Madder Dying: properties and applications
Madder (lat. Rubia tinctorum) is a perennial plant of the Madder family that grows up to 2 meters in height. It has a powerful main root, from which roots with thick creeping rhizomes extend. The roots and rhizomes are covered with reddish-brown exfoliating bark. The stem is thin, climbing, strongly branched, tetrahedral and spiny-rough. The leaves are light green, dense, obovate and collected in whorls of 4-6 pieces.
Madder is common in Dagestan, Azerbaijan and other regions of the Caucasus. It grows along coastal plains, in bushes, along the banks of rivers and streams, in sand, vineyards, gardens and along fences. In cultivation, madder grows well on light to medium loose soils with a deep arable layer. The area under it is dug up to a depth of 30 cm, manure or compost, nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium are added. Seeds are sown at soil temperatures not lower than 6-8°C. Madder is propagated by rhizomes.
Madder is used for dyeing wool and leather. Currently, madder is successfully used in carpet making. The color of the dyes obtained from it ranges from pink to purple. The stems of the plant are used as feed for livestock.
In addition, madder is used in medicine as a diuretic and a drug that helps loosen stones in the kidneys and bladder. Madder preparations have a diuretic effect, relax the muscles of the renal pelvis and ureters while simultaneously enhancing the rhythmic (peristaltic) movements of these formations, which promotes the passage of stones. The greatest effect is observed with stones of phosphate and oxalate origin.
The industry produces madder extract in the form of a brown powder or in tablets. Before taking, dissolve them in 1/2 glass of warm water. The course of treatment is 20-30 days. If necessary, treatment is repeated after 4-6 weeks. If the drug causes red-brown urine, reduce the dose or temporarily stop taking it.
Madder is part of the drug "Cystenal", which relaxes the muscles of the ureters, facilitates the passage of urinary stones and prevents their formation. Madder is also used as a component in cosmetics for skin care, as it has antioxidant properties and promotes the healing of wounds and abrasions.
Despite the many beneficial properties of madder, its use can cause side effects such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, dizziness and allergic reactions. Therefore, before using madder for medical purposes, you must consult a doctor and follow the recommended dosages and regimens.