Bush broadleaf (Polygonatum latifolium); kupena broad-leaved
Perennial herbaceous plant of the lily family. It has a thickened fleshy rhizome. The stem is branched, 30-50 cm tall, leafy, drooping, pubescent above. Alternate leaves, placed in 2 rows, turned to one side, elliptical, ovate-elliptic or elongated elliptic, short-pointed, narrowed into a short petiole; bare or slightly pubescent on top; from below – densely and short pubescent along the veins, 10-12 cm long, 5-7 cm wide. Flowers are bisexual, regular, whitish, single or 2-4 in leaf axils; peduncles pubescent. The fruit is a blue-black berry. Blooms in May – June.
Spread. It grows in forests, on bushes in Transcarpathia, Roztochchi-Opilla, in the Right Bank Forest Steppe, Mountainous Crimea.
Raw. Fresh, less often dry rhizomes, which are harvested in summer or autumn, are used.
The plant is unofficial.
Chemical composition . The rhizomes contain alkaloids, saponins, mucilaginous substances, starch, sugars, etc.
Pharmacological properties and use . A decoction of rhizomes is used internally for cough, acute bronchitis and inflammation of the lungs, dropsy, diabetes, impotence and as an anthelmintic. Bulgarian scientists question the effectiveness of ringworm in diabetes. In Tibetan medicine, the rhizomes of Kupina ringed are used for gastrointestinal diseases (obviously, due to the presence of a significant amount of mucous substances in them).
Externally, a decoction of the rhizomes is used as an analgesic for lumbago, sciatica, rheumatism, gout, hemorrhoids, and as a means that helps to dissolve bruises. Rhizome tincture is also used as a painkiller. A decoction of rhizomes is used to wash the face to reduce tanning, and fresh juice is used to remove spots and freckles from the face (strong rubbing can cause ulcers!).
Medicinal forms and applications .
Internally – a decoction of rhizomes (15 g of raw material per 400 ml of boiling water or milk) is drunk 1 teaspoon per day in equal small portions;
decoction of rhizomes (20 g of raw material per 200 ml of boiling water) 1 tablespoon 3 times a day.
Externally – a decoction of rhizomes (40-50 g of raw material per 500 ml of boiling water) for lotions and washes;
tincture (1 part rhizomes to 2 parts alcohol) for rubbing.
The plant is poisonous!