rare color of leaves - silver. Refers to perennial herbs loves shade and moisture. The flowers of the plant are usually blue color, appear in early spring and delight the human eye with their beauty for about 3 weeks. Prefers sandy loam or loam.

The narrow-leaved lungwort is found in some areas of Central and Southern Europe, Russia and Ukraine, choosing light forests and chernozem soils for growth. This perennial plant is about 40 cm high, the petals are bright purple hue. This species is listed in the Red Book.

The softest, or softest lungwort is found mainly in the taiga, as well as in forests. Western Europe, Central Asia and Siberia. Flowering starts at spring time years, petals of a bluish or purple hue, about 30 cm high. Prefers sandy or loamy soil.

Almost all types of lungwort have healing properties, are widely used in traditional medicine. Some are listed in the Red Book

Useful properties and contraindications

The composition of the plant includes many useful trace elements:

Thanks to the elements that lungwort is rich in, the plant is widely used as a medicine for:

• uterine bleeding (prepare a decoction based on honeydew);
• urolithiasis (prepare an infusion of grass);
• wounds, cuts, scratches (disinfected with leaf juice);
• diseases of the pulmonary system (infusion taken orally).

Medunok has anti-inflammatory, wound healing, soothing, diuretic, medicinal properties, with its help, a person puts in order shattered nerves, treats many diseases, including viral skin diseases.

Since ancient times, honeydew has been used as an expectorant, effective in the event of a strong wet cough. A decoction based on honeydew contributes to the normalization of metabolism, significantly increases the level of immunity. An infusion from the flowers of the plant is considered one of the best diuretics due to its gentle effect on the bladder.

It should be remembered that there are certain contraindications when taking infusions and decoctions based on honeydew. In particular, it is not recommended to be treated with a medicinal plant lungwort for people who have problems with the intestines.

In the process of treatment with auxiliary agents based on honeydew, there may be side effects. The most common are: indigestion, bleeding, inflammation of the skin.

Pregnant and lactating women are not recommended to use honeydew; when diagnosing glomerulonephritis and pyelonephritis in humans, the herb should be excluded from the list of medicines. An individual allergic reaction may occur due to intolerance to some of the elements that make up the honeydew.

It should be remembered that before using honeydew, you need to consult a specialist.

Procurement of raw materials

Medunok is harvested in the spring season, during the flowering period. Basically, flowers and leaves are harvested, less often - rhizomes.

The collected raw materials must be thoroughly dried. Usually this procedure is performed in a room where there is no direct sunlight. The room must be well ventilated.

Finished raw materials are placed in canvas bags. Stored up to 24 months. The raw material is used for the preparation of infusions, alcohol tinctures, decoctions.

Thanks

At the beginning of spring, the forests are decorated with flowering lungwort- an excellent early honey plant, a beautiful and medicinal plant that has long been used to treat lung diseases. About it amazing plant and we will talk in this article, dwelling in detail on its healing properties, benefits and applications.

Description of the plant lungwort

Lungwort (or pulmonaria) is an annual or biennial herbaceous plant belonging to the borage family (Boraginaceae). Close "relatives" of the lungwort are forget-me-nots, brunners, umbilicals, and also borage.

At the core scientific name genus Medunitsa - Pulmonaria - lies latin word"pulmon", which in translation means "lung" (this explains the popular names of the plant, including "lung" and "lung grass"). This name was given to the lungwort for the reason that the oval leaves of the plant in their shape resemble such an organ as the lungs.

At one time, Paracelsus developed the doctrine of signatures, the beginning of which was laid by Galen and Dioscorides. According to this doctrine, there is a relationship between animate and inanimate nature, which is manifested by external similarity and is marked with special signs. So, nature itself shows appearance plants, for the treatment of which organ it can be used.

The Russian name of the genus "lungwort", used in the scientific literature, is due to the fact that representatives of the genus have honey-bearing properties, because the flowers of this plant contain a large number of nectar, not to mention the fact that lungwort is one of the earliest honey plants.

Interesting fact! Due to early flowering, lungwort, like some other plants, is called "snowdrop" in some regions of Russia.

What does a lungwort look like?

Medunka (this is another popular name for the plant) has a straight, but at the same time branched stem, which reaches a height of 30 - 80 cm. A fairly long grass root is distinguished by the presence of small tubers.

The stem is covered with leaves, the upper ones are lanceolate-wedge-shaped, and the lower ones are oblong. I must say that the finely pointed leaves of the plant have a slight pubescence.

Lungwort flowers are collected in original paired small-flowered curls located on the tops of the stems, and the corolla of the flower most often has a funnel-shaped shape.

Lungwort can "boast" of two types of flowers, which differ not only in their structure, but also in shade. But everything is in order. And let's start with the structure of the flowers: for example, some flowers have, firstly, long columns of pistils that protrude from the corolla, and secondly, short stamens hidden in the depths of the corolla. Other flowers, on the contrary, are distinguished by short columns of pistils and long stamens. This kind of feature of flowers makes it possible to prevent self-pollination, thereby making cross-pollination the most effective.

Let's move on to color scheme flowers collected in inflorescences.

According to legend, blue flowers lungworts are Adam's flowers, and pink ones are Eve's. Thus, the lungwort acts as a plant, symbolizing the unity of opposites.

But such a "neighborhood" has a more rational (scientific) explanation. The fact is that the lungwort contains plant pigments (or anthocyanins), which are responsible for the color of the petals. Due to the presence of anthocyanins in the plant, the flowers change their color in accordance with the acidity. cell sap. So, in young flowers of a plant, the cell sap is acidic, as a result of which anthocyanins have a pink color. In the course of aging of flowers, the acidity of their juice decreases significantly, and therefore anthocyanins gradually turn blue.

The fruit of the lungwort is a crescent-shaped one-seeded bean.

Where does the lungwort grow?

All species of lungwort are found in the wild in the temperate zone of Eurasia, with the most extensive area being occupied by the soft lungwort, common from Western Europe to Asia Minor. Lungwort also grows in Eastern Siberia.

Lungworts growing on the territory of broad-leaved and coniferous-broad-leaved forests prefer partial shade or shaded and cool areas. But this plant does not favor heat.

Lungwort is considered a relatively moisture-loving and cold-resistant plant, preferring sandy or loamy, alkaline or slightly acidic and loose soils that contain humus.

Interesting fact! It is in the shade that the beautiful pattern on the leaves of the lungwort is especially bright, while the flowers acquire a truly saturated color.

Types of herb lungwort

Modern pharmacology practically does not use lungwort, while traditional medicine, on the contrary, actively uses this plant, which contains a lot of substances, vitamins, macro- and microelements that are most useful for the human body.

In total, the genus Medunitsa, according to various sources, has from 12 to 70 species, which are practically not preserved in their pure form due to the high pollination of the plant. For this reason, to this day, there is no clear structure in the systematics of this genus.

For medicinal purposes, three types of lungwort are used (medicinal, obscure, softest), which are almost identical in their healing properties and composition, and therefore are used equally in traditional medicine (all the recipes given in this article can be prepared from one of the three listed types lungwort). So, we will give a description of each of the indicated types, after which we will proceed to consider their properties and applications.

Lungwort obscure

This type of lungwort, which is also called the dark lungwort, is rightfully considered the most common in Eastern Europe.

Lungwort obscure is a perennial with a fairly thick brown rhizome. Absolutely the entire plant is covered with stiff, standing and glandular hairs.

The ribbed and slightly bent stem of the dark lungwort rarely exceeds 30 cm in height. This plant blooms immediately after the snow melts, lifting its stems above the ground. As the flowering progresses, the stems of the plant increase, reaching a size of about 20 - 30 cm.

Green stem leaves, without spots, medium-sized and oblong.

The flowers of Lungwort obscure, collected in an inflorescence-curl, are concentrated at the end of the stem.

The dry fruits of this type of lungwort break up in the process of ripening into four one-seeded nuts, and after the seeds ripen, absolutely the entire flowering shoot dies off together with the leaves, and the so-called basal rosettes develop in the plant.

Mostly the flowers of the lungwort are of an unclear lilac color, although there are specimens with purple or white flowers.

Lungwort officinalis

Lungwort medicinal mainly grows in the forests of Central and Eastern Europe, in the British Isles. In Russia, this plant can be found in the Kaliningrad region.

This perennial rhizomatous plant reaches a height of up to 30 cm, and has erect and hairy stems.

The leaves of the lungwort officinalis are covered with light spots, their length does not exceed 15 cm. The light spots on the foliage of the plant are a strongly loosened tissue, dotted with stomata. All lungwort leaves are rough and pubescent.

Flowers-bells, located at the ends of the stem, have a double perianth.

The fruit of the plant ripening in July is a nut with fairly fleshy appendages (the nuts have points at the ends).

The rhizome of this type of lungwort is very developed and quite thick.

Lungwort soft (softest)

This type of lungwort is common from Western Europe to Asia Minor, it is not rare in Eastern Siberia. The softest lungwort prefers light, moderately dry places and rich minerals soil.

The roots of the softest lungwort have a powerful rhizome Brown color and many adventitious roots.

The height of this plant varies between 10 - 50 cm, this species differs from other types of lungwort by the presence of soft velvety and slightly sticky pubescence.

The stem, branched at the inflorescence, is erect and glandular in places.

The leaves of the soft lungwort gradually taper towards the petiole. It should be noted that the upper side of the leaves is glandular in places, while the lower side is velvety-pubescent and lighter. The leaves of the plant remain green until autumn.

The bisexual flowers of the plant, collected in fairly dense curls, have correct form and grow on glandular pedicels directly in the axils of the leaves.

The fruit of the lungwort is a dark brown nut.

Collection and storage

For medicinal purposes, both the aerial part of the lungwort and the roots of the plant are used.

The aerial part is harvested during budding and flowering: for example, flowering shoots (possibly with leaves) are cut off near the soil, after which they are folded in small bunches and hung in a ventilated room to dry. You can also dry the raw materials in the sun or using dryers (the temperature should not exceed 40 degrees). It is important to dry the raw material quickly, which will help prevent its blackening.

The roots are collected and dried enough long time autumn.

After drying, it is advisable to grind all parts of the plant (grind) and grind into powder.

Dried raw materials are stored in dense fabric or paper bags.

flowering lungwort

The lungwort blooms in the second - fourth year of life, while on a brightened area the plant blooms earlier than in the shade (later the lungwort will bloom annually, bearing fruit and giving self-sowing).

As mentioned above, lungwort is one of those plants that appear in the forests with the advent of spring: for example, there is still snow in damp hollows, while bees actively collect pollen from lungwort, gaining strength after a long winter.

Composition and properties of lungwort

Anthocyanins
Action:

• reduce the fragility of both capillaries and blood vessels;
• normalize the functions of the central nervous system;
• slow down the aging process;
• regulate metabolism;
• remove the inflammatory process;
• strengthen the heart muscle;
• eliminate bleeding of various origins;
• reduce the risk of developing cancer, as well as diabetes.

Flavonoids
Action:

• prevent sclerotic lesions of capillaries;
• remove free radicals;
• normalize blood pressure;
• regulate heart rate;
• strengthen the vascular walls;
• have a calming effect on the nervous system;
• stimulate the functions of the adrenal cortex.

Allantoin
Action:

• regenerates and softens the skin;
• narrows enlarged pores;
• smoothes and moisturizes the skin;
• stimulates metabolic processes directly in the tissues;
• helps retain moisture in top layer epidermis;
• actively renews cells;
• nourishes and moisturizes the hair roots, as well as the scalp.

Saponins
Action:

• contribute to increased secretion of bronchial glands;
• liquefy mucus;
• accelerate the synthesis of corticosteroids;
• excite the cough center;
• regulate water and salt exchanges;
• activate the activity of hormones;
• eliminate inflammation.

Slime
Action:

• relieve inflammation;
• promote sputum discharge;
• enhance the effect of certain drugs.

Silicic acid
Action:

• beneficial effect on connective tissue, regenerating it;
• promotes wound healing;
• softens and eliminates inflammatory processes localized in the mucous membrane of the stomach, intestines, and also the oral cavity;
• removes toxins.

Vitamin C
Action:

• regulates oxidative and reduction processes of cellular respiration directly;
• strengthens capillaries;
• promotes the growth and development of bone tissue;
• strengthens the immune system;
• stimulates the production of adrenal hormones;
• normalizes the functions of the central nervous system, as well as endocrine glands;
• normalizes the process of hematopoiesis.

Carotene
Action:

• prevents the formation of tumors;
• regulates protein synthesis;
• normalizes metabolic processes;
• removes toxins and free radicals;
• prevents premature aging processes;
• strengthens the immune system;
• normalizes oxidative and reduction processes.

Tannins
The main task of tannins is to form a biological film that protects body tissues from adverse chemical, bacterial and mechanical influences. Also, these substances significantly reduce capillary permeability and constrict blood vessels.

Rutin
Action:

• helps to reduce the fragility and permeability of capillaries;
• dissolves atherosclerotic plaques, thereby preventing the development of stroke and heart attack;
• accelerates the process of blood clotting;
• lowers arterial and intraocular pressure;
• significantly slows down the heart rate;
• promotes bile formation;
• stimulates the work of the adrenal cortex;
• eliminates puffiness;
• relieves allergies.

Polyphenols
Action:

• relieve inflammation;
• eliminate gum disease;
• improve blood circulation;
• reduce the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases;
• remove radionuclides from the body;
• accelerate the healing process;
• maintains skin elasticity;
• help strengthen blood vessels;
• accelerate the process of recovery of patients with oncological diseases.

Iodine
Action:

• promotes an increase in the activity of enzymes;
• contributes to the full physical, mental and mental development;
• regulates functions of cardio-vascular system, gastrointestinal tract, reproductive, bone and muscle systems;
• enhances metabolic processes.

In addition to iodine, which is found in large quantities in the lungwort, the presence of manganese and potassium, copper and calcium, iron and vanadium, titanium and silver, nickel and strontium was revealed in this plant, which affect the body as follows:

• normalize redox processes;
• normalize the work of the pancreas;
• prevent the formation of cancer cells;
• lower the concentration of cholesterol;
• normalize metabolism;
• synthesize thyroid hormone;
• normalize the work of the central nervous system;
• strengthen the skeleton;
• prevent the formation of kidney stones;
• eliminate swelling;
• stimulate the production of substances and enzymes necessary for normal human life;
• prevent the development of atherosclerosis;
• normalize pressure;
• relieve spasms;
• strengthen immunity;
• contribute to the formation of hemoglobin.

Lungwort properties

• Emollient.
• Astringent.
• Anti-inflammatory.
• Diuretic.
• Hemostatic.
• Wound healing.
• Antiseptic.
• Expectorant.
• Painkiller.
• Enveloping.
• Hemostatic.

The benefits of lungwort

1. Regulates the functioning of the endocrine glands.
2. Promotes increased blood formation.
3. Stops bleeding.
4. Relieves inflammation.
5. Accelerates the process of wound healing.
6. Prevents the formation of blood clots.
7. Regulates alkaline-acid balance.
8. Purifies the blood.
9. Relieves pain syndrome.
10. Helps to expel mucus.
11. Normalizes the functioning of the nervous system.
12. Stimulates the immune system, increasing the body's defenses.
13. Restores the deficiency of potassium and iodine in the body.
14. Activates sexual function.
15. Strengthens hair and promotes their growth.
16. Accelerates the treatment of malignant neoplasms.

Treatment with lungwort

Both above-ground and underground parts of lungwort are used in the treatment of the following list of diseases:

• pulmonary tuberculosis;
• bleeding (menstrual, hemorrhoids, gastric, nasal);
• urolithiasis and kidney stones;
• cough;
• kidney inflammation;
• hoarseness;
• laryngitis;
• bronchitis;
• pneumonia;
• bronchial asthma;
• haemorrhoids;
• anemia;
• purulent wounds;
• bloody urine;
• scrofula;
• female diseases of inflammatory origin;
• lichen planus;
• furunculosis;
• collagenoses;
• toothache and headache;
• scrofula;
• jade;
• hemoptysis;
• gastritis;
• radiation injury;
• whites;
• pneumonia;
• fluid accumulation;
• catarrh of the upper respiratory tract.

Flowers

This part of the plant is used for medicinal purposes to strengthen the immune system, eliminate bleeding and inflammation. Lungwort flowers collected in early April can be brewed as tea, or you can make an alcohol tincture.

A liter jar is filled with one-third of the flowers of the plant, after which the container is filled to the top with vodka. The remedy is infused for two to three weeks, filtered and taken in 3 tsp. three times a day, diluted in 50 ml of boiled water.

Lungwort leaves

Fresh leaves of lungwort have hemostatic, wound-healing, astringent and antiseptic effects, therefore they are used to treat wounds and skin diseases. To speed up the healing process of wounds, a slurry prepared from crushed leaves should be applied to the affected area of ​​the skin.

From the leaves and stems of the plant, decoctions, infusions and tinctures are prepared, used in folk medicine to treat the diseases listed above.

In addition, the leaves of the lungwort are edible, as a result of which they can be used to prepare vitamin-enriched salads and soups (by the way, in England, the lungwort was specially grown as a salad plant).

Lungwort Salad
Ingredients:

• fresh young leaves of lungwort - 250 g;
• green onions - 100 g;
• hard boiled egg - 1 pc.

Lungwort leaves are washed and mixed with finely chopped onion and egg. All components are mixed, after which the salad is salted to taste and seasoned with a small amount of butter, sour cream or mayonnaise (it all depends on individual taste preferences).

Salad with lungwort and radish
Ingredients:

• fresh lungwort leaves - 200 g;
• radish - 200 g;
• sour cream - 40 g.

The lungwort is crushed, the radish is grated, after which both components are mixed, salted and seasoned with sour cream.

So simple yet delicious recipes(lungwort leaves taste like vermouth) will help strengthen the body, give strength and energy, enrich the body with vitamins.

Roots

Decoctions and infusions from the tubers and roots of lungwort have a diuretic, anti-inflammatory and wound-healing effect, they are indicated as internal and external agents in the treatment of inflammation of the rectum and mucous membranes, with skin lesions. An infusion from the roots of the plant is used for douching the vagina with whites.

The use of lungwort

Tincture

Lungwort tincture will help to cope with bronchitis, bronchial asthma, pneumonia, anemia.

30 g of dry lungwort leaves are poured into 500 ml of vodka and infused for 14 days. A filtered agent is taken in 2 tsp. three times a day before meals.

Taking such a tincture will help enhance the antitumor effect by 20 - 60 percent. It also significantly reduces the severity of anemia.

Infusion

An aqueous infusion of lungwort is indicated for prolonged cough, hoarseness, hemorrhoids, childhood tuberculosis, inflammation of the kidneys and urolithiasis. Externally, the infusion is used to restore the vaginal microflora, as well as to treat skin diseases (the infusion will help relieve itching and irritation, not to mention accelerating the "tightening" of long-term non-healing wounds).

To prepare the infusion 2 tsp. herbs are poured with 200 ml of boiling water, after which the remedy is infused for about two hours. The infusion is taken three times a day for a tablespoon, until the patient is completely cured.

Decoction

Decoctions from lungwort are an excellent emollient, enveloping, astringent and expectorant, used for catarrh of the respiratory tract, colds, coughs, and gastrointestinal diseases.

3 tbsp lungwort (its aerial part) pour 400 ml of boiling water, leave for three hours, squeeze out the raw materials. Drink a decoction of 100 ml 4-5 times a day. A more concentrated decoction is recommended to wash wounds, ulcers, boils.

In addition, this decoction can be used to gargle a sore throat and douche with whites.

• echinacea;
• thyme;
• rose hip;

Lungwort juice

Juice is the most valuable "part" of lungwort. It is used in the treatment of cancer, leukemia, thyroid disease, anemia, tuberculosis, and inflammatory diseases.

The juice contains a large amount of iodine, so it can be used as an analogue of the latter: for example, when applying a few drops of juice from a fresh lungwort, a yellow spot appears on the skin, as when using iodine.

fresh and canned juice lungwort will help to quickly stop the bleeding from the wound.

The juice of the plant, in order to exclude souring, is alcoholized in a ratio of 1: 1 with vodka.

When taking juice inside, dilute it in a ratio of 1:10 with water.

Instructions for use lungwort (BAA)

Today, lungwort is also sold as a dietary supplement, which is an excellent source of flavonoids and polyphenols.

This form of the drug is produced in the form of briquettes of 2.5 and 5 g.

Method of application and dosage
A 5 g briquette (or two briquettes at once, each 2.5 g) is brewed with a glass of boiling water, infused for 15 minutes, filtered, squeezed and taken in half a glass twice a day during meals.

The duration of the course is one month.

Contraindications:

• Individual intolerance.
• Breastfeeding period.

The softest lungwort: use for various diseases - video

Lungwort honey

For beekeepers, lungwort is of great interest for several reasons. First, she blooms in early spring, namely in the month of April, thus being one of the earliest honey plants. Secondly, this plant blooms for about 32 - 35 days, releasing a large amount of nectar: ​​for example, the honey productivity of the lungwort varies between 30 - 75 kg / ha. Thirdly, lungwort flowers are very popular with both bees and bumblebees.

Outwardly, as lotions, washings, baths and rinses, an infusion prepared according to the same recipe is used, but 4 tablespoons are used for 500 ml of boiling water. medicinal raw materials.

Infusion for diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, hemorrhoids and diarrhea

Pour 100 g of dry grass with 1 liter of boiling water, let the product brew for two hours, after which it should be filtered (the grass is then squeezed out and removed from the infusion). The infusion is taken in half a glass two to three times a day. In order to achieve the maximum result, the lungwort herb is mixed in a 1: 1 ratio with crushed flax seeds oregano hemorrhoids, as well as women's diseases and inflammation of the kidneys, the infusion is prepared according to a similar recipe, but it should be stronger. Before use, you should consult with a specialist.

Page 19 of 63

Lyubka bifolia- Platanthera bifolia (L.) Rich. This plant has another name - “night violet”: in the evening and at night, during the flowering period, the love exudes a strong pleasant smell, which noticeably weakens during the day. Perennial plant from the orchid family (Orchidaceae) with root tubers formed from adventitious roots. By the time of flowering there are two tubers: old - wrinkled and young - smooth, filled with spare substances. At the base of the flowering stem there are several brownish scaly leaves, and above - 1-2 leaves with a developed oval green plate up to 20 cm long and 3-7 cm wide. The flowers are collected in a brush 6-20 cm long, white. Perianth with a thin spur, at the bottom of which nectar accumulates. The fruit is a capsule with numerous small seeds. Lyubka blooms in May, the seeds ripen in July.
On the territory of the USSR, it is distributed in the forest and forest-steppe zone of the European part, in Altai, in the Sayans, in the Caucasus, in the mountains of Kazakhstan and Central Asia. Often found in all areas of the Non-Black Earth Region. It grows in light small-leaved, mixed and broad-leaved forests, green moss forests, on edges, glades, in shrubs, less often in upland meadows; throughout damp or damp places.
In addition to the high decorativeness, Lyubka is also known as medicinal plant. In medicine, young root tubers are used. They are collected after the flowering of the plant (July - August) and only those from which flowering stems have not grown.
They contain about 50% mucus, 27% starch, 5% proteins, 1% sugar, a small amount of calcium oxalate and other salts. Dried tubers are called "salep" in pharmacy. It is also used in medicine. Its action is enveloping and antitoxic, therefore, Salep is prescribed for poisoning with certain poisons that cause gastrointestinal upset, for chronic gastritis, peptic ulcer of the stomach and duodenum, colitis, various intestinal diseases in children, less often in acute and chronic bronchitis. In folk medicine, tubers are known as a means of maintaining strength in debilitated patients with tuberculosis, with severe and prolonged bleeding, etc.
Preparations from the tubers of a number of other orchids have a similar effect. However, most of these species cannot be harvested, as they have been thoroughly exterminated due to their beautiful flowers. Now a number of such plants are included in the Red Book of the USSR and are protected. Needs protection and two-leafed love, collected in large quantities for bouquets; it reproduces by seeds, but with great difficulty (the presence of mycorrhizal fungi is necessary).

Lungwort obscure, or medicinal, - Pulmonaria obscura Dumort. - a perennial plant from the borage family (Boraginaceae) with a peculiar development cycle. In spring, it develops flower-bearing shoots, on which fruits are then formed, and in summer vegetative shoots grow, represented by a bunch of large basal heart-shaped ovate or ovate-lanceolate pointed stiff-haired leaves, suddenly narrowed into a long narrow-winged petiole. Flowering stem 10-30 cm tall. Inflorescence few-flowered. Flowers drooping, on legs. Corolla 7-10 mm in diameter, tubular-bell-shaped, pink at the beginning of flowering, later blue-violet or blue. The calyx is preserved in fruit, 10-15 mm long, narrowly bell-shaped. Lungwort blooms in April - May, fruits ripen in June.
Distributed in all regions of the European part of the USSR, except for the Arctic. In the Non-Chernozem region, it is found in all areas. It grows in broad-leaved and coniferous-broad-leaved forests and their derivatives, along forest ravines and in thickets of shrubs; more often on humus-rich soil.
Lungwort is an early spring honey plant. Its aerial part (grass) has long been used in folk medicine. A hematopoietic complex of trace elements was found in it: manganese, iron, copper, as well as other trace elements, mucus, tannins (up to 10%), carotene, a lot (up to 0.15%) of ascorbic acid, rutin. The herb has anti-inflammatory, astringent, diuretic, hemostatic and wound healing properties. The manganese contained in it stimulates growth, activates vitamin B6, regulates the activity of some endocrine glands. A decoction of the herb is popularly used for pneumonia, catarrh of the upper respiratory tract, as well as for diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, inflammation of the female genital area. The leaves are used externally for scrofula as therapeutic baths, as well as in the form of lotions for abscesses and purulent wounds. Young leaves and shoots are eaten: they are used to make mashed potatoes, salads, soups.

Primrose real, or medicinal, rams, - Primula veris L. - a perennial plant from the primrose family (Primulaceae) with a short rhizome, cord-like adventitious roots (Fig. 14). All leaves are rosette, ovate, obtuse, suddenly narrowed into a petiole, wrinkled, crenate along the margin, 5-20 cm long and 2-6 cm wide. Inflorescence umbellate, drooping, on a leafless peduncle 10-30 cm long, with five-membered flowers facing one direction. Calyx angular-faceted, 8-15 mm long. The corolla is tubular, its tube is several times longer than the limb lobes, bright yellow. The fruit is a multi-seeded capsule, equal in length to the calyx. Blossoms in May, fruits ripen in June - July.

Rice. 14. Real primrose

Widespread in forest and steppe zones European part of the USSR. A common plant in all non-chernozem areas. It grows in light, sparse deciduous and mixed forests, clearings, edges, meadow slopes of ravines and hills, along forest roads and clearings.
The underground organs of primrose contain triterpenoids and essential oil, in elevated - essential oil and flavonoids. In
all parts of the plant have quite a lot of ascorbic acid. Primrose has long been used for medicinal purposes. Medicinal raw materials are flowers, leaves, rhizomes with roots. Primrose preparations increase the separation of mucus and excretion of urine, are used as a diaphoretic, antipyretic, expectorant and tonic. Infusion of flowers in folk medicine is recommended for insomnia. Leaves are an excellent remedy for hypo- and beriberi. Leaves and flower arrows are eaten fresh, salads, can be used for soups. Above-ground organs stain tissues in a brown-olive color. Primrose is an ornamental and honey plant.

There are about 10 species of lungwort, which are common in the temperate zone of Eurasia. In Russia, the most common lungwort obscure, or dark growing in deciduous and mixed forests, in shrubs. This is one of the earliest honey plants (hence the name). As soon as the snow melts in the forest, its short stems with beautiful flowers appear.

Lungwort has the ability to develop under the snow, forming shoots and blooming in early spring. Pale green flowers of this plant appear first, then they are "saturated" with color, gradually acquiring red, purple and, finally, lilac or blue color. The abundance of nectar, special organs for cross-pollination, as well as the transfer of seeds by ants, endow the lungwort with high adaptive qualities, however, despite this, the predatory primrose becomes a rare species.

Interesting coloring of lungwort flowers. As already mentioned, they are of two colors. What is this plant for? Firstly, the color contrast makes the plant more visible, and secondly, the color "tells" insects which flowers to sit on. The coloring of lungwort flowers is provided by plant dyes anthocyanins, which react to changes in the acidity of the environment in the same way as a litmus test familiar from a school chemistry course. Anthocyanins are red in an acidic environment and blue in an alkaline environment. The reaction of the cell sap of unpollinated lungwort flowers that secrete nectar is acidic, so they are pink. After pollination, nectar is not released, and the reaction of the cell sap becomes neutral or alkaline, and the flowers are lilac or blue. For an insect, this is a signal - in blue flowers don't climb! By the way, lighter pink flowers more noticeable against the dark background of last year's foliage and leaves of the plant. A similar phenomenon occurs in some other plants, such as forget-me-not, bruise, comfrey, borage. The buds of these plants are pink or red, and the flowers are blue or blue.

The Latin name of the genus (Pulmonaria) is translated as "lung", which indicates the healing properties of lungwort. Some varieties of this plant are grown as ornamentals. In some countries, lungwort is used in cooking. For example, in England, the basal leaves of this plant are used as a vegetable in salads.

Lungwort obscure or dark (Pulmonaria obscura Dum.)

Description of appearance:
flowers: Flowers on short stalks are collected in few-flowered, often paired curls, sometimes collected at the top of the stem in a corymb. The calyx is campanulate, incised into five short triangular teeth. Corolla up to 20 mm long, pink at the beginning of flowering, later turning blue, its broadly bell-shaped limb reaches 10 mm in diameter.
Leaves: Basal leaves are cordate-ovate, hard-bristle, suddenly narrowed into a long petiole; stem - alternate, oblong, acute, slightly decurrent.
Height: 8-30 cm.
Root: With thick brown rhizome and numerous adventitious roots.
Fruit: Erems are black, shiny, 3.5-4 mm long.
Lifespan: Perennial.
Habitat: Lungwort obscure grows in forests, mainly broad-leaved, in ravines, thickets of shrubs.
Prevalence: Eastern European look. IN Central Russia is a common plant in all areas.
Addition: The development cycle of the plant is "non-standard": flower-bearing shoots grow in early spring, lungwort blooms and bears fruit; only towards the end of flowering do numerous basal leaves grow, living until late autumn, while flowering shoots die off completely in May-June. Propagated by seeds, which are taken away by ants, and vegetatively - by branching rhizomes. Lungwort belongs to vegetatively inactive species, does not grow more than 4-5 cm per season. However, in sufficiently lit places, it often forms compact patches up to 40 cm in diameter. A popular ornamental early spring plant belonging to the "snowdrop" group. It is readily collected by amateurs for bouquets, which causes significant harm to lungwort populations in suburban forests. A good honey plant, especially valued by beekeepers because it gives an early plentiful bribe, which is so necessary for bees after wintering.

narrow-leaved lungwort (Pulmonaria angustifolia L.)

Description of appearance:
flowers: The flowers are collected on the tops of the stems in inflorescences-curls. The calyx is bell-shaped, with triangular-oblong teeth, equal to almost half the length of the calyx. The corolla is violet-blue or blue, up to 18 mm long, with a bell-shaped limb, its lobes are rounded.
Leaves: Leaves lanceolate and lanceolate-linear; basal - long and narrow (20-30 cm long and 2-3 cm wide), with winged petioles; stem - sessile, slightly descending, sharp.
Height: 10-40 cm.
Stem: The stems are strong, furrowed, their bases are covered with large brown scales.
Root: With short black rhizome and cord-like roots.
Fruit: Erems ovoid, sometimes slightly downy.
Flowering and fruiting time: Blossoms in April-May, fruits ripen in May-June.
Lifespan: Perennial.
Habitat: The narrow-leaved lungwort grows in light forests, on the edges, in thickets of shrubs, on sandy or carbonate soil, as well as on chernozem as part of steppe communities.
Prevalence: View with a European range, including the southern half of European Russia. In Central Russia, it occurs in all areas of the chernozem belt, rarely to the north, mainly in dry forests.
Addition: Plant with hard rough pubescence. In many areas of the chernozem belt of Central Russia, a European species is found in light forests and thickets of steppe shrubs - Soft lungwort (Pulmonaria mollis Wulfen ex Hornem.). This is a perennial herbaceous plant 10-50 cm high, soft and short velvety-pubescent, somewhat sticky from the admixture of glandular hairs. Its basal leaves are elliptical, very large, up to 50 cm long and up to 10 cm wide. Flowers with large violet-blue corollas are collected in curlic inflorescences. Blooms in April-May.