Colza plant: medicinal properties, composition, use

Colza ordinary - biennial herbaceous plant, widely used in traditional medicine. In this article we will tell about its medicinal properties, as well as about contraindications to use and consider the methods of preparation and storage of this raw material.

Description and photo

Colza - A plant that is found in many countries of the world. It belongs to the Cabbage family. The main root is more developed compared to the side. The plant can reach 35-70 cm in height, has a straight stem, most of which is not covered with leaves, with a branched top. Almost all sheets are lyre-pinnate, only the lower ones belong to the petiolate. The top consists of sessile leaves with a single plate and jagged edges.

If you look at the photo, you can see that the plant has yellow four-membered flowers collected in a brush. The colza fruits are tetrahedral pods, inside which are many brown seeds. Propagated only by seeds.

In the world there are about 20 species of this plant. The most popular are:

• ordinary;
• compressed (pressed);
• arcuate.

This herb is a good source of nectar for bees and produces a large amount of honey (up to 50 kg per hectare).

Chemical composition

At present, the plant is not yet sufficiently studied, but some of its elements are already known:

• glycoside sinigrin;
• flavonoids;
• saponins;
• cellulose;
• essential and mustard oils;
• thioglycoside glucobarbarin;
• B vitamins;
• vitamin C;
• organic acids.

What is the use?

Despite the fact that common colza grows on any soil, it is found along roads, in fields, meadows, has useful properties, many still wonder whether it is a weed or a medicinal plant. To use all its parts - leaves, flowers, stems, roots, seeds.

Seed

Thioglycosides, which are rich in seeds, help fight bacteria in the body.They also contribute to the development of gastric juice, thereby increasing appetite. The composition of the seeds are fatty oils used in baking bread, which is recommended for use in disorders of the nervous system.

The roots

Roots possess diuretic properties and are used for antibacterial purposes. Also, these drugs are often used as additional in the treatment of infertility, prostatitis, reduced sexual function.

Colors

The flowers help strengthen the immune system and have a beneficial effect on the nervous, cardiovascular and urinary systems. They promote the growth and repair of cells in the body.

Leaves

Colza leaves are a source of vitamins and organic acids, the lack of which leads to beriberi and fatigue. They support the acid-base balance and the body as a whole, have anti-inflammatory properties. Also used as a spicy tasty additive to salads, especially in early spring.

Application of colza

This plant has a wide range of activities, as it is used in many aspects of daily life.

In medicine

There are many recipes for the use of colza ordinary in traditional medicine, which indicates a long-standing start of its use.

The plant has diuretic properties and is often used for the rapid elimination of edema of renal or cardiac origin from the body. Used in the early stages of urolithiasis, as the grass promotes the active washing of the kidneys from the sand.

Colza seeds have a laxative effect and help to cope even with permanent constipation, activating the contraction of the intestinal walls.

Since the plant is also characterized by antibacterial and healing properties, it is used to heal small wounds, skin ulcers and abscesses, contributes not only to their rapid overgrowth, but also to the prevention of scars.

The herb has a positive effect on the work of the nervous system, therefore, its use is resorted to in cases of depression and neurosis. It relieves stress, invigorates, and, if the disease is in an unused state, it is often the main solution to the problem, without the intervention of other medications.

To prepare such a medicine is quite simple: 1 tbsp. l herbs pour 1 tbsp. boiling water, let it stand for 2-3 hours and take по cup 4 times a day. This remedy is also used in the treatment of dropsy, paralysis, epilepsy.

For complete cleaning of the body, it is recommended to use colza-based infusion. There are needed such dried and chopped herbs:

• colza leaves - 1 tsp;
• plantain leaves - 1 tsp;
• sage leaves - 1 tsp;
• nettle leaves and sprigs - 1 tsp;
• St. John's wort - 1 tsp.

Mix all the ingredients, 1 tbsp. l herbs pour 1 tbsp. boiling water, insist 40 minutes, filter and take half a cup 2 times a day for 20 minutes before a meal. Cleaning course - 3 weeks.

Often this plant is a life-saving medicine for men, as it is used in the treatment of prostatitis and infertility.

Broths, which include colza, accelerate blood circulation in the pelvic area, and fresh juice activates sperm production (1-2 months, 30 times a day, 30 ml).

For the treatment of prostatitis, you can use a decoction, which is based on colza seeds:

• colza seeds - 1 tsp;
• parsley seeds - 1 tsp;
• plantain seeds - 1 tsp;
• carrot seeds - 1 tsp;
• coriander seeds - 1 tsp;
• Chernushka onion seeds - 1 tsp;
• water - 2 tbsp.

Mix ingredients, 2 tbsp. l collect the grind, pour boiling water and keep in a water bath in a saucepan for half an hour, then wrap the container and leave for the night, drain in the morning and take 1 month 3 times a day:

• 100 ml on an empty stomach half an hour before breakfast;
• 100 ml half an hour before dinner (preferably before 18:00);
• 200 ml before bedtime.

In addition to the positive effects on the male body, this herb also has a stimulating effect on both sexes.

At home

In everyday life, the plant is used for:

1. Making various flower arrangements, as it has a beautiful look.
2. Dyeing fabrics in yellow color.
3. The production of soap, which includes its fatty oils.

In cooking

Common colza is often consumed, especially in America. Mainly for the preparation of dishes using young leaves and unblown inflorescences. The most common dish is a salad, which includes colza leaves, green onions, egg and mayonnaise or sour cream.

After interacting with boiling water, the plant loses bitterness and tastes like cabbage, so soups and purees are often made from it, and inflorescences are baked.

But you must be very careful when taking it in food, as in large quantities the grass can lead to poisoning of the body.

Harm and contraindications

Despite its many beneficial properties, it is not a panacea for colza. It has a number of contraindications.

It is not recommended to use the plant in such cases.:

• with increased bleeding;
• with kidney or bladder stones;
• during pregnancy;
• with a stomach ulcer or inflammatory bowel disease;
• with grass allergies.

It is allowed to apply even to children. But it should be remembered: without consulting with a doctor, you cannot self-medicate and take medications from colza.

Preparation and storage of medical raw materials

It is best to collect colza during flowering (from May to July). For harvesting, it is necessary to choose healthy plants and collect them in ecologically clean places, away from the roads.In medicine, use only the ground part, so you need to tear off the leaves, flowers and cut the stem. Drying materials is recommended in dark, well-ventilated areas, scattering a thin layer. Store dried grass in dry places in paper bags for no longer than one year.

Colza is a plant with many positive qualities. It is great for treating the body from many diseases, as well as for prevention. And given that this grass is unpretentious to the conditions of growth, to find and prepare it will not be any problem.