Upright grapevine belongs to the family of grapevines, which are a subspecies of labiates. The herbaceous plant is widespread in several varieties throughout southern and central Europe to Asia Minor and the Caucasus. Already in ancient times, the erect grazing was used as a medicinal plant.
Occurrence and cultivation of the erect gravel
Like all grapevines, the Erect Grackle is a labiate plant. The perennial plant is deciduous and grows herbaceous or as a dwarf shrub. It usually reaches a height of up to 40 centimeters, in rare cases up to 70 centimeters. On the vertically standing, simple or branched stems of the Upright Zieste sit six to ten of the genus-typically shaped labiate flowers, which are arranged as a false ear. In most varieties the flowers are white-reddish speckled, occasionally they are cream or purple. Flowering occurs between June and October, depending on location. After fertilization, inconspicuous cloistered fruits form that are roundish and only about two millimeters in size. The elongated leaves of the upright spikenard are rough-haired and alternate on short stems in the lower part of the stems. As a sub-Mediterranean species, the upright grackle is found throughout the Mediterranean region. Towards the north, its range in Central Europe ends at the height of Belgium; in the east, it can be found as far as the Caucasus and Asia Minor. It prefers dry to semi-dry sites and calcareous soils, but also does well on rocky slopes that are not too high. The roots, which reach up to one meter into the ground, enable the Upright Ziest to survive even longer periods of drought. In Central Europe, in particular, it can be found in dry grasslands and along the edges of fields. After the green parts of the plant die in the fall, overwintering occurs in shoots that sit under the soil spreading rhizome.
Effect and application
Already from the Roman antiquity, the use of the Upright Spikenard is known. At that time, the plant was not only used as a medicinal herb, but was also used for magical purposes. For example, gladiators often wore parts of the Upright Spikenard as an amulet on their bodies to protect themselves against cuts and stab wounds in battle. Even today, in some Eastern European regions, children are bathed in a decoction made from the Upright Ziest to protect them against disease and the influence of evil. In Central Europe, too, the plant was once thought to have a magical effect, as evidenced by popular names such as Beschreikraut and Abnehmkraut, which are still in use today. Traditionally, all parts of the plant are used, from the root to the leaves and flowers. As a rule, the erect giant reed is not stored and used in dried form like many other medicinal herbs, but the fresh parts of the plant are used for the preparation of the respective remedy. Especially often, infusions and tinctures are made from the Upright Grackle. For a decoction, the plants are boiled in water for several hours. After straining, the liquid can be used for ablutions, cleaning wounds and soaking bandages, as well as for internal use. To make a tincture, the erect grapevine is soaked in high-proof alcohol for several weeks. This tincture can also be used both internally and externally. In the meantime, there are also modern remedies that consist of dried and pressed parts of the Upright Sweetgum. Also in homeopathy, the erect zieste is used.
Importance for health, treatment and prevention.
The Erect Gravel contains tannins, mucilage, flavonoids and various essential oils. In folk medicine, it is traditionally used for the treatment of a wide range of diseases. Especially often it is used in connection with wounds and skin diseases. However, it is also used for various respiratory and digestive problems, internal pain, fever, epilepsy and mental disorders. So far, it has been proven that preparations from the Upright Sweetgum stimulate blood circulation and at the same time calm the nerves. Of particular importance is the fact that upright gravel has a significant anti-inflammatory effect. Therefore, an application of preparations based on the Upright Periwinkle comes into question for skin problems of all kinds.If the hair is rinsed with an appropriate plant decoction, this can counteract dandruff, and a tincture of erectile spikenard is effective against pimples and blackheads. Even with acne visible results can be achieved. Upright chamise can also be used to relieve varicose veins. In addition, wounds can be washed out with it, as this accelerates healing and prevents scarring. A decoction made from upright chamois is particularly effective when gauze bandages are soaked in it and then wrapped around the affected parts of the body. The circulation-enhancing effect of the Upright Creeper can be used for massages in the case of numb limbs, muscle cramps or partial paralysis. Used internally, erect grapevine is especially effective for stomach aches. However, it is also said to be suitable for the treatment of diarrhea and kidney diseases. In modern medicine, the erect grapevine is rarely used. However, as an unusual ingredient, the plant can be used in the preparation of salads. Both flowers and leaves are edible. While the flowers are slightly sweet, the leaves have a strong and spicy flavor.
