For numerous diseases and ailments, not only chemical drugs can be applied. Away from the pharmaceutical industry, there also exist various herbal substances that can alleviate some disorders. Among these, for example, is goose cinquefoil.
Occurrence and cultivation of goose cinquefoil.
Goose cinquefoil occupies a size of about 10 centimeters and belongs to the food source of geese, which is the origin of its name. Goose cinquefoil is native to different regions. The plant grows in Europe, Asia and North America. It prefers soils that have a moist texture. Goose cinquefoil is especially common in meadows, roadsides and ditches. Botanists refer to the plant as part of the rose family. Goose cinquefoil occupies a size of about 10 centimeters and belongs to the food source of geese, which is the origin of its name. Accordingly, its species name is “anserina”, while the genus is given as “Potentilla”. The last term can be traced back to Latin, where it means “power”. “Power”, in turn, refers to the healing abilities of goose cinquefoil. The plant has strong roots. These form the basis for the typical green leaves, which usually appear in groups of four. The underside of the leaves takes on a silvery hue and is home to fine hairs. In summer, the plant blooms yellow. At the same time, the flower stalks form runners with a length of up to one meter.
Effect and application
Goose cinquefoil has several properties. However, the main focus here is the antispasmodic effect on smooth muscle. Smooth muscle is also the involuntary muscle fibers. These include, for example, the uterus, but also all digestive organs or the heart. The term refers to the fact that people are not able to consciously control their muscles. Instead, various processes take place via the brain. Accordingly, numerous complaints are treated with goose finger herb, which are based on cramps. Here are period pains, intestinal cramps, calf cramps or cramp-like cough. Already in the Middle Ages, the use of the medicinal plant was widespread among women. At that time it was boiled in milk. This method is still used today. For this purpose, the goose cinquefoil is poured over with hot milk and left to infuse. It is also possible to make a tea from the medicinal plant or chew the root. In addition, goose cinquefoil can be used externally, as is the case with existing boils, wounds or inflammations. Washes, partial baths or poultices are used for this purpose. The anti-inflammatory and analgesic effect proves useful in numerous complaints. Thus, in addition to cramps, inflammations of the throat or gastric mucosa are also treated with the plant. For inflammation of the pharyngeal mucosa, rinses or gargling with goose cinquefoil tea are recommended. For this purpose, the leaves should be left in the water for at least ten minutes and then removed. In general, the effect can be recorded as spasmolytic, astringent and anti-inflammatory. Such properties are suitable for various ailments. Nevertheless, the plant is used especially for menstrual pain. Its efficiency in more severe cramps, on the other hand, is considered too mild, which is why experts advise other medicinal plants in such a situation. Among other things, the ingredients have a high content of tannins. These are able to protect the mucous membranes. This results in advantages, especially in the presence of inflammation.
Significance for health, treatment and prevention.
Just before or during the flowering period, the leaves and flowers are collected for medicinal purposes. They can play an important role in health in some circumstances. Especially for women who regularly suffer from menstrual cramps, the use of the medicinal plant promises to alleviate the pain. Complaints during the period can often be traced back to cramps of the uterus. At the same time, other disorders exist that cause the pain, such as benign growths or polyps. Regardless of the underlying disorder, milkweed can have a positive effect because it helps to relax the uterus. Almost every person has already experienced diarrhea.This is triggered by various factors, such as contaminated food, drinking water or various pathogens. Depending on the respective cause, the disease manifests itself as more or less severe diarrhea. Diarrhea is said to occur when the affected person has liquid stool at least 3 times a day. While goose cinquefoil should at most be seen as an accompanying therapy in cases of severe diarrhea, it can be accepted as an alternative in cases of mild diarrhea. The tannins in goose cinquefoil cause the surface of the intestine to contract. The decisive factor in this process is the connection of the tannins with proteins. This connection also proves useful in the case of inflammation. For example, in the case of pharyngitis, the tannins are able to form a protective layer. Existing bacteria and germs can hardly penetrate the protective layer, so that the affected areas are effectively shielded and can heal better. In general, the effect of goose cinquefoil is treatment properties. The plant is not suitable for the prevention of various ailments. Nevertheless, it is an effective alternative to chemical medicines. In contrast to conventional medicine, side effects are rarely to be expected. These include an intensification of the symptoms of an existing irritable stomach. The intake of smaller amounts (up to 6 grams) are considered harmless. However, as with any medication, dosage should be according to package insert or doctor’s advice. Breastfeeding mothers, pregnant women and children should refrain from taking goose cinquefoil. To date, there are no studies to prove or disprove the safety of these groups.
