Unusual “plantain” Veronica: photo, description, growing one of the most elegant and unpretentious plants for the garden. Application and medicinal properties

Common names: gourd grass, breast grass, snake grass.

COLLECTION AND DRYING OF RAW MATERIALS

PHARMACOLOGICAL PROPERTIES

MEDICAL APPLICATION

DOSAGE FORMS, METHOD OF ADMINISTRATION AND DOSES

APPLICATION IN OTHER AREAS

ELEMENTS OF AGRICULTURAL CULTIVATION TECHNIQUES

Hello dear reader!

Large beautiful plant Veronica longifolia is most often found in river floodplains, in thickets of willow - “white willow” (), in wet meadows, near swamps. You can also see this speedwell along a forest road, in clearings in fairly damp forests.

The habitat of long-leaved speedwell is the forests of Europe, European Russia, Western and Eastern Siberia.

Veronica longifolia L.

How, is this Veronica? Yes, before us is a representative of the same family from the Podorozhnikov family, to which Veronica Dubravnaya belongs.

But how different they are - short grass with several blue flowers and a powerful plant, whose stem grows a meter or more, and the inflorescence is usually longer than the entire oak speedwell. Longleaf speedwell has even less resemblance to creeping speedwell.

No, there is, of course, a very important similarity, otherwise the plants would not be classified as one genus. Similarities in flower structure.

The flower of Veronica longifolia, like other speedwells, is four-membered. Four blue petals, one of which is different from the rest in shape and size. Four fused sepals. Two stamens, whose filaments are longer than the petals, and one pistil with a pubescent style.

Each flower individually is small, 5–6 mm in diameter. But they are collected in an inflorescence. This is a dense apical raceme, with two to three hundred flowers, or even more! The length of the inflorescence can reach 20–25 centimeters. The raceme is often single, but one or two smaller lateral ones can also grow in the axils of the upper pair of leaves.

Flower buds bloom one by one, from bottom to top. And in the middle of summer lower flowers They have already bloomed and fruit boxes are starting to set there. The middle ones are blooming, but the top ones have not yet blossomed. Each flower is accompanied by a pair of bracts - narrow subulate leaves.

Veronica longifolia is also notable for its leaves. They are located oppositely on the stem, in pairs, as befits speedwells. But the leaves of the oak veronica are small, while the long-leaved speedwell, according to its name, rivals in size the leaves of many willows or

The leaf of Veronica longifolia is narrow and long, with a pointed tip and jagged edge. The leaf length can reach 15 cm. Each leaf has a short petiole.

Interestingly, quite often it is not a pair of opposite leaves that grows, but a real whorl. Three or even four leaves grow at the same level in different sides. I think this is due to the living conditions - in the bushes and forests it is always shady, and you need to “catch the light.”

Veronica longifolia is a rhizomatous perennial. It reproduces well vegetatively, but also produces a lot of seeds. Three hundred flowers are three hundred boxes with very small, less than a millimeter, seeds. The wind blows and sways tall plant, the fruits open, scattering the seeds.

What are the benefits of Veronica longifolia?

Like all speedwells, it has anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, hemostatic properties, and has an expectorant effect. An infusion of the herb is used for colds, coughs, bronchopulmonary diseases, as well as for external and internal (intestinal, uterine) bleeding, and kidney diseases.

Infusion and powder from dry herbs are used to treat wounds and used for fungal skin infections. Traditional medicine used Veronica longifolia as an antitoxic remedy for snake bites.

Hence the name “snake grass”. And also – “Yegory’s spear”. Saint Yegor (George), as you know, defeated the serpent. And the inflorescence of Veronica longifolia also looks like a spear.

But in case of such excesses, I still advise you to least of all rely on recipes from the Internet. The sooner you see a doctor, the sooner you will receive qualified help! Of course, you can wash the bite site with a strong infusion of Veronica longifolia herb (or apply crushed leaves). And immediately call an ambulance!

The grass is collected during flowering, in June - July. How to prepare an infusion - I suggest you look at. The recipes for its preparation from any veronica herb are similar.

For liver diseases, gastrointestinal tract Traditional medicine used a decoction of the rhizome. Rhizomes are stored in the fall, in September - October, after the end of the plant's growing season.

Officially Veronica longifolia medicinal plant not recognized. It is used only by traditional medicine.

All recipes on the blog regarding the medicinal use of herbs are provided only to familiarize yourself with the properties of plants. Please seek treatment from specialists!

Veronica longifolia is a beautiful plant, and with proper selection it becomes even more beautiful. There are specially bred decorative varieties– both the size of the inflorescences and the color of the flowers vary. But that is another topic. I’m writing about wild growing...

Planting and growing veronica longifolia

Veronica longifolia - representative large family plantains. Grown as an ornamental garden flower, attracting gardeners with its unpretentiousness. IN natural environment Habitats: Veronica longifolia, growing wild, is found in wetlands, as well as among shrubs. In the steppes it chooses the banks of streams and canals.

Planting and propagation of Veronica longifolia

When planting a flower, you need to remember that it is not picky about the composition of the soil. But it is desirable that it be light, with a slightly acidic or neutral reaction. The main condition for successfully growing veronica is a lot of light: there should not be much darkness in the area.

Source: Depositphotos

Veronica longifolia is an easy-to-care garden flower.

When propagating Veronica longifolia, three methods are used:

• • Propagation by seeds. They are sown in autumn without deepening. They just need to be spread over the surface of the soil and covered landing capacity polyethylene. Then it is put in the refrigerator for 21 days. Then they are moved to heat. Seedling loops appear after two weeks.

• • Division mother bush. The shoots must be separated from the rhizome of an adult plant and planted in a permanent place.

• • Cuttings. Considered the most effective. At the beginning of summer, you need to cut off young shoots with two internodes and place them in water for rooting. After about 10 days they will sprout roots and can be moved to a permanent location.

All methods of flower propagation are working, and the choice depends on the preferences of the grower.

Caring for Veronica

longifolia

The flower does not tolerate low temperatures. Signs of powdery mildew development immediately appear on its foliage.

When growing Veronica longifolia, you need to remember the following:

• • if the summer is too hot, then the plantings need regular, abundant watering;

• • the plant does well when grown in light partial shade;

• • after the buds wither, the shoots must be cut off - this will help rejuvenate the flower due to active growth.

Veronica will bloom and develop under almost any conditions of maintenance and care. But when choosing a planting site, you also need to remember that the flower has a strong aroma. And it will become very attractive to bees.

The plant is loved by designers not only for its unpretentiousness, but also for its attractiveness. appearance. The photo of Veronica longifolia clearly shows the decorative nature of the inflorescence. That is why it is often used when designing plots. The flower fits perfectly into flower beds, rockeries, alpine coaster and can be used to strengthen slopes. Veronica goes well with roses and phlox, and white chamomile favorably emphasizes its bright blue tint of inflorescences.

Veronica longifolia ( chest grass, gourd) is a herbaceous perennial of the plantain family, its height is from 50 cm to 1.2 m. The plant has a straight strong stem, mostly bare or slightly pubescent, a creeping long rhizome. Thick opposite leaves with teeth grow in a rosette. Long-leaved speedwell flowers are blue or bluish-lilac in color, arranged singly on the stalks, and collected in racemes at the top of the stem. The fruit of Veronica longifolia is a slightly flattened capsule. Veronica longifolia, a photo of which can be seen below, blooms all summer.

Distribution and composition

The plant's distribution areas are the European part of the CIS, middle Asia and the Caucasus. longleaf prefers wet meadows and river banks; it can also be found in thickets and bushes.

The herb contains mainly flavonoids, essential oils, carotene, nitrogen-free compounds, chlorogenic and ascorbic acid, coumarin, cardiac glycosides, caffeic acid, saponins, etc.

Collection and preparation

Flowering stems of Veronica are used for medicinal purposes. The stems of Veronica are carefully cut, then they are placed on pallets installed in well-ventilated places (under a canopy, in the attic). The grass is laid out in a thin ball, no more than 5 cm. The raw materials are stirred from time to time.

Well-dried grass must be packaged in paper bags or fabric bags made of natural fabric. The shelf life of raw materials is no more than two years, after this time healing properties plants are lost.

Growing and reproduction conditions

Fertile, moderately moist or moist, well-drained soils are best for a plant like longleaf speedwell. Growing and caring for the plant is not difficult. Grows well in open sunny areas. After flowering, the shoots need to be cut off; the bush is renewed due to new growth.

The plant is propagated by seeds, which are sown before winter. Reproduction is possible by division, which is carried out in spring or autumn.

There is another propagation method called the green cutting method. It is produced in June-July. Young elastic shoots need to be cut into cuttings 5-6 centimeters long with one or two internodes and planted in a greenhouse in fertile soil; sand should be poured on top in a layer of 4-6 cm. In September, roots form. Cuttings that have taken root are transplanted into the ground.

Veronica longifolia is also used to decorate rocky gardens, borders and flower beds. The photos show how the plant can be used to decorate the garden.

Medicinal use

In folk medicine, the aerial part of the plant and rhizome are used. The first one is harvested during the flowering period. Rhizome harvesting occurs from September to October.

Veronica longifolia, medicinal properties which has been known for a long time is good antiseptic, has anti-inflammatory, wound-healing, hemostatic, choleretic, antispasmodic properties.

The aerial part of the plant is used to prepare infusions that have antibacterial, antiseptic, and anti-inflammatory properties.

The infusion is useful in the treatment of colds, coughs, shortness of breath, pulmonary tuberculosis, liver problems, headaches, digestive disorders, uterine bleeding, hemorrhoids. They also wash wounds and snake bites.

To prepare the infusion, one teaspoon of veronica longifolia is poured into a glass of boiling water. The product is infused for two hours, after which it is filtered. You need to take a quarter glass three times a day.

For diaper rash and sweaty feet, fresh crushed flowers are used. Dried herb in powder form helps in the treatment of wounds, festering ulcers, and diaper rash. Poultices relieve lichen.

For scarlet fever, the flowering tops of Veronica longifolia were fried in lard, then used as a poultice.

For diseases of the liver and bladder, the use of a decoction is effective. A decoction of the rhizomes of the plant helps with jaundice, headaches, endometritis, gastroenteritis, bladder diseases, and mental disorders. In homeopathy, preparations based on the roots of the plant are used, which have good choleretic properties.

To prepare a decoction of the plant's rhizomes, pour a teaspoon of the raw material into a glass of water, boil for ten minutes over low heat, and strain. Take two tablespoons three times a day, half an hour before meals.

Contraindications

Veronica longifolia is not used during pregnancy. Also contraindications for use are increased blood clotting, severe pathologies of the liver or gall bladder.

Recipes

At fungal infection skin and nails, you can prepare the following remedy: freshly squeezed plant juice (200 ml) is poured with the same amount of alcohol, infused for ten days in a cool place. The tincture is used to lubricate the affected areas two to three times a day, stored in the refrigerator.

For acute and chronic bronchitis, pneumonia, and pulmonary tuberculosis, Veronica longifolia is used in the form of an infusion. It is prepared like this: dry crushed raw materials (three grams) are poured with boiling water (one glass), left for an hour and a half, and filtered. Take a quarter glass three times a day.

For external use, use the following infusion: ten grams of dry raw material is poured with boiling water (300 ml), left for two hours, then filtered. The product is used in the treatment of eczema, neurodermatitis, psoriasis, dermatoses, pyoderma, diathesis and rashes in children.

For headaches, mental disorders, aches, an infusion prepared from one teaspoon of crushed dry roots of the plant and a glass of water is used as a painkiller after childbirth. The product should be boiled for five minutes, left for an hour, strained and taken one or two tablespoons several times a day.

To treat pharyngitis, sore throat, laryngitis, a remedy is used that is prepared as follows: five grams of dry raw materials are poured with boiling water (half a liter), infused for two hours, filtered. Take half a glass up to four times a day, half an hour after meals, in addition, you can gargle with the infusion.

Of course, use similar medicines only after consultation with a doctor. Otherwise, instead of benefit, you can aggravate existing health problems and acquire new ones.

Botanical characteristics

Veronica longifolia, translated as Veronica longifolia, is a herbaceous perennial. The stem of this grayish-pubescent plant is straight or ascending, its height reaches thirty centimeters.

The leaves are oval-lanceolate, opposite, petiolate, sharply serrate. The flowers are quite small, irregular, they are located in dense racemes, usually one apical and two or three lateral. The corolla is intensely blue and four-parted. The fruit is a small capsule. The plant blooms from July to August.

Spreading

The plant is distributed in almost all regions of Russia, as well as in Ukraine, except Crimea. It grows mainly in wet meadows, along river banks, and is also localized among bushes.

Parts of the Veronica longifolia plant used

The part used includes the flowering shoots. IN fresh This herb is practically odorless, and when dried it acquires a faint aroma and tastes somewhat bitter.

Concerning chemical composition, then it has not yet been studied enough, but, nevertheless, bitter substances, essential oils, saponins, tannins, vitamins, aucubin glycoside and some other components have been discovered.

Collection of raw materials and their preparation

Flowering shoots are harvested as medicinal raw materials, but preferably without recumbent stems; they are carefully cut and placed on pallets, which are installed in a ventilated place; usually they are placed under a canopy or in attics where there is good ventilation. It is necessary to spread the grass in a thin layer, which should not exceed five centimeters, and it is also important to mix the raw materials periodically.

After the raw material has dried well, it is packaged in paper bags or cloth bags, preferably made from natural fabric. This will not allow the raw materials to become damp during storage, which, by the way, should not exceed two years, otherwise medicinal properties the herbs are simply canceled out, and it will not have its therapeutic effect on the sick body.

Growing and Reproduction

Veronica grows well in fairly fertile, loose and dry soil; it is advisable to plant it in sunny place. The plant does not tolerate damp and heavy soil. Reproduction occurs by sowing seeds before winter or by division, which is carried out in spring or autumn time.

Application of Veronica

This plant is used traditional healers Since ancient times, its use has been quite wide. The drugs that were prepared on its basis were used for diseases of many internal organs, for example, liver, kidneys, spleen, gynecological problems, tuberculosis, gout, diabetes mellitus and oncological processes.

Currently, the plant is used mainly for bronchial asthma, for colds of the upper respiratory tract. Infusion and decoction prepared from the herb have an anticonvulsant, antifungal, expectorant, anti-inflammatory, hemostatic and wound-healing effect on human body.

This herb is prescribed for poor appetite, as a bitterness, for hypoacid gastritis and frequent diarrhea. The infusion is used not only internally, but also externally, for example, it is prescribed for the treatment of burns, purulent wounds, boils, etc. skin diseases.

Recipes

The first option for preparing the infusion. You will need thirty grams of dry crushed herb, which you need to pour into a thermos, and pour 400 milliliters of boiling water into it. The drug should stand overnight, after which it is recommended to carefully filter it through a sieve with a fine nozzle; if there is none, it’s okay, use a double layer of gauze, and you can take it in three or four doses, about forty minutes before the start of the meal.

The second option for preparing the infusion. To do this, you will need two teaspoons of dry herb, which should first be crushed; for this purpose, you can use the usual kitchen appliance in the form of a mortar and pestle. After which the finished raw material is poured with 200 milliliters of boiling water, infused for two hours, then filtered, and the drug is ready for use.

Preparation of the decoction. Take two tablespoons of chopped dry veronica longifolia herb and pour a couple of glasses of boiling water over it. Place the enamel saucepan on gas stove, and keep it on low heat for ten, fifteen minutes. Then you need to filter it, and you can use it for its intended purpose.

Conclusion

Of course, use infusions and decoctions that are prepared from a variety of medicinal herbs, only after consultation with a qualified physician. If you deviate from this important rule, and if you have symptoms of any disease, ignoring a visit to the doctor can quite possibly harm your health.

Accordingly, you should not neglect going to the clinic; a qualified medical professional will always give you valuable advice which will help cope with the existing illness. Perhaps this will be complex therapy, which will include both drug therapy and treatment with various herbal remedies.