Bluehead Ploskol Istny.

Bluehead Ploskol Istny: description, properties and application

Bluehead Ploskol Istny, or Eringium platenze, is a perennial herbaceous plant of the Umbelliferae family. This blue-green plant can reach a height of up to 80 cm and has a branched stem. The basal leaves are oval and heart-shaped, while the upper leaves are small and palmate. Bluehead blooms in July-August, and the fruits ripen in August-September.

The bluehead is widespread in the central and southern zones of the European part of Russia, the Caucasus and Western Siberia, the Urals and Central Asia. It grows in meadows, steppes, on the edges of deciduous and pine forests, along roads, in wastelands and in thickets of bushes.

Bluehead is used in medicine as a medicinal plant. The above-ground part of the plant serves as a medicinal raw material and is harvested during flowering. The raw materials are cut into pieces and dried in the shade in the open air or in an attic with good ventilation. Store in closed cardboard containers for 2 years.

Many biologically active substances were found in the aerial part of the eryngium, including essential oil, saponins, carbohydrates, organic acids, triterpenoids, vitamin C, phenolcarboxylic acids, flavonoids, coumarins and fatty oil. Preparations of erythematosus have anti-inflammatory, diuretic, expectorant and sedative effects. They are effective against fungal skin infections and spasms of the smooth muscles of internal organs. They are used to improve sleep.

An infusion of the herb is used as an expectorant and sedative for diseases of the upper respiratory tract and lungs and for coughs with sputum that is difficult to separate. Prescribed for weakening of the heart and the appearance of edema, for urolithiasis, inflammatory liver diseases, epilepsy and whooping cough. The positive effect of herbal infusion is observed for headaches, rheumatism, stomach colic and itchy dermatoses.

To prepare the infusion, pour 10 g of crushed herbs into 1 glass of hot water, boil in a closed enamel container in a water bath for 15 minutes, cool for 45 minutes at room temperature, filter through cheesecloth and bring the volume to 200 ml with boiled water. Take the infusion 1/4 cup 3 times a day before meals. To prepare external remedies based on bluehead, use a decoction or infusion of the herb, which is added to bath water, mixed with massage oil, or used to wash affected skin areas.

It is important to consider that erythematosus can cause side effects and is contraindicated in case of individual intolerance, pregnancy and lactation, as well as in the presence of diseases of the cardiovascular system and low blood pressure. Before using medications based on bluehead, you should consult your doctor.