Common mantle (lat. Alchemilla vulgaris) is a perennial herbaceous plant of the Rosaceae family. Its other names are bear's paw, woman's grass, heavenly dew, god's tear, breastfeeding, dewberry, eyelash, rue, etc. The herb is known for its anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and hemostatic effects. It is used in official and folk medicine to treat gynecological problems, gastrointestinal diseases, tuberculosis, obesity and other pathological conditions.
What kind of grass is mantle, what does it look like and where does it grow?
Mantle grass grows in North America, Asia, East Africa, Europe, the CIS countries, Siberia - in meadows, forest edges, forests and along roads.
photo of a plant in its natural habitat
The botanical description is characterized by the following features:
The root of the cuff is thick and strong with numerous branches. The stem reaches 40 cm, branched, creeping. The leaves of the cuff have a rich green color, palmate-lobed structure and a round shape with frills. Dew accumulates in the middle of the leaf, for which the cuff is nicknamed the tear of God. The plant blooms all summer, and under favorable conditions it can bloom twice per season. The flowers are inconspicuous, small, greenish-yellow, collected in an inflorescence - false umbrellas. Forms fruits - nuts with cups. Propagated by seeds and vegetatively.
About 40 species of the plant are known, but only the sparkling cuff and the common cuff, which have general healing abilities, are used in medicine.
Composition of grass cuff
The cuff, the medicinal properties and contraindications of which are determined by the chemical composition, is rich in the following biologically active components;
- Phytosterols;
- Ascorbic acid;
- Phenolcarboxylic acids;
- Lignins;
- Tannins;
- Flavonoids;
- Fatty acids;
- Coumarins;
- Lipids;
- Leukoanthocyanidins;
- Bitters, resins;
- Kakheti;
- Minerals (iron, boron, copper, manganese, zinc, molybdenum, nickel).
For harvesting, the plant can be collected in the wild, or it can be grown at home
Collection, preparation, storage of cuffs
You can start collecting the green part of the grass at the end of May and until the end of September. Some traditional healers also use the roots of the plant, which can be dug up at the end of September.
It is better to collect in the daytime after the dew has dried on the branches of the plant. The entire above-ground part is cut off, and the roots are dug out with a shovel. The green part must be sorted out well, and any spoiled leaves and twigs must be discarded. Wash the roots to remove dirt.
The grass can be hung in bunches or laid out on a flat surface in a dark place. To speed up the process, it is recommended to use electric dryers.
The roots are laid out in an even layer in a dark place, preferably in the attic under a metal roof. For good drying of the grass and roots, in addition to heat, you also need good ventilation, otherwise all the raw materials will simply become damp.
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After drying, place all raw materials in cotton bags. The herb is stored for about a year, then it begins to taste bitter. Should be stored in a dry, well-ventilated place.
The healing properties of the cuff
The benefit of the common cuff lies in its therapeutic effects:
- Stimulates the activity of the endocrine glands and the formation of hormones;
- Relieves inflammatory processes, eliminates bacterial infections, removes staphylococci, salmonella, fungi and ammonia from the body;
- Stops bleeding;
- Normalizes cardiovascular function, narrows blood vessels and improves their elasticity, reduces permeability and fragility of capillaries;
- Improves the functioning of the central nervous system;
- Increases physical and mental activity, strengthens the immune system;
- Normalizes the functioning of the stomach and intestines, eliminates the symptoms of poisoning with poisons and heavy metals;
- Regulates mineral metabolism, improves metabolism, accelerates the process of energy formation;
- Stimulates the functioning of the kidneys and liver, accelerates bile formation and its removal from the body;
- Normalizes hematopoiesis, improves the process of iron absorption, which prevents the occurrence of anemia;
- Neutralizes the destructive effect of free radicals, providing an anti-sclerotic effect and preventing the process of premature aging of the body.
The cuff has an astringent, wound-healing, immunostimulating, anti-inflammatory, detoxifying, antioxidant, enterosorbing effect on the human body.
Contraindications and harm of the cuff
If there are no medical restrictions on taking the cuff, then this plant is a safe remedy approved for use by adults and children. Contraindications are increased blood clotting and individual intolerance. In rare cases, a side effect such as diarrhea may occur.
with a cuff, various medical and homeopathic remedies are prepared for the treatment and prevention of various diseases
Chemical composition of the herb
The chemical composition of the bear's paw is truly rich, diverse and unique.
And you can see this for yourself:
- Phytosterols (steroids) help improve metabolism, normalize the activity of the cardiovascular system, and improve immunity. They help in the treatment of many female diseases and help normalize the menstrual cycle.
- Bioflavonoids are a strong antioxidant, especially help fight the influenza virus and neutralize the action of enzymes that can destroy hyaluronic acid.
- Lignin is capable of removing heavy metal salts, toxins, microorganisms and some types of fungi.
- Coumarins promote rapid healing of wounds and any skin damage, and also suppress the growth of malignant tumors.
- Vitamin C helps strengthen the immune system, normalizes the functioning of the central nervous system and hematopoietic processes.
- Phenolcarboxylic acids slow down the development of inflammatory processes in the body, improve the functioning of the kidneys and digestive organs.
- Tannins have astringent properties and help reduce the permeability of capillaries and blood vessels.
- Leukoanthocyanidins are essential for the prevention of Alzheimer's disease and diabetes.
- Bitterness improves digestion and stimulates the production of gastric juice.
Pharmaceutical preparations with a common cuff
The common cuff is used in medicine, homeopathy, medicines are prepared on its basis, the plant is included in herbal preparations, balms and dietary supplements for the treatment and prevention of many diseases.
Common mantle grass is a dry raw material for preparing medicinal infusions and decoctions.
Elixir "Ginex" is a homeopathic medicine for the treatment of diseases of the stomach, spleen, pancreas, gynecological diseases, and hormonal imbalances.
“Gineconorm” is available in the form of herbal phytocapsules intended for the treatment of menstrual disorders, uterine fibroids, fibroids, cervical erosion, uterine bleeding, pyelonephritis, cystitis.
Indications for use
- Epilepsy;
- Chronic pyelonephritis;
- Cystitis;
- Obesity;
- Systemic lupus erythematosus;
- Colitis, dyspepsia, sluggish intestinal motility, enteritis, flatulence, enterocolitis;
- Internal bleeding;
- Dropsy;
- Dysbacteriosis;
- Exudative diathesis;
- Tuberculosis, upper respiratory tract diseases, pneumonia, bronchial asthma, bronchitis;
- Haemorrhoids;
- Edema of cardiac and renal origin;
- Rheumatism;
- Menstrual irregularities, hypermenstrual syndrome, dysmenorrhea;
- Gout;
- Migraine;
- Arrhythmia, myocardial infarction, angina pectoris;
- Blood diseases;
- Venous insufficiency;
- Malaria;
- Dislocations, sprains;
- Diabetes;
- Diseases of the spinal cord and brain;
- Inflammation of the mammary glands.
Preparations from the cuff herb are used externally for nosebleeds, ulcers, inflammation of the eyelids, furunculosis, wounds, acne; orally - for gastritis, colitis accompanied by diarrhea, diseases of the bladder and kidneys, atherosclerosis, colds, gastric and duodenal ulcers.
Traditional medicine recipes. Preparation of remedies and treatment. List of diseases
The beneficial properties and contraindications of the cuff allow it to be used in the treatment of pathological conditions:
- Gynecological diseases: inflammation, vaginitis, menopause, uterine bleeding.
- Digestive organs: gastrointestinal ulcers, peristalsis disorders, dyspepsia, inflammation of the liver and bile ducts, cholecystitis, colitis, enterocolitis, diarrhea.
- Respiratory organs: pneumonia, bronchitis, laryngitis, cough, tuberculosis.
- Urinary organs: cystitis, pyelonephritis, ascites.
- Metabolism: diabetes, obesity, gout.
- Cardiovascular system: atherosclerosis, hypertension, thrombophlebitis, varicose veins.
- Nervous system: neuroses, insomnia.
- Skin: eczema, wounds, burns, ulcers, acne, ulcers.
To treat these diseases, the cuff is used to prepare decoctions, infusions, tinctures and other medicinal products.
For the preparation of medicinal products, the above-ground part of the plant is used, which has the greatest medicinal effectiveness.
Infusions
The infusion relieves inflammation of the intestines and enhances its peristalsis, heals hemorrhoids, and accelerates the removal of mucus from the bronchi. A cuff is useful in gynecology - in case of heavy menstruation, bleeding, leucorrhoea, douching is performed. An infusion in the form of a compress removes inflammation of the eyes and treats a runny nose.
- boiling water in the amount of 250 ml. and 3 tsp. the herbs are placed in a warm place for two hours. Strain and drink 1/2 cup before meals up to 4 times a day or use for procedures.
Tinctures
Alcohol tincture is used to treat the urinary and digestive systems:
- 50 gr. The cuffs are added to half a liter of alcohol, sealed and placed in a warm and dark place to infuse, during which the contents are periodically shaken. After two weeks, filter and take a teaspoon before meals.
For heart pain and sluggish metabolism, prepare an infusion of red wine:
- 200 gr. dry red wine and 5 gr. combine herbs. Seal the container and place in a dark place for a day. Strain the finished infusion and drink 1 tbsp up to 3 times a day. l.
Decoctions
The decoction is used externally as an anti-inflammatory and wound-healing agent for weeping eczema, acne and itchy wounds. It is taken orally for bleeding and coughing as an antitussive and expectorant. The drink helps with rheumatism and gout.
- 2 tbsp. l. Place the leaves of the plant in a container with a glass of water and let it simmer for 5 minutes. Strain the cooled broth and drink 1/2 cup up to 3 times a day before meals.
Juice
The juice is squeezed from young stems and leaves. For diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, dysentery, diarrhea, take 1 tsp. up to 4 times a day.
leaves of the cuff are used in medical practice and in cooking
Leaves
Cuff leaves are rich in resinous substances, ascorbic acid, phytosterol and phytohormones, similar to female hormones. Therefore, it is recommended to use decoction and infusion with leaves to relieve the symptoms of menopause. The leaves contain less tannins (up to 2.5 mg), but more vitamin C (up to 200 mg). Therefore, young leaves are used in cooking to enrich dishes with vitamins and other useful substances. To do this, they need to be scalded with boiling water, cooled and used in preparing salads, vinaigrettes, and vegetable dishes. You can make a decoction of 5-6 leaves and a glass of boiling water and add it to compote or kvass in a ratio of 1:5.
Salad
A healing salad is prepared with the cuff, which replenishes the body with useful substances, has a therapeutic effect and a preventive effect against the occurrence of various diseases.
- Young leaves of the cuff are immersed in boiling water for a couple of minutes, the water is drained. Spinach, sorrel, onion, and dressing are added to the leaves.
Tea
The drink is useful for relieving an attack of menopausal syndrome and relieving pain during heavy menstruation. Tea with cuff normalizes the functioning of the stomach and intestines, improves metabolism, and is taken for weight loss. Helps with colds, fever, stress, insomnia, obesity.
- 2 tsp. cuffs and 250 ml. Leave boiling water for 10 minutes, then strain and drink up to 3 cups throughout the day.
tea with cuff has a wide range of therapeutic effects and is recommended for use by all categories of citizens
The benefits of tea with cuff for weight loss are explained by the warming effect, stimulation of blood circulation and metabolism, which promotes active weight loss.
Fees
The common cuff is included in medicinal herbal preparations that have a therapeutic effect for various diseases.
For diabetes: take flax seeds, mantle grass, juniper, blueberry leaves - all in equal proportions. 2 tbsp. l. The medicinal mixture is placed in a container with 1/2 liters. water. Keep on low heat for 10 minutes. Drink 10 ml of the infused and cooled decoction. twice a day.
For infertility: take mantle, black pepper, cinnamon bark, pepper knotweed in equal quantities. 1 tbsp. l. the collection is poured with a glass of boiling water, brought to a boil and simmered over low heat for 10 minutes. The cooled broth is drunk throughout the day.
For inflammation of the ovaries, vaginosis and vaginitis: take cuff and sage herbs in proportions of 3 and 1 tbsp. l, pour 1/2 l. boiling water, leave for 20 minutes. Take the infusion orally, one teaspoon at a time. three times a day and douching with warm infusion.
Treatment for men
For men, the cuff is a good remedy for impotence. It eliminates inflammation and infectious lesions of the genitourinary system, restores reproductive function, treats prostatitis and urethritis. Therapeutic products with a cuff regulate cholesterol levels and strengthen blood vessels, which is very important for men, since they are more susceptible to cardiovascular diseases.
the herb has a beneficial effect on maintaining women's health and beauty
Treatment of women
If a woman has health problems in the gynecological area, the cuff gives a good therapeutic effect. The phytohormones contained in the plant can normalize hormonal levels, alleviate menopause and have a therapeutic effect in case of infertility. To treat inflammation of the uterus, erosions and leucorrhoea, a herbal decoction is prepared:
- mantle, hogweed, burnet root and bergenia (in proportions 3:1:1:1). 2 tbsp. l. Place the mixture in half a liter of water, bring to a boil and simmer over low heat for 3 minutes. Leave for an hour and strain. Use the product warm for douching up to 2 times a day. The course of procedures is 10 days (not during menstruation). The duration of therapy is from 2 to 6 months, but consultation with a doctor is necessary.
The cuff during pregnancy is approved for use from the 14th week. It helps prepare the mother's body for childbirth and reduces nervous excitability. The expectant mother can drink tea from the cuff; the drink helps with the incorrect location of the placenta and the threat of miscarriage. After childbirth, the cuff stops bleeding and helps increase breast milk production.
Rule 2: sleep at least 10 hours a day
In the third trimester of gestation, proper rest is very important. Sufficient sleep is the key to your good health, excellent mood, and normal fetal development.
The duration of sleep should be such that after waking up you feel rested and alert. And if for non-pregnant women it is enough to sleep 7-8 hours, then expectant mothers need to rest more - at least 10 hours a day.
It is especially important to get good sleep before giving birth. Imagine a situation where you didn’t sleep at night, and in the morning contractions started, and you went to the maternity hospital. Will your insomnia affect the birth process? It will definitely have an impact.
Insomnia during pregnancy is a reason to consult a psychologist . Perhaps your insomnia is due to fear of the upcoming birth or fear for the health of the unborn baby? A specialist will help you figure out what is happening to you.
Cuff in cooking
The cuff is eaten; young shoots and leaves are used for this purpose. They prepare salads, cabbage soup, and soups. For the winter, powder is prepared from the cuff for seasoning second and first courses. The plant is pickled with other herbs, as well as vegetables. The taste of the cuff is slightly tart and bitter. The flowers of the plant are crushed and used to prepare a variety of pastes and spreads for sandwiches.
the beautiful decorative appearance of the cuff allows it to be used in decorating parks and gardens
In cosmetology
Thanks to its rich chemical composition, the cuff has found application in cosmetology. The flavonoids included in its composition smooth the skin and eliminate cellulite. For these purposes, prepare a decoction:
- 15 gr. parsley and 25 gr. Pour boiling water over the cuffs (all dry) and leave for 1.5 hours. Then strain and drink according to Art. l. twice a day.
An effective herb for cellulite in the form of lotions from a solution:
- 30 gr. cuffs and 300 ml. leave boiling water in a warm place for an hour. Strain and place the steamed herb on gauze or cloth and apply to the problem area of the body.
It is good to wipe the face with acne with a decoction of the cuff. You can make ice from the infusion and use it for daily skin care. The product rejuvenates, makes the skin soft and fresh. The herb extract is included in caring creams.
Rule 1: do not ignore the advice of the obstetrician-gynecologist who is managing your pregnancy
In the third trimester of gestation, trips to the antenatal clinic become frequent. After 36 weeks of pregnancy, a woman visits an obstetrician-gynecologist every week. What can the doctor advise you during the consultation? First of all, monitor your weight gain, count the amount of fluid you drink and excrete per day.
The amount of fluid you drink is all drinks, soups, and half the volume from fruits and dairy products. The amount of fluid excreted is the volume of urine (diuresis). If these numbers are the same, then everything is great. If the volume of fluid consumed exceeds daily diuresis, this may indicate hidden edema that forms in the intercellular spaces of tissues and organs.
Hidden edema can be a consequence of kidney disease and heart problems. But the most common reason for their appearance is gestosis, which is a complication of pregnancy.
If left untreated, gestosis leads to serious consequences:
- pulmonary edema;
- placental abruption;
- delayed fetal development;
- premature birth.
Preeclampsia is accompanied not only by hidden edema, but also by swelling of the arms and legs, high blood pressure, and proteinuria - the appearance of protein in the urine.
