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People, better know that the blue cornflower is used for treatment, but
Knapweed
are forgotten, but in vain, they are also very useful and easy to collect. In terms of effect, they are similar, only
Knapweeds
are more common!
In Latvia, two types of
Knapweed
are most often found - meadow and large. They are perennial plants that are found in meadows, field edges, roadsides, bushes and forest edges. Plants grow to an average height of 60-100 cm.
The stem of the
Knapweed
is erect, grooved, grainy, the leaves are lanceolate, with entire edges, the lower ones are strongly toothed. One inflorescence at the end of the stem, pinkish-purple in color. Blooms all summer.
The stems of the
Knapweed
are erect, often growing up to 125 cm, branched, grooved in the upper part. Stem leaves bisected with linear-lanceolate areas. Inflorescences dark red or purple, sepals practically black. Blooms all summer.
Both plants are valuable honey plants. All parts of the plant are used for medicinal purposes.
Both plants are harvested throughout the flowering period. The roots are harvested in late autumn. Both fresh and dried plants are used for medicinal purposes. The
Knapweed
is dried hidden from direct sunlight, in well-ventilated rooms or forced dryers, not exceeding a temperature of 50C. The plant is stored in a sealed glass or wooden container. The drug can be stored for 2 years.
No matter how strange it is, this medicinal plant, although it is found everywhere, is little studied and its chemical composition is relatively little known. It is known that the plant is an excellent source of tannins, it contains xantho-glycoside centaurus and ascorbic acid, the seeds contain essential oil.
This plant is usually destroyed if it grows in pastures, because it makes cow's milk unusable.
Medicinal significance
This plant is not used in official medicine, it is popular only in folk medicine. It has gained a relatively large sphere of influence in folk medicine. Preparations made from it have diuretic, choleretic, analgesic, anti-inflammatory and tonic properties. It is used to treat stomach, headache, jaundice, edema and kidney diseases.
Knapweed
can promote the recovery of delayed periods.
In case of sprains, compresses are made from this plant, freshly cut above-ground parts of the plant are washed off, placed warm on the sprain and wrapped with gauze.
In case of cardiovascular diseases, kidneys and colds, the setting is used. Which is easy to prepare: 2 teaspoons of dry herb, pour boiling water over it, let it sit for a couple of hours, separate the thickness and use one tablespoon 3 times a day, a few minutes before meals. This position can also be used in case of diarrhea!
Knapweed
can also be used to care for the eyes, it will help fight puffiness. Pour one teaspoon of flowers with a glass of 90C water, let it cool down to room temperature. Wet cotton swabs in it and put it on the eyes. The duration of the procedure is 20 minutes.