False baby's breath  is a perennial plant that grows to a height of 25-125 cm. The plant has four-sided stems. The leaves have 6-8 leaflets each, which are 2 cm long and 25 mm wide, inverted lanceolate. The plant begins to bloom at the beginning of summer and blooms until autumn. The flowers are white, 2-5 mm in diameter. They have a pleasant aroma. False baby's breath is a good honey plant.

After flowering, fruits are formed - dry, brown, green or black pods containing two seeds.

The False baby's breath is collected when it blooms - June - September. Collect the above-ground part of the plant, as only the flowers and leaves are used for medicinal purposes. They can be dried hung in bundles or on sieves, in forced dryers not exceeding 45C or in well-ventilated and shaded places. When the plant is dry, the leaves and flowers easily separate from the stems, although if parts of the stems are present in the medicinal drug, this will not impair the properties of the drug.

It is recommended to store the plant in a closed container, in a dark place. The drug can be stored for up to two years.

Vitamin C, carotene, citric acid, gallotanoic acid, chlorogenic acid, iron, molybdenum, manganese, chromium, strontium, titanium, vanadium, nickel, zinc, flavonoids, tannins, pigments, essential substances, coumarins, anthraquinones, saponins and rennin are found in the surface part of the plant. .

Medicinal significance

The rich chemical composition gives False baby's breath several healing properties: immunomodulating, bactericidal, soothing, pain-relieving, diuretic, diaphoretic, bile-repelling, astringent, bleeding-stopping, anti-inflammatory, estrogenic.

Decoctions and poultices made from False baby's breath can be used to treat burns, slow-healing, bleeding and festering wounds, skin diseases, to get rid of intestinal colic, headaches and wounds.

Properly prepared and used False baby's breath preparations can help to calm the nervous system, get rid of convulsions, reduce arterial blood pressure. False baby's breath can also help treat conjunctivitis, the pancreas and the digestive tract. Recommended product for both internal and external use.

Not recommended for use

Like all herbs, they are able to affect the body favorably, as well as leave negative consequences. False baby's breath has strong diuretic properties, therefore its preparations should not be used by diabetics. False baby's breath is not recommended for use during pregnancy and lactation, nor is it used to treat children.