Erect cinquefoil (galangal): medicinal properties of the root and contraindications

The use of galangal root in folk medicine is very diverse. Herbal raw materials are used to treat chronic and acute diseases, to stop bleeding. Before using erect cinquefoil, you need to carefully study its features.

What does galangal look like and where does it grow

Erect cinquefoil, or galangal (Potentilla erecta), is a herbaceous perennial of the Pink family. It has a straight stem branching from above up to 50 cm tall. The root of galangal is woody, short, with irregular thickenings, usually curved. The leaves of the erect Potentilla are arranged in the next order, in shape they are oblong-wedge-shaped, serrate along the edge. Stem plates are sessile; basal plates have long petioles.

The upright galangal blooms from May to September

During the decorative period, the plant brings single small buds with four petals of golden yellow color. In August and September, fruits ripen - smooth, sometimes wrinkled, ovoid or kidney-shaped many-roots.

Erect cinquefoil is widespread throughout Europe, the Caucasus and Asia. In Russia, you can find it in regions from Kaliningrad to Altai. Usually grows in clearings and damp meadows, pastures and light forest edges.

The chemical composition of Potentilla erect

The beneficial properties and contraindications of erect Potentilla are determined by its rich internal composition. The plant contains:

• tannins - up to 31%;
• glycosides and flavonoids;
• cineole;
• resins and gums;
• starch and natural sugars;
• gallic and ellagic acids;
• selenium, bromine and iodine;
• iron, magnesium and zinc;
• phenols;
• dye flobafen;
• essential oils and wax;
• potassium, selenium and cobalt;
• malic and citric acids;
• calcium;
• quinic acid;
• terpenoids;
• vitamin C.

The greatest amount of valuable substances is concentrated in the root of erect Potentilla. Other parts of the plant are used much less frequently in folk medicine.

What is useful and what helps galangal root

Galangal root helps against diseases of the digestive, immune, genitourinary and respiratory systems. Namely:

• has an antiseptic and bactericidal effect;
• removes phlegm when coughing;
• has a calming effect on the nervous system;
• helps to stop bleeding;
• has an analgesic effect;
• removes excess fluids, toxins and toxins from the body;
• promotes the regeneration of the skin and mucous membranes in case of damage;
• improves blood circulation and protects the cardiovascular system from ailments;
• strengthens the immune system and helps fight viruses and colds.

Kalgan is not only used in folk medicine, but is also included in many pharmaceutical preparations.

Galangal root due to strong astringent properties helps with diarrhea

The healing properties of galangal root for women

The hemostatic properties of galangal are used for heavy periods in women. Erect cinquefoil reduces the volume of secretions, and also eliminates pain and evens out the emotional background.

Galangal root treats cervical erosion and fungal diseases. The plant helps to fight bacterial processes, promotes tissue healing and early scarring of damage. The beneficial properties of erect cinquefoil are used to increase progesterone levels.

Why is galangal root useful for men

The medicinal properties of galangal root for men in recipes are due to the high content of copper, selenium and tannins in the raw materials. Due to this, erect cinquefoil increases potency, it can also be used for the treatment and prevention of prostatitis. Kalgan relieves inflammation of the genitourinary system and eliminates pain.

Galangal root prevents the development of malignant diseases of the genitourinary sphere in men

The healing properties of galangal herb for diarrhea

A photo of galangal herb and its medicinal properties are of interest due to the fact that the root contains a huge amount of tannin components. Thanks to them, the raw material has pronounced astringent properties and quickly stops diarrhea. Kalgan is used for poisoning and intestinal infections, as well as for diarrhea caused by digestive disorders.

Methods for preparing and using galangal root

On the basis of galangal root, traditional medicine suggests preparing water teas, decoctions and homemade ointments. The erect cinquefoil is suitable for both external and internal use and provides the same benefits in both cases.

Infusion, tea

The most popular is the usual infusion of galangal root. The remedy is good for diarrhea and stomach ailments, as well as for inflammation. Prepare the infusion as follows:

1. Pour 10 g of dried galangal root and 5 g of mint leaves into a thermos.
2. Pour 500 ml of boiling water and leave under the lid for an hour.
3. At the end of the period, filter.

It is necessary to take the product 200 ml twice a day. It is not customary to prepare the infusion in large dosages, since it quickly loses its beneficial properties.

With weakened immunity and the first signs of a cold, it is recommended to brew tea from erect cinquefoil. The recipe looks like this:

1. 5 g of dry galangal root is mixed with 30 dandelion flowers.
2. Add ten dry leaves of currant, cherry and raspberry.
3. Pour raw materials with 1 liter of hot water.
4. Kept under the lid for only 15 minutes.

Strained tea is consumed in the same way as regular tea, up to twice a day.

Warm tea or infusion of upright galangal can be used to gargle a sore throat

Galangal root decoction

With intestinal upset and bleeding, you can use a concentrated decoction of erect cinquefoil. The recipe looks like this:

1. 5 g of dry roots are ground into powder.
2. Pour 150 ml of hot liquid.
3. Heat over low heat for ten minutes.
4. Cool under a lid to a warm temperature.

The filtered broth is taken three times a day, 150 ml.

The taste of a decoction of upright Potentilla may seem unpleasant, but you should not add sugar or honey to the drink

Ointment

For wounds, cuts and suppurations, an ointment based on the root of the medicinal plant galangal has a good effect. The recipe is as follows:

1. The dry root is ground to a powder state in a volume of 5 g.
2. Six large tablespoons of butter are melted in a water bath.
3. The components are mixed together and brought to homogeneity.
4. After cooling, put the ointment in the refrigerator so that it hardens.

The finished product is used to treat lesions on the skin or apply the composition as a compress.

It is possible to use ointment with the root of erect cinquefoil, including for children from four years old

The use of galangal root in traditional medicine

Potentilla root is often found in home health recipes. Basically, plant-based products are used for diarrhea, inflammation of the stomach and mouth, bleeding.

Treatment of colitis with galangal

Erect cinquefoil is beneficial for intestinal colitis, relieves pain and improves digestive processes. For treatment, the following infusion is made:

1. 10 g of dry root is mixed with 30 g of dried immortelle.
2. Add 30 g of sage leaves and 20 g of blueberry berries.
3. 10 g of caraway fruits are introduced.
4. Measure out a large collection spoon and pour 250 ml of hot water.
5. After boiling on the stove, they are immediately removed from the heat.

It is necessary to insist the remedy for half an hour. After that, the preparation is filtered and added with fresh boiling water to the original volume. You need to take the remedy three times a day, half a glass on an empty stomach. With colitis, you can drink an infusion on the root of erect Potentilla for up to three weeks.

With dysentery

The use of erect cinquefoil rhizome, or galangal, is indicated for dysentery, accompanied by abdominal pain. The broth is made according to this recipe:

1. 10 g of dry raw materials are crushed.
2. Pour 250 ml of hot water.
3. For ten minutes, they are sent to the stove on low heat.
4. After boiling, cool and filter.

The finished product is consumed three times a day, 120 ml. Continue treatment until the condition improves.

With a stomach ulcer

The root of the erect cinquefoil promotes the healing of ulcers and the restoration of gastric mucosa. They use it like this:

1. Measure out 20 g of dry raw materials.
2. Pour a glass of hot liquid.
3. Bring to a boil, and then boil for 15 minutes over low heat.
4. They are filtering.

The resulting broth must be added with clean water back to the volume of the glass. Take the remedy three times a day, 30 ml on an empty stomach.

With hemorrhoids

With inflammation of hemorrhoids, a sit-down bath with galangal infusion gives a good effect. The healing solution is done like this:

1. 15 g of a dry plant is poured into a glass of boiling water in a thermos.
2. Leave closed for three hours.
3. Over time, filtered and poured into a prepared container.

You need to take baths for 10-15 minutes every evening at a water temperature of about 37 ° C. Treatment continues for at least a week.

For skin ailments

Erect cinquefoil softens the skin during inflammation and irritation, prevents infection and heals ulcers and cracks. For dermatitis, psoriasis and lichen, you can prepare the following ointment from galangal root:

1. Dry raw materials are ground to a powder in the amount of 5 g.
2. Mixed with 15 g of butter.
3. Melt over low heat for 3-5 minutes.
4. Cool to a warm state and pour into a glass container.

When the product has cooled down, you can put it in the refrigerator so that it takes on a solid consistency. The ointment is applied to damaged areas of the skin several times a day until recovery.

Galangal ointment helps well with cracked lips in children and adults

For gum disease and stomatitis

The healing properties of galangal root help to quickly cope with inflammation and bleeding of the gums. In dental diseases, the medicinal plant relieves local swelling and soothes pain. The following broth is prepared for rinsing:

1. Cut 20 g of dry root into small pieces.
2. Pour 1 liter of water.
3. Process for ten minutes over low heat.
4. Filter and cool.

It is recommended to rinse your mouth with a warm product up to five times a day.

With angina

Erect cinquefoil has antibacterial properties and promotes rapid healing of sore throat. To relieve inflammation in the throat, the following healing agent is recommended:

1. 15 g of dry rhizomes are poured into a glass of milk.
2. Stand in a water bath for ten minutes.
3. Allow the product to sit under the lid until it cools.
4. Filtered.

You need to take milk broth three times a day, 20 ml on an empty stomach. The remedy will help not only with a sore throat, but also with heartburn and heaviness in the stomach.

Application in cosmetology

The healing properties, indications and contraindications of galangal apply to home cosmetology. Erect cinquefoil is used to care for hair and problem skin.

Mask for weakened hair

Erect cinquefoil strengthens loose and dry curls, prevents hair loss and helps to cope with dandruff. The medical mask is done like this:

1. Grind 30 g of dry root into powder and mix with five large tablespoons of black currant pulp.
2. Add two carefully beaten egg yolks.
3. Mix the ingredients again.

The composition is distributed over the entire length of the hair, rubbing lightly into the roots, and left for 3-5 minutes, and then washed off.

Galangal cosmetics should be used 1-2 times a week.

Acne decoction

The properties of the upright galangal help regulate oily skin and get rid of acne and blackheads. Such a remedy brings a good effect:

1. Galangal root is crushed until smooth.
2. Measure 5 g of raw material and mix with four large spoons of poppy seeds.
3. Pour in a glass of hot goat milk.
4. Bring to a boil and boil for three minutes.
5. Cool and filter.

In the resulting product, you need to moisten a clean napkin and apply it to your face for 40 minutes. As it dries, the home mask is changed. With regular procedures, the skin will quickly become cleaner and get rid of unpleasant greasy shine.

Contraindications to the use of galangal root

The benefits and harms of galangal root are not always unambiguous. In some conditions, it is prohibited to use erect cinquefoil-based products. Namely:

• with low acidity of the stomach;
• with stones in the kidneys, urinary and gall bladder;
• with a tendency to blood thickening;
• with chronic severe liver diseases;
• with autoimmune diseases;
• with chronic hypotension and bradycardia;
• with osteoporosis;
• during pregnancy and lactation.

Instructions for using galangal root do not advise giving it in any form to children under 12 years old. Medicinal plant preparations cannot be used simultaneously with antibiotics from the aminoglycoside class, alkalizing drugs and sulfonamides.

Collection and procurement

Galangal root can be harvested for medicinal purposes throughout the season, but it is best done in early spring or late fall. The plant goes into a state of dormancy, and useful substances are concentrated mainly in its underground part.

The rhizomes of erect cinquefoil extracted from the soil are thoroughly washed from the remains of the soil, and then cut into small pieces and laid out on a baking sheet or wire rack. From above, the raw material can be covered with gauze from dust and insects. It is necessary to dry the roots in a warm, but shaded place in the air, in a room or in the attic, not forgetting to periodically stir up the workpiece.

If the conditions are met, galangal root retains useful properties for up to two years

To speed up the process, it is allowed to use a special dryer or an ordinary oven. At the same time, the devices are heated to a maximum of 50 ° C so that valuable substances do not collapse in the erect Potentilla.

Dried medicinal raw materials are laid out in glass containers or paper bags. It is necessary to store the galangal root in a dark place at room temperature, periodically checking that there is no mold in the workpiece.

Conclusion

The use of galangal root helps to cope with inflammatory diseases and bleeding, as well as diarrhea. Erect cinquefoil has pronounced astringent and antiseptic properties, but when using it, a number of strict contraindications must be taken into account.

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