Bergenia root: medicinal properties, instructions for use, contraindications

Landscape designers and many gardeners are very familiar with this beautiful ornamental plant - bergenia. It can become a spectacular decoration for borders or a bright spot on the lawn. What is attractive about the plant is not only its shiny large dark green leaves, but also its very beautiful flowers collected in inflorescences. Their shape resembles a glass and can be pink, red, or white.

The advantages of this culture include long flowering, which begins in late spring or early summer. However, not everyone knows that this perennial herbaceous plant has long been used to treat various pathologies.

You may have seen tincture of bergenia root in pharmacies. It helps strengthen the immune system, normalize the gastrointestinal tract, and increase male potency. Traditional healers and herbalists successfully use the leaves and roots of bergenia to treat many diseases. What these drugs help with, what medicinal properties and contraindications they have - you will learn about all this from our article.

Description of the plant

Bergenia, which belongs to the saxifrage family, has a second, official name - bergenia. It was given in honor of the famous botanist Carl von Bergen from Germany. The plant is distributed in temperate Asian climates from China and Korea to Afghanistan. It also grows in our country - in Siberia, Altai, and the Sayan Mountains.

The thick root of perennial bergenia can branch and spread along the surface of the soil. From the rhizome grow leathery foxtails, the length of which can reach 35 centimeters. There are several varieties of the plant. The most common ones are:

• Pacific bergenia. The plant has bright flowers with a soft lilac tint. They resemble small bells. Large (up to 20 cm in diameter) rounded leaves are painted in a rich green color.
• Bergenia cordifolia. The height of this plant ranges from 20 to 40 centimeters. The beautiful inflorescences can be lilac, white, violet or pink, and the heart-shaped leaves are dark green.
• Bergenia thickleaf. It is this variety that is most often used in folk medicine. Thick-leaved bergenia grows up to 50 centimeters. Its beautiful dark pink flowers and light green leaves turn reddish-brown in the fall.

Recommendations from nutritionists for losing weight

Bergenia tea, the benefits of which are highly valued in folk medicine, is not often taken for weight loss. However, nutritionists believe that the drink should be introduced into the diet of overweight people. The roots and leaves of the plant contain isocoumarin bergenin, which prevents the accumulation of fats and accelerates metabolism.

When using tea while losing weight you need:

1. Drink the drink without sweeteners. The raw material contains up to 1.5 kcal per 100 g, so pure tea does not affect the figure, but sugars from additives increase the calorie content of the product.
2. Drink no more than 3 cups of tea per day.
3. Avoid bergenia if there are contraindications or if your health worsens.

Release forms

Bergenia root is supplied to pharmacies in our country in packages of 30-100 g of crushed raw materials, in the form of an alcohol tincture (50 ml) or in the form of powder in filter bags. The crushed raw material consists of pieces of root, scales of leaf petioles of light pink or light brown color. It has a pronounced astringent taste.

Pharmacy tincture is a dark brown liquid with a characteristic odor. Instructions for using bergenia root in the form of a tincture are included with each package. It is used for external use, gargling and mouthwash, in gynecology. The drug is taken internally according to the instructions or as prescribed by a doctor for diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, lungs, colds and flu.

As a rule, doctors prescribe a course of treatment with tincture and give their recommendations on dosage and duration of treatment depending on the disease and condition of the patient. According to the instructions, the tincture should be taken orally, ½ spoon (teaspoon) 30 minutes before each meal. Treatment can last from a week to three. Then you need to take a ten-day break and, if necessary, repeat the course.

For preventive purposes, the tincture is used in the same way, but the drug is taken for a week. Repeat the course every three months.

Chemical composition of roots and leaves

The beneficial properties of tea, tinctures and decoctions with bergenia are due to its chemical composition.

The roots contain:

• from 15 to 27% tannins;
• calcium oxalate;
• 7–9% each of sucrose, glucose;
• glycosides;
• bergenin;
• up to 40% starch;
• essential oils;
• phlobafens;
• resinous substances;
• up to 36% polyphenols;
• dextrin;
• vitamin C.

Mineral composition of 100 g of rhizomes:

• calcium - 2469 mg;
• potassium - 1052 mg;
• barium - 608.89 mg;
• strontium - 418.36 mg;
• magnesium - 265 mg;
• sulfur - 225.67 mg;
• cadmium - 154.03 mg;
• zinc - 128 mg;
• copper - 38.6 mg;
• nickel - 30.12 mg;
• iron - 16.58 mg;
• manganese - 15.48 mg;
• aluminum - 12.36 mg;
• cobalt - 6.12 mg;
• lead - 5.26 mg;
• chromium - 4.25 mg;
• vanadium - 3.58 mg;
• boron - 59.2 mcg.

Chemical composition of bergenia leaves:

• about 22% arbutin;
• up to 23% tannins;
• 4% free hydroquinone;
• gallic and ellagic acids;
• copper;
• iron;
• manganese;
• vitamin C;
• carotene;
• resins;
• essential oils;
• flavonoids;
• coumarins.

ethnoscience

Herbalists and traditional healers use the leaves of the plant - they are collected and dried after winter, and then prepared as a tea. Such tea is today known as Chigir or Mongolian tea. But it is the bergenia root that is most often used for medicinal purposes. What is treated with drugs based on it?

The roots contain powerful polyphenolic compounds with antioxidant properties. It is thanks to polyphenols that the roots of this plant help:

• normalize metabolism;
• prevent the development of atherosclerosis;
• improve metabolism by burning fat;
• reduce the risk of developing heart and vascular diseases.

Thanks to these medicinal properties, bergenia roots in the form of a decoction are used to improve blood circulation and strengthen the walls of blood vessels.

Expert opinion, video

Infectious disease doctors often recommend herbal remedies with bergenia to get rid of various intestinal and other infections, as well as to treat colds, flu and viral diseases.

Doctor Golesheva Elena Sergeevna says that medicines from this plant are effective in the fight against pathogenic and conditionally pathogenic microflora of the intestines and genitourinary system. She also notes that products with bergenia normalize hormonal levels and help avoid age-related decreases in the production of sex hormones. This indirectly improves the condition of the urinary system.

Application

Representatives of traditional medicine use bergenia preparations for:

• lung problems;
• respiratory diseases;
• cough, flu;
• duodenal ulcer;
• gastritis;
• gynecological diseases;
• bleeding after childbirth;
• liver diseases;
• hemorrhoids;
• uterine fibroids;
• sore throat;
• thrush;
• stomatitis.

To date, the medicinal properties and contraindications of bergenia have been well studied. Decoctions, infusions, alcohol and water tinctures are prepared from the leaves and roots of the plant.

External use

Compresses and lotions made from incense decoction will help reduce bruises and speed up the healing of ulcers and wounds. To prepare it, pour 250 ml of boiling water into three tablespoons (tablespoons) of dried and crushed raw materials and place on low heat. The liquid should evaporate by half. Strain the mixture and apply compresses to the affected areas three times a day.

This decoction can be used for rinsing with seborrhea, diluting it with water (1:10) before use. At least 10 procedures are required.

Bergenia tincture

We talked about the fact that an alcoholic tincture of bergenia can be purchased at a pharmacy. If you do not have such an opportunity, you can infuse bergenia root with vodka. The medicinal properties of such a drug are in no way inferior to those from the pharmacy. The crushed raw materials (40 g) are poured with high-quality vodka (100 ml). The container is tightly closed and put in a dark place for 14 days. Shake the bottle periodically. After this, the composition should be filtered and stored in a cool place. Vodka tincture is used to treat diseases of the bronchi and lungs. Before taking, you need to dissolve 30 drops of tincture in a tablespoon of water. Take the composition half an hour before meals.

How to properly prepare and store

To obtain high-quality raw materials, you need to use the following recommendations for collection, preparation and storage:

• roots. We take from plants older than 3 years. We dig it up after flowering has finished. We clean the product from small roots and rinse with water. Dry the raw materials in a dry, ventilated room or outside if there is no rain. The ready-to-use product has a yellow tint and crumbles easily in your hands. Place the roots in a glass jar or canvas bag and store in a dark place for 2 - 3 years;
• leaves. For harvesting, we select raw materials that have overwintered on the bushes. We cut the foliage from the plant in the spring after the snow melts. We dry it outside in the shade or in the oven at a temperature of 60 degrees. When pressed with your fingers, the finished product breaks into small pieces. We store the leaves in tightly closed paper bags for 1.5 - 2 years.

Use in gynecology

Bergenia root is used in gynecology in the form of a decoction of the roots for douching. In addition, it can be used in the treatment of the genitourinary system. To prepare the decoction, you need six tablespoons (tablespoons) of crushed raw materials, brew 0.4 liters of boiling water and place in a water bath for a quarter of an hour. The composition must be cooled and strained. For douching, the decoction is used diluted in a ratio of 1:10. Boiled water is used for dilution.

For internal use during postpartum bleeding or heavy menstruation, prepare a decoction in the same way from one spoon of raw materials and a glass of boiling water. Take the remedy before meals three times a day, a tablespoon.

The healing properties of bergenia for the body

Thanks to its extremely rich composition, bergenia has a complex effect on the human body. Herbal tinctures, decoctions, extracts and infusions have a pronounced astringent, antimicrobial, diuretic, wound healing and antipyretic effect.

Herbal preparations, which include bergenia, have a number of medicinal properties:

• stop bleeding and accelerate wound healing;
• normalize blood pressure;
• fight inflammatory and infectious processes;
• eliminate headaches and migraine attacks;
• strengthens the walls of blood capillaries, improves their tone and elasticity;
• removes excess fluid from the body, fights swelling and prevents its occurrence.

Due to its medicinal properties, bergenia is used to improve immunity, since this herb has an immunomodulatory effect, increasing the body's resistance to infections, viruses and pathogenic microorganisms.

For men

Bergenia is indispensable for the male body. Decoctions, teas and infusions of this plant are useful to drink for erectile dysfunction. It effectively increases potency. Thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties, herbal remedies based on bergenia eliminate congestion in the pelvic area, which has a positive effect on erection.

Bergenia contains an increased dosage of the antioxidant arbutin, which has an antiseptic effect.

That is why natural extracts of bergenia are contained in many medications intended for the treatment of prostate adenoma and a number of other urological diseases.

Rinsing your hair with a decoction or infusion of bergenia will help men solve the problem of premature baldness. These herbal remedies strengthen hair follicles, reduce hair loss and activate microcirculation, stimulating the growth of new hairs.

For women

Herbal preparations with bergenia are very popular among women, since this herbaceous plant is considered one of the most fast-acting and effective for gynecological diseases.

Bergenia decoction is used in the complex treatment of fibroids, inflammatory processes in the ovaries, cervical erosion, colpitis, fibroids, and cervical erosion. Douching and sitz baths with this remedy often complement drug therapy.

To prepare the decoction, pour 10 tablespoons of pre-crushed raw materials with 2 glasses of water and place in a water bath for 25-35 minutes. Strain the finished broth through gauze folded in several layers and use for daily douching.

No less useful are decoctions and infusions of bergenia for too heavy, prolonged and painful menstruation. This plant reduces the unpleasant symptoms of PMS and normalizes the menstrual cycle.

The healing properties of bergenia for children

Decoctions, infusions and teas from bergenia effectively fight diseases of the upper respiratory tract and colds. They strengthen children's immunity and increase the body's resistance to viruses and pathogens.

Due to its medicinal properties, bergenia is recommended by traditional medicine to combat stool disorders in children. To prepare a medicinal tea, pour boiling water over a teaspoon of crushed plant leaves and leave to infuse for 15-20 minutes. The prepared drink should be given to the child throughout the day instead of tea.

All herbal remedies that contain bergenia can be used for children over 7 years of age and only after prior consultation with a pediatrician.

For pregnant and lactating women

Bergenia is a medicinal plant containing a huge amount of biologically active substances that can cause various disturbances in the digestive system, as well as lead to stool disorders.

Bergenia during pregnancy can provoke hormonal fluctuations in the body, tachycardia, shortness of breath, deterioration of the nervous system - nervousness, anxiety, sudden mood swings. Therefore, women during pregnancy and breastfeeding should avoid such herbal remedies.

In some cases, herbal remedies based on bergenia can be used to prevent uterine bleeding in pregnant women. But in such cases, treatment is carried out under medical supervision.

Treatment of diarrhea

The use of bergenia root for diarrhea is due to the tannins it contains. A decoction prepared from the roots of a medicinal plant can be taken by both adults and children over three years of age. If a child has an upset stomach, prepare a healing tea from a teaspoon of roots and 250 ml of boiling water. The tea should be steeped for ten minutes, after which it must be strained. Give the child a glass of the drink in the morning and evening. To improve its taste, you can add a spoonful of natural honey to it.

For adults with such problems, prepare a decoction of the roots from a tablespoon of raw materials and 200 ml of boiling water. The roots are brewed for half an hour under a closed lid. After this, the composition is placed on low heat and boiled for three minutes. The broth is filtered, cooled at room temperature and taken before meals three times a day, one tablespoon (tablespoon).

This decoction can also be used to treat children with intestinal disorders, but the dosage is halved (1/2 tablespoon).

Is it possible for children

Bergenia tea can be used to treat children over 5 years of age. The drink is not suitable for children because it contains a large amount of tannins, which are prohibited at an early age. However, you can give your child products with bergenia only with the permission of the pediatrician after an allergy test.

A safe way to test your reaction to bergenia is to apply the decoction to your wrist. If 30 minutes after treatment of the skin no rash or other side effect appears, you can give the child 1 teaspoon of weakly brewed infusion. The dose of the drink should be increased gradually.

Haemorrhoids

Bergenia root will relieve the symptoms of hemorrhoids. Warm baths are recommended for this. To prepare them, you will need 30 grams of bergenia root and 0.5 liters of water. Pour the crushed raw materials into a thermos and fill it with boiling water. The composition is infused for at least an hour. After this, you need to strain and pour into a small bowl, diluting with water in a ratio of 1:2. The bath temperature should be no higher than 40 degrees. The duration of the procedure is no more than 20 minutes.

To eliminate the symptoms of the disease, it is necessary to complete the course of treatment completely. It lasts 15 days, although, according to reviews, you will feel relief and pain reduction after the first procedure.

Application in oncology

Decoctions, infusions and tinctures from bergenia root can be included in a course of complex therapy in the treatment of cancer. An example of this is treatment according to the Golyuk method, which combined the most effective means of traditional medicine in the treatment of this formidable disease. This method, developed by a famous folk healer, consists of treatment using a combination of medicinal plants: celandine, marina root, bergenia and eleutherococcus.

The course of treatment using the Golyuk method lasts three months and consists of sequentially taking the following tinctures:

• Peony (marina root) - take 30-40 drops three times a day during the entire course of treatment.
• Bergenia roots - take two teaspoons for three days an hour before meals in the morning, afternoon and evening.
• Celandine - take a tablespoon 40 minutes before meals three times a day for the next three days.
• Then take eleutherococcus tincture for three days - a teaspoon half an hour before meals.

Then they again begin to take the infusion of bergenia and the rest of the herbs in the described sequence until the full course of treatment has been completed (three months). Before use, alcohol tinctures are diluted in 50 ml of water. If metastases are detected in the liver, alcohol tinctures should be replaced with water ones. Apply compresses from incense infusion to the area of ​​the neoplasm twice a day. In the first month and a half, the infusion is diluted with water in a ratio of 1:2; in the second half of the course, undiluted infusion is used for compresses.

The healing properties of bergenia in cosmetology

Thanks to its pronounced anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and cleansing properties, bergenia has also found wide use in the field of cosmetology. Herbal products based on it are excellent for oily, problematic skin prone to regular redness, rashes and acne.

To prepare the remedy, dry the bergenia root and grind it in a coffee grinder to a powder. Pour two tablespoons of this mixture into a glass of medical alcohol, vodka or moonshine, seal tightly and place in a dark place to infuse for 6-8 days.

The prepared alcohol tincture of bergenia is used as a lotion for pustular rashes and seborrheic dermatitis. It normalizes sebum production and reduces the unpleasant sebaceous layer of facial skin.

The lotion is applied to the cleansed face for 10-15 minutes, after which the remaining product is washed off with plenty of warm water. Then apply a nourishing or restorative cream to the skin, since the alcohol base of the tincture dries out the skin.

Decoctions and infusions of bergenia can be used as a facial toner. Natural herbal remedy has a positive effect on the skin:

• cleanses acne and pustules;
• improves complexion, fights redness and age spots;
• tightens skin pores, making them less noticeable;
• reduces the number of blackheads;
• stimulates natural renewal and regeneration of skin cells.

Bergenia is no less useful for hair. An alcohol tincture of the plant activates blood circulation in the scalp, strengthens hair follicles, reducing hair loss. To do this, the herbal remedy should be evenly distributed over the scalp along the partings, insulated with a shower cap or plastic wrap and left for 25 minutes. After this, you need to thoroughly rinse your hair with your regular shampoo.

When using alcohol tincture of bergenia, you need to take into account that this product is not suitable for dry skin and hair, as it dries them out even more. In such cases, it is better to replace the alcohol tincture with decoctions and water infusions of bergenia.

Bergenia contraindications

It is necessary to take into account the medicinal properties and contraindications of bergenia when using drugs based on it. Do not forget that the vast majority of medicinal herbs have contraindications, and treatment with them, instead of the expected benefits, can be harmful to health. Badan in this sense is no exception.

Some compounds found in bergenia roots may affect blood clotting. Therefore, people prone to blood clots should not use these drugs. In addition, you should avoid treatment with bergenia-based drugs if:

• hypotension;
• angina pectoris;
• tachycardia;
• chronic constipation;
• arrhythmias;
• increased blood clotting;
• thrombophlebitis;
• individual intolerance.

Any preparations based on bergenia can be used only after consultation with a herbalist or attending physician.

Pregnant and lactating

Traditional healers of ancient times recommended bergenia drinks to women in early pregnancy. Due to its ability to reduce the likelihood of bleeding, bergenia was taken to prevent miscarriage. However, modern doctors believe that the benefits of the plant during pregnancy and breastfeeding are questionable.

The disadvantage of the product is that it can have an effect that threatens the health of the mother and child:

1. Disturb the bowel cleansing regimen.
2. Change hormonal levels.
3. Provoke nervousness in a woman and insomnia in a baby.

Due to possible risks, doctors recommend consulting with a specialist before starting to take bergenia. If he allows you to use the product, you must adhere to the scheme he developed.