Woodweed Annual

Annual woodweed: properties and use in folk medicine

Annual woodweed (lat. Mercurialis annua) is a dioecious plant that is widespread in Europe and Asia. It can also be found in North America, where it was introduced as animal feed. The plant has several names, including "small mercury grass" and "small oleoresin grass." Annual woodweed grows in clearings, along fences and roads, as well as in gardens, where it is often perceived as a weed.

Annual woodweed belongs to the Euphorbiaceae family, and is used in folk medicine as a laxative and diuretic. However, it is not used in scientific medicine because the forest plant contains toxic substances.

The annual woodleaf has a bare stem 20 to 40 cm high, which branches at the top. The leaves of the plant have short petioles, pointed at the end, and are covered with a network of veins. They often have small stipules. The flowers are solitary or collected in groups of 2-3 on short stalks in a spike-shaped inflorescence. They are small, greenish-yellow, and bloom in April-May.

Annual woodweed is collected in its flowering state, tied into bunches and dried in the open air. The collection is carried out in May-June. The active substances contained in the forest plant include saponins, essential oil and bitterness.

In folk medicine, the plant is used for dropsy, constipation, bronchospasm, lack of appetite, rheumatism and gout. Prolesnik can also be used for female diseases, especially painful menstruation. Even Hippocrates in the V-IV centuries. BC. noted the benefits of the forest plant for women's diseases, and his experience was passed on to other authors of medieval herbalists.

Annual woodweed can be used in the form of tea. However, overdose should be avoided and the fresh herb should not be consumed as it is poisonous. The dried herb is harmless and can be used as a medicine.

Thus, the annual woodweed is a plant that has many beneficial properties and can be used in folk medicine as a laxative, diuretic and feminine remedy. However, it should be remembered that forest grass contains toxic substances, and therefore should not be consumed without consulting a doctor or experienced herbalist. If you decide to use forest grass as a medicine, you should adhere to the recommended dosage and not exceed the recommended course of treatment.

Despite the fact that the annual woodweed is not used in scientific medicine, it continues to play an important role in folk medicine. The use of the herb can be beneficial for those who are looking for natural ways to treat various ailments. However, before you start using forest herb as a medicine, you should definitely consult your doctor, as improper use of woodweed can lead to serious health consequences.