Hoof - both in the forest and in the garden
The hoof belongs to the kirkazon family, is a perennial with creeping rhizomes. The plant is widely used in alternative medicine, especially for alcoholism.
Description
Plant small size, from 5 to 10 cm. The leaves are hoof-shaped, creeping along the ground. The hoof develops not only in summer, but also in winter time covered with a snow cap. In spring, the green branches of the perennial come to the surface.
Source: Depositphotos
Hoof - a perennial for the treatment of ailments
The flowering period begins in the second half of summer, but the flowers are so small that it is difficult to see them under large leaves. The root system spreads widely in all directions, capturing all possible space.
According to the description of the hoof, it can be noted that the stem is also barely noticeable; in the root zone, it releases leaves, which soon cover it with their forms. The "carpet" is pollinated by ants, and propagated by seeds.
Common types
Siebold's Claw Flower Found in the South Far East, represents small shrub of many dark green leaves. When frost sets in, the leaves die off. Blooms in spring time.
The Canadian species grows in forest thickets, forms a continuous carpet. It has a long filamentous root with a scaly stem and broad leaves. Shades mushrooms and other forest plants.
The European hoof in the photo and in reality is especially beautiful - it blooms profusely in early May, the flowers have a burgundy color. The plant produces the first inflorescences at the 5-6th year of life. The life of the plant in one place is three decades.
Cultivation and care
To evergreen pleased the gardener suburban area, you must follow the rules for caring for the hoof. You can plant a flower as a single plant, preferring shaded places with moist drainage soil.
Transplantation and planting of the hoof are carried out in warm weather, when sprouts appear at the stem or by dividing the bush. The latter method is the most productive, guaranteeing flowering next year. Diseases and pests of the flower are not dangerous.
Beneficial features
Perennial contains tannins, alkaloids, glycosides, flavonoids. The root of the hoof is used to prepare an expectorant, emetic, anti-inflammatory agent, and gruel from the plant is used to heal wounds and purulent ulcers.
The wild hoof is an evergreen perennial, a popular flower for making landscape compositions, not capricious in care.
An evergreen ground cover creeping undersized plant whose leathery green leaves create a dense carpet. The hoof is well suited for decorating shady, unremarkable places where other ornamental garden plantings do not grow. Despite its modest, almost imperceptible appearance, the plant is used as an expressive garden decoration, planted at the foot of trees, along borders and paths, in addition, all parts of the hoof have a wide range of medicinal properties.
Kopyten is a representative of a perennial evergreen genus of the Kirkazonov family. The height of the plant is not more than 10 cm. The roots of the hoof are branching, creeping, with numerous thin adventitious cord-like roots.
The leaves are simple reniform, 5-8 cm in diameter, opposite, leathery, dense, rounded, heart-shaped or triangular in shape, with a solid edge, well-defined veins, on long petioles, between which flower buds are formed. The outline of the sheet looks like a horse's hoof print, which is why it got its name. As a rule, the width of the sheet exceeds the length. The leaves of the hoof are glossy on top, rich green-emerald in color, covered with pressed small hairs on the underside. The foliage turns dark green during the cold season. With the onset of spring, until summer, the leaves gradually die off, making room for new ones.
The flowers are goblet or bell-shaped, apical, small, not more than 1 cm in diameter, fleshy, bisexual, solitary, axillary, dark red-brown in color with 3-4 hard petals. In most cases, flowers form at the ends of young shoots and hide under dense foliage. Distinctive characteristic plants is that it is pollinated by ants, with their help the seeds are dispersed. Flowering period April-May. Flower buds are laid in the summer, flowering occurs a year later.
Stem branched, recumbent, brown, thick, up to 30 cm long, covered with short adpressed hairs.
The fruit is a seed pod. Seeds are about 3 mm long, with a fleshy white appendage.
Other names of the plant: wine root, vomit, blubber, wild pepper, hoof, wild ginger, turpentine root, emetic root, fever grass.
When describing the hoof, attention is paid to the presence of a smell and taste of foliage, reminiscent of hot peppers. Previously, a product (powder) was prepared from the ungulate, which was used as an additive to snuff.
Where does the hoof grow?
Most species grow in warm tropical areas, 13 species can be seen in temperate zone North America and Eurasia. On the territory of Russia, only 3 types of hoof can be found: the European species grows in the forest and forest-steppe zone middle lane European part of Russia, Western Siberia, Western Europe; intermediate species - in the territory of the Caucasus; Siebold's hoof - in the Far East. It occurs in isolation in Altai, rarely in the northern regions.
Species and varieties
According to various sources, the genus includes from 60 to 120 species, many of which are grown in the garden as ground cover ornamental plants. They close the ground so tightly under garden trees leaving no room for weeds to grow. All species prefer shade and partial shade, but are able to develop well in illuminated areas. The soil is preferred moist, loose, rich in lime; in principle, soil of various textures is suitable.
In the natural environment (forest belt), the plant blooms for 5-8 years, in open areas and clearings for 3-4 years.
caudate hoof
caudate hoof
Homeland - the western territories of North America. An evergreen perennial creeping plant, forming a dense soil cover 10-25 cm high. A branched creeping rhizome grows up to 8-10 cm in a year. The greenness of the leaves is preserved in the cold season. Dense, leathery, long-stalked green leaf blades 5-10 cm long and 10-15 cm wide, heart-reniform, obtusely rounded or slightly pointed, with a deep and wide heart-shaped base. The lower side of the leaf is pubescent, the upper side is lowered along the veins. Flowers solitary, brown-violet with a white throat, on short pedicels. The petals narrow and stretch towards the top, resembling a thin tail in shape. The flowering period comes later than other species, in late May - early June.
caudate hoof
Withstands frosts down to -15 ... -18 C. Well adapted to the winters of central Russia. In case of freezing due to lack of snow, it quickly recovers. A distinctive feature is the rapid growth and tendency to dominate among other ground covers.
Siebold's Hoof
Siebold's Hoof
A type of plant with a short rhizome. Forms neat compact hemispherical bushes 15-20 cm high. The leaves are light green or gray-green, heart-shaped, fall off for the winter.
The flowers are dark purple-lilac, small, up to 1.5 cm in diameter, located at the base of the leaves. They bloom in May. Siebold's hoof is rarely used in culture.
European hoof
Perennial evergreen poisonous plant, with a branched creeping rhizome, a stem creeping along the ground. It is widespread in folk medicine, especially the European hoof has proven itself very well in the treatment of alcoholism.
Plant height is about 15 cm. The leaves are dense, leathery, heart-shaped, dark green, glossy, no more than 10 cm in diameter.
The flowers are unremarkable, brown-red, bell-shaped, axillary, small (no more than 1 cm), hidden in the thick of foliage, almost at the very ground. Fragrant, smells like vanilla.
Flowering period April-May, duration about 15-20 days.
Self-pollinating plants, seeds ripen in June. The hoof begins to grow under the snow in early spring, and after the snow melts, the leaves unfurl. Green foliage lasts about 14-16 months. In one place is able to live more than 30 years.
plant care
Extremely unpretentious plant. After planting the hoof, care as such is not required. The only thing is that during a hot, dry summer, watering may be required. Shelter for the winter does not require, it is enough to sprinkle the plant with snow.
Diseases and pests
Due to the presence of essential oils in the composition of the plant, the hoof is quite resistant to various diseases and the attack of insect pests. During flowering, the fragrance of the flowers attracts many ants, which are highly undesirable in the garden.
Planting and reproduction
Hoof - herbaceous plant For open ground. It is propagated by seeds, underground shoots and rooted parts of the stems. The fastest and most reliable way to propagate plants is by division. Landing is carried out at the end of summer on loose, moderately moist calcareous soil, in a shady or semi-shady area of \u200b\u200bthe garden.
reproduction
When planting seeds, they germinate in autumn or spring. In the fall, they are sown in the ground immediately after collecting the seeds, in the spring after 90 days of stratification at a temperature of 0 ... + 5 C. On the surface of the earth after 1-4 weeks, at a temperature of + 15 ... + 18 C, shoots are shown - two leafy bright green cotyledons, a year later, the first median leaf appears, the initial cotyledons die off only by autumn.
They resort to dividing the bush when it is necessary to transplant the hoof from the forest to the garden. With the help of a knife or a shovel, the rooted parts of the stems are separated or the rhizome is cut into plots. Care should be taken to ensure that the plot has a sufficient number of established shoots and roots.
Transfer
Due to slow growth, the plant rarely needs to be transplanted. The landing of the hoof is carried out immediately on permanent place. The plant is transplanted in summer or autumn in the 4-5th year of life.
Application in traditional medicine
For medicinal purposes, European hoof is used. Currently, the use of the plant in traditional medicine is not as popular as it used to be. European hoof is often used in the treatment alcohol addiction. Its rhizome is used as an emetic to instill an aversion to alcohol.
Also dosage forms from the plant is used to improve digestion, gastritis, jaundice, diseases of the stomach and liver, diseases of the upper respiratory tract, worms, scabies, menstrual irregularities. Preparations from the leaves of European hoof are used for malaria. Lotions, juice and decoctions from the hoof are treated for skin lesions.
The chemical composition of the European hoof plant
In study chemical composition plants have not yet been put to rest. However, most of the biological and active substances that make up the European hoof have already been accurately determined. All parts of the plant contain essential oils, which include such toxic volatile substances as azarone, azaronic aldehyde, eugenol, azarin alkaloid, etc., as well as tannins (tannins), sugars, starch, bactericidal substances, mineral salts of potassium, calcium , silicalcite, etc.
Pharmacological properties of European hoof
Preparations based on European hoof-bearing strengthen the work of the cardiovascular system, cause constriction of blood vessels, thereby provoking an increase in blood pressure.
Medicines with European hoof have a hemostatic, bronchodilator, anti-inflammatory, sedative, antipyretic, antispasmodic, anti-sclerotic, wound healing, choleretic, laxative, anti-febrile, antihelminthic effect, and help improve sputum discharge. If the dosage is exceeded and misused, it causes vomiting, can provoke poisoning.
European hoof contraindications
All parts of the plant contain toxic substances, but most of them are contained in the underground part. When using the hoof in medicinal purposes you should be extremely careful, because if the permissible dosage is exceeded, poisoning can be provoked, which is accompanied by nausea, vomiting, palpitations, and increased blood pressure. Severe poisoning can lead to death.
Medicines based on European hoof are contraindicated during pregnancy, as they can provoke a miscarriage, as well as for people suffering from angina pectoris.
The medicinal properties and contraindications of European hoof should be taken into account when prescribing therapy. Before use, you should consult with your doctor about the permissible dose and duration of medication.
Used part
For healing purposes various diseases all parts of the plant are used - roots, rhizomes, leaves.
Decoction of hoof root
It is used to normalize the menstrual cycle with scant discharge, as a sedative for diseases of the cardiovascular system, and for convulsions in children. Used for fever, as an antipyretic. Gadgets based medicinal herb hoof root is used for headaches, eye disease.
Infusions and decoctions from the rhizome of the hoof are used for stomatitis, silicosis, hysteria, tumors, and also as a hemostatic agent. Powdered roots of the plant are inhaled through the nose for deafness, paralysis with loss of speech. The decoction helps in violation of the digestive system, bladder, liver, biliary tract.
A decoction of European hoof leaves
It is used to increase blood pressure and stimulate cardiac activity. A decoction of hoof leaves is used to wash purulent wounds, with various skin diseases.
The hoof is brewed with boiling water in a thermos for 2-3 hours, after which it is filtered, consumes 1-2 tbsp. l. three times a day.
Where to look for European hoof
The distribution areas of the hoof plant are very wide - almost the entire European territory of Russia, the Caucasus, Ukraine, Western Siberia.
It can often be found under the shade of trees and shrubs of broad-leaved and mixed forests with grassy undergrowth, in wet places on fertile land. In the natural environment, growing, plants form dense thickets - patches.
What is the medicinal hoof root used for: recipes
The plant has a wide range of medicinal properties. For the preparation of various medical supplies use crushed, dried raw materials from the underground part of the hoof and leaves. Using infusions, decoctions, lotions, tinctures, ointments, powders from the plant, you can improve the course of many diseases, as well as the state of the vital systems of the body. But one of the main advantages of the plant is that the root of drunkenness is used, added to alcoholic drinks and food, to develop a persistent reflex of aversion to alcohol.
European hoof from high temperature
Prepare a decoction of 0.5 tbsp. l. crushed dried roots, which are poured into a glass of water, boiled over low heat for 5-10 minutes, cooled, filtered. Add 1 tsp to a glass of warm milk. honey, butter and infusion of herbs, mix. Consume 1/3 cup at a time three times a day. The tool has proven itself for colds and infectious diseases to normalize body temperature. Due to this property, one of the names of plants sounds like a fever grass.
From scabies
To relieve itching and get rid of the scabies mite, juice from the leaves of the hoof is prepared. Fresh leaves are crushed, juice is squeezed out of them. Rub the affected area with the resulting medicinal liquid. Apply the hoof from scabies once a day, for 3-4 days.
Claw for intestinal diseases
Prepare a decoction of hoof in milk: 1 tbsp. l. crushed dry root pour 1 tbsp. milk, after boiling, cook for 5-10 minutes over low heat. Remove from heat, strain after cooling. Take 1 tsp. twice a day until the condition improves with poisoning, colitis, diarrhea.
The use of hooves from alcoholism
The main principle of treatment with the hoof of dependence on alcoholism is the use of a medicine, followed by the development of an aversion to alcoholic beverages.
the best therapeutic effect has fresh raw materials. European hoof from alcoholism is used in cases where an alcohol-dependent person does not want to fight addiction on his own. If there is no trust in medications, there is a fear of them side effects, then in these situations resort to non-traditional methods of treatment. The herb hoof can help with this.
Expect a single dose medicinal herb help, it's not worth it. The course of treatment is individual and depends on the degree of addiction to alcohol, the speed of instilling a reflex of aversion to alcohol.
In most cases, the hoof from alcoholism is used when a person does not want to stop drinking alcohol on his own. To do this, prepare a decoction: 1 tbsp. l. dried or fresh raw materials (root), pour one glass of water, bring to a boil over low heat. Boil up to 10 minutes. The broth is insisted for 40-60 minutes, then filtered, cooled, stored in the refrigerator. The resulting liquid is added to the food or drink of a person dependent on alcoholism, 2 tbsp. l. for every meal. Since heavily addicted people drink alcohol during meals, at this point they will experience nausea and vomiting. Also, a decoction of herbs (1 tablespoon) is added directly to alcoholic drink, after which, after 15-20 minutes, dizziness, nausea and vomiting will begin. In most cases, it is enough to use the decoction 4-6 times to develop a strong aversion to drinking alcohol.
When a person realizes his “sad” situation and wants to get rid of addiction, but at the same time cannot find the strength to overcome the addiction, he is told that in order to solve his “problem”, he will have to drink an infusion of the herb, which will help to cause disgust for the desire to drink. The patient is offered a glass of alcohol, with him he adds a decoction to it, after drinking - vomiting begins. The alcoholic is informed that such a reaction occurs only in addicts. To confirm their words, a similar liquid is added to the opponent’s glass of vodka, prepared in advance, close in consistency and color to a decoction (it can be tea, juice). The opponent drinks and nothing bad, similar to vomiting, happens to him. This technique acts on the subconscious of the addict, there is a desire to stop drinking and erase the stigma of an alcoholic.
The meaning of therapy is to develop a gag reflex when drinking alcohol and get rid of mental dependence. In the first days, the reflex is created under the influence of the action of the hoof, after the termination of the course of treatment, a conditioned reflex is created to take alcohol-containing drinks in the form of vomiting. A person has a pronounced aversion to any kind of alcoholic beverages.
Herb hoof for headaches
Prepare the infusion: 1 tbsp. l. crushed dried roots of the plant are poured with a glass of water, boiled for 15-20 minutes over low heat, kept for another 40-60 minutes. Cool down to room temperature, filter the solution. A cotton cloth is moistened in the infusion, applied to the forehead for 15-20 minutes. Carry out the procedure 2 times a day.
Claw for ulcers and wounds
Prepare ointment for grinding. To do this, powdered dry roots (1 tablespoon) are mixed with 50 gr. petroleum jelly, sea buckthorn, cedar oil or badger fat. The drug lubricates the affected areas 2 times a day until recovery. This procedure helps with poor healing of wounds and ulcers, helps diabetics and people suffering from thrombophlebitis.
Help from skin ailments compresses from fresh leaves of plants. They are washed, crushed, with the help of gauze they are fixed to the site of the lesion for 40-60 minutes. The procedure is carried out twice a day until the disappearance of the skin lesion.
Hoof harvesting
In folk medicine, the leaves and rhizomes of the plant are used. The leaves are harvested in April-May during the flowering period. Many herbalists claim that leaves can be harvested throughout the summer. The rhizome is dug up in autumn (September-October) or in spring. The roots are washed from the ground in cold water, cut into pieces, dried in a warm, dark, well-ventilated place or in dryers / ovens at a temperature of +30 ... +35 C. The shelf life of dried raw materials is not more than 3 years. Store raw materials in glass jars with dark glass or in wooden boxes.
Use in landscape design
When decorating flower beds, hoofed hoof perfectly complements ensembles with fern, kupene, white flowers, and blueberries. In most cases in landscape design hoof is used as groundcover. It serves as an excellent backdrop for a harmonious combination of various garden compositions, both in the shade and in the light areas of the garden. Because of characteristic feature leave the green mass for the winter, perfectly decorates the spring meadows next to snowdrops, lilies of the valley. Due to its compact, dense and miniature appearance, hoof is often used in the design of not only flower beds, but also borders, rockeries, and rock gardens.
European hoof: description and photo
This herbaceous plant, about 30 cm high, is known by the Latin name Asarum europaeum L., got its name due to the interesting shape of the leaf, very similar to a hoof mark. The dark green leathery leaves of the wild hoof are beautiful and shiny in appearance. They are equipped with long petioles and sit close to each other in pairs on low stems that extend from a branched rhizome. It tastes like turpentine. When the hoof grows, it completely hides the ground under itself, forming a glossy forest carpet, sometimes enough for a large area. blooms european hoof in May-June, small brown flowers resembling bells. They have a specific smell of camphor, so animals do not eat it. This evergreen grass is common in mixed and deciduous forests of Europe, the European part of Russia, Western Siberia, the Far East, however, it is among the endangered rare species. The hoof has many folk names associated with it. healing properties: turpentine, earthy incense, hare sheet, feverish grass, hoof, hernia, emetic root, human ear, sick, secret grass, wine, root, hairy, undersock, crippled grass.Collection and preparation of European hoof
Rhizomes, roots and leaves of turpentine - common folk medicines. Leaves are harvested with petioles in May, early summer during flowering, and rhizomes with roots - in early spring or late autumn. The raw material can be dried, but mostly it is used immediately for the preparation of tinctures and decoctions. hoof root serves to prepare azar oil, which is mainly used in perfumery.
Useful and medicinal properties of European hoof
Turpentine rhizomes and roots contain tannins, mucus and essential oil, resins, coumarins, phytosternins, saponins, flavonoids quercetin and campefol, caffeic, coumaric and ferulic acids, the poisonous substance azaron, as well as eugenol, asaronic aldehyde, ornyl acetate, bdiazaron and other substances. . The plant has a diuretic effect. An infusion of hoof rhizomes is used for diseases of the liver, bladder, dropsy, jaundice, as an expectorant and emetic. An aqueous infusion of turpentine leaves contributes to a significant narrowing of blood vessels, an increase in blood pressure, and enhances cardiac activity. If you make the infusion strong, it will cause vomiting. An infusion of a mixture of roots and leaves helps with sciatica, pulmonary heart and pulmonary insufficiency. It is believed that tea from the rhizome herb hoof relaxes the intestines, stimulating digestion, so it can be used for liver diseases, gastritis, hepatitis.
The use of European hoof in folk medicine
In homeopathy, a tincture is prepared from the fresh rhizome. It is used for nervous exhaustion, hot flashes, colds, cold hands. As for doctors, they practically do not use the hoof, which cannot be said about traditional medicine. For example, in German folk medicine, a tincture of fresh rhizomes of the plant is used in small doses for asthma, nervous diseases, migraine, hysteria, and as an emetic. medicine. And in Bulgarian - a decoction of the plant is prepared to treat scabies, washing festering wounds, taken orally for diarrhea and headaches.
Folk recipes from European hoof
Exists folk method weaning a person from alcoholism - you need to imperceptibly for the drinker to pour a tablespoon of decoction of the rhizomes of the hoof into a glass of vodka. Such a cocktail will cause severe vomiting and dislike for alcohol. Often this method is effective, but still turpentine cannot be used for self-treatment, as it contains toxic substances. An uninitiated person who does not know how to calculate the dosage should not self-medicate.
Contraindications to the use of European hoof
The plant is poisonous, so you can use it for medicinal purposes under the supervision of a doctor.
Side effects and effects of European hoof
In case of an overdose, severe vomiting may open, there is a risk of damage to the stomach, intestines, gallbladder, liver and kidneys.
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There are about 100 species of hoof, which are common in the temperate zone of the Northern Hemisphere. In Russia there are 3 types. found in deciduous and mixed forests of Europe and Western Siberia, intermediate hoof- in the Caucasus, Siebold's hoof- in the Far East. The leaves are shaped like a hoof print (hence the name), go green under the snow and overwinter, and in early spring are clearly visible against the brown background of the forest floor. The stem is creeping. The hoof blossoms very early, as soon as the snow melts. The flower has a rather rare color - brown with a reddish tinge, but it is not visible, because it is hidden in last year's foliage.
The leaf blades of the plant are quite large, dense, have a characteristic reniform shape. Each of them sits on the end of a long petiole extending from the stem. The stem is spread over the surface of the earth, sometimes deepening somewhat. Although it is quite long, it branches weakly. Thin roots develop on the stem, which go down into the soil. The leaves of the hoof are located only at the end of the stem and are always in pairs, one against the other. In the fork between the petioles of the leaves, a large bud is placed, clearly visible in late autumn.
In spring, the development of the hoof begins precisely with the blooming of this bud. The translucent scales that cover the bud from the outside move apart, diverge, and the future stem with two leaves emerges from the bud. Understand what it is, you can not immediately. IN early stage development, the stem and petioles of the leaves are very short, and the leaf blades are small, and each is folded lengthwise in half. Very soon a small spherical flower no larger than a pea is born. He has only three petals, and they look like small teeth. As already mentioned above, the color of the flower is not quite usual - reddish-brown. Flowers, like the whole plant, almost lie on the ground. They are hardly noticeable, not conspicuous and often hidden in a layer of dry, fallen leaves. Such invisible flowers are pollinated by some small insects that crawl inside the flower.
Over time, the young stem, like the petioles of the leaves, gradually lengthens, and the leaf blades unfold, greatly increase in size. Already at the end of spring, a young shoot with two leaves completely completes its development, finally forms. It becomes the same size as the old overwintered shoot, but only the leaves are lighter in color, they are still very soft and tender.
As young leaves grow, old ones gradually die off. One generation gives way to another. The next year, everything will be repeated all over again. Appearance hoof during the transition from winter to summer does not change much: the plant always remains green and blooms imperceptibly. The hoof draws little of our attention.
One of interesting features hoof - a peculiar smell of its leaves, similar to the smell of black pepper. It is clearly felt if you grind a fresh leaf. However, wild hoof is unsuitable as a seasoning for food: it is poisonous.
The hoof is one of those forest plants whose seeds are dispersed by ants. These insects are attracted by the fleshy, oily appendage on the seeds. Having found the seed, the ant carries it to its dwelling and often loses it along the way. The seeds stay in different places forests, often quite far from the mother plant.
European hoof (Asarum europaeum L.)
Description of appearance:
flowers: Flowers solitary, drooping, on short peduncles, develop in leaf axils. Perianth bell-shaped, up to 9 mm long, three-cut, with triangular-ovate lobes. Stamens 12.
Leaves: Leaves of two types: scaly-ovate, pointed, folded lengthwise; normally developed - long-petiolate, reniform, dark green above, glossy, lighter below, covered on both sides with small bristly hairs; leaves overwinter green, remaining until the middle of summer of the next year - up to 14-16 months.
Stem: With a creeping rooting branched stem.
Root: With cord-like creeping rhizome.
Fruit: Hexagonal pod with few seeds.
seeds: They have a fleshy seed.
Flowering and fruiting time: Blooms in April-May; seeds ripen in June.
Lifespan: Perennial.
Habitat: The wild hoof grows in coniferous, broad-leaved and coniferous-broad-leaved shady forests, in forest ravines, on the edges.
Prevalence: It grows throughout Europe, except for its most northern and southern parts. In Russia, it is widely distributed in the forest and forest-steppe zone of the European part and in the south of Western Siberia. IN Central Russia found almost everywhere.
Addition: The flowers are pollinated by ants and flies. The seeds are dispersed by ants. The plant has a specific pungent odor. It spreads by seeds and vegetatively - by the growth of rhizomes; while the hoof often forms large patches. A poisonous plant that poisons horses and cattle. ornamental plant, cultivated as a groundcover.
Claw is an unsightly groundcover about 5 to 10 cm tall. It has a cord-like and branched rhizome. During flowering, a small purple flower appears at the top. This shrub is extremely shade-loving, which is why it can be found in the lower tier of the forest, where the least heat falls. It is especially common in spruce forests and forests of central Russia.
Folk "nicknames"
He has many folk "nicknames". For example, it was called "hoof"because the leaves have the shape of a horse's hoof. Another interesting name- this is a "vomit". It received this name due to the strong action of infusions and decoctions, after the use of which, in many cases, severe vomiting is observed.
Also, this herb is given the name "wild pepper", because if you rub the plant between your palms and try, you can feel the bitter taste. But that is not all. In addition, the grass is called "subleaf".
This happened because he occupies the lowest tier in the forest.
The most common types
In nature, there are approximately 60 species. This plant especially likes moist and loose soil. Among the most popular species are such as Siebold's hoof, European and caudate.
Let's talk about them in more detail.
Siebold's plant originated from moist forests located in the south of the Far East. It differs in that it has a short root. This herb is a small shrub composed of many dark green leaves. When frost comes, the leaves die off. A bush blooms in spring. It mainly grows in forests, but can sometimes be found in rockeries.
Another species is Canadian. It grows in forests located in the eastern United States and Canada. This
the plant in the process of growth forms a continuous carpet. It has a very long root. It is distinguished by a light green color and an increase in the length of the root up to several centimeters per year. The leaves of the hoof are quite large in size.
European hoof is a perennial herbaceous plant that grows in the dark forests of Europe. It has a long root, the growth of which is approximately 5 cm each year. The characteristic features of this grass are a dark green color and dense leaves.
This view is especially beautiful at the end of May, when it begins abundant flowering. During this period, the bushes thin out an indescribable soft vanilla aroma. The flowers on the outside are green tint, and inside - burgundy. Seed maturation of this herb occurs in June.
In the forest, the shrub gives the first flowers only for the 6th year of life. Has a lifespan of approximately 35 years. European hoof has found great application in the manufacture of various oils and creams. They can be prepared at home. To do this, finely chop and knead the leaves of this plant and mix them with petroleum jelly or oil. Badger fat will also be very effective. It is used as a wound healing, anti-inflammatory, anti-scabies agent.
A beautiful type of wild pepper is the tailed long-rhizome. It originated from the forests of the coast of North America. Differs in the largest leaves, than at other types. The root of this plant grows the fastest. Every year it adds about 8 cm in length.
Medicinal and magical properties
All types of hoof have medicinal properties. For example, European hoof is used not only to treat diseases, but also to perform magical rites.
Previously, they fought very effectively against evil spirits by drying this grass and adding combustible mixtures to it. Then, the building was fumigated with this mixture. In ancient times, the leaves were used to make amulets, amulets against negative influences. It used to be popular to sniff tobacco. It was then that European wild pepper was added to it. It was believed that with the help of this, the therapeutic effect is enhanced.
European subleaf has the following composition: resins, tannin, starch, alkaloids, glycosides, essential oils and many other different substances. In addition, it has found wide application in medicine. The plant has a hemostatic, antipyretic, emetic, anthelmintic effect, normalizes blood pressure and cardiac activity (however, with high blood pressure and serious diseases of the cardiovascular system, it is categorically contraindicated!), Improves the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract, and helps with headaches.
To prepare a healing decoction, you need to take two teaspoons of the leaves of this type of plant and pour them with boiling water. Infuse for 20 minutes, then strain and drink in small amounts (1 tablespoon 3 times a day).
An excellent healing effect has a tincture of wild hoof. It can be purchased ready-made in some pharmacological firms. And you can cook on your own. To do this, take 20 grams of raw materials, pour 200 ml of 70% alcohol. Insist in a dark place for 10 days, filter. Drink 15-20 drops 3 times a day.
It is used for colds, bronchitis, pneumonia, tuberculosis as an expectorant and restorative.
The most effective treatment for alcoholism is the hoof. First, the root of the hoof must be crushed and measured out one teaspoon. Pour this mixture with one cup of water and boil the mixture for ten minutes over low heat. Then, let the mixture brew, then strain it through cheesecloth. This tincture of wild hoof should be stored in the refrigerator. The medicinal product is recommended to be added to food or drink to the patient (approximate calculation for 200 ml of vodka 1 tablespoon of decoction).
The first dose should be limited to one tablespoon. As the effect of the dose should be
gradually increase to 2 tablespoons. After taking alcohol, the patient will experience severe vomiting. Over time, a person will experience a persistent gag reflex to alcohol. Treatment is carried out both with the permission of the patient, and without it.
However, the root of the plant is quite poisonous, and it is better to use it after the appropriate mood of the person and prior consultation with a specialist in narcology.
In the treatment of mild discharge during the menstrual cycle, a tincture of hoof and an infusion is also used. To prepare the infusion, you need to take half a teaspoon of dried or fresh herbs and pour them with a cup of boiling water. Infuse for 1 hour. Strain. Take 1 tbsp. 3 - 4 times a day. To combine business with pleasure, you can mix the infusion with honey.
Contraindications for use
Contraindications for use are serious illnesses kidneys, liver, pancreas, cardiovascular system, hypertension.
Caveats:
- It must be remembered that the subleaf is poisonous plant, and therefore it is only allowed to be used as directed by a doctor;
- It is necessary to consume the plant in moderation, being careful not to overdose;
- At one time, in no case should you consume more than two tablespoons of decoction, infusion.
Landing features
How is the European hoof planted and cared for?
