It is not obligatory to resort to chemical medications for existing ailments. Some herbal elements can alleviate certain symptoms. This includes, for example, true spoonwort, which is versatile in its effects.
Occurrence and cultivation of the true spoonwort.
The name comes from the green, juicy leaves, whose shape resembles a spoon. True spoonwort is known to some people as a spice. Away from the kitchen, however, few people are aware of the plant’s healing powers. True spoonwort prefers salty soils. Accordingly, it can be found in northern Europe on coasts. If gritted in winter, spoonwort also develops in some places due to the spread of salt. Overall, the plant grows best in the sun, as well as with sufficient liquid. However, it can also overcome a position in partial shade well. While in the past it was possible to find spoonwort in many places, nowadays it has become rare. Thus, the herb now belongs to the family of protected species. Mature plants grow to a height of about 20 to 50 centimeters and have a lifespan of about two years. The name comes from the green, succulent leaves, whose shape resembles a spoon. The white flowers are decorated by four petals. In total, a flower measures about 3 to 5.5 millimeters. At the same time, the flowers bear fruit pods. In these, in turn, store seeds of the true spoonwort.
Effect and application
Until 300 years ago, the true spoonwort was widely used in Europe. Mainly because of its very high vitamin C content, it could be found in the gardens of the population. For long sea voyages, the leaves of the plant were salted and taken along in this way. While scurvy is now a very rare occurrence in Western countries, the disease was actively prevented by the use of the spoonwort. Nevertheless, vitamin C continues to play a crucial role. The vitamin C found in spoonwort outperforms man-made preparations many times over in preventing degenerative diseases by inhibiting free radicals. Free radicals can lead to diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease and cancer. The high content of vitamin C is not the only decisive factor for the efficient effect of the spoonwort. At the same time, flavonoids and glycosides protect the cells from free radicals. In this way, the immune system can be strengthened. A healthy immune system is not only less susceptible to degenerative complaints. It also protects against bacteria and viruses that cause colds and other symptoms. The mustard oil glycosides it contains, such as glucocochlearin, are antibacterial, and isothiocyanates help prevent cancer. The uptake of the common spoonwort is usually through food. Thus, the plant can be integrated into hot lunch dishes. The taste harmonizes especially with potatoes, carrots or red beets. The leaves can also be eaten as a salad or made into a spread. To mitigate the bitter taste, it is recommended to use chives in parallel. The most effective way is to use young leaves of the true spoonwort. If necessary, the leaves can be preserved by salting. In general, however, the plant does not lose its leaves during the winter months. Therefore, there are no time limits when harvesting. In dried form, a tea can be created from the true spoonwort.
Importance for health, treatment and prevention.
In terms of health, the true spoonwort is suitable mainly for the prevention of various ailments and diseases. Thus, it is particularly used to prevent cancer. The contained flavonoids have antioxidant properties, which allows them to prevent uncontrolled cell growth in a limited way. At the same time, the same ingredients succeed in preventing cardiovascular diseases. Because heart attacks are still one of the most frequent causes of death in Germany, the common spoonwort can be perceived as significant for health. Iodine and magnesium are other important constituents of the spoonwort. In addition, the two substances are of great importance for the thyroid gland. On the one hand, the minerals support cell structure as well as repair. On the other hand, they are the most important component for the thyroid hormones produced by the organism.These in turn take over numerous important tasks. A deficiency leads to further symptoms. In addition to its preventive properties, the spoonwort can also be used as a therapeutic agent. It is used for respiratory diseases or urinary tract infections. Here, the various ingredients ensure the destruction of the underlying pathogens. At the same time, they are able to inhibit the multiplication of viruses that are responsible for the occurrence of influenza. Constipation often affects not only the body, but also the psyche suffers from the discomfort. Spoonwort can alleviate constipation and stimulate the movements of the intestines. In this way, food is transported further and constipation is relieved. In the case of a cold, the spoonwort disinfects the mucous membranes. Bacteria and other pathogens are killed, there is a faster recovery. All in all, the metabolism is stimulated by the use of the common spoonwort as a spice or tea. Thus, in case of existing spring fatigue or exhaustion, the leaves of the herb can be resorted to. The ingredients help with gout, rheumatism as well as light bleeding in the area of the mouth. As a rule, there are no side effects to be expected from the use of the spoonwort. However, people who are generally sensitive may notice irritation of the skin and mucous membranes. These are triggered by the mustard glycosides.
