Field chickpeas (Anagallis arvensis); cornflower, field stars; the eye color is plowed
A small (8-25 cm tall) herbaceous glabrous plant of the primrose family. The stem is four-sided, spread out. Leaves are opposite, sessile, ovate or elongated ovate, entire, obtuse; from below – with black dots. The flowers are regular, bisexual, single, in the axils of the leaves, with a double, five-membered perianth; the corolla is bright red, with ovoid, obtuse, thin-glandular-ciliated petals at the edge. The fruit is a box. Blooms from April to August.
Distribution . It grows throughout the territory of Ukraine as a weed in the fields, in gardens, near paths and roads.
Procurement and storage . Herbs of flowering plants (Herba Anagauidis arvensis) are used to make medicines. Dry under a tent or in rooms with good ventilation. 25% of dry raw materials are obtained.
The plant is unofficial .
Chemical composition. The herb contains saponins, cyclamine glycoside, flavonoids, tannins and bitter substances, peptonizing enzyme primrose and other useful substances.
Pharmacological properties and use. In folk medicine, the plant is used as a diuretic, sedative, anti-inflammatory and tonic. Preparations K. o. p. contribute to the dissolution of stones and sand in the urinary organs, weaken and regulate menstruation. An infusion of the herb is used for diseases of the liver and biliary tract, jaundice of various origins, kidney stone disease, pulmonary tuberculosis, edema, epilepsy and shortness of breath, and for mental illnesses. The infusion is used locally for various skin diseases: lichen, rashes and inflammatory processes accompanied by itching. The powder of the grass is sprinkled on purulent wounds that have not healed for a long time. The herb in the form of poultices is applied to sore spots in polyarthritis and colds. Lotions from the fresh juice of the plant are applied to the eyes in case of inflammation, and a mixture of fresh juice with honey is applied to the initial form of cataract.
Medicinal forms and applications . Internally – herbal infusion (20 g of raw material per 1 liter of boiling water, infuse for 2 hours, cool, filter) one glass three times a day.
With chronic constipation, the infusion is used for enemas.
The plant is poisonous, an overdose of products is dangerous!