Caucasian hellebore, medicinal properties, description, application, contraindications, recipes, photos

Caucasian hellebore: medicinal properties and contraindications, benefits and harms

The Caucasian hellebore plant has been used by humans since ancient times; many legends are known about its miraculous capabilities.
Indeed, this beautiful herb is endowed not only with the amazing property of blooming in the middle of winter, but also has many medicinal properties. However, not everyone can take advantage of these properties - the plant is poisonous, so use must be under the supervision of a doctor and strictly within the prescribed dosage. Caucasian hellebore is also called Caucasian winterweed. This is a perennial herbaceous plant with a short rhizome with many roots.

The leaves are large, basal. The flowers are pale in color - greenish-yellow or sometimes with purple dots. The fruits are leathery leaflets with oblong seeds. The plant grows in Georgia, in the southwest of Krasnodar

Region, in the east of the North Caucasus. In the middle zone, hellebores bloom in April-May, in the south - from December to March. For medicinal purposes, the underground part of the hellebore - rhizome and roots - is used.

Caucasian hellebore: application, reviews. To drink or not to drink?

Another argument against this plant of the ranunculaceae family: it is not registered by the Ministry of Health as a medicinal plant, which means that it is prohibited from being used for the manufacture of medications. And it also cannot be used as a dietary supplement due to its toxicity. Consequently, everything that is sold under the name “Caucasian hellebore” does not have quality and safety certificates.

Many sellers of the miracle drug cite long-livers as an example, saying that they use it constantly, and therefore do not complain about their health, and have already exchanged their second century. These statements are also, to put it mildly, not entirely true: experts studied ancient recipes of Caucasian herbalists, but did not find hellebore in any of them. So the reason for longevity lies not in taking some kind of rejuvenating drugs, but in the way of life, in the attitude towards oneself and the world around us.

These are the contraindications that Caucasian hellebore has, and how many arguments there are against its thoughtless use. Well, if they haven’t convinced someone, and the person still dreams of losing weight, because “my friends did it, thanks only to hellebore,” then he should listen to the following advice:

“In my opinion, the arguments against it greatly outweigh the reasons for it. Therefore, I personally suggest not using hellebore in a partisan manner, but only as prescribed by a doctor and under his supervision.”

And I would also like to emphasize: anyone who really wants to lose weight seriously and for a long time must objectively evaluate their food preferences. Otherwise, nothing will come of it, because if you continue to uncontrollably consume sweets, flour and fatty foods, you will not be able to lose weight either with or without the Caucasian hellebore.

Beneficial features

There is a lot of controversy surrounding the use of Caucasian hellebore for weight loss. The plant really allows you to reduce weight by removing waste and toxins that have accumulated over the years from the body.

However, according to some doctors, long-term use of the Caucasian hellebore herb for weight loss has specific contraindications due to the fact that along with toxins, useful substances necessary for the normal functioning of the body are also removed.

In addition, toxic glycosides tend to accumulate, which can adversely affect the functioning of the cardiovascular system. But the ability to lose weight with the help of preparations based on Caucasian hellebore is not its main advantage. Preparations from the roots of the plant:

help normalize blood pressure;
suppress the development of pathogenic microorganisms;
recommended for those with joint diseases and osteochondrosis;
help remove sand from the kidneys and urinary tract and serve as a preventative against the occurrence of gallstones;
have a cleansing effect on the intestines;
used for gastritis, gastrointestinal ulcers;
help reduce blood cholesterol levels;
useful for heart failure;
used in the treatment of bronchitis and asthma, helping to thin and remove mucus;
treat skin diseases, including eczema, neurodermatitis;
useful for hyperfunction of the thyroid gland;
recommended for infertility caused by inflammatory processes;
increase stress resistance, help with neuroses and insomnia;
effective for restoring memory, vision, hearing;
suppress the development of cancer cells, are used for oncology of the intestine, bladder, as well as tumors of a different nature - fibroids, cysts, fibroids, mastopathy.

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What does Caucasian hellebore cure?

Medicinal properties

Hypothetical;
Choleretic;
Cleansing;
Calming;
Anti-inflammatory;
Laxatives;
Diuretics;
Expectorants;
General strengthening;
Antioxidant.

What cures

The beneficial properties and contraindications of the plant allow it to be used to treat the following diseases:

Damage to the heart and blood vessels, stroke;
Hypertension;
Diseases of the stomach and intestines;
Metabolic disorders and dysbacteriosis;
Rheumatism, polyarthritis;
Migraines, melancholy;
Neuroses, hysteria, insomnia;
Diabetes mellitus;
Bronchial diseases, tuberculosis;
Hemorrhoids, constipation;
Skin diseases (eczema, psoriasis, dermatitis);
Gynecological abnormalities (fibroids, fibroids);
Obesity.

Therapeutic effects

Properly prepared roots have a lot of beneficial properties for humans.

What are the benefits of hellebore? – its main therapeutic effect is cardioprotective and cardiotonic.

The plant is able to strengthen heart contractions and increase their amplitude, thereby eliminating tachycardia and increasing myocardial endurance.

Treatment with hellebore also has the following beneficial effects for the body:

laxative property allows you to cleanse the intestines of deposits of feces;
cleanses lymph and blood, removes toxins that have accumulated in the body for many years;
lowers cholesterol levels, normalizes the quality of blood, and prevents atherosclerosis;
frees the body and joints from salt deposits, prevents the development of nephrourolithiasis, gout, osteochondrosis;
normalizes the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract, activates the production of food enzymes and juice, normalizes acidity, eliminates gastritis, dysbacteriosis, stomach ulcers and hemorrhoids;
improves the functioning of the pancreas and liver, clearing it of excess fat;
helps with hepatitis, providing a powerful antiviral effect;
normalizes genitourinary activity, providing a diuretic, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effect. Helps with kidney inflammation, prostatitis, prostate adenoma, urethritis, cystitis;
the expectorant effect of hellebore stimulates the liquefaction and waste of bronchial secretions, which helps in the treatment of pneumonia, bronchitis, tuberculosis;
tidies up the activity of the thyroid gland;
calms the nervous system, improves concentration, increases stress resistance, eliminates depression, insomnia, helps to gain lightness and good mood;
has a detrimental effect on atypical cells, slowing down the growth of tumors, helps in the treatment of intestinal polyps and uterine fibroids;
has a rejuvenating effect on the functioning of internal organs and appearance;
stimulates the body's defenses, increasing resistance to colds and viral infections during epidemics;
is an effective means for losing weight by activating metabolism, metabolism, cleansing effect and reducing appetite.

Hellebore has a powerful cleansing effect and promotes weight loss

Use in folk medicine

Traditional healers claim that the use of Caucasian hellebore root in the treatment of diseases gives incredible results. You just need to persistently use the product, adhering to the timing and dosage.

Hellebore is taken in long courses. If the purpose of administration is prevention, then it is enough to drink the drug for one month in spring and autumn. In other cases, the minimum course is 6 months. Then, if necessary, a month later another course.

The first dose of plant root powder should be no more than 50 mg - that much will fit on the tip of a knife. This amount should be consumed for 10 days. For the next ten days, you need to take 100 mg of the drug - thus bringing it to 150-300 mg. Drink this amount until the end of the term - six months. After a month's break, everything needs to start over.

People whose body reacts violently to new drugs, or those who are very weakened, can start not with 50 mg, but with 10-15. For some, a maximum dose of 50 mg will be enough. Such nuances are decided on an individual basis. The main thing to remember is that the daily dose should not exceed 300 mg. The admission process itself can be carried out in different ways:

In the evening, place the required amount of powder in 50 ml of ordinary boiled water. In the morning, stir, take on an empty stomach. You can have breakfast in an hour.
Pour the required amount of powder into your mouth and wash it down with water. Breakfast in 1-2 hours.
Mix the required dose of powder with a third teaspoon of honey and take before bed. This method is preferable for those who need a laxative effect.

Usually, the body of any person begins to react to the medicine with the manifestation of a laxative effect. Over time, this will stop, which means the intestines have been cleansed. The next stage is blood purification. It is likely that chronic diseases will begin to worsen at this time. During this period, you can reduce the dose and simultaneously take other herbs (according to existing diseases) to alleviate the condition.

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Medicines, method of use of Caucasian hellebore and dose

A decoction of fragrant hellebore rhizomes: brew 0.5 liters of boiling water, 0.5 tsp. root, boil in a water bath for 0.5 hours, leave for 15 minutes, strain. Take 1 hour. l. 3 times a day 0.5 hours before meals for tumors, hemorrhoids, coughs, pleurisy, tuberculosis, for washing festering wounds, against dandruff and for hair growth.
Soak the hellebore root in wine alcohol and carefully distill it over low heat. Mix the resulting liquid with burnt sugar. Dilute this liquid with water, into which you must first place raw halibut fish for several hours. The result will be a specific remedy for epilepsy.
Hellebore root oil can also be used for this purpose.
The juice of the plant is useful for relieving pain in the legs and lower back, and for bladder diseases.
The drug "Veralon" is taken in tablets of 1 mg for kidney diseases, as a diuretic and as a means of regulating the activity of the heart.
According to healers, boiled root, worn around the neck, relieves seizures and drives out damage.

Contraindications and possible side effects of Caucasian hellebore

The plant is extremely poisonous, and its toxic substances can accumulate in the body, which can lead to poisoning if used uncontrolled.

High doses also cause poisoning, accompanied by acute gastrointestinal symptoms, bradycardia, atrioventricular block

Hellebore, like all poisonous plants, is not recommended for use for more than three months. The traditional regimen is three to four weeks of treatment, a month off, three such courses. Even the most harmless fees are sure to be changed after a month.

Preparations from hellebore are contraindicated during pregnancy, since the vulnerability of the fetus is very high in the very early stages of its development.

Contraindications for use

The medicinal properties of Caucasian hellebore can not be used by everyone , since the content of toxic substances can cause irreparable harm to an organism weakened by any disease, therefore the identified contraindications should serve as the strictest prohibition for a certain circle of people. The plant is strictly prohibited:

pregnant and lactating women;
in the presence of peptic ulcers and gastritis;
for problems with the kidneys and liver;
during exacerbation of any chronic diseases;
for a number of diseases of the cardiovascular system - coronary disease, heart attacks, aortic defects, endocarditis;
children under 14 years of age.

When using the powder, previously agreed with the doctor, it is necessary to carefully listen to the body’s reaction, recording the slightest changes.

An overdose of the drug can lead to swelling of the larynx and tongue, arrhythmia, general poisoning of the body, expressed by nausea and headaches, diarrhea, hallucinations and blurred vision. Neglecting such symptoms can be fatal.

Side effects of hellebore for weight loss

The flower was mentioned by Paracelsus, Avicenna, and Hippocrates in their works. It is known that in the “Canon of Medicinal Science” Avicenna spoke not only about the beneficial properties of Caucasian hellebore, but also warned about the possible harm of the plant. It turns out that it has poisonous properties. There are even historical references to the fact that the commander Alexander the Great, trying to cure himself with hellebore, did not calculate the dosage.

Therefore, for treatment, it is better to use herbal raw materials, processed accordingly and marketed in the form of pharmaceuticals under various names, for example, Flurevit, Viorgon or others. Their advantage is that they are free of harmful, toxic compounds that can harm human health.

Hellebore has a laxative effect. This means that it will remove not only toxins from the body, but also some of the beneficial substances. Therefore, simultaneously with hellebore, it is necessary to take vitamin and mineral complexes to replenish lost chemical elements.

Growing and care

In order to grow hellebore on a personal plot, at the end of June the seeds are sown for seedlings - in loose, moist soil. You should know that seeds quickly lose their viability, so leaving them for sowing in the spring does not make sense.

The sowing depth is one and a half centimeters. Shoots will appear by March.
After the appearance of leaves - one or two pairs, the sprouts are transplanted to a permanent place, taking into account that the plant does not like transplants and lives up to 10 years. The soil should be moist, clayey, neutral. Partial shade is desirable.
Flowering can be expected only in the third year.
The plant can be propagated by dividing the bush. It is better to do this in the spring, after flowering. Bushes that are at least 5 years old are dug up, the roots are separated, and the sections are treated with crushed coal. Divided bushes are transplanted into holes.
Maintenance does not require much time. Before flowering, it is necessary to remove dried leaves. Water in hot weather. Periodically weed and loosen the soil.

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Features of taking Caucasian hellebore

There are a lot of products on the market, but the Zheleznovodsk plant company has proven itself well. The manufacturer produces the product in bright blue packaging with the appropriate label “Caucasian hellebore”. Basically, such bags contain ground plant root (powder, flour).
You can purchase the drug in the online store. As a rule, one sachet will be enough for use for a month. The kit includes a measuring spoon that allows you to measure the composition exactly to the gram.
The Caucasian hellebore does not have a pricing policy as such; it all depends on the specific manufacturer. Roughly speaking, 1 sachet costs about 60-100 rubles. For a year you will need 12 packages, therefore, the amount will be about 1000 rubles. As for the shelf life of hellebore, it varies between 2-3 years.
The main feature of taking the drug is compliance with the proportions and timing. To begin with, take the composition for six months, after that take a break of 2-4 weeks, then restore the course.
Based on numerous reviews from girls and women, we can conclude that in the first 2 months of taking the drug, the result is unnoticeable. At the same time, it is recommended to continue drinking hellebore; after another month, digestion returns to normal, volumes melt before our eyes, and the skin acquires elasticity.
People who do not have problems with excess weight can take a one-time course every six months. Such manipulations will help cleanse the intestines, remove toxins and waste. This course is called “herbal”, preventive.

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The principle of action of hellebore herb

It may seem strange that not only folk, but also traditional medicine suggests using poisonous hellebore as a means of losing weight. What is its mechanism of action? You should not expect that after using a medicinal herb you will notice how quickly the fat layer will begin to burn.

In fact, weight loss occurs due to the laxative effect of the plant. Due to regular use, the body is cleansed of excess fluid and the intestines are freed from impurities that have accumulated on it for years.

The main advantage of hellebore is its mild laxative effect, which is due to the low concentration of active substances (large dosages are prohibited due to the presence of poison contained in the roots). This allows you to lose weight safely, but at the same time, the weight loss process is extended over a long period, for example, from 2 weeks to a year (the recommended course duration is 12 months). In this case, in the first month you will be able to lose 4-6 kg, and in the following days you will only be able to maintain the result.

Systematic use of medicinal herbs helps to lose excess weight and improves overall well-being, thanks to its rich chemical composition, namely:

fatty oils - have a restorative effect;
steroid saponins - ease breathing and asthma;
alkaloids - improve blood circulation and relieve pain;
cardiac glycosides corelborins - have a positive effect on cardiac activity;
anthraglycosides - thanks to them, the herb has a laxative effect, irritating the intestinal walls;
coumarins - has antiviral, antioxidant, soothing, antibacterial and antifungal effects;
vitamin E - prevents oxidation and destruction of cell membranes, keeps cells young and healthy, and is an excellent prevention of cancer;
vitamin D - helps restore immunity, prevents the development of age-related dementia;
flavonoids - have a vascular strengthening, antioxidant, antiallergic, and decongestant effect.

You can take hellebore only strictly according to the recommended dosage

Hellebore - application, medicinal properties

There are a lot of legends about the Caucasian hellebore; it is believed that it can heal almost any disease. Caucasian hellebore root has been used since ancient times. Mention of this plant is found even in the works of Avicenna; it was used not only in Eastern medicine, but also in Eastern European and Tibetan medicine.

However, recently many articles have appeared about its dangers associated with toxicity. Indeed, hellebore is a poisonous plant; cardiac glycosides in its composition can cause a toxic effect in large doses.

But it is no more poisonous than lily of the valley, foxglove, mistletoe, medicinal sweet clover or many other herbs that are successfully used in medicinal practice.

Caucasian hellebore is not such a strong plant poison as, for example, hemlock or aconite , which are quite actively used in homeopathy and folk medicine as tinctures.

Hellebore herb, even with strong single overdoses, is not capable of harming the body. It is very important to follow the dosage and treatment regimen, as they say, “all is poison, no poison is in moderation,” however, this rule is mandatory when treating with any herbs.

When used internally, hellebore, due to the content of cardiac glycosides, improves heart function and prevents the development of vascular disorders and heart failure. Improves blood circulation, increases blood flow to the heart muscle. In case of hypertension, it normalizes blood pressure. Prescribed for stroke in combination with Japanese Sophora.

In addition, hellebore roots have calming and diuretic properties. Preparations based on this plant are indicated for kidney disease, chronic heart failure, for the treatment of hemorrhoids, pleurisy and tuberculosis. Hellebore is used externally to treat tumors. Moreover, it helps cure paralysis and is effective for joint pain.

Due to its diuretic and laxative effects, hellebore is indicated for cleansing the intestines. Moreover, it effectively removes sand and small stones from the urinary tract.

Various preparations containing hellebore are prescribed to powerfully cleanse the body of toxic toxins, excess waste and all kinds of radioactive elements. The recommended course of treatment can be up to 12 months.

The excellent effect on the joints allows this plant to be prescribed for osteochondrosis of the spine. Pain syndromes stop in the second or third month of use. With further use, inflammation is relieved, water-salt balance is restored, as a result of which salts are removed from the joints.

Caucasian hellebore is used for headaches after injuries and concussions. Treats dementia, melancholy, chronic migraine. A pronounced effect on the nervous system - used to treat insomnia neuroses, and in case of epilepsy, reduces the number of seizures (in this case, used with lavender).

Hellebore normalizes all metabolic functions, completely cleanses the body of waste and toxins and is an excellent means for losing weight, without necessarily following a grueling diet. Body weight is normalized: fat people lose weight, and thin people gain normal weight.

At the initial stage of treatment, hellebore has a laxative effect on the body. This is a normal process of cleaning the gastrointestinal tract. When the laxative effect stops, it means that the intestinal cleansing process has ended.

Then the blood purification will begin. Exacerbation of chronic diseases may begin. During the period of exacerbation, the dosage of hellebore should be slightly reduced and, in parallel with taking hellebore, according to the aggravated disease, take herbal teas.

Uses of hellebore root

In folk medicine, Caucasian hellebore is widely used to improve the health of the body and treat many diseases, indications for use:

normalization of blood pressure and metabolism;
as a diuretic, laxative, removing toxins and parasites;
treatment of stomach ulcers, migraines, epilepsy attacks;
improvement of the condition of diabetic patients;
normalization of the heart and blood vessels, nervous system;
an effective treatment for colds, benign and malignant tumors;
treatment of arthrosis and arthritis, osteochondrosis and radiculitis.

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In addition, decoctions based on the root are good for treating bronchitis and tracheitis, helping to cope with fever and colds, cough.

Important! The collected Caucasian hellebore cannot be subjected to strong heat treatment, including washing in hot water.

Stems and leaves must be removed, roots must be healthy, free from mold and rot.

Damage to hellebore

The undoubted beneficial properties of this plant are accompanied by a considerable danger of uncontrolled use. Caucasian hellebore contains glycosides in its tissues. This is a powerful poison that can accumulate in the heart muscle. Too large a dose or frequent use of decoctions causes considerable harm to the heart and the body as a whole, poisoning it.

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Main symptoms of overdose:

heart failure;
severe headaches and numbness of the tongue;
uncontrolled diarrhea;
vomiting blood, nausea;
decreased hemoglobin level in the blood, dizziness;
heart rate drops below 60 beats per minute;
general exhaustion of the body.

Important! When using preparations based on winter grass, you must strictly follow the recipe and doctor’s recommendations, monitoring your condition. If negative symptoms appear, stop taking it immediately!