Kostyanika Stony

Stoneweed: description, application and medicinal properties

Stoneweed (lat. Potentilla fruticosa) is a perennial subshrub that belongs to the Rosaceae family. The plant reaches a height of up to 25 cm, and the shoots are long, spreading and often rooted. Flowering stems are erect, with scaly lower leaves. Flowering of stony drupe occurs in May and June, and the flowers are white. After flowering, the fruit appears - a prefabricated drupe with juicy, bright red, sour fruits that ripen in early July.

Stoneweed is widespread throughout Russia, with the exception of the southern regions. It grows in forests, on the slopes of rocky mountains, among bushes and in steppe meadows, preferring old, moderately moist spruce and pine forests.

The berries of stony stoneweed are eaten raw. Jelly, juices, fruit drinks and jellies are prepared from them. The plant is a good honey plant.

Stoneweed is also used as a medicinal plant. Medicinal raw materials are fruits, leaves and sometimes roots. The fruits are dried in the open air or in an oven at a temperature of 40-50°C. The leaves are collected in the first half of summer and dried in the attic, veranda or in a dryer, turning them over periodically. Before drying, the rhizomes are thoroughly cleaned of soil and washed in cold water. They are also dried in an oven or dryer at a temperature of 45-50°C. Dried leaves, fruits and roots are stored in glass or wooden containers for a year.

The fruits of stone stone fruit contain carbohydrates, organic acids, ascorbic acid and fat. Flavonoids, ascorbic acid, coumarin derivatives, tannins and other substances are found in the leaves. The largest amounts of biologically active substances were found in raw materials collected in June and August.

Drupal stone preparations have diuretic, diaphoretic, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects. Fruit juice and syrup made from stone fruit berries are recommended for use during fever. Decoctions of herbs and leaves are effective for inflammatory diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, as well as for disorders of the menstrual cycle in women. Externally, infusions and decoctions of stony stoneweed are used to treat wounds, burns, purulent infections, as well as to strengthen hair and scalp.

Stoneweed is also used in cosmetology. It is used to prepare masks, creams and shampoos that strengthen hair, improve the condition of the scalp and prevent hair loss.

Despite the many beneficial properties of stony stoneweed, before using it as a medicine, you should consult a specialist. In some cases, the plant may cause an allergic reaction or interact with other medications.