It’s amazing how rich the nature of our latitudes is in wild herbs. Medicinal plants live widely in fields and meadows, in steppes and forests, on mountain slopes and in valleys. Many of them are well known to almost everyone, others are not so popular, but are also widely used in folk and official medicine. Below we will consider some wild herbs, their purpose and use by humans.

What herbs are: classification

Wild herbs are divided into several typologies:

• by life expectancy,
• as intended,
• by distribution.

Now let's look at each classification separately.

By life expectancy

According to their lifespan, wild herbs are divided into annual, biennial and perennial.

Here are examples of some of them:

• annuals - cinquefoil, as well as many others;
• biennials -, and others;
• perennials - field mint, burdock, and so on.

Did you know? The most common living creatures on planet Earth are plants. There are more than 370 thousand species.

By purpose

Herbs are also classified according to their human use. They are divided into spicy and medicinal. Already from the names of these categories it is clear what they are intended for and how they are used.

By distribution

The places where wild cereals grow allow us to divide them into those growing in forests, in the steppe and desert, in swamps and mountains, in meadows, orchards and orchards.

Photos, names, benefits of wild herbs

There are a huge variety of wild plants, and almost each of them can be found in the corresponding catalog or encyclopedia, with descriptions and photographs.
We will also tell you about some of the herbs common in our territory, presenting their photos, brief descriptions and positive effects on human health.

Did you know? A coffee substitute is made from roasted dandelion roots, and young leaves are fermented or pickled in the cooking of some peoples, like cabbage. In addition, wine from dandelion flowers has long been produced in England.

Dandelion (in Latin - Taraxacum Officinale) has unique healing properties. It is rich in vitamins A and C, it also contains iron and calcium, and is a good detoxifier. The roots and leaves are rich in bitter glycosides, acids, oils, choline, asparagine.
Dandelion is recognized as a plant that can have the following effects:

• choleretic,
• antipyretic,
• laxative,
• expectorant
• soothing,
• antispasmodic,
• mild sleeping pill.

Experimental chemical and pharmacological studies have proven that dandelion raw materials have antituberculosis, antiviral, fungicidal, anthelmintic, anticarcinogenic and antidiabetic properties.

In cooking, dandelion also has a well-deserved popularity: it is used to cook cabbage soup, prepare cutlets, make jam, and also prepare fortified spring salads. Dandelions - excellent honey plants: honey collected from them turns out golden and aromatic, with a sharp aftertaste.

Video: beneficial features dandelion

St. John's wort (in Latin - Hypéricum perforatum) has beneficial ingredients that help a person maintain health. These are vitamin C, nicotinic acid, quercetin, rutin, carotene, sugars, saponins, hyperoside, tocopherol, phytoncides, essential oil, as well as bitter, tannin and resinous substances.

In pharmacology, St. John's wort is used to prepare a variety of drugs from it:

• antibacterial,
• antiseptic,
• painkillers,
• wound healing,
• antirheumatic,
• diuretics,
• choleretic,
• anthelmintic.

Important! St. John's wort has contraindications: it causes an increase blood pressure, accelerates the removal of antibiotics frombody, incompatible withantidepressants. In women who take oral contraceptives, it can reduce their effect. And men need to remember- with long-term use they may experience temporary impotence.

Recently, medical scientists conducted additional studies, during which it was found that St. John's wort has an antidepressant effect that does not have side effects. This herb is also valuable because it is recommended by cosmetologists as an anti-aging, tonic, and antiseborrheic agent.

For a long time, healers used St. John's wort to heal:

• gynecological inflammations,
• haemorrhoids,
• headache,
• diseases of the liver and genitourinary system.

Chicory (in Latin - Cichórium) has a rich chemical composition, due to which it normalizes the functioning of many body systems.

This plant can:

• stimulate increased immunity,
• heal wounds and eczema,
• have an antitumor effect,
• tone the body,
• relieve fatigue
• cleanse blood vessels.

Chicory also has detoxifying properties: it can normalize metabolic processes and remove toxins. By consuming chicory, you can cleanse the kidneys and improve blood composition, speed up peristalsis, eliminate heartburn, and increase appetite. Drinks made from it can replace coffee.
Chicory is also used as an anti-inflammatory, antipyretic and antibacterial agent for colds. Diabetics using this medicinal herb, can also alleviate their condition.

Stinging nettle (in Latin - Urtica urens) and stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) are two species medicinal herbs, which are used in both official and traditional medicine.

Nettle gained its popularity due to the following properties:

• diuretic,
• mild laxative,
• expectorant
• anticonvulsant,
• anti-inflammatory,
• antiseptic,
• painkiller,
• wound healing,
• blood purifier
• hemostatic.

Traditional medicine uses nettle for:

• dysentery,
• cold,
• constipation,
• dropsy,
• diseases of the liver and bronchopulmonary system,
• hemorrhoids,
• rheumatism,
• gout,
• boils,
• acne and lichen lesions of the skin.

Burdock (Latin: Arctium) is widely used in both medicines; Mostly its root is used. Root system Burdock is most rich in the polysaccharide inulin (about 45%), it contains tannin and essential oils, mucus, fatty substances, bitterness, resins, mineral salts, ascorbic acid, and protein.

Burdock root is used as a diuretic, diaphoretic, analgesic and choleretic agent; it helps in the formation of pancreatic enzymes.

• laxative,
• antimicrobial,
• antiseptic,
• antiallergic,
• wound healing,
• antidiabetic.

Hogweed (in Latin - Heracléum) has long been known for its healing properties. It contains furocoumarins, which have a bactericidal effect, so anthelmintic drugs for animals are produced from it.

For humans, hogweed remedies are effective against psoriasis. The juice of the plant treats ulcers and purulent wounds, asthma and epilepsy. An anesthetic medicine for liver inflammation, as well as for jaundice, is prepared from the roots.

Hogweed is used in cooking, and it is also a complete fodder crop, which is combined with others and made from them into silage for livestock.

Hogweed contains trace elements, carbohydrates, proteins and vitamins, as well as tannins, chlorophyll, carotene, and essential oils. The flowers contain a lot of nectar, which the bees convert into excellent honey.

Important! You need to handle hogweed carefully, as its juice gets on open areas body, can cause severe allergic reactions and burns that turn into huge blisters.

Oregano

Oregano, or oregano (in Latin - Origanum vulgáre) contains flavonoids, phytoncides, bitterness, tannins, essential oil, thanks to which preparations based on it serve as anti-inflammatory and choleretic agents. Oregano is used to treat whooping cough and bronchitis, and is taken as a sedative and pain reliever.

Medicines from this herb:

• increase appetite,
• improve intestinal motility,
• produce a diuretic effect,
• relieve epileptic seizures,
• relieve cramps,
• normalize the menstrual cycle.

Field or meadow mint (in Latin - Mentha arvensis) contains menthol, which has mild anesthetic properties. It is also an ingredient in medications for blood vessels and the heart: Validol, Valocordin, Zelenin drops and others.

The beneficial properties of mint are very versatile:

• mint can enhance intestinal motility, promoting timely emptying, limit putrefactive processes and fermentation;
• Infusions are prepared from dried leaves, which are used for nervous system disorders and insomnia;
• mint helps relieve nausea, produces a choleretic effect, eliminates diarrhea;
• alcohol tincture and oil solution are used to reduce swelling and pain due to inflammation of the respiratory system;
• antimicrobial and gum-strengthening properties essential oil used for the production of toothpastes and powders, as well as infusions for rinsing the mouth.

Important! Mint should not be consumed by children under three years of age. Also, men of childbearing age should not get carried away with it, because it can reduce libido, and women who have problems conceiving, since this herb can aggravate the problem of infertility.

Tansy

Tansy (in Latin - Tanacetum vulgare) is known for having a powerful anthelmintic effect. It is also used to prepare a powder in the form of an insecticide against pests. Tansy contains alkaloids, essential oils, flavonoids, and tannins.

This plant is used for hepatitis to reduce the production of mucus that accumulates in bile. The herb has a positive effect on the muscle tone of the stomach and intestines, increasing secretion.

Infusion from basket inflorescences Maybe:

• increase the amplitude of heart contractions,
• eliminate hypotension,
• heal stomach and duodenal ulcers.

Traditional medicine uses tansy in the treatment of:

• enterobiasis,
• hypoacid gastritis,
• hepatitis A,
• colitis,
• ascariasis,
• cholecystitis.

Video: beneficial properties of tansy

Plantain (in Latin - Plantago). There are two types of plantain used in medicine: flea plantain and Indian plantain. These medicinal herbs contain a lot of ascorbic acid, phytoncides and carotene.

Alcoholic and aqueous leaf extracts of plantain are used to treat severe forms of stomach and duodenal ulcers. The juice is used to treat gastritis and enteritis; it is drunk for better digestion of food. Special research by phytochemists has proven that plantain leaves contain elements that affect cholesterol metabolism.

An infusion of leaves is used to remove sputum in the following cases:

• bronchitis,
• pulmonary tuberculosis,
• bronchial asthma,
• pleurisy,
• catarrh of the upper respiratory tract,
• whooping cough

Plantain is known as an antiseptic because it can:

• relieve inflammation
• heal wounds
• anesthetize,
• cleanse the blood.

Wormwood (in Latin - Artemísia absínthium) is used in gastroenterology. Its benefits are due to active ingredients such as absintin, anabsintin, flavonoids, thujone, pinene, cadinene, bisabolone, chamazulenogen, selinene.

Wormwood leaves are rich in phytoncides, alkaloids, capillin, ascorbic acid, provitamin A, malic and succinic acids, carotene and saponins.

• The presence of galenic substances helps stimulate the reflex function of the pancreas and improves the functioning of the gallbladder.
• Terpenes relieve inflammation and are pacemakers.
• The essential oil released from the plant has a stimulating effect on the central nervous system.
• Saturated hydrocarbons found in grass have a bactericidal and fungicidal effect.
• Bitterness, which is also present, can stimulate appetite and normalize digestion.

Traditional medicine considers wormwood an excellent remedy at:

• insomnia,
• ascariasis,
• flatulence,
• obesity,
• migraine,
• enterocolitis,
• gastritis,
• kidney and liver diseases.

In combination with other herbs, wormwood is successfully used for:

• pulmonary tuberculosis,
• hypertension,
• fever,
• swelling,
• hemorrhoids.

Horsetail (in Latin - Equisetum arvense) is rich in flavonoids, derivatives of apigenin, quercetin, luteolin, silicic acid, as well as tannins.

Also present are oxalic, aconitic, linoleic, malic and ascorbic acids, fatty oils, alkaloids, calcium, carotene, iron, potassium, magnesium, copper and other substances.
Thanks to the listed components, horsetail has the following properties:

• cleansing,
• anti-inflammatory,
• antimicrobial,
• anthelmintics,
• diuretics,
• antiseptic,
• detoxification.

In medicine and cosmetology, horsetail is used in the form of infusion, lotion and decoction. It is used when following fasting diets in the process of losing weight. Cooks use young horsetail shoots by boiling or frying them and adding them to omelets and casseroles, as well as as a filling for pancakes and pies.

Video: beneficial properties of horsetail

Quinoa (in Latin - Atriplex) is useful in the treatment of rheumatism and helps relieve emotional stress. Due to the large amount of rutin and potassium, it is used in cardiology and for atherosclerotic changes in blood vessels.

Did you know? Quinoa has long been used as food during war or crop failure: rye flour with ground quinoa seeds was used to make bread. Such bread, although not attractive in appearance or taste, still helped people survive in times of famine.

Preparations made from it are used to treat:

• chronic and acute diseases of the lower respiratory tract,
• stomach diseases,
• skin diseases,
• inflamed wounds.

The plant also serves as:

• anti-inflammatory,
• wound healing,
• cleansing
• diuretic,
• expectorant
• choleretic,
• sedative.

Vegetarians have appreciated quinoa because it contains a lot of protein: cabbage soup made from it, as well as cutlets, soups, purees and bread, allow you to stay full for a long time.

Video: beneficial properties of quinoa

Celandine (in Latin - Chelidonium) has many useful components: it contains up to twenty toxic substances that destroy pathogenic bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoan microorganisms.

Beneficial effects of celandine:

• helps with cramps,
• relieves inflammatory processes,
• can relieve pain and calm,
• has antitumor and bactericidal effect,
• serves as a diuretic
• heals wounds,
• increases lactation in lactating women,
• Medicines from celandine cleanse the lymph from infections.

• blood pressure decreases;
• cardiac activity slows down;
• neuroses, convulsions, paralysis, epilepsy disappear;
• the functioning of the pancreas is improved.

When using celandine in treatment, it is important to remember that you cannot independently exceed the dose of the prescribed amount of the drug, otherwise this will lead to dangerous side effects.

Important! You should start taking this herb with a minimum dose, gradually increasing it to the required dose.

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helped

That's what they call it life form higher plants. Among them there are poisonous varieties and those that can be eaten. Tea is brewed from individual herbs and infusions are made for internal and external use. IN different types contains various beneficial substances (in the root or in the shoots), extracts of which are also used in perfumery, the production of cosmetics, household chemicals, alcoholic and without alcoholic drinks.

Avran

(lat. Gratiola officinalis) is a poisonous herbaceous plant common in Central and Eastern Europe. There are many common names for avran: God's grace, grace, fever grass, horse tinder, moknets, deer grass, draciolia, bloodworm. The Russian-language name is of Turkic origin and translated means “to be sick.”

Aloe

(lat. Aloe- bitter) is a perennial plant with fleshy, sword-shaped leaves that form rosettes as they grow.

The name of the plant comes from the Arabic language, but in Russian there are several common nicknames for aloe - agave, rannik, sabur.

(lat. Althea Althaea officinalis ) is a perennial medicinal plant. The name of the herb comes from the Greek word Althaca, which means “heal” or “multi-beneficial.” In the Russian and Ukrainian languages ​​there are several popular names for marshmallow: marshmallow, mallow, kalachiki, rozha, wild Rose

, palyanitsya, dog, patirnik, ruzha psyacha and others.

(lat. Pansies Viola tricolor , palyanitsya, dog, patirnik, ruzha psyacha and others..

) is one of several popular names for a flower known scientifically as tricolor violet. In various Slavic countries and their regions, people call it in their own way: viola, three-flowered, Ivan-da-Marya, brothers, brother-and-sister, but the most common name remains

(lat. Aster- star) is a plant known for its huge number of species and diversity color palette. In science, annual varieties belong to the genus Callistephus chinensis (Callistephuschihensis). The Greek word "Callistephus" means "beautiful wreath". It is this type of flowers that has gained the greatest popularity and received wide use and is known as garden or.

Chinese aster

Astragalus wooliflorum (lat. Astragálus dasiánthus ) or Astragalus dense-flowered - it's herbaceous perennial the legume family and the numerous genus Astragalus, which has almost 2000 species. Its name is believed to come from the Greek word " astragalos ".

This was the name of a dice made from lamb ankles. The plant has many popular names -

cat's pea, Polish recount, centaury, Scythian grass of life

Ledum For respiratory diseases, use wild rosemary herb in the form of infusions; it is also a diuretic, disinfectant and antiseptic. Oil from the wild rosemary plant is

ideal remedy

against runny nose. Periwinkle The genus of this plant has a Latin name Vinca, translated meaning “to entwine.” Its representatives belong to the Kutrovye family and are creeping herbs or subshrubs.

IN

wildlife Mostly found is the small periwinkle, which has the following popular names: grave grass, cucumber, burial ground, brilliant green, ivy, khreshchatik, noyushka, wreath, cornflower, witches' violet. Valerian

The most common version of the origin of the name is from Lat. “valere” – “to be healthy.” The species system of valerian is diverse, many types of valerian are used both in official and in

folk medicine , have medicinal value. cornflower Decoctions and infusions of cornflower are used for: inflammatory and chronic kidney diseases, inflammation urinary tract

, with edema, with urolithiasis, blepharitis, conjunctivitis, urethritis, cystitis, pyelitis, nephrosis, decreased vision, liver disease and

Elecampane preparations improve expectoration of sputum, reduce intestinal secretory activity, normalize metabolism, stimulate bile formation, increase diuresis, and have antimicrobial and anthelmintic properties. Elecampane preparations are used internally for chronic and acute bronchitis, enterocolitis, functional diarrhea, colitis, chronic and acute pharyngitis, gingivitis, tracheitis, difficult-to-heal wounds, and periodontal disease.

St. John's wort

This plant was credited with the ability to drive away evil spirits. St. John's wort protected against ghosts and witches, and purple juice obtained by pressing flower buds , was considered a charming remedy. IN

medical purposes

They mainly use the herb St. John's wort - leaves and young shoots. Blooming Sally The name is associated with the role of the plant in the history of trade, in an era when “Russian tea” made from fireweed grass was one of the most exported products from Russia to the countries of Albion and Europe. Traditional and Popular Russian name

"Ivan" with

light hand foreign dealers and suppliers were firmly entrenched in the name of the then popular drink, which became famous on the world market. Calendula

It gained fame after Queen Margaret of Navarre called this plant her favorite flower and ordered it to be grown in her garden. It has antispasmodic and anticonvulsant effects.

People believe that calendula helps with spleen disease, crushing stones in

bladder

, for hypertension and cough, stomach cramps, cardiac neuroses, alveolar pyorrhea, burns, for the treatment of wounds, non-healing ulcers and fistulas.

Clover

This is a plant of the legume family. The flowers depend on the species and are red, pink or white. Herbalists have been using clover since ancient times as a source of calcium, copper, iron, phosphorus, magnesium, vitamins A, B and C. In medicine, they use the leaves, stems and flowers, which are collected during flowering. Hemp makes nettle one of the most used plants in official and folk medicine, dietetics and cosmetology.

The most commonly used plant is stinging nettle.

Red brush (rhodiola) In folk medicine, Rhodiola quadrupartum is prescribed for prostatitis, prostate adenoma and diseases of the genitourinary system. The red brush is used in the complex treatment of neoplasms (tumors); as an adaptogen and as a means of rejuvenating the body.

To the main

medicinal properties

red brush include: adaptogenic, immunostimulating, hemostatic, tonic. The red brush is successfully used in gynecology.

Burnet

There are about 27 types of burnet, but not all are the most famous and useful. Burnet preparations help with various types of bleeding, such as uterine bleeding, hemoptysis, gastric, heavy menstruation, hemorrhoids, etc. Burnet is used externally as a means to promote the healing of wounds, abrasions and cuts.

Lavender Lavender is a subshrub, up to 60 cm high. It is widespread in India, Arabia, southern Europe, northern and eastern Africa, and even the Canary Islands. There are about 30 varieties of this shrub. Lavender is widely used in cooking, household chemicals, production of soft and alcoholic drinks, toilet soap, deodorants, air fresheners, perfumes and cosmetics.

Burdock

Burdock originally appeared in the Mediterranean and then spread widely throughout the world. It usually grows in the southern regions, steppe zones, along river valleys and gullies. It is also often found under the walls of buildings, in parks, under fences, along the edges of gardens, as well as in forests with good humidity. Widely used in folk medicine. Most often the roots are consumed, less often the leaves with fruits.

Poppy

Different parts of the plant are used for different purposes. In cooking, only seeds are used - small, dark grains with a round shape. Poppy seeds are sprinkled on baked goods to give them more aroma and taste. Mixing with

powdered sugar

, make filling for buns and various sweet cakes. a large number of essential oil - menthol. Used as folk remedy against many diseases, as well as in cosmetology - it is added to shampoos, creams, lotions and other products.

Tansy

The name itself comes from the Czech or Polish word “pizmo”, which means “musk”, that is, the smell is of organic origin. In fact, all plants of this species have a very strong, rich aroma, and the smell is emitted by every cell of this plant.

Plantain

Of the more than 200 species of this plant, two are of greatest importance - flea plantain and large plantain. They are considered the most healing. This plant has been known for its medicinal properties for more than a thousand years. Juice from plantain leaves is taken in the form of lotions, fresh cuts, rinses for bruises, chronic ulcers, wounds, fistulas, boils, and abscesses. In the form of a compress, fresh leaves are applied to treat furunculosis and purulent wounds.

Sunflower

Herbaceous species annual plants. The stem grows up to 3 m high, straight, covered with hard hairs. The leaves are oval-heart-shaped, dark green, up to 40 cm long, covered with hard, short, pubescent hairs. Flowers have large diameters of 30-50 cm; during the day, young sunflowers turn towards the sun .

A perennial herbaceous plant from the Asteraceae family. It grows in the forest-steppe zones of the European part of Russia, in Western Siberia. It grows in damp places, along the banks of rivers and mountain streams, in thickets of bushes. Listed in the Red Book. Bad honey plant. There is no commercial honey from elecampane.

Siberian hogweed, Puchka, Pikan - Heracléum sibíricum. Herbaceous plant of the Apiaceae family. Siberian hogweed, despite the name, is predominantly a European species, common throughout Central Russia. It is also distributed in Central Europe, Ciscaucasia and Western Siberia (in its southern part it reaches Altai). Found in Crimea, Kazakhstan (Dzhungar Alatau). It grows in damp places - in meadows, between bushes. It grows in meadows (especially flooded ones), along the banks of rivers and streams, forest edges, roadside meadows, and […]

Ural ribbed plant - Pleurospermum uralense A two- or three-year herbaceous plant, a species of the genus Pleurospermum of the Umbrella family (Apiaceae). It grows in coniferous and birch-aspen forests, along their edges, in forest clearings, rarely in subalpine meadows, in ravines and near swamps. Secondary honey plant, produces up to 180 kg of honey per hectare.

Belongs to the Umbrella family. Deadly poisonous biennial plant. It grows on forest edges, water meadows, limestone slopes, as a weed in crops and vegetable gardens, in fallow lands and wastelands, near housing, near roads and fences, in landfills, on the slopes of ravines, along railroad tracks. Bees visit hemlock well, taking nectar and pollen from it. Under certain conditions it produces a large amount of nectar.

Bog thistle belongs to the Asteraceae family. Perennial or biennial plant. Grows in damp meadows, swamps, swampy forests, and bushes. Its stem is completely covered with thorns. Grows in Siberia. Honey productivity per hectare is 250 - 300 kg. Sometimes it produces commercial honey.

Weed plant. The species infests all types of crops and is found in fallows, orchards and orchards, as well as along roads, along ditches, and in fallow lands. Contains white milky juice. Strong honey plant and pollen plant. It releases nectar only in the morning, because... After lunch the flowers close. Intensive honey collection up to 380 kg per hectare. The honey crystallizes quickly and is dark amber in color. The pollen is dark yellow.

A perennial herbaceous plant 30–90 cm high from the Asteraceae family. It grows in various meadows, clearings, meadow clearings, along roads in many regions of Russia. Well visited by bees, which, under favorable conditions, weather conditions They collect a lot of nectar and pollen from it. Honey productivity in terms of continuous tracts is over 100 kg/ha. The pollen is yellow.

Perennial honey-bearing herbaceous plant. Sandy tsmin grows mainly on sandy soils, in dry copses, forest glades, hills, on fallow lands, rocky and sandy slopes everywhere. The hard scales of the inflorescence wrapper do not wither and do not lose color even when the inflorescences are cut off - hence the name of the plant immortelle.

Herbaceous perennial plant from the Euphorbiaceae family. A good honey plant. Produces commercial honey. Grows in meadows, light forests, on pebbles and sandy shores rivers, along roadsides and in crops, especially on loamy soil. Acute spurge displaces all plants living in prairies and fields, shading them and taking away moisture and nutrients, as well as highlighting [...]

Annual or biennial herbaceous weed aster family (Acteraceae) with an erect branched stem 30-80 cm high. Leaves are lanceolate-linear, the lower ones are petiolate. The flower baskets are solitary, at the ends of the branches they consist of dark blue marginal funnel-shaped and central purple tubular flowers, surrounded by hard scales of an ovoid involucre.

Mediocre honey plant. It blooms in June - September, the fruits ripen in August - September. A perennial herbaceous plant from the Asteraceae family. It grows on sandy and loamy fresh and moist soils, in meadows, forest clearings, forest edges, in bushes, less often as a weed in crops. Prefers soils of average fertility and drainage.

A perennial herbaceous plant from the Asteraceae family. It grows in the steppe and forest-steppe zones of the European part of Russia, in Western Siberia. It grows in damp places, along the banks of rivers and mountain streams, in tall grass meadows, forest clearings and edges, and in thickets of bushes. Bad honey plant. There is no commercial honey from elecampane.

Wild plants come in different varieties. They can be found in the field, in the forest, and even on summer cottage as weeds. These can be herbs, flowers, and cereals. Those interested in nature native land, knows that they are not only beautiful, but can also bring great benefits to a person. However, these representatives of the domestic flora can also be dangerous weeds, posing a serious threat to gardeners. Getting rid of these weeds is quite difficult.

Wild plants can be both enemies and friends of humans, so understanding them is very important, especially for those who live close to nature - in rural areas.

Wild plants: examples

One can give a great many examples of such representatives of the fauna. Among these plants there can be a variety of different ones. In general, they can be divided into three groups. The first group includes plants that bring neither benefit nor harm to humans. These are the majority. As a rule, they are used by animals and birds as pasture. The second group includes plants that benefit humans. And finally, the third group includes flowers and herbs, which it is advisable to avoid, since they only bring harm to a person.

The “harmful group” includes poisonous shrubs (for example, poisonous weed) and weeds that cause great harm to agriculture, drowning out beneficial plants (for example, wheatgrass or sow thistle) . The “useful” group includes the following:

In many wild plants there are “cultivated” doubles. As a rule, in this case they differ from each other in size and appearance. For example, wild sorrel differs from sorrel grown in the garden by being smaller in size and having a different leaf shape. In the same way, wild strawberries differ from their “cultivated” relatives, strawberries or Victoria, in the shape of the leaves, the size and taste of the berries.

Peculiarities

These representatives of the flora a lot of interesting features . You can read about this in school textbooks on botany, as well as in special reference books. Among the most striking features the following can be distinguished:

Among wild plants a lot of poisonous ones posing a mortal danger to humans. One of the most dangerous is the poisonous vekh; it was even used in the old days as poison when they wanted to destroy an unwanted person. In order to avoid mortal danger, you need to know what they look like poisonous plants. You can see their photographs on the Internet and in specialized literature. And children should firmly know that tearing them, much less putting them in their mouths, without the permission of adults is strictly prohibited.

This elementary rule of safe behavior in the forest and in the field must be strictly observed. Farmers who prepare their own feed for livestock must also be familiar with poisonous plants by sight. Among the wild ones there are herbs that are harmless to humans, but can cause serious food poisoning in pets.

Practical benefits

Among these plants there are many medicinal. Also, many wild plants are excellent food for small and large livestock. If you read about the benefits of these plants, you can learn a lot of interesting things. From time immemorial, many herbs in Rus' were considered medicinal, beneficial, and even nutritious: during the hungry years of crop failure, many herbs were eaten. Of course, among wild herbs and flowers there are many poisonous and harmful weeds. Therefore, it is very important not to confuse beneficial wild plants with harmful or “neutral” ones, which bring neither benefit nor harm.

For example, There are two types of wild sorrel: edible sorrel (small small leaves) and “horse” sorrel, which has no nutritional value and does not have a pleasant taste (a plant with a thick long stem and large leaves, shaped like edible wild sorrel). Many wild plants that have practical benefits are purposefully planted and grown by people. For example, clover can grow on its own, or it can be grown as feed for large and small livestock or as a honey plant for beekeeping.

Now there are few people who are well versed in the benefits of wild plants, with the exception of botanists. However, in old times in Rus' there were a lot of herbalists. They not only prepared medicines from them, but also attributed sacred or magical properties. Practical knowledge about the benefits of wild plants was mixed with superstitions. Currently, the ancient science of herbs has turned into a practical branch of medicine - herbal medicine.

Modern herbalists no longer attribute magical properties to wild herbs, but use them to make medicines that effectively treat many serious diseases, including oncology. Many people leading a healthy lifestyle actively include edible roots in their daily diet. Their main advantage is that they contain powerful antioxidants that slow down the process of physiological aging.

Wild plants have been playing since ancient times important role In human life. They may also be friends" and "enemies". Therefore, it is very important to know “by sight” both useful and poisonous. Useful wild plants are human’s first assistants in treatment, nutrition, agriculture. In order to make the most effective use of their beneficial properties, you need to read specialized literature on botany, biology and the nature of your native land as often as possible.

Man has always used medicinal wild plants for nutrition and treatment. In order for these plants to be beneficial and help in treatment, one must be able to properly use medicinal wild plants and prepare them correctly.

Proper use and preparation of medicinal wild plants is the key to your health.

One of the main components of wild plants is. Without them, normal functioning of the body is impossible. Many vitamins are not formed in the body, but enter it only through food.

In addition to vitamins, plants contain useful substances, without which the body cannot exist normally. Interest in the proper use and preparation of medicinal wild plants is growing every day.

The large kingdom of wild plants is the richest source of biologically active substances. Thanks to them, a large number of dosage forms are created that have a beneficial effect on all organs and systems of humans and animals.

Proper use of medicinal wild plants

The beneficial properties of wild plants are higher than those of cultivated plants. They grow in such conditions that they have to fight for their existence. Under such conditions, they produce substances that are more beneficial than the same substances in cultivated animals.

Only when correct use wild plants, you can get positive results in the treatment and prevention of serious diseases.

Both traditional and scientific medicine widely use natural resources to heal humanity from many ailments. The better the quality of the raw materials, the more effective the effect of medicines obtained from wild plants. It is necessary to strictly follow the basic rules for their preparation.

If technological methods are applied incorrectly, then some of the beneficial substances will be destroyed, and the prepared medicine may turn out to be useless.

When collecting medicinal raw materials, you need to make sure that this is exactly the plant that you need. Some of them are similar in appearance to those that are of no use at all. For example, stinging nettle is very useful for nutrition and treatment, but stinging nettle does not have such properties. ABOUT correct collection medicinal plants can be read

I can give you an example. In early spring I collected young nettles in the forest for a salad. I went through it and washed it thoroughly. Then she scalded it with boiling water and let the water drain. I lightly squeezed the nettle leaves into a cup to remove any remaining water. Since the water was boiled, I drank this water along with nettle juice (the water was colored by nettle juice) in several doses.

You may not believe me, but at that moment my vision immediately improved. I wouldn’t have noticed this if it weren’t for the window; it seemed to me that there was no glass on the frame. I saw the landscape outside the window so clearly. There was no such effect from the nettle that grows in my dacha. I realized that it was stinging nettle that I had collected in the forest. Be careful, nettle has contraindications.

At home, you can prepare decoctions, tinctures, juices, extracts, powders, ointments, infusions, teas, oils. Below are general recommendations on preparing medicines at home. Deviation from these standards will lead to poor quality preparation of the medicine.

It is necessary to strictly observe the standards specified in the recipes and adhere to the specified method. Recipes must be selected from trusted sources. Be sure to read the contraindications so as not to harm your body even more.

Preparation of medicinal wild plants

Before preparing the medicine, you need to make sure good quality vegetable raw materials. It may be moldy and contain pests, debris, dirt, and other plants. The shelf life of raw materials should not be expired.

Dishes can be enamel, glass, clay or porcelain. There should be no chips on the dishes. It is advisable to have separate containers for preparing medicines.

Before use, plant materials must be crushed: you can cut them with scissors, break them with your hands, grind them in a coffee grinder, grind them in a mortar, or pass them through a meat grinder.

After grinding, it is necessary to measure the required amount of raw material. One teaspoon contains 5 grams of crushed raw materials, a dessert spoon contains about 10 grams, one tablespoon contains 15 grams, and with the top – 20 grams.

To prepare medicines in liquid form, measure out the required amount of crushed raw materials and add the measured amount of water or alcohol. Then infuse or boil without bringing to a boil or keep in a water bath. The resulting liquid is filtered.

When preparing and using any plants you need to remember: EXCESSIVE CONSUMPTION OF EVEN THE MOST HEALTHIEST PLANTS CAN CAUSE SERIOUS POISONING AND EVEN DEATH.

INSTRUCTIONS . Infusions are prepared from fresh or dried flowers, leaves, soft stems or herbs. You can infuse it hot or cold water. If cold water is used, it must be boiled. Pour raw materials required quantity water and leave for as long as indicated in the preparation methods. Cold infusions can be stored for no more than 3 days.

When preparing hot infusions, pour boiling water over the measured amount of raw materials, cover with a lid and place in a warm place to infuse. Hot infusions can be stored for no more than 2-3 days.

DECOTIONS. For decoctions, dense parts of plants are used - roots, bark. Measure out the crushed raw materials, pour boiling water over them and place on low heat or in a water bath. Boil for 15-20 minutes, leave in a warm place for a while and strain. Be sure to add cooled boiled water to the original volume. Decoctions are stored for no more than 3 days.

TINCTURES obtained from plant materials based on alcohol and water. The crushed raw materials are poured with alcohol (40-90%), cognac, vodka, wine, tightly closed and infused at room temperature V dark place up to 7 days. Strain the tincture, pour into a prepared dark glass container, seal well and store in a cool place.

EXTRACTS at home, it is obtained by evaporating in a closed container to half the volume. Higher quality extracts are obtained in the factory.

OINTMENTS obtained by thoroughly mixing powdered plant material with lanolin, petroleum jelly, butter or vegetable oil (preferably olive) and other fat-containing products. Store in a cool, dark place. It is advisable to use immediately after preparation.

OIL obtained in the following way: 5-7 tbsp. spoons of vegetable raw materials crushed in a coffee grinder or mortar pour one liter of boiling water vegetable oil(just not olive oil, it is not recommended to heat it). The dishes with oil and herbs are placed in a water bath for half an hour. Cool the finished herbal oil slowly by covering with something warm. After 1.5 hours, strain the finished oil. This oil can be used to lubricate the mucous membranes in case of diseases of the oral cavity, as well as wounds, burns and other skin injuries.

JUICES obtained in the usual way. The juice is squeezed through a juicer or press from berries, fruits, herbs, leaves, roots, and tubers. Pour into sterilized jars, pasteurize and seal. Store in a cool place, preferably used within a year.

POWDERS get from various parts plants: leaves, flowers, grass, bark, rhizome roots by grinding. Can be ground in a coffee grinder, but powder ground in a mortar has more healing properties. Maybe because a person transfers a piece of his energy to him. Store in a tightly closed glass jar in a dry place.

FEES obtained by mixing different plants in a certain proportion according to special recipes. You can brew it as tea or prepare decoctions, infusions, ointments.

Use of plants in cooking

From wild plants, as well as from cultivated plants, you can prepare a variety of very healthy dishes. Wherein Special attention It is necessary to pay attention to the doses of consumption of wild plants. If cooked incorrectly, plants lose their beneficial qualities.

Snacks and condiments prepared just before serving. Plant parts containing bitterness are blanched in cold water within 20-30 minutes. Some plants must be soaked in cold salty water for 20-30 minutes, frequently changing the water. Allow to drain and cut or tear by hand. Mix everything necessary ingredients and season with any sauce. Add salt and necessary spices to taste.

Can be cooked powder for seasonings The green parts of plants or roots are washed and dried well. After grinding, put away for storage and use as needed.

From wild plants are prepared main courses . The green parts of plants are mainly used.

Widely used in food green puree . It can be used as an independent dish and as a dressing for first and second courses, for sauces and gravies, used as a side dish, and also for decorating sandwiches. To prepare the puree, the greens are washed, blanched, drained and ground through a sieve or mashed with a spoon. Add salt to taste (you can do without it) and add various spices. Use immediately after preparation.

Use the following methods on your own at home: preservation and conservation of wild plants .

DRYING - you can dry any edible berries, fruits and plants growing in the wild. After processing, the raw materials are dried in ovens, ovens, special devices and in a natural way. After drying, the resulting products are stored in paper bags, V glass containers in a dry, dark place.

PRESERVATION BY HEAT- This is sterilization and pasteurization.

CANNING WITH SUGAR. Only white sugar should be used. Granulated yellow sugar and refined sugar are unsuitable for this purpose. The concentration of syrups must be adjusted depending on the sugar content of the plant and the type of product being prepared. At home, sugar is measured out in jars, glasses, and spoons. We must remember that in liter jar- 800g of sugar, in a half-liter - 400g, in a thin tea glass - 200g, in a faceted glass - 160g, in a tablespoon - 25g, in a teaspoon - 10g.

JAMS AND JAMS. The best way preparing jam - alternating heating followed by cooling. The amount of cooking depends on the fruits and berries. Jams made from wild berries and fruits are not inferior in nutritional value to preserves. Jams are cooked in one step, without standing. It is best to pack jams and jams hot into sterilized jars and seal with lids.

JAM AND MARMALADE. Fruits and berries are pureed with sugar for 45 minutes. The resulting jam is placed in clean jars, allowed to cool and covered with plastic lids.

When preparing marmalade, fruit and berry puree is boiled for more than 45 minutes, but not more than one hour. When finished, the puree should have a jelly-like consistency. To obtain a jelly-like mass, sour varieties of apples, plums, gooseberries or red currants must be added to marmalade from wild berries and fruits.

The finished marmalade is poured into a deep baking tray and allowed to harden. After hardening, cut into slices, sprinkle with powdered sugar and dry in the oven at a temperature of 50-60°C. Marmalade should be stored in a cool, dry place in cardboard boxes with a lid.

Good health to everyone!