Inroduction
Irish Fleabane, known in various languages such as Weidenblättriger Alant (German), krissla (Swedish), pajuvaak (Estonian), gluosnialapis debesylas (Lithuanian), and девясил иволистный (Russian), is a perennial herb celebrated for its medicinal properties. This article explores its botanical characteristics, chemical composition, medicinal uses, and precautions.
Table of Content
- Botanical Characteristics
- Harvesting and Preparation
- Chemical Composition
- Medicinal Properties
- Precautions and Side Effects
- Conclusion
Botanical Characteristics
Irish Fleabane (Inula salicina) is a strong long-lasting plant, growing up to 80 cm tall with a straight stem. Its leaves are arranged alternately along the stem, featuring a pinnate vein pattern and a leathery texture. The leaves are elongated with pointed edges and positioned at right angles to the stem.
The plant's flowers are bright yellow with a golden hue, typically solitary, and reach up to 35 mm in diameter when fully open. Flowering begins in June and carries on through August. The fruit is an exposed seed.
Harvesting and Preparation
The surface parts of Irish Fleabane are harvested during its flowering period and dehydrated in open, cool areas. Roots are dug up in autumn and evaporated at temperatures not going above 40-50°C. Properly dried parts can be stored for up to two years.
Chemical Composition
Irish Fleabane contains various valuable chemical compounds:
Above-Ground Parts
Essential oils (<0.06%): Including helenin and sesquiterpenoids like gamma lactones.
Tannins
Flavonoids
Coumarins
Alkaloid traces
Underground Parts
Essential oils (<2.6%): Including sesquiterpenoids like alantolactone and isoalantolactone.
Triterpenoids: Fridelin
Steroids: Beta-sitosterol
Polysaccharides: Inulin (<52%)
Alkaloids (<0.06%)
Polyacetylene compounds: Vinylpentacetylenes
staģes
Flowers
Triterpenoids
Flavonoids (5-11 mg/kg): Apigenin, hyperoside
Hydroxycinnamic acids: Caffeic acid, chlorogenic acid
Additionally, Irish Fleabane includes micro and macro elements such as copper, zinc, lead, silver, molybdenum, barium, strontium, phosphorus, manganese, nickel, titanium, vanadium, chromium, zirconium, lithium, cobalt, and yttrium. Laboratory tests reveal the presence of carbohydrates, nitrogen compounds, organic acids, triterpene compounds, carotenoids, phenolic compounds, essential oils, sesquiterpene lactones, and amino acids across all parts of the plant.
Medicinal Properties
Irish Fleabane has been lab-tested for its inflammation-reducing, expectorant, and antiseptic properties. Its therapeutic efficacy is similar to that of Inula helenium.
Therapeutic Uses
All parts of the plant possess medicinal properties and are used in various treatments:
Roots, stems, leaves, and flowers: Used in preparations such as infusions and decoctions to treat throat and acute respiratory diseases.
Roots: Effective for treating digestive tract diseases, stomach cancer, jaundice, angina, hyperacid gastritis, furunculosis, scrofula, snake bites, syphilis, and post-natal recovery.
Above-ground parts: Treat diarrhea, purulent otitis, angina, toothaches, insect bites, women's diseases, ulcers, furunculosis, gonorrhea, epilepsy, and scrofula. They act as sedatives, hemostatics, expectorants, diuretics, diaphoretics, and prevent scurvy.
Leaves: Used to treat angina, hernias, skin rashes, warts, and as a healing agent.
Commonly Treated Conditions
Respiratory diseases (including bronchitis and pneumonia)
Digestive tract pathologies
Skin diseases (eczema, dermatitis, purulent wounds)
Rheumatism
Metabolic disorders (including diabetes)
Gynecological issues
Tuberculosis
Vascular problems
Precautions and Side Effects
Like all medicinal plants, Irish Fleabane has its limitations:
Not recommended for: Children, pregnant women, and breastfeeding mothers.
Avoid if: You have Stomach inflammation with low stomach acid, nephritis, cardiovascular diseases, extremely thick blood, or atonic constipation.
Possible side effects: Nausea, vomiting, dizziness, excessive salivation, or allergic reactions. Stop use if these occur.
Conclusion
Irish Fleabane (Inula salicina) is a flexible medicinal plant with a rich chemical profile and a wide range of healing medicinal uses. Proper collecting, preparation, and realization of its protections verify safe and effective use. Embracing the natural benefits of this constant herb can contribute importantly to complete health and well-being.
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