Potentilla white plant description. Potentilla white another name

The use of white cinquefoil in traditional medicine started in the 18th century. The grass was famous for its tonic, antiviral, antibacterial properties, even then it was taken with various types goiter. In official medicine medicinal properties herbs began to be studied in the middle of the twentieth century in the Soviet Union. Today in many countries it is a rare, valuable plant that is under protection. Another plant of this genus - Kuril tea - is no less popular, contains the same useful substances, and has similar medicinal properties.

Description of the medicinal plant

White bloodroot. Botanical illustration by Jakob Sturm from Deutschlands Flora in Abbildungen, 1796.

Why is this type of medicinal plant so famous? And why is it so hard to find real cinquefoil root? For what diseases is the herb effective? What you need to know about the contraindications of this plant?

area

This type of cinquefoil is found in Central Europe. Grass does not grow in the Scandinavian countries and Great Britain. Germany is considered its northern border, the Ardennes mountains in Luxembourg, France, Belgium are its western border, Serbia, Montenegro, Croatia, Slovenia, Italy, Bulgaria are its southeastern border. More common in Ukraine and Belarus. Where does the white cinquefoil grow in Russia? It takes root well in the southern regions and in the Volga basin. Most often, this species can be found in meadows, open, well-lit glades, in copses, on overgrown slopes.

The white cinquefoil plant belongs to endangered species, which is associated with the intensive development of forestry and agriculture. This species is listed in the Red Book of Belarus and Germany, and is also protected by law in such regions of Russia - Ryazan, Moscow, Smolensk, Lipetsk. Therefore, grass is so difficult to find and harvest. In some regions of Russia (for example, in Bryansk), this species is cultivated industrially in order to replenish the raw material base.




Botanical characteristic

What does this perennial look like? herbaceous plant?

  • Height . It can be from 10 to 25 cm.
  • Rhizome. Powerful, thick, unbranched, 10 to 15 cm long.
  • stems. They have few leaves, thin and short, branched at the base.
  • Leaves . Root leaves are brown, with long petioles. Stem - oblong-lanceolate, with sharp teeth, tapering wedge-shaped.
  • Flowers. Grow on long stalks, white with five wide, notched petals.

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In folk medicine, both the white cinquefoil herb and the rhizome are used. However, the aerial part does not affect thyroid-stimulating activity, which is important in the treatment of thyroid gland.

  • collection time. Flowers can be collected during the flowering of the plant - from May to June, leaves and stems - the whole season. The root is dug up in early spring or late autumn. It is broken off and only the rhizome is left (popularly, the rhizome is often called the root). It is important to know that nutrients accumulate in the underground part of the plant in the fourth year of the growing season.
  • How to prepare at home? This type of Potentilla grows for a long time. For example, to get a rhizome 20 cm long, it takes 10 years of vegetation. Reproduction by seeds is slow, they do not sprout immediately. In household plots, it is recommended to propagate this plant with cuttings that can be planted in spring or autumn. One rhizome of Potentilla can produce two to three dozen cuttings.
  • drying conditions. All parts of the grass are dried in natural conditions - on verandas, attics, under sheds, where there is access to fresh air.
  • Storage . Dry raw materials must be protected from moisture and sunlight. Usually dry rhizome is stored in wooden boxes, glass jars. Shelf life - 2 years.

healing action

Pharmachologic effect:

  • anticarcinogenic;
  • tonic;
  • diuretic;
  • thyrotropic;
  • corticotropic;
  • adaptogenic;
  • sedative;
  • neurotropic;
  • cardiotonic;
  • antiatherosclerotic;
  • venotonic;
  • antibacterial;
  • immunostimulating;
  • wound healing.

Such a wide spectrum of action is due to the chemical composition of the plant. It contains many:

  • micro and macro elements: magnesium, iron, copper, silicon, zinc, potassium, phosphorus, selenium, iodine and anion of iodous acid, silver;
  • flavonoids;
  • phenol derivatives;
  • tannins;
  • saponins.

In the rhizomes, a valuable substance was found - albinin with a thyrotropic effect. Thanks to albinin, the plant is widely used in endocrinology.

List of indications

What are the indications for the use of this medicinal plant?

  • Treatment of the thyroid gland with white cinquefoil. This is the main use of the herb (rhizome), since it contains a lot of iodine and minerals that normalize the production of hormones and metabolism. Clinical studies were conducted that confirmed the therapeutic effect of the herb in hyperthyroidism, thyrotoxicosis, thyroid hyperplasia, multinodular goiter and other diagnoses. Prophylactically prescribed in regions where there is an iodine deficiency.
  • Benefits for joints. Relieves inflammation and pain in gout, osteochondrosis, rheumatism, cleanses the blood well, lowers cholesterol levels.
  • Digestive system. Helps with gastrointestinal infections due to antibacterial properties. In particular, it helps with dysentery. It is useful to drink infusions for chronic inflammation of the stomach, liver and intestines, peptic ulcer. Relieves colic, spastic pain, normalizes digestion.
  • urinary system. The herb has a mild diuretic effect, so it can be prescribed for inflammation of the kidneys and bladder.
  • The cardiovascular system. The plant has a beneficial effect on the work of the heart, helps with tachycardia, cardiac shortness of breath. Assign in the rehabilitation period after a heart attack and stroke. Grass normalizes blood pressure in hypertension, prevents the development of atherosclerosis.
  • Outdoor use. Infusions in the form of compresses and lotions are applied to wounds, to painful joints. The powder is sprinkled with ulcers, abscesses, and other skin inflammations. Decoctions and infusions treat cracks in the corners of the mouth. It is used as an antiseptic in otolaryngology and dentistry - for rinsing the throat and mouth, with bleeding gums, bad breath.

Potentilla shrub, or Kuril tea, Potentilla yellow.
Potentilla goose, or goose foot, goose grass. Potentilla erect, or galangal.

Other medicinal types of Potentilla

Potentilla is an extensive genus of plants from the rose family. There are about 180 species in the genus. Most of them grow in the temperate climate of the northern regions. What types are most often used in medicinal purposes?


All types of plants are characterized by a high content of tannins, bitterness, flavonoids.

What are the contraindications for Potentilla Alba? It should not be taken orally at reduced pressure, acute ulcerative colitis, blood clotting disorders, exacerbation of urolithiasis and all diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, individual intolerance. Also, the grass is prohibited during pregnancy and lactation. Possible in case of overdose side effects on the part of digestion - nausea, vomiting, constipation or diarrhea.

Application and preparation at home

What is the use of white cinquefoil root in folk and official medicine? How to prepare herbal medicines? What medicines based on it can be bought in a phytopharmacy?




Pharmaceutical raw materials

  • Powder. Chopped white cinquefoil root. The powder is packaged in filter bags of 1.5 g. The main indication is thyroid diseases. Also taken for gynecological diseases, anemia, to lower cholesterol, remove radionuclides, cleanse the blood, increase immunity.
  • Tablets . You can purchase a drug with the commercial name "Tireo-Vit". This is a dietary supplement, but you should not take it without a doctor's prescription. In addition to white cinquefoil, this includes echinacea extract and brown seaweed powder (kelp). Take 3 tablets 3 times a day with meals. The course of treatment lasts 1 month. The tool is intended for the prevention and treatment of thyroid diseases. It is also a good immunostimulating medicine.
  • liquid extract. Drops of "Pyatipal" are used for all of the above diagnoses. The main application is endocrinology.
  • Dry root. The crushed raw materials are sold by weight. Unfortunately, cases of counterfeit raw materials have become more frequent on the market, since the herb is a rare medicinal species, protected by law in many regions. Often, under the name "cinquefoil white" they offer other types of this plant that do not have such a pronounced thyrotropic effect.

Decoction

A decoction is taken for hypothyroidism and other thyroid disorders. It is prepared from crushed roots or powder.

Cooking

  1. Take 1 tsp. dry raw materials.
  2. Pour in a glass of boiling water.
  3. Hold in a water bath for 5 minutes.
  4. Insist 2-3 hours.

It is recommended to keep the broth warm until completely cooled. Take ½ cup 3 times a day 30 minutes before meals. To get a concentrated infusion, the root is steamed in a thermos for 8 hours (2 cups of boiling water take 1 tablespoon of crushed root).

Tincture

Prepared from crushed roots or powder. The main use of the white cinquefoil tincture is thyroid diseases, gynecological diagnoses (myoma, cyst, disorders menstrual cycle). Also, the drug has a tonic, immunostimulating effect. It is useful to drink tincture prophylactically to strengthen the body's defenses.

Cooking

  1. Take 50 g of dry crushed root.
  2. Pour in ½ liter of vodka.
  3. Insist 3 weeks in a dark place.
  4. Strain.

Take 30 drops 3 times a day 30 minutes before meals. This is the average dosage. It may vary depending on the diagnosis and dysfunction of the thyroid gland, it is prescribed by a doctor. The course lasts a month, after which they take a break for a week and take a second course.

Use in men, women, children

  • For men . Used to increase potency. The root helps with adenoma, male infertility. It also has a good effect on the nervous system, relieves fatigue, tones the entire body.
  • For women . Failures of the menstrual cycle may be associated with hormonal disorders in the thyroid gland. Therefore, so often with a cycle failure, the appearance of functional cysts, uterine bleeding, the gynecologist gives direction for the analysis of thyroid-stimulating hormone, thyroxine, triiodothyronine. Potentilla white in complex therapy helps with such diagnoses - uterine fibroids, ovarian cysts, uterine prolapse.
  • For kids . Not in the official instructions age restrictions. According to some herbalists, the herb can be used in children, but in strict dosage and under medical supervision. The danger lies in the impact on the unstable hormonal system. Although it is noted that it is in adolescence in boys and girls (with a hormonal surge) that decoctions of this plant can even out hormonal surges, normalize weight, and improve the condition of hair and skin. However, there is no scientific confirmation of this information.

For the treatment of problems in women in the field of endocrinology and other areas, modern medicine follows a conservative path. It is based on drug therapy and surgery.

But some experts confirm that the use for medicinal purposes is justified as a supportive agent. For example, white cinquefoil is useful, the use of which in traditional medicine is quite wide. This herb gained fame due to its high efficiency for the prevention and treatment of thyroid diseases. Those who have already tried the effect of cinquefoil on the body leave mostly positive feedback.

plant description

The Latin name for white cinquefoil is Potentilla alba alba. It belongs to the large genus Rosaceae and has many related species (goose cinquefoil, bifurcate, erect, silver and others - about 300 in total). Moreover, most of them are actively used in folk medicine.

Among all species, it was the white cinquefoil that won wide popularity, the photo of which you see on the page of our magazine. It alleviates the condition of a sick person and stabilizes work various bodies. It differs from its botanical "brothers" in white petals, while in other species they are colored yellow. In appearance, the plants are similar to strawberry bushes.

White cinquefoil is a perennial low plant (the length of the stems is no more than 25 cm). Basal leaves of a lanceolate form consist of 5 parts. Their structure resembles a human hand, so the plant is popularly called: five-fingered or spread, and in some regions - five-leafed.

From the point of view of the impact on the body, white cinquefoil is considered a natural phytohormone. It contains a long list of natural ingredients that can positively affect the human body, especially the thyroid gland. Official science has been studying the beneficial properties of white cinquefoil recently, while folk healers have been advising patients to be treated with it for more than one century.

The composition of the white cinquefoil

The therapeutic effect of white cinquefoil is explained by its rich composition: the composition contains many micro-, macroelements and other compounds useful for humans. The first recipes for preparations prepared on the basis of this plant appeared in the 13th century. Even then, traditional medicine used it to treat thyroid gland.

Today, after careful chemical analyzes, we know that Potentilla white contains the following elements from the periodic table:

  • boron (B);
  • iron (Fe);
  • calcium (Ca);
  • manganese (Mn);
  • copper (Cu);
  • sodium (Na);
  • selenium (Se);
  • zinc (Zn).

And this is not a complete list. All these elements are involved in many processes in the body, ensuring its vital activity.

Potentilla white also contains valuable natural compounds:

  1. Phenolcarboxylic acids - prevent cell mutation, therefore, are useful for the prevention of tumors. They're human, magnifying protective force body, reduce sugar levels and have a positive effect on the cardiovascular system.
  2. Iridoids - improve digestion, normalize work, stabilize the production of hormones.
  3. Saponins - have a diuretic effect, control the activity of the thyroid gland.
  4. Various flavonoids - reduce inflammation and positively affect the circulatory system.
  5. Starch.
  6. Carbohydrates.
  7. Gallotannin is a tannic organic compound with an anti-inflammatory effect.

Initially, only the root of the white cinquefoil was used in folk medicine, but recent studies have shown that the green part of the plant can also be used as a raw material for the preparation of medicines. It has an identical composition, only the concentration of nutrients is slightly lower than in the root.

Modern phytotherapists recommend their patients to use the ground part of Potentilla for preventive purposes, and for diseases - the root. You can buy a five-pal at a pharmacy. The cost of 25 grams of ground raw materials is about 250 rubles.

Indications for use and contraindications

Due to its valuable properties, plant raw materials are used in traditional medicine for the treatment of:

  1. Cardiovascular, hematopoietic system. Substances regulate the composition of cholesterol, preventing the appearance of atherosclerosis. Especially fivepal will be useful for hypertensive patients, because its use is mild.
  2. diseases gastrointestinal tract: raw materials help with ulcers, diarrhea and poisoning, hepatitis; Potentilla white has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effect.
  3. Damage to the skin and mucous membranes, including with the addition of infection: boils, stomatitis, acne.
  4. Functional disorders and pathologies of the thyroid gland.

If white cinquefoil is used for treatment, then beneficial features and contraindications must be considered and evaluated on a case-by-case basis. This will save a person from possible consequences.

Contraindications to taking funds based on Potentilla white:

  • Individual intolerance to the substances that make up the plant. Therefore, if this is the first use of cinquefoil, caution should be exercised and treatment should be started with small doses.
  • Hyperthyroidism is an overactive thyroid gland. Potentilla white can provoke a sharp release of a large amount of hormones, which is undesirable. In this case, you also need to carefully monitor the dosage and well-being.
  • The period of pregnancy and lactation in a woman.
  • Age up to 18 years.

The golden rule of traditional medicine - any means should be used with the consent of the attending physician. To assess the state of the thyroid gland, you need to pass a quantitative analysis for hormones. This will help to avoid negative consequences cinquefoil treatment.

Treatment of thyroid diseases

Treatment of the thyroid gland is a topical issue for many women. Medical statistics have shown that the fair sex suffers from improper functioning of this important organ 4-5 times more often than men. The main cause of disorders is called iodine deficiency. Its deficiency leads to hormonal changes, which over time cause various pathologies of the thyroid gland.

Reception medicines prepared from white cinquefoil according to traditional medicine recipes, ensures the saturation of the thyroid gland with the necessary elements and stimulates the proper production of hormones. Therefore, the plant helps to cope with many disorders of the endocrine system. By correcting the metabolic processes in the body, cinquefoil preparations significantly reduce the risk of pathological changes in the thyroid gland.

Popular Recipes

Traditional medicine offers various recipes: white cinquefoil with thyroid can be prepared for use in the form of an alcohol or water-based tincture.

A simple water infusion recipe

You will need to take the crushed root of the cinquefoil in the amount of approximately 1 tablespoon. Plant raw materials put in a thermos or other tightly sealed container and pour a glass of boiling water. Infuse the medicine for at least 8 hours. The finished product is taken four times a day, strictly 20 minutes before meals. If 1 tablespoon is enough for the first dose, then over time, a single dose increases to 3 tablespoons. When it is not possible to regularly take the infusion, you can drink half a glass in the morning and before bedtime.

Infusion for intensive care

Such a recipe will be useful in case of a severe course of the disease, or if the disease does not go away for a long time. The remedy from five-pal is insisted during the night. Quantity of ingredients:

  1. Day one: 1 teaspoon per glass of boiling water.
  2. Day two: 2 teaspoons for the same volume.
  3. Then you should increase the amount of raw materials by 1 teaspoon every day until day 7, and then also reduce.

Thus, therapy will take 14 days. The resulting infusion is taken orally 20 minutes before meals. After completing the course, you should take a break for 2-4 weeks, and then repeat the treatment according to the scheme. You need to be patient, because the positive dynamics will be noticeable only after 3 months, although the first signs of health improvement will appear in a month.

If there is no time

It is not always possible to find time to prepare an infusion of white cinquefoil according to all the rules. For example, while traveling or at work. There is a way out of this situation! You just need to carefully grind the rhizome of the cinquefoil into powder in advance and take it with you. For one dose, a small amount of such a drug is enough - a small pinch that fits on the tip of a knife. It will have a sufficient concentration of useful elements. In this form, cinquefoil is taken simply with a glass of water, three times a day before meals.

Alcohol tincture

In the treatment of disorders of the thyroid gland, good results were shown by the alcohol tincture of the root of white cinquefoil, for the preparation of which high-quality vodka or diluted alcohol up to 70% is used. The proportion of vegetable raw materials to liquid should be 1:10. The optimal infusion time is one month in a place inaccessible to sunlight.

This medicine is used for 30 drops in a diluted form. It is recommended to start with 10-15 drops, increasing the dosage by 1-2 drops daily. The duration of treatment should not exceed 30 days. You can repeat the course 10 days after its completion.

Potentilla white can help in the treatment of various diseases: this is confirmed by the reviews of people who have already used healing properties plants. Especially its use is relevant for prevention and herbal medicine for problems with the thyroid gland. But you should not rely solely on traditional medicine - plan complex treatment must be agreed with the doctor.

White bloodroot.

Name: White bloodroot.

Latin name: Potentilla alba L.

Family: Rosaceae (Rosaceae)

Lifespan: Perennial.

plant type: Herbaceous plant with a long rhizome.

Roots: The rhizome is thick, lignified, oblique, ending in a bunch of leaves collected in a rosette.

Trunk (stem): Flower stems emerge from the axils of the leaves of the rosette, not exceeding them in height.

Height: 5-8cm

Leaves: Basal leaves are palmate, of 5 oblanceolate leaflets, which are dark green above, glabrous, and silky below.

Flowers, inflorescences: The flowers are white, collected 2-5 in apical semi-umbels.

flowering time: Blooms in April-June.

Fruit: The fruit consists of nut-like achenes.

Features of collection, drying and storage: The whole plant is dug up with roots during the flowering period. It must be collected carefully - the rhizome has a length of up to 60-80 cm.

Spreading: In Russia, white cinquefoil is found in the European part (Verkhne-Volzhsky and Zavolzhsky regions); in Ukraine - in Polissya, in the Forest-steppe and in the foothills of the Carpathians.

habitats: Grows on sandy soils in pine, spruce and mixed forests. Usually the plant can only be found by its white flowers, as it is all hidden among last year's fallen leaves.

medicinal parts: Medicinal raw material is the whole plant.

Useful content: The aerial part of the white cinquefoil contains up to 6% tannins (polyphenols and condensed tannins), elemental iodine, anion of iodous acid, iridoids, saponins, phenolcarboxylic acids, flavonoids and various elements: sodium, calcium, aluminum, nickel, bismuth, lanthanum, cobalt , copper, silver, zinc, iron and manganese. An even greater content of biologically active substances differs in the root system of the plant.

Actions: It has been experimentally established that the water infusion of the plant is effective in the treatment of thyrotoxicosis. The course of treatment is 1 month. If necessary, the course of treatment is repeated after a two-month break.

Dosage forms:

Infusion . 10 grams of raw materials per 200 ml of boiling water. Take from 1 tablespoon to 1/3 cup 2-3 times a day (the individual dose is selected by the doctor, depending on the stage of the disease and the general condition of the patient's heart)

Healing recipes:

plant decoction . 3 tablespoons of raw materials per 1 cup of boiling water, boil for 5 minutes, leave for 4 hours and take 1 tablespoon 4-5 times a day.

Get well!

The rose family is Rosaceae.

Folk names. Perstach, five-finger, five-ring, five-finger, five-leaf, pentaphyllum.

Description. Perennial low herbaceous plant with a long, branched rhizome at the top, which ends with a rosette of palmately dissected leaves into 5 leaflets. The leaves are pubescent with large stipules and long petioles. Flower stems 5-8 cm long with silky pubescence and 2-5 white flowers. Flowers 5-dimensional with linear-lanceolate leaves of the subcup and ovate sepals. Petals 6-8 mm long, obovate; stamens and pistils more than 12. White color petals indicates cross-pollination by nocturnal insects. Blooms in April-June. The fruits are dry ovoid, hairy at the base, achenes. The seeds are probably dispersed by ants, who harvest them as food.

Area. It grows in the southern regions of the European part of Russia to the Urals. Floristic regions: Upper Dnieper (Belarus, Carpathians, Ukraine, Crimea), Upper Volga (along the Oka River), Middle Dnieper, Volga-Don, Zavolzhsky. General distribution: Central and partly Southern Europe, southeastern France, northern Italy, Balkan countries.

Ecology. It grows in forest-steppe, fairly lighted places. It occurs in broad-leaved, broad-leaved spruce and pine forests, sometimes among shrubs. This rather rare plant must be sought along the edges, on steppe meadow calcareous slopes.

Resources. Potentilla white never had a natural raw material base. This is a rare plant that occurs sporadically in many areas only in the vegetation of steppe limestone slopes. Large plantations of Potentilla white also do not yet exist. There are experimental plots of several tens of square meters. A detailed study of the methods of introducing the plant into culture is necessary. It is included in the lists of protected plants in the Vladimir and Ivanovo regions.

Cultivation. Potentilla grows white in nature slowly. From a seed to an adult plant with a rhizome 20-30 cm long, 10-15 years pass. The seeds have low germination, the germination period is extended, the seedlings develop slowly. On the rhizome of an adult white cinquefoil there are many dormant buds, thanks to which, with the help of vegetative propagation, a whole plant can be grown from a cutting 1-1.5 cm long. From one rhizome, you can get from 10 to 50 cuttings. Cuttings are planted in spring or autumn. After 4-5 years, without special care, plants suitable for harvesting grow from the cuttings. In the future, the rate of development of the plant decreases, and therefore it is advisable to cut a part of the harvested raw material and lay a new plantation of cinquefoil. At present, VNII VILAR is carrying out work on the introduction of Potentilla Alba.

Raw material. Preparations are possible only under the condition of cultivation. For medicinal purposes, the herb is harvested in the flowering stage or the whole plant - grass with rhizomes and roots. Dry, spreading a thin layer in the shade in attics or dry, ventilated areas.

Chemical composition. Rhizomes with roots of white cinquefoil contain the amount of biologically active substances: saponins, polyphenols, tannins, iodide anion and elemental iodine. Trace elements: sodium, calcium, aluminum, nickel, bismuth, lanthanum, molybdenum, cobalt, copper, lithium, silver, zinc, iron, manganese.

All organs of the plant contain phenolcarboxylic acids and their derivatives: in the hydrolyzate p-coumaric, ellagic. Flavonoids in the hydrolyzate: quercetin, kaempferol, cyanidin, tannins: gallotamine 12.2%. Iridoids, saponins, phenolcarboxylic acids. The rhizomes with roots contain starch. Tannins up to 17%, maximum in the flowering phase. In the aerial parts of the flavonoid: rutin. Tannins up to 6%. According to E.N. Gritsenko (candidate of medical sciences from the Kyiv Institute for Advanced Medical Studies), white cinquefoil contains amino acids, saponins, phenolcarboxylic acids, iridoids and flavonoids. Iridoids and flavonoids are an extensive group of related substances (flavones, catechins, anthocyanins) contained in plants in the form of glycosides. They have a beneficial effect on the walls of blood vessels, regulating their permeability and eliminating their fragility and fragility; reduce the heart rate and increase their amplitude; reduce arterial pressure, affect the composition of the blood, increasing the production of red blood cells and white blood cells, lowering cholesterol; they increase the secretion of bile and increase the tone of the intestines. According to G.K. Smyk (Ph.D. from the Botanical Garden of Kyiv University), a wide range of biological activity of phenolic compounds of the pyrocatechol, hydroquinone and pyrogallol series is explained by their ability to reversibly oxidize with the formation of semiquinone radicals and quinones, due to which they easily enter in reaction with thiol groups of proteins; in particular, the interaction of these substances with proteins of cell membranes and vascular tissue barriers can explain their effect on vascular and cellular permeability.

pharmacological properties. An aqueous infusion of the whole plant has been clinically shown to be effective in the treatment of thyrotoxicosis. The course of treatment is 1 month. If necessary, the course is repeated after a 2-month break. According to E.I. Prikhodko (endocrinologist, candidate of medical sciences from Dneprodzerzhinsk) - in patients with impaired thyroid function, it was possible to achieve complete recovery using a decoction of Potentilla. A tablespoon of dry grass is poured with a glass of boiling water. Take for a month and if necessary, the treatment can be repeated. There have been cases of a decrease in the size of the thyroid gland, which can be explained by the influence of flavonoids with P-vitamin activity. There is probably a connection between the development of thyrotoxicosis and impaired permeability of blood vessels and the entry of hormones into the bloodstream.

Application in medicine. In folk medicine, a decoction of the whole plant is drunk when the uterus is prolapsed. The powder is sprinkled on abscesses. VV Kunitsyn (Penza region, Zolotarevka village) reports that after a stroke he is treated daily with a decoction of Potentilla white. According to him, the decoction prevents the fragility of the blood vessels of the brain and the whole body. M. Zinchenko (Chernihiv region) reports that the plant Potentilla white is used for diseases of the thyroid gland.

Dosage forms, method of administration m dose. 10 g of herbs are poured into 200 ml of boiling water and infused for 2 hours. Take orally 1 tablespoon 2-3 times a day. The doctor prescribes an individual dose.

Use in Medieval Medicine. Odo from Mena in the book "On the properties of herbs" Naples, 1477 in chapter 70 "On the cinquefoil", where there is an exact drawing of the plant, reports. "Pentaphylon" is so called because it has five leaves; this grass, they say, grows in very many places. - With a delicate branch, beautiful in appearance, but its taste is bitter. With oil, she heals damaged members, and to drink juice from it, pains in the stomach are relieved from it; he can also hold back expiration of various kinds. If it is drunk and if the face is smeared with it, then this remedy will make it so that the fury of the groin will subside; if he drinks about two or three kiaths, then in this way he heals snake bites everywhere, and burns are often healed from such an herb.

close views. Potentilla brachypetala Fisch. et Mey. grows in similar habitats and in a non-flowering state is difficult to distinguish from white cinquefoil. During flowering it has taller, leafy inflorescences with yellow flowers.

Conclusions. The most important tasks at present are a detailed study of the chemical composition of the organs of Potentilla white; search for the most rational form of drugs; development of methods for the treatment of thyrotoxicosis, atherosclerosis, pre-infarction and pre-stroke conditions. Solving the issues of creating a raw material base for Potentilla white will make it possible to create valuable drugs with anti-sclerotic action.

After reading our article, you will learn about unique properties of the plant Potentilla alba Potentilla alba and methods of its application. In Russia, white cinquefoil became known not so long ago, and before that it was known only to botanists. Not everyone knows that this is real. Polesye legend, which has been used for centuries in Belarus against various ailments. Still small grass with white petals provokes numerous discussions. There has been little scientific research on cinquefoil so far, but there are many examples of healing with its help. She helped one to cope with diseases of the thyroid gland, the other - to cure the stomach, the third - diseases of the female reproductive system.

Where did the name of the plant Potentilla white come from?

The Latin name of this herb is Potentilla alba, and in Russia and other Slavic countries, white cinquefoil is also called as follows: five-finger, five-ring, five-ring, five-finger, white finger, white dubrovka, five-leaf, cross-stitch. Interesting, where did the name of the plant come from? It is explained by the distant similarity of the human hand and Potentilla leaves.

It must be said that fivepal is the brightest representative of the genus Potentilla. The generic name of this herb comes from the Latin word "potents", which can be translated as strength, power. Such epithets of the plant speak for themselves - white cinquefoil really has significant healing power.

Rare and useful grass Potentilla white

Potentilla white is a perennial plant of the Rosaceae family. This rare and useful herb found in Europe, central Russia and some southern regions, in Ukraine, Belarus. In the east of our country, its range reaches the Urals. Prefers light pine and oak forests, especially edges and slopes.

Feels good both on fertile soils and on loamy, sandy. This is growing rare and useful herb White bloodroot quite a long time, slowly increasing in size. Only by the age of 3-4, its root becomes large, saturated with useful substances.

It must be said that in some European countries today it is very difficult to find five palms due to the reduction in forest area. In a number of regions of Russia, it is listed in the regional Red Books. It is gratifying that since the 2000s, the first attempts to cultivate Potentilla on an industrial scale have appeared in our country. There is reason to believe that this useful herb will gradually fall out of the category rare.

We add that the methods of cultivating this plant have not yet been studied enough, and therefore few take up its production. It is not surprising that the roots and rhizomes of white cinquefoil can not be found in every pharmacy. One of the few firms that supply the market with this natural product, is the Parapharm company. We grow white cinquefoil far from big cities and industrial enterprises - in the Kameshkirsky district of the Penza region.

The history of the use of the plant Potentilla white (five-fingered)

Although fivepal cannot boast of the number of legends that have arisen around him, plant history white cinquefoil (five-fingered) spans more than one century. Potentilla is eloquently mentioned in the writings of healers of the past as a powerful healing agent.

The first mention of this herb dates back to the 15th century. In the famous treatise Odo of Mena "On the properties of herbs", published in Naples, it is reported about the cinquefoil or pentaphylon, which has a unique healing power. According to the author, this plant is especially useful with oil, in this form it heals wounds, burns, abdominal pain, "groin fury" and even snake bites.

Modern history of the use of cinquefoil white began in the 70s of the last century thanks to Soviet endocrinologists. In addition, its use was promoted by an enthusiast, herbalist V. Kunitsyn. He was one of the first to plant and cultivate five palms. This activist collected information about cases of cure through rare and useful herb, addressed letters to newspapers, the government. He managed to do a lot - the biologists and biochemists of the country became interested in the plant.

It is impossible to ignore the merits of the phytotherapist V. Kayukova, who for many years has been engaged in the use of cinquefoil in medical practice. She recommended this plant to her patients, thanks to which many got rid of thyroid problems. These healing stories were later published in the press.

Thanks to the work of enthusiasts, the well-known scientific research institute VILAR became interested in white cinquefoil. In a number of regions, pharmacologists study chemical composition and medicinal properties of this plant.

How is fivepal used in traditional medicine

There is no doubt that the fivepal in folk medicine used for centuries. Information has been preserved that back in the 18th century, Belarusian peasants successfully treated thyroid diseases with decoctions from the roots and leaves of Potentilla white. The traditions of herbalists of the past are not forgotten today. It is no coincidence that after the accident at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant, the inhabitants of Belarus rarely had problems with the endocrine system. But in the regions of Ukraine that fell under the influence of radiation, thyroid diseases were recorded much more often.

With this legendary herbs healers Polissya traditionally treat many ailments. In particular, a decoction of the leaves is drunk for uterine prolapse and other female ailments. In addition, it helps to cope with painful menstruation. Various wounds, inflammations, boils and abscesses are sprinkled with dry five-pale leaves. Unique medicinal properties this amazing plants known in other countries. For example, the inhabitants of the Balkan Peninsula treat them with disorders of the digestive system.

Besides fivepal in folk medicine used to treat the liver, gastric ulcer, wounds. A decoction of the roots relieves jaundice, dysentery, gout, rheumatism. Stimulates the central nervous system, good for the heart.

The chemical composition of the plant Potentilla white

Novosibirsk researchers studied in detail the chemical composition of the plant White bloodroot . It turned out that the roots and rhizomes contain flavonoids (quercetin, kaempferol), saponins, iridoids, phenolcarboxylic acids, carbohydrates (starch). Also, the roots are rich in tannins, the main of which is gallotonin. At the same time, in May-June, its content exceeds 15%. In flowers and leaves found: phenolcarboxylic acids, iridoids, flavonoids (rutin), saponins, tannins. It is an excellent source of minerals: magnesium, zinc, copper, cobalt, iron, silicon, aluminum, cerium.

It has been established that the roots of pyatipal also contain iodine, which is necessary for the thyroid gland to work and synthesize hormones. In some sources, there is information that a special substance, albinin, was found in white cinquefoil, which produces a therapeutic effect.

By the way, the flavonoid quercetin, which is rich in plant roots, has long been recognized by official medicine. For example, it is used in the treatment of gastric and duodenal ulcers. It is also believed that this substance is a powerful antioxidant, helps the body cope with the harmful effects of the external environment, stress, and slows down aging. And the flavonoid rutin, which is abundant in the leaves of pyatipal, stimulates the adrenal glands.

Unique properties of the plant Potentilla white

Thanks to the work of Soviet scientists, we know what is the use of cinquefoil white. Let's name the main :

  • thyroprotective;
  • diuretic;
  • anti-inflammatory;
  • painkiller;
  • expectorant;
  • astringent;
  • lowers capillary permeability;
  • improves metabolic processes;
  • increases the elasticity of blood vessels.

In addition, the five-legged plant removes toxins, radionuclides well, normalizes weight, pressure, and is useful for women's diseases. It is used for gout, rheumatism, heart disease. It is an excellent tool for the prevention of many diseases, a good immune stimulant. Root infusion helps to recover from heart attacks and strokes.

Medicinal plant for the thyroid gland

Although this herb is not well studied, it is safe to say that there is potential for its use. For everyone who is interested in herbal medicine, it is clear that white cinquefoil is the most useful medicinal plant for the thyroid gland.

So far, scientists cannot definitely say which substance in it is active. Some biochemists tend to think that it's all about flavonoids, abundantly contained in the white cinquefoil. It has been established that flavonoid preparations are useful for the thyroid gland, especially with its hyperfunction. Pyatipal normalizes the level of hormones that are synthesized in this gland, which makes it effective tool to combat both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism.

It is believed that the roots, from which infusions and decoctions are made, have the most pronounced thyroprotective effect. Traditional healers successfully use them for diffuse and diffuse-nodular goiter, hyperplasia. Fivepal roots can help even with thyroid adenoma.

Beneficial Plant Research

First held research useful plant Ukrainian scientists G.K. Smyk and V.V. Krivenko. In total, 19 people with thyroid disorders, both men and women, participated in the experiment. At the same time, 14 of them had pronounced thyrotoxicosis.

Prior to the start of the study, all patients complained of headache, heart pain, insomnia, and nervousness. At the same time, most of them lost a lot of weight due to illness. Also, all patients had an increase in the thyroid gland, exophthalmos (displacement of the eyeball forward). In addition, tachycardia, high cholesterol and blood sugar, pathological changes in the myocardium were found. A significant part of the examined patients suffered from hand tremor.

All treatment consisted of taking an aqueous infusion of cinquefoil white 2-3 times a day (for a month). In this case, the whole plant with roots, collected during the flowering period, was used. Depending on the degree of disorder, patients received from one teaspoon to a third of a glass of infusion at a time. Patients with a severe degree of the disease underwent several courses, taking a break in treatment. After 2 months, the thyroid gland decreased in everyone, and their general well-being improved.

During beneficial plant research it turned out that all patients felt a positive effect from taking a natural medicine. In particular, most of the symptoms of thyroid diseases disappeared, and some had a complete recovery. In addition, the work of the heart was restored, the content of cholesterol and sugar in the blood decreased.

Why is white cinquefoil useful for the stomach?

It must be said that white cinquefoil for the stomach useful because it contains large quantities quercetin and tannins. It can be used for stomach ulcers, as well as for other diseases of the gastrointestinal tract: colitis, enterocolitis, dysentery, diarrhea. It copes well with any inflammation in the stomach and intestines.

Five-legged has a beneficial effect on the liver, it is used for hepatitis, poisoning. Since cinquefoil has both anti-inflammatory and diuretic effects, it will help remove harmful substances.

Potentilla white for female diseases applied very successfully. Thanks to the anti-inflammatory and astringent properties of the plant, the condition improves with ovarian dysfunction. A decoction and infusion of roots help get rid of cysts, fibroids. Due to the positive effect on the hormonal system, the monthly cycle is normalized, the well-being of women improves with painful menstruation.

Traditionally, the five-pale herb is used against uterine prolapse. Note that it is not recommended to use this remedy during pregnancy and lactation.

Potentilla white plant for diabetes

It has been established that fivepal activates the entire endocrine system. Taking an aqueous infusion of the roots lowers the level of sugar and cholesterol in the blood. After a month of taking, a healthy hormonal background is restored. Thanks to this, the basal metabolism improves, weight normalizes. That is why five-pal can be called one of the best plants for diabetes.

This rare and useful herb used by Parapharm for the production of two food additives - White Potentilla and. The composition of the second of them, in addition to the roots of the cinquefoil, contains echinacea purpurea, as well as kelp. As you know, echinacea strengthens, promotes the removal of toxins and radionuclides. Laminaria is needed to replenish the body's supply of iodine, which is necessary for the functioning of the thyroid gland. It is with a lack of this trace element that hypothyroidism occurs.

So, we can say with confidence that white cinquefoil is suitable for the prevention and treatment of a number of diseases. Also this good remedy from wounds, burns, inflammation.

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