Gentian gout – medicinal properties and effects. When to use the herb of the common gout?

As a medicinal plant, gout (Aegopodium podagraria) was popularized by German herbalist Johann Kunzle at the turn of the 20th century. Gout owes its name to its particular effectiveness in treating gout, or gout.

The list of gout’s valuable health-promoting properties opens with its ability to dissolve and neutralize uric acid salts, excess of which is the main cause of gout. Despite its low popularity and rarity of use, gout is available to everyone, as it is a plant often found in our environment. We can either harvest it ourselves and subject it to the drying process, or we can use ready-made specifics available in herbal stores and pharmacies. In addition to combating gout, gout helps with digestive, joint and urinary tract problems. It is also a good plant cosmetic. When and how to use gout?

Gentian coltsfoot (Aegopodium podagraria) – for herbalists an unusual herb, for farmers a troublesome weed

The common coltsfoot is a plant that is extremely strong and resistant to unfavorable conditions. It has low soil and climate requirements. It is expansive and spreads rapidly by means of a dense network of rhizomes and rhizomes. It often appears in agricultural fields and gardens, where it is unfortunately difficult to eradicate. Due to the speed at which it takes over an area and its high competitiveness with cultivated species, the common coltsfoot is considered a weed by farmers. Despite its disadvantages, it has many qualities, especially in terms of health. Thanks to its rich composition, it is considered a treasure by herbalists.

The ground elder is a perennial plant and belongs to the celery family. It grows wild in areas of Europe, Asia and North America. In Poland it is very common. It can be found in roadsides, forests, meadows, fields, thickets, ruderal areas, among others.

The history of gout dates back to antiquity. Even then it was known and used as a remedy for many ailments, including sciatica, gout and varicose veins. In the Middle Ages, it was valued mainly for its antipyretic and analgesic properties, as well as for its culinary qualities. It was often grown in monastery gardens.

Gentry is not only a medicinal plant. It also finds use in the kitchen. Young leaves and stems of the ground elder are edible and make an interesting addition to salads, soups, stews, stewed vegetables. The plant is characterized by a spicy taste and carrot-like smell, which makes it an attractive and remarkable ingredient in dishes.

What does gout look like?

The stalk of the ground elder is erect, stiff and segmented and reaches a height of 30 even up to 100 cm. On the stem grow trichomatous, egg-shaped or heart-shaped, serrated leaves. The plant blooms from June to July, producing small white flowers. The flowers are gathered in inflorescences in the form of umbels, which is typical for plants of the celery family. The flowers of ground elder are small and inconspicuous, but they are very intensely fragrant, which attracts multitudes of insects to them.

Common coltsfoot is often confused with wood angelica (Aegopodium podagraria) due to its visual similarity. However, there are some differences between the two. Forest angelica has a more complex leaf arrangement, and its inflorescences are denser and more compact than those of the subshrub. In addition, forest angelica has a distinctive garlic smell, while coltsfoot has no such aroma.

Another plant with which the common coltsfoot is often confused is the common hogweed (Aegopodium podagraria). They differ primarily in the appearance of their leaves and inflorescences. Common hogweed has tripartite leaves, just like ground elder, but they are longer and narrower. The flowers of hogweed are larger than those of gout.

What active ingredients does common hogweed contain?

The herb of the common coltsfoot is rich in valuable active ingredients, thanks to which it exhibits a variety of medicinal actions. These include polyacetylenes, terpenoids, macro- and microelements and various phenolic compounds.

Among the constituents of gout, falkarinol, falkarinone and falkarindiol are particularly noteworthy. These are the main biologically active compounds with anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and anticoagulant effects. They are found not only in gout, but also in other plants of the celery family, both in wild herbaceous plants and in vegetables such as carrots, parsley and celery.

Thanks to its unique set of active substances, gout shows antimicrobial activity, eliminates inflammation of the urinary tract, participates in the elimination of excess uric acid in the body, and helps fight metabolic ailments, including type 2 diabetes.

The most important bioactive components present in gout:

• falcarinol,
• falcarindiol,
• flavonol glycosides,
• essential oils,
• carotenoids,
• monoterpenes,
• sesquiterpenes,
• vitamin C,
• vitamin E,
• minerals (iron, potassium, calcium, boron, copper, manganese),
• phenolic acids,
• coumarins,
• flavonoids (hyperoside, kemferol, isocquercetin).

Gout – medicinal properties

Studies have shown that extracts from gout leaves have strong antioxidant properties, thus counteracting oxidative stress on cells. Thanks to this property, the plant provides an additional defense against diseases of civilization, such as cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and also counteracts premature aging.

Drinking gout tea daily is a well-known way to alleviate the symptoms of hemorrhoids (the herb facilitates the outflow of blood from anal varices). Due to its antiseptic properties, gout infusions are also helpful for bladder and kidney problems.

Here’s a list of gout’s medicinal properties, thanks to which this remarkable herb can be used as a natural health booster:

• has antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal properties,
• supports the work of the digestive system,
• stimulates the purification of the body from toxins,
• improves metabolism,
• has an anti-rheumatic effect,
• facilitates the removal of excess fluids from the body,
• takes care of the proper functioning of the urinary system,
• accelerates wound healing,
• has a beneficial effect on eyesight,
• has strong anti-inflammatory properties,
• helps fight gout,
• supports liver and kidney function.

Gout for gout (gout)

For hundreds of years, gout has been used in folk medicine to help treat gout. Gout, also known as gout, is a type of arthritis characterized by sudden, severe attacks of pain, redness and swelling of the joints. The main cause of gout is an excess of uric acid in the body. This acid crystallizes in the joints, causing pain and inflammation.

The traditional use of gout in the treatment of gout is due to its diuretic properties, which help eliminate excess uric acid from the body (by stimulating kidney function and increasing urine production). What’s more, the compounds in the plant, such as polyacetylenes (falcarinol and falcarindiol), show anti-inflammatory effects, which may contribute to the relief of gout symptoms.

Gout for the digestive system

The essential oils and phenolic compounds contained in gout stimulate the secretion of digestive juices, so the herb facilitates the digestive process. Gentian coltsfoot can also gently stimulate bowel movements, so it can help regulate bowel movements.

Active constituents such as falcarinol, falcarinone and falcarindiol reduce inflammation in the digestive tract, which can be particularly beneficial for irritable bowel syndrome and similar problems. Moreover, thanks to its antibacterial and antifungal properties, gout supports the elimination of harmful microorganisms from the digestive tract.

Sedum for the liver

Scientific studies have highlighted the potential hepatoprotective effect of the gout, that is, its ability to protect the liver from damage. Extracts from the leaves of the gout plant exhibit strong antioxidant activity, thereby protecting liver cells from oxidative stress. Preliminary studies indicate that gout may also have the ability to protect the liver from damage caused by various toxins.

The active compounds in gout, such as polyacetylenes, support the liver’s natural detoxification processes. Thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties, gout also contributes to reducing inflammation in the liver.

Gout for hemorrhoids

The sub-agricorn improves blood circulation within the anal varices and stimulates the outflow of blood from the area, which contributes to reducing the size of the bleeding nodules and reducing pain and swelling.

Gout also actively nullifies inflammation associated with hemorrhoids. Moreover, infusions of gout have a disinfectant effect, which is beneficial for minor wounds and skin cracks that often accompany hemorrhoids.

Sedum – diuretic properties. Sedum as a comprehensive support for the urinary system

Sedum shows good diuretic properties, thanks to which it supports the urinary system and helps eliminate excess fluids, unnecessary metabolic products and toxins from the body. It is particularly beneficial for hypertension, kidney disease, gout, urinary problems and metabolic and hormonal disorders. Due to its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects, it is also a valuable aid in cases of cystitis and urethritis.

In urinary incontinence and other urinary tract problems, a multi-ingredient dietary supplement can also be a valuable aid UrinoFix.

Gout for the skin. The regenerative and antiseptic properties of gout.

The effect of gout on the skin is multidirectional. Fresh gout leaves applied directly to the skin show excellent restorative properties on damaged tissue. Poultices made from infusions of dried gout herb have mainly cleansing and antimicrobial effects.

How gout works on the skin:

• slows down the skin aging process,
• stimulates the skin regeneration process,
• accelerates wound healing,
• is helpful for ulcers and skin infections,
• fights bacteria and fungi that live on the skin,
• has an anti-acne effect,
• revitalizes the skin and improves its appearance.

Gout for joints, anti-inflammatory properties of gout.

The subaltern has a beneficial effect on the condition of the joints, especially in cases of arthritis, rheumatism, arthritis and excessive accumulation of uric acid in the joints. Thanks to polyacetylene compounds, it actively participates in extinguishing inflammation in the joints, and thus eliminates pain and swelling and improves motor skills. Due to its strong anti-inflammatory effect, the plant can provide valuable support for people struggling with rheumatoid arthritis.

How and when to harvest gout?

The right time of harvesting and the method are extremely important if you want to preserve the full medicinal properties of the common coltsfoot.

The best time for harvesting the ground elderberry is early summer, but before flowering. The most valuable herbal raw material are the young leaves of gout. They are distinguished by their high saturation of active substances and high biological activity. The roots of the plant can also be harvested, but at a different time than the leaves, namely in autumn, after the leaves have fallen, or in early spring, before the growth phase begins.

When harvesting, care should be taken not to damage the plant. The leaves should be gently cut off, and the roots should be carefully dug up. The harvested parts of the plant should be dried in an airy and shady place so that they do not lose their medicinal properties. Once dried, they should be stored in tightly closed containers, away from light and moisture.

Remember to always collect plants from clean, uncontaminated areas and be sure of their identification. Before using gout for medicinal purposes, it is a good idea to consult a doctor or phytotherapy specialist.

How to make an infusion of gout?

Collect young leaves of gout and dry them thoroughly, or buy ready-made dried herbal tea from an herbal store or pharmacy. To prepare a single serving of the infusion, pour 1 tablespoon of the herb over 1 cup of boiling water. Then let the infusion steep covered for about 10-15 minutes. This will release large amounts of active ingredients.

After the brewing time has passed, strain the infusion through a strainer to remove the remains of the plant. The infusion is ready to drink.

How often to drink gout?

Infusions of gout can be consumed 2-3 times a day, preferably before meals.

Usually the treatment with an infusion of gout lasts about 4 weeks. After this time, a break is recommended. After a short break, if necessary, you can reach for gout again. However, it is worth bearing in mind that these tips are only general recommendations and may vary depending on individual needs, the state of our health and the recommendations of a specialist.

Gout – contraindications to the use of gout.

Like any herb, gout has certain contraindications for use. First of all, it is not recommended for pregnant and lactating women. It should also be avoided by people with allergies to plants of the celery family.

Due to its diuretic properties, gout can affect kidney function, so people with more serious kidney problems should exercise caution. Due to its potential immunomodulatory effects, people with autoimmune diseases should be cautious when using gout.

Also worth knowing, gout may interact with some medications, including anticoagulants and diuretics. Therefore, before using gout, patients taking any pharmaceutical products should consult a doctor or pharmacist.

Gout – side effects

In a few cases, gout may cause some side effects, such as skin irritation, rashes, itching, digestive problems, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, heartburn, bloating, abdominal cramps.

Sources:

• https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34959734
• https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36297734
• https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17574359
• https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33353137