What does it look like
Snake knotweed or large serpentine is a perennial herbaceous species of the Buckwheat family (lat. Polygonaceae). Latin name: Polygonum bistorta. Other names are crayfish, meadow knotweed, snakeroot, adder's grass, turtledove, serpentine, veal tongue.
The thick short root of the serpentine is dark red in color. The rhizome is slightly flattened and serpentinely curved, with folds that look like crayfish necks.
Snake knotweed has a six-node, erect stem. The shoot height reaches 150 cm.
The upper petiolar leaves are arranged alternately, have an oblong shape, up to 30 cm long. The edge of the leaf is slightly wavy. The lower leaves are wedge-shaped or heart-shaped. The upper surface of the leaf blade is green, the lower surface is bluish.
Small pale pink or white flowers are collected in spike-shaped inflorescences located at the top of the shoot. The length of the spikelets is from 1.5 to 7 cm. Each flower consists of a five-membered perianth, eight stamens, and a pistil with three styles. The plant blooms from late spring to early summer.
The fruit of the snake knotweed is a smooth nut with three shiny sides, 4-4.5 mm long. The plant bears fruit in June - July.
Where does the snakeweed grow?
Snake knotweed prefers temperate climates and moist soil and does not tolerate full shade. The plant is found in the forest-steppe zone, tundra and forest belt. Often forms thickets on peat bogs and floodplain meadows.
Great knotweed is found almost throughout Europe. In Russia it grows in Siberia and the Central region.
Snakeweed is cultivated as a medicinal herb. The rhizome of the plant has medicinal properties. During the collection period, up to 17 tons of plant roots are collected from 1 hectare.
Medicinal properties
In folk medicine, medicinal infusions, decoctions, and powder are made from the rhizome of snakeweed. They have an anti-inflammatory and astringent effect. The drugs are used to treat gastrointestinal diseases.
Snakeweed has a general strengthening and hemostatic effect. A decoction of the plant exhibits antibacterial properties and is used to treat skin diseases, wounds, and burns. It has a deodorizing effect and is used as a mouth rinse to prevent gum disease.
Mysterious influence
Minerals are conductors of the energy of Earth and Heaven. Absorb and accumulate information from the environment. A person, being close to crystals, comes under the powerful influence of invisible forces. Serpentinite beats other stones in that it independently destroys the collected negative energy. Esotericists have well studied the meaning of the magical properties of the serpentine stone and who it suits according to the horoscope.
Hindus believe that the snake's eye hides knowledge about past and future incarnations. For the secret to be revealed, the amulet is worn for at least a year. In a deep trance, visions come to the yogi. Getting out of meditation is harder than entering it, and only truly enlightened gurus can remember pictures.
Mystical abilities
The coil was worn by sorcerers and shamans, taking advantage of the stone’s unique ability to cleanse the space around itself. Favorite gem for ritual magic rites. Captures messages from other worlds, an intermediary in communicating with the dead. Has the following properties:
- Useful as a talisman for athletes and people with heavy physical labor. Develops endurance and strength. Under the influence of a pebble, a swimmer swims faster, a runner runs, a heavyweight lifts unimaginable weight.
- Protects the house from misfortunes - thieves, fire, natural disasters. If serpentinite decor decorates the living room, household members will forget about quarrels and omissions. Emerging conflicts will be extinguished as soon as they begin.
- Gives the owner wisdom and helps him understand his true purpose in life. Develops intuition and creativity.
- Helps in intellectual pursuits. Improves memory, speeds up the absorption of information. Good for lawyers, teachers, businessmen.
- Helps careerists achieve ambitious goals.
- An ideal amulet for protection from evil forces, the evil eye. Used in rituals to remove damage.
- It is worth taking a closer look at your surroundings, if you dreamed of a serpentine - someone is planning something unkind, perhaps betrayal from loved ones.
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The stone has a capricious cunning character, received from the insidious Snake. Capable of seducing the owner into unseemly acts. The mineral constantly tests the owner’s strength. Can't stand lying people or fake relationships. Once you give in, the person is already in trouble. The gem will submit to the owner who adheres to pure moral principles, has a strong character and does not give in to temptation. For such a person, the snake's eye will become a reliable companion and guide in life's ups and downs.
Some researchers believe that the crystal helps in committing dishonest acts. However, such cooperation will not end well - the snake is treacherous and will punish the wicked.
It is prohibited to give your personal amulet or jewelry. The gem gives all of itself to the first owner and will not be able to support the new owner at the proper level. But serpentinite products can be passed on by inheritance. The stone will feel its native blood and will manifest itself in full.
Healing effect
Serpentine is an apothecary stone . The ancient Aesculapians made dishes from it for medical procedures. Bowls, mortars for preparing potions, boxes for storing potions - there is no better material than mountain pebbles. The mineral enhances the healing qualities of medicines.
The gem, crushed into powder, was used as an antidote for the bites of poisonous snakes. They believed that if a poisonous substance gets into a vessel made of Adam's stone, the green surface will give a signal - it will crack. Water infused with crystal has unique healing qualities.
A variegated pebble will benefit a sick, weakened body. It is not for nothing that the symbol of medicine is the wise snake. Modern doctors take Korean jade as an assistant, and he:
- heals wounds, accelerates bone healing, relieves pain from dislocations and bruises. In such conditions, wear a bracelet or ring;
- relieves suffering from migraines, regulates blood pressure. Indicated for spasms of blood vessels. In these cases, wear earrings and apply the crystal to the problem area;
- colds are easier if the patient is friends with the serpentine. Positively affects the functioning of the kidneys, liver, and gastrointestinal tract. Cleanses the blood, relieves inflammation of organs;
- sutures after operations are healed by pyramids and serpentinite balls;
- reduces anxiety, depression, extinguishes excessive excitability of the nervous system, promotes healthy sleep;
- maintains the balance of the immune system. Useful for nursing mothers - milk flows more freely. Reduces pain during menstruation;
- The child will come in handy with a snake stone amulet. The baby develops better, quickly acquires the skills necessary to adapt to the adult world;
- conquers fear of insects, spiders, snakes. Repels ticks and fleas.
What the stars say
Stargazers have thoroughly studied the properties of the serpentine stone. Zodiac signs react differently to the company of an energetically powerful crystal.
Astrologers of ancient times claim that serpentinite is the stone of Virgo. They interact perfectly with the demanding gem. A patterned amulet will strengthen the natural mind and insight, reveal the potential of the creator, change the living space of Virgos for the better, and relieve apathy and suspiciousness.
Capricorns find a reliable ally in the serpentine. The speckled talisman develops confidence, organization, and interest in active recreation and physical education. Ideal for Capricorn athletes, it mobilizes the body's hidden reserves.
Libra will be taught to make the right, thoughtful decisions.
The mineral is neutral towards other zodiac signs, but jewelry can be worn no more than twice a week. The interior can be decorated with decorative items; there will be no harm.
Signs for which snake eye is contraindicated are Pisces and Cancer. Too emotional, they will not cope with the tricky nature of the pebble. They will get depressed, even to the point of serious mental problems, and will not be able to cope with the temptations that the cunning adder tests the owner with.
How to use snakeweed
Snakeweed root is used to prepare medicinal infusions and decoctions. In its pure form, the rhizome is added to salads, soups and drinks.
Infusions of the plant are taken orally to increase the body's defenses, restore the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract and as a strong hemostatic agent. The product is effective for cholelithiasis, stomach ulcers and inflammation of the bladder.
A decoction of snakeweed is used externally to heal wounds and restore skin after burns and insect bites. The product treats skin diseases: eczema, dermatitis, acne.
Snakeweed is often used in folk medicine. Let's look at several recipes for plant-based medicines.
Infusion for gastritis
Ingredients:
- snakeweed roots - 10 g;
- St. John's wort - 10 g;
- peppermint - 10 gr.;
- water - 450 ml.
How to prepare: Combine the dry ingredients, pour the mixture into a thermos, pour boiling water and leave for 2 hours. Strain the finished infusion.
How to use: Take 100 ml 3 times a day, regardless of meals. The course of treatment is 1 month.
Result: The infusion envelops the walls of the stomach, relieves inflammation and normalizes digestion. The product regulates the acidity of gastric juice. The infusion is suitable for the treatment of acute gastritis.
Decoction for gallstone disease
Ingredients:
- roots of the knotweed - 10 g;
- yarrow - 7 g;
- corn silk - 7 gr.;
- rosehip berries - 10 g;
- dandelion roots - 5 gr.;
- water - 500 ml.
How to prepare: Grind the herbs with a rolling pin, pour boiling water and simmer over low heat under the lid for 30 minutes. Cool the broth, strain and add boiled water so that the liquid volume is 500 ml.
How to use: Take half a glass 3-4 times a day before meals. The product is used for lotions and compresses for skin diseases and burns.
Result: The medicinal decoction eliminates bile stagnation, normalizes the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract and metabolism.
Tincture for bleeding
Ingredients:
- snake knotweed - 50 gr.;
- alcohol 70% – 100 ml.
How to prepare: Grind the roots of the plant, pour in alcohol, cover with a lid and leave for 2 weeks.
How to use: Take 20-30 drops before meals 2-3 times a day.
Result: The tincture quickly stops bleeding. The drug is used to stop uterine and postoperative bleeding. For external wounds, dry powder from the roots of knotweed is used.
Procurement of raw materials
Knotweed root should be harvested immediately after the plant blooms. Dig up the rhizomes, clean them of small roots, and remove the soil.
The raw materials should be washed well and cut into pieces. You can dry the rhizomes in the attic, stoves or dryers at a temperature of no more than 40–50 °C.
Dried rhizomes have a strongly astringent taste. The shelf life of finished raw materials is no more than two years.
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Snake knotweed in cooking
Roots, leaves and young shoots are used to make salads, soups and side dishes. Dry raw materials are brewed as tea. Highlander is combined with herbs such as mint, angelica, wild rosemary.
Snake knotweed is a good honey plant. The grass grows in thickets and during the flowering period forms a carpet of flowers. This attracts large numbers of bees. Up to 40 kg of honey is obtained from 1 hectare. One flower produces up to 0.043 mg of nectar per day. Honey is light or dark amber in color.
Varieties
The genus Serpentine (lat. Bistorta) unites about 50 plant species. The most famous of them:
- large coil;
- serpentine viviparous;
- shortened coil;
- elliptical coil;
- Pacific darter;
- serpentine cirrus;
- serpentine swordtail.
What to remember
- Snakeweed is used in folk medicine to stop uterine and postoperative bleeding, to treat gastrointestinal diseases and skin diseases.
- The roots, leaves and stems of the plant are used in cooking for preparing salads, first courses and drinks.
- Preparations from snakeweed have a number of contraindications, so before use you should consult a specialist.
Source
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Coil stone. Properties of the coil. Description of the coil
Origin and properties of the coil
The serpentine stone got its name in honor of the creeping reptile - the snake. It is from the Latin word serpens, which translates as snake, that the mineral serpentine comes from. The mineral itself is nothing more than an ornamental variety of serpentine stone. The coil has other names, here are some of them, the most common: toligor, Korean jade, serpentine, flywheel, antigorite.
From the point of view of chemists, the coil is magnesium silicate. There is a noble coil, which differs from the usual one by its characteristic dense structure; it is this coil that is used in jewelry. Noble bright green or green interspersed with dark veins, the serpentine is very similar to jade stone. However, the coil has less hardness. On the Mohs scale it is 2.5. The density of the coil stone is 2.6 g/cm³.
Coil color and painting
Typically, most often, the coil has a greenish-yellow or dark green color. Its crystals are opaque and have a silky, glassy sheen. The structure of the stone is dense, the color is always accompanied by the presence of various inclusions of other colors, which makes the appearance of the stone similar to snake skin.
Mineral deposits
There are a very large number of coil deposits. The mineral is one of the most common ornamental materials and due to its large amount in the earth's crust, its cost is not high. buy a coil both in online stores and in regular souvenir shops, and even at exhibitions of semi-precious stones. Quarries for the extraction of serpentine stone exist in Italy, Germany, Switzerland, Cuba, New Zealand, and Mongolia. Many deposits are located in Asia. India and Afghanistan are famous for their jade-like serpentine.
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In the Russian Federation, serpentine is mined in the Urals and Siberia. Ural stone has a wide range of varieties. For example, in the Malyshevskoe deposit, bright green coils with inclusions of mica are mined, which give a juicy, sparkling shine to the appearance of the stone. This type of coil is suitable for making souvenirs and figurines. And in the Shabrovsky deposit there is a light green coil with small white veins, which is usually used for facing purposes.
Coil application
The use of a coil depends on the quality and color of the stone. Higher quality samples, with rich colors, shine and high density, are used in jewelry production and for the manufacture of souvenirs, boxes, interior items, and all the rest are used in construction, in the cladding of buildings, facades, etc.
Serpentine and zodiac signs
Serpentine is most suitable for people born under the constellation Virgo . The stone helps to overcome apathy and detachment from the outside world, which is inherent in Virgos. It also awakens in them an interest in understanding the world around them and in nature, especially living ones. Capricorn and Serpentine are also compatible, especially energetically. The stone encourages Capricorns to lead an active lifestyle, travel and sports, although they are naturally endowed with increased activity.
Those born under the signs of Cancer and Pisces are not recommended to contact the serpentine, as these people are too emotional and are not able to withstand the energy of the stone. The serpentine can cause nervous breakdowns, depression and even lead to a state of moral decline in these signs. All other signs are neutral to the serpentine.
The magical properties of the serpentine
The magical properties of the coil have two sides, which contradict each other in one sense or another. For example, one point of view speaks of the danger and insidiousness of the serpentine. It comes from the legend of the tempting serpent with which the stone was associated. According to which it is believed that the serpentine is capable of serving people who have dirty intentions, seek to deceive others and lure innocent people into their networks. They also say that only sorcerers, witches and magicians can resort to the services of a serpentine, since the serpentine begins to harm an ordinary person, confronting them with temptations, various difficulties and trials.
The other side speaks of the powerful energy of the coil, which is capable of protecting its owner and balancing his state of mind. Since ancient times, the serpentine has served as a talisman and talisman for people who help other people. We are talking about doctors, doctors, homeopaths, massage therapists and healers. The serpentine interacts quite well with people seeking new knowledge. It promotes successful learning and physical development, and helps athletes overcome stress more easily.
The serpentine also helps business people, businessmen and lawyers achieve success. The stone is a very strong purifier of the surrounding space, as well as the human soul and body. It is highly recommended to use the coil as a talisman against the evil eye and damage. There is an opinion that if a coil encounters a strong negative energy field of its owner, then it may even split into several parts.
The coil very actively absorbs negative energy, so it must be cleaned with running water, preferably cold. Cleansing must be done at least once a week.
It is not recommended to give talismans, amulets, or indeed any objects from the coil to other people, since the stone becomes very attached to its owner, to his energy and will not be able to adequately serve another owner. It’s a completely different matter when an object made from a serpentine stone is passed down from generation to generation, because in this case the properties of the stone are only enhanced. This is explained by the fact that the serpentine is already familiar with the problems of the family and the entire clan, and this facilitates the work of the stone.
The healing properties of the serpentine
The second name for the coil is apothecary stone . He didn't get it by accident. Ancient healers used containers and mortars made from coils to prepare medicines, as it was believed that in this way the medicines were endowed with greater healing power. Modern lithotherapists claim that better than a coil, no other cleanses the human body from negativity and neurosis. In terms of body health, the coil perfectly removes toxins, giving a feeling of lightness.
Doctors recommend using the coil for migraines and blood pressure disorders. The stone also helps to recover from severe injuries such as fractures, dislocations and bruises. So use the coil to your advantage and always be healthy!