Hay flowers (Graminis flos) consist of flowers, seeds, small parts of leaves and stems of various meadow plants. They are produced as a by-product of haymaking and are used in natural medicine for various ailments.
Occurrence and cultivation of hay flower
The various plants contained in the hay flowers bloom between spring and autumn. The hay flowers, which are also known as grass flowers, are not independent flowers in the true sense. They are a mixture of various plants found in meadows. The main constituents are grasses (Poaceae), such as couch grass (Elymus), brome (Bromus), meadow bluegrass (Phleum pratense), meadow foxtail (Alopecurus pratensis), and creeping bentgrass (Anthoxanthum). Various clovers from the legume plant family (Leguminosae) and other flowers found in meadows, such as dandelion, and grasses may also be included. The composition of hay flowers varies depending on the place and time of harvest. The various plants contained in the hay flowers bloom between spring and autumn. From summer onwards, the hay is harvested from organically managed meadows. After mowing the meadows and drying the plants, the harvest is cleaned by sieving to remove coarse stems, dust, soil and sand. The hay flowers thus obtained, which are mainly the small flower components of the hay and thus a by-product of the hay harvest, are used for therapeutic purposes in natural medicine.
Effect and application
The priest Sebastian Kneipp discovered the medicinal effects of hay flowers. In the hay flowers are numerous natural active substances. Among other plant substances, flavonoids, tannins, essential oil, coumarin and furanocoumarins are present. Depending on the composition of the hay flowers, the ingredients vary in content. For example, hay flowers rich in certain types of clover contain particularly high levels of coumarin. The flavonoids have an antioxidant effect and anti-inflammatory properties. They can also act against various viruses and other microorganisms. The tannins also have an anti-inflammatory effect and against the growth of bacteria and fungi. They also have a dehydrating and hemostatic effect. Coumarin interferes with vitamin K metabolism and inhibits blood clotting. In addition, coumarin is responsible for the typical scent of fresh hay. Furanocoumarins kill microorganisms. The essential oil contained in hay flowers promotes blood circulation and has an anti-inflammatory effect. For external application of medicinal plants, about 500 grams of dried hay flowers are poured over with three to four liters of boiling water and left to infuse for 15 to 30 minutes. The resulting decoction can be used as an overlay or poultice as well as a bath additive. When used in a full bath, a bathing time of 15 minutes should not be exceeded and rest should be observed afterwards. Essential oils obtained from hay flowers are also suitable as a bath additive. Hay flower bags can be used as a compress. For this purpose, a cloth bag is filled with hay flowers, tied shut and boiling water is poured over it. After 15 minutes, the bag is squeezed and cooled until it reaches just over 40 degrees Celsius. Wrapped in a cloth, it can now be applied to the area to be treated. This can be repeated once or twice a day. The active ingredients of the hay flower partially pass through the skin into the blood. Ready-made compresses, bath additives and lotions with hay flowers are also available in stores. Hay flowers can also be drunk as tea. For this, a tablespoon of dried hay flowers is poured over with boiling water and is ready to serve after five minutes. Inhalation with a decoction of hay flowers for ten minutes is also possible. Hay flowers should be used only for one application at a time, stored in a dry place and no longer than one year, otherwise the active ingredients will be lost.
Importance for health, treatment and prevention.
The healing power of hay flowers is used externally and internally for various ailments in naturopathy. Especially in the external application in the form of compresses, wraps or baths they are used. For cramped muscles, they are said to have a relaxing effect, they increase blood circulation, are used to relieve pain and are used to calm.In addition to strengthening the immune system and the use of hay flowers for colds, coughs and fevers, they are valued as a local heat therapeutic agent for rheumatic complaints including joint wear (arthrosis) and muscle pain (myalgias). They are also used for menopausal complaints, menstrual pain, vegetative dystonia, skin problems or problems with the kidneys or bladder. In case of lumbago, sciatic pain or stomach and intestinal cramps, the application of warm hay-flower compresses can do good and have an antispasmodic effect. During pregnancy, hay flowers can be used for seated steam baths to loosen the pelvic floor before birth and thus prevent perineal rupture during natural childbirth. But hay flowers can also help with stress, fatigue and exhaustion. Against tired feet, for example after a long hike, a hay flower foot bath helps. A pillow filled with hay flowers can help with problems falling asleep. In the case of open injuries, external applications with hay flowers should be avoided. Likewise with acute inflammations or acute rheumatism attacks of an application is not to be advised. Hot full baths are not recommended in cases of high blood pressure. Allergy sufferers, especially those with a pollen allergy to grasses, should also be careful with the use of hay blossoms and, if necessary, check their tolerance. There is no scientific evidence for the effect of hay flowers. Therefore, they are primarily used in folk medicine. Only for local heat therapy for rheumatic complaints, the hay flowers have found their way into traditional medicine.
