Ivan da Marya is the popular name for plants with contrasting inflorescences. A number of other herbaceous perennials are called similarly: tricolor violet, meadow sage, periwinkle. However, more often this is the name of the oak tree, belonging to the Zarazikhov family. The plant is decorative, melliferous, but poisonous. Application - exclusively in folk healing. Natural growing environment: Europe, Siberia, Ukraine, the Caucasus. Grows in peat bogs, rocky areas, forests and steppes, waterlogged meadows.
It blooms in yellow, group racemose inflorescences of the apical location. Bracts are rounded-pointed, serrated, with fluff along the veins. The color scale of the bracts changes along the ascending line: green, blue-lilac, purple. Flowering period: May - September. Upon completion, fruits of an oblong shape with a seed filling ripen. For forest dwellers, this is a real delicacy.
The genus Mariannik includes up to 35 varieties. On our territory, the following are more common: oak, field, forest, cut and meadow mariannik.
For medicinal purposes, the entire aerial part of the plant is used: the stem, leaves, flowers and fruits. Harvested during flowering by cutting with a sharp tool. The foliage is picked by hand. The fruits ripen at the end of summer. Raw materials are dried in the open air under a canopy. The shelf life of the herbal collection is no more than 10 months.
Beneficial features
The Ivan da Marya flower has not yet taken root in traditional pharmaceuticals, but research in this direction is ongoing. Decoctions and infusions are used to treat various diseases. The spectrum of medicinal properties is as follows:
- anti-inflammatory;
- wound healing;
- sedative;
- anticonvulsant;
- antiseptic;
- antipsychotic;
- insecticidal.
It is indicated for problems of a cardiovascular nature and malfunctions in the digestive system. Steamed and infused flowers can help in the treatment of the following diseases: epilepsy, neuralgia, hypertension. Herbal baths will relieve eczema, dermatitis, psoriasis, pruritus and other diseases of this kind. They reduce rheumatic pains, relieve inflammation. The foliage, crushed into gruel, is applied to wounds and cuts. Thanks to its regenerating properties, it heals quickly. From scrofula, as an aid, drink herbal tea.
In ancient times, the seeds of the plant were used to dye fabrics yellow. And also as an insect repellent.
Alcoholic tinctures are used not only for chronic diseases, but also as a general tonic for the cardiovascular and nervous system. Decoctions and infusions are useful for women with stress and depression.
Contraindications and side effects
Before starting a treatment course, you must consult a doctor. This is due to the toxicity of the plant. With the wrong dosage, side symptoms appear:
- decreased tone, relaxation;
- lack of concentration of attention;
- vomiting;
- blurred vision;
- loose stools;
- rare pulse;
- increased sleepiness.
In such a situation, they urgently wash the stomach and take activated charcoal. After that, you should drink sour juices or strong tea with sugar.
The plant has no obvious contraindications, but it is undesirable to use it for pregnant and lactating women, young children, people with allergies.
Healing recipes
Recipes for medicinal infusions have come from ancient times. The main thing in the recipe is to observe the accuracy of the ingredients introduced so as not to harm the body.
Tincture for the treatment of skin diseases: 3 tablespoons of dry herbs are brewed with boiling water (1 liter) and infused for 1.5–2 hours. Add to baths, wipe problem areas. Herbal lotions help with scabies mite, soften tumor neoplasms.
In case of heart failure, increased heartbeat, frequent dizziness, the initial stage of epilepsy and high blood pressure, a more concentrated infusion is prepared. For the same amount of herbs, take a glass of boiling water and insist. Take twice a day, half the dose after meals.
Broth for hypertension: pour 15-25 g of dry herbs in 200-250 ml of water and heat in a water bath. Bring to a boil and keep for 30-40 minutes. Clean from grassy inclusions, top up with boiling water to the original volume. Break the daily intake several times. Drink one tablespoon at a time. Also, this infusion is taken orally, 150 ml in the morning and in the evening with a mild stage of epilepsy. It helps to relieve convulsive syndrome, increased excitability.
For aching pain in the heart caused by vasospasm, an alcoholic tincture from the mariannik is used. Combine 1.5 large spoons of dry grass with 0.5 liters of vodka or alcohol of 40% strength. Insist 14-16 days in a dark place, shake occasionally. The course of treatment is designed for 14–20 days: 15–20 ml before each meal. Then take a break for at least 1 week and repeat.
Ivan da Marya, like all medicinal plants, has a complex chemical composition. Before using for medicinal purposes, you should carefully read the instructions and possible side effects. Each disease has its own dosage and method of administration. The plant is not a panacea, but in combination with medications it gives a good result.
