Sedum Caustic.

Sedum: a multifunctional plant of the Crassulaceae family

Sedum acre is a perennial herbaceous plant widespread in the European part of Russia, the Caucasus and Western Siberia. This low-growing plant reaches a height of 5 to 15 cm and has fleshy, non-thickened roots. The stems of sedum are recumbent or erect, and the leaves are small, oblong, pendulous and fleshy. Sedum blooms in May - August with yellow, five-petaled flowers collected in a spreading inflorescence.

Sedum has many medicinal properties and is widely used in folk medicine. The above-ground part of the plant, which is collected during flowering, is used as a medicinal raw material. When collecting caustic sedum, it is necessary to take into account that this plant is very moisture-intensive, and with inactive drying it continues to grow and even bloom, which significantly reduces the quality of the raw material. Therefore, after harvesting, it is cut into small pieces, scalded with boiling water, dried in the sun and dried at a temperature of 60-70°C. Store in a closed wooden container for no more than 2 years.

Caustic sedum contains organic acids, such as malic, succinic, etc., sugary substances (sadoheptose), flavones, an alkaloid (sedamine), glycosides, wax, tannins and other substances. Preparations based on sedum have an irritating, antimalarial, diuretic and stimulating effect, and also enhance intestinal motility.

To prepare an infusion of sedum, pour 1 teaspoon of the herb into 1 cup of boiling water and leave for 2-4 hours. Take 1/2 cup 3 times a day after meals. To enhance the effect of the drug, sedum is mixed with mistletoe herb and hawthorn flowers.

Sedum is also used to treat hypotension. To prepare the infusion, pour 1 tablespoon of raw material into 1 glass of hot water, boil for 5 minutes, cool, filter and squeeze. Take 1 tablespoon 3 times a day after meals.

Fresh sedum juice is used in folk medicine as a cleansing and healing agent for purulent wounds. However, it should be remembered that it causes severe skin irritation (redness, blisters), so before applying to an infected wound, the healthy skin around it must be protected with a strip of adhesive tape.

Externally, an infusion of sedum is used in the form of lotions to treat tumors, as well as to relieve heartburn and itching due to hemorrhoids. Sedum can also be used as an additional remedy in the complex treatment of other diseases.

Despite all its beneficial properties, sedum also has some contraindications. It is not recommended for pregnant and lactating women, as well as people with high stomach acidity and peptic ulcers. Before using caustic sedum for treatment, you should consult your doctor.

Thus, sedum is an amazing plant with many beneficial properties that are used in folk medicine to treat various diseases. However, like any other medicine, it should be used with caution and under the supervision of a specialist.