Sedge Sandy

Sand sedge: Description, Collection, Action and Use in Traditional Medicine

Sand sedge (Caricis arenariae rhizoma) is a perennial plant typical of northern Europe. It grows on the coasts of the North and Baltic seas, on dunes and coastal heaths, in sandy pine forests. The rhizome of this plant, which is used as a medicinal raw material, is especially valued.

Botanical description

The creeping rhizome of sandy sedge reaches more than 10 m in length, located parallel to the soil surface. Aboveground shoots, more or less spaced from each other, extend from it. The triangular stems of this plant, 15-30 cm in height, are densely pubescent with hard hairs in the upper part; leaves are folded. Like all similar herbs, each shoot ends in a spike-shaped inflorescence, often slightly inclined.

Collection and preparation

The sandy sedge rhizome is dug up in early spring, before shoots appear on the surface. They are freed from sand, cut into 10-cm pieces and dried at a temperature not exceeding 40°C. Store raw materials in a dry place for no more than 2 years.

Active ingredients

The rhizome of sandy sedge contains saponin, tannins, glycosides, silicic acid, mucus, starch and a very small amount of essential oil.

Healing effect and application

Sand sedge is used as a blood purifier. Sand sedge tea is especially often used for metabolic disorders such as gout. It also helps remove waste and toxins from the body. Despite the fact that official medicine does not treat sandy sedge too flatteringly, it is very popular in folk medicine.

Sand sedge tea is prepared by adding 2 teaspoons of the raw material to 1/4 liter of cold water. Then it is brought to a boil, left for 10 minutes and filtered. The tea is taken 2-3 times a day for quite a long time.

Sand sedge is also used in folk medicine to treat chronic bronchitis, pulmonary diseases, rheumatism and gout, bladder diseases, skin diseases and irritations, as well as diseases of the gastrointestinal tract accompanied by colic and diarrhea. Sand sedge is considered an effective remedy for strengthening the immune system and increasing the overall tone of the body. It may also help lower blood cholesterol and improve liver function.

Side effects

In case of acute inflammation of the kidneys, sand sedge should not be used due to possible irritation by saponins. In other cases, there is no need to worry about side effects. However, as with any other treatment, you should consult your doctor before using sandy sedge as a medicine.

Conclusion

Sand sedge is a valuable medicinal plant that can help treat many diseases. Sand sedge tea is the most common use of this plant in folk medicine. However, to avoid possible side effects, it is necessary to use sand sedge only under the supervision of a doctor and following the recommended dosages.