Source Ordinary.

Common source: description, medicinal properties and methods of use

Common istod (lat. Inula helenium) is a perennial herbaceous plant of the istodaceae family, which is widespread in the European part of Russia. The plant has several stems, each of which can reach a height of 10 to 25 cm. The leaves are alternate, small, mostly lanceolate or linear-lanceolate. Istoda vulgaris blooms in May - June, its flowers are irregular in shape, small, blue or pink, collected in a sparse raceme. The fruit is a smooth, oblong-heart-shaped capsule that ripens in August.

Common istoda grows singly in meadows, among bushes and in clearings of light forests. The medicinal raw materials are the roots, or less often the whole plant. The roots are harvested in August - September. When digging, they are thoroughly shaken, but not washed. The dried raw materials are dried in the shade, under a canopy, in a well-ventilated area or in a dryer at a temperature of 45-50 ° C, after which they are once again shaken off from soil residues. Store in a cloth container in a dry place for up to 3 years.

The roots of this plant contain triterpene saponins, tannins and oils. Flavonoids are found in the leaves. Due to its rich chemical composition, common istod is used in preparations for the treatment of acute and chronic lung diseases. They replace American senegga and other types of istoda, for example, Siberian, thin-leaved, large, etc.

A decoction of the roots of common istoda is prescribed for bronchitis, bronchial asthma and tuberculosis. While taking decoctions, copious discharge of sputum and its clots was noted. This effect is primarily due to the action of triterpene saponins. To prepare the decoction, you need to pour 8 grams of raw material with 1 glass of hot water, boil in a closed enamel container in a water bath for 20-30 minutes, strain while hot through two or three layers of gauze, squeeze and bring the volume to the original volume. Take the decoction 1 tablespoon 4 times a day 30 minutes before meals.

In addition, a decoction of the roots of this plant can be used to improve appetite, for diseases of the stomach and intestines, to eliminate constipation and improve digestion. Collection of tincture can also be used to reduce pain from radiculitis, arthritis, neuralgia and other pain syndromes.

In addition, common istod can be used for external use in the form of wraps, to reduce pain in muscles and joints, as well as to improve blood circulation and accelerate wound healing. To prepare the wraps, you need to pour 100 grams of the roots of the common istoda with 1 liter of boiling water, leave for 30 minutes, strain and apply to the diseased areas of the body as a compress.

In conclusion, we can say that common istod is a valuable medicinal plant that is widely used in traditional medicine to treat various diseases. But it must be remembered that self-medication can lead to undesirable consequences, so before using this plant for medicinal purposes, you should consult a doctor.