Not only chemical drugs can be used for numerous diseases and ailments. Apart from the pharmaceutical industry, there are also various herbal substances that can alleviate some disorders. One of these is, for example Fingerwort.
Occurrence and cultivation of goose weed
Fingerwort is at home in different regions. The plant grows in Europe, Asia and North America. She prefers soils that are moist. Goose weed is particularly common on meadows, roadsides and ditches. Botanists refer to the plant as part of the rose family.
Goose fingerstick takes up a size of about 10 centimeters and belongs to the food source of geese, which is where its name comes from. Accordingly, their species name is "anserina", while the genus is indicated as "Potentilla". The last term can be traced back to Latin, where it means “power”. “Power”, in turn, refers to the healing properties of the fingernail weed.
The plant has strong roots. These form the basis for the typical green leaves, which usually appear in groups of four. The underside of the leaves takes on a silver hue and is home to fine hairs. The plant blooms yellow in summer. At the same time, the flower stalks form runners with a length of up to one meter.
Effect & application
Goose weed exhibits several properties. The main focus here is on the antispasmodic effect on the smooth muscles. Smooth muscles are also involuntary muscle fibers. These include, for example, the uterus, but also all digestive organs or the heart. The term means that people are not able to consciously control the muscles.
Instead, various processes take place via the brain. Correspondingly, numerous complaints that are based on cramps are treated with fingerwort. Menstrual pain, intestinal cramps, calf cramps or convulsive coughs should be mentioned here. The medicinal plant was already widely used by women in the Middle Ages. At that time it was boiled in milk. This possibility continues to this day.
For this, hot milk is poured over the fingerweed and left to infuse. A tea made from the medicinal plant or chewing the root is also possible. In addition, fingerwort can be used externally, as is the case, for example, with existing boils, wounds or inflammations. Washes, partial baths or compresses are used for this. The anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects prove useful for numerous ailments.
In addition to cramps, throat or gastric mucosal inflammations are treated with the plant. In the case of inflammation of the throat mucous membrane, douching or gargling with goose-finger tea are recommended. The leaves should remain in the water for at least ten minutes and then be removed. In general, the effect can be recorded as relaxing, contracting and anti-inflammatory. Such properties are suitable for different ailments.
Nevertheless, the plant is particularly used for menstrual pain. The efficiency with stronger cramps, on the other hand, is considered too mild, which is why experts recommend other medicinal plants in such a situation. The ingredients have a high proportion of tannins, among other things. These are able to protect the mucous membranes. This results in advantages especially in the presence of inflammation.
Importance for health, treatment & prevention
Just before or during the flowering period, the leaves and flowers are collected for medicinal purposes. They can play an important role in health. Especially for women who regularly suffer from menstrual cramps, the use of the medicinal plant promises to alleviate pain.
Symptoms during your period can often be traced back to cramping of the uterus. At the same time, there are other diseases that cause the pain, such as benign growths or polyps. Regardless of the underlying disorder, fingerwort can have beneficial effects because it helps relax the uterus. Almost everyone has had diarrhea.
This is triggered by various factors, such as contaminated food, drinking water or various pathogens. Depending on the cause, the disease manifests itself as more or less severe diarrhea. Diarrhea is when the affected person has liquid stools at least 3 times a day. While fingerweed should only be seen as an accompanying therapy for severe diarrhea, it can be accepted as an alternative for mild diarrhea.
The tannins of the goose weed ensure that the surface of the intestine contracts. The connection between the tannins and proteins is crucial for this process. This compound also proves useful in inflammation. If, for example, there is an inflammation of the throat, the tannins are able to form a protective layer. Existing bacteria and germs can hardly penetrate the protective layer, so that the affected areas are effectively shielded and can heal better.
In general, the effects of the goose finger herb are treating properties. The plant is not suitable for preventing various ailments. Nevertheless, it is an effective alternative to chemical drugs. In contrast to conventional medicine, side effects are rarely to be expected. These include an increase in the symptoms of an existing irritable stomach.
The intake of smaller amounts (up to 6 grams) is considered harmless. As with any medication, however, the dosage should be based on the package insert or the advice of your doctor. Breastfeeding mothers, pregnant women and children should refrain from using the fingerweed. So far, there are no studies that prove or disprove the safety of these groups.
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