vulgaris Mill.)Perennial herbaceous plant of the norichnikov family (Scrophularia-ceae), up to 90 cm high, with a longish, thin, woody rhizome. The stem is straight, glabrous, simple or branched, densely leafy to the very inflorescence. Leaves alternate, linear-lanceolate, entire, acute, narrowed at the base, sessile. The flowers are light yellow, with a two-lipped corolla, at the base with a long, almost straight spur. The upper lip is 2-lobed, the lower one with an orange bulge. Brushes are dense, the core of their pedicels with glandular pubescence. The fruit is an oval smooth box with flat black seeds. Flowering from June to September, fruits ripen from August. Propagated by seeds and root suckers. One plant can produce up to 30 thousand seeds. Distributed in the European part of the CIS and Western Siberia. Grows like a weed in crops in garbage places near the dwelling, wastelands, forest glades and edges. Flax prefers loose soils. The plant is poisonous!
COLLECTION AND DRYING OF RAW MATERIALS
The medicinal raw material is toadflax grass. Harvesting of raw materials is carried out during the flowering of plants in June – August (in dry sunny weather), cutting grass at a height of 5-6 cm from the soil. Dry in the open air. When fresh, the plant has an unpleasant odor, which intensifies when dried. The taste of raw materials is sharp, salty-bitter.
PHARMACOLOGICAL PROPERTIES
The plant has a mild laxative, anti-inflammatory, diaphoretic, diuretic, choleretic effect, regulates the functional activity of the gastrointestinal tract.
APPLICATIONS IN MEDICINE
Roots. Infusion inside – with a delay in menstruation; externally – for washing the eyes. Above-ground part. Liquid extract – for hemorrhoids; as a laxative, diuretic, choleretic; tincture and infusion are recommended for postoperative atony of the intestines and bladder; externally “gill ointment” (alcohol extract mixed with lard) – for skin diseases; in dentistry (applications, rinses) – with abscessing form of periodontal disease and fungal infections of the oral mucosa. In Korean medicine, an alcoholic extract or tablet is a sedative. Included in the collection that increases potency. In folk medicine – in case of metabolic disorders; as a regulator of the activity of the organs of the gastrointestinal tract; with gastric colic, hemorrhoids, flatulence, kidney disease, cystitis, enuresis, liver disease (as a choleretic), with heart disease, anemia, sciatica, headache, Meniere’s syndrome, anemia, shortness of breath; as astringent, detoxifying, diaphoretic, diuretic, expectorant, antitumor, anthelmintic; externally (ointment, decoction, infusion, juice with oil) – for sore throat, dermatitis, ringworm, rashes, eczema, psoriasis, furunculosis, trachoma, conjunctivitis, blepharitis, bruises and sprains (as an analgesic), hemorrhoids, as well as wound healing, emollient , anti-inflammatory. Juice – for inflammatory diseases of the liver, gallbladder, urinary tract and bedwetting in babies; externally in the form of baths and compresses – for rashes, eczema, boils, lichen, acne. In Germany, water infusion – for hemorrhoids, inflammation of the bladder, liver diseases. Leaves. Infusion – diaphoretic, diuretic, laxative; externally – for skin diseases; crushed – analgesic, with tumors, abscesses, hemorrhoids. Flowers. In folk medicine, infusion, decoction, steam – diaphoretic, diuretic, laxative; externally – with ringworm, eczema, hemorrhoids, eye diseases; for rinsing – with angina; bathe babies with rashes. Seeds. Infusion, decoction – laxative, choleretic, diuretic, analgesic.
DOSAGE FORMS, METHOD OF APPLICATION AND DOSES
♦ Toadflax herb infusion: 1-1/2 teaspoons of raw materials are poured into 200 ml of boiling water, insisted, then filtered. Take 1 tablespoon 3-4 times every day. ♦ Toad grass juice: squeezed from the tops of the plant (10-15 cm) cut during flowering. Take from 1 teaspoon (for babies) to 1 tablespoon at night. For external use, the juice is diluted with warm water or milk (20 ml of juice per 500 ml of liquid).♦ Toad grass ointment: 5 parts of lard are added to 2 parts of crushed grass, heated, squeezed, then filtered. CONTRAINDICATIONS AND POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS: due to the poisonousness of the plant, when used internally, it will be necessary to observe the dosage and use only on the recommendation of the attending physician. * The plant is poisonous to animals. Most often, they accidentally poison cattle and horses. Symptoms of poisoning:
APPLICATIONS IN OTHER FIELDS
Flowers dye fabrics in all sorts of shades of yellow. Honey plant. Decorative. Insecticide. Animals are not eaten.