Mother-and-stepmother useful properties and contraindications of the plant

Mother-and-stepmother is one of the oldest plants used in folk medicine and cosmetology. The scope of its application is small, but effective. In folk medicine, a huge number of recipes have been created for the treatment of various diseases and improving the general work and state of the body. What does a mother and stepmother look like? Where can you find and how to distinguish from other plants? Why was it called that way and what names exist among the common people?

Mother and stepmother: description

Most people at least once in their lives have heard of such a plant as a mother-and-stepmother. However, it is not easy to spot it among other plants in a grove or in a forest. In the common people, there are many other names for the plant. Mother-and-stepmother is known as mother grass, water burdock, butterbur. In appearance, a mother and stepmother can be compared to a dandelion. There are legends among the people that they are brother and sister. This is due to the fact that during flowering, a medium-sized yellow flower appears on the stem. After the plant is fully ripe, the yellow flower turns into a cotton ball with seeds. Doesn't it look like anything?

Mother-and-stepmother comes from the Asteraceae family.

The plant is characterized by:

- The root is large, creeping.

- The stem is straight, large and elongated.

- The leaves are rather large, wide in terms of diameter, elongated, round, green in color.

- Petioles are rather large, elongated.

The flowering process of a plant occurs from the beginning - mid-spring and lasts two to three months. The appearance of the plant varies greatly. The sockets are getting tighter.

You can meet a mother-and-stepmother by the water, for example, by water bodies. In early spring, it blooms first and almost the only one. You can recognize it by looking closely at the leaves, they are cool on the upper side, and warm on the other. That is why it was named that way. It is believed that a natural mother always loves her child more strongly, and a stepmother treats a child coldly and indifferently.

Mother and stepmother: useful properties

In folk medicine, the coltsfoot plant is used to treat bronchitis, cough, and inflammation of the upper respiratory tract.

The plant has the ability to help with increased and wet cough - expectoration. It has been used for many years.

It is recommended to use the infusion of mat-and-stepmother for:

- Scrofula.

- Dropsy.

- Toothache.

- Diseases of the oral cavity.

- Swelling.

- The need for a diuretic effect.

- Myositis.

- Diseases of the urinary system.

- Ulcers.

- Gastritis.

For cosmetic purposes, the coltsfoot plant is used to treat dandruff, strengthen hair roots, dry acne, accelerate the healing process of wounds, calluses, ulcers, burns, infections.

Mother and Stepmother moisturizes and softens the skin. This plant is also used in medicines, for example, in nasal drops. This remedy is absolutely harmless during pregnancy.

Another plant is able to normalize blood pressure, improve the functioning of the heart and the state of blood vessels. It is necessary to prepare a decoction or infusion.

Contraindications for use

Some people use infusions and decoctions on the mother-and-stepmother inside. Although they do not have any diseases and symptoms from the above diseases. The plant improves mood, improves immunity and tone.

It is not recommended to apply anything without medical intervention.

Who should not use infusions and medicines on a mother-and-stepmother:

- During pregnancy (it is better to consult a doctor).

- Babies and children under two years of age.

- Lovers of alcoholic beverages (due to the load on the liver).

When collecting coltsfoot, you need to store it properly. Keep track of its service life, as this is very important, for example, if it is unusable - you can get poisoned with a decoction or tincture. Do not cook the broth without a prescription, strictly follow the rules for the points. In this case, no damage will be done to the body. You can make blanks from leaves. Only those ripped off and after a while will do.