Harpagophytum - Useful Properties And Use Of Harpagophytum

2024 Author: Josephine Shorter | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 21:43

Harpagophytum

Useful properties and application of harpagophytum

Description of Harpagophytum

Harpagophytum is an unusual perennial plant with opposite leaves on creeping stems. Graceful single flowers of the plant have a bright red-purple hue. They are decorated with a wide rim and tubular bottom. The fruit is presented in the form of a small box. It has an interesting crown of long outgrowths, which are provided with rather sharp hooks. Large tuberous thickenings are formed on the roots of the plant.

For medicinal purposes, adventitious roots are used, which are collected in the autumn. They are carefully dried and cut into small pieces in the form of beautiful rings. The modern pharmaceutical industry produces all kinds of drugs from this delicious harpagophytum. These include powders, infusions, drinking solutions, medicinal ointments, topical creams, and gels. In herbal medicine, only developed wild plants are used.

By the beginning of each rainy season, the harpagophytum has large aerial shoots. They reach a length of one and a half meters. At the same time, the shoots of this herbaceous plant extend along the ground, forming beautiful purple flowers. Its homeland is considered to be various semi-desert areas of large South Africa, including Namibia.

Useful properties of harpagophytum

The main active ingredient of the plant is the glycoside harpagoside. In addition, various bitterness and glycosides should be mentioned. Harpagophytum contains such active components as iridoids, represented by multiterpene glycosides and harpagoside. Their content ranges up to 3%. Each pharmacological preparation must contain at least 1.5% harpagosides.

Relatively recently, famous French scientists have revealed the powerful analgesic effect of this plant on the human body. Due to its unique properties, it is indicated for chronic arthritis. Harpagophytum significantly reduces pain, improves joint mobility, while providing anti-inflammatory effects. This leads to a significant reduction in the required number of chemical pain relievers.

Exceptional biologically active substances found in the roots of the plant determine the undoubted effectiveness of the plant in serious pathological processes. Healing agents are recommended for the treatment of the organs of the osteoarticular and genitourinary system. In liver diseases of the kidneys, harpagophytum demonstrates excellent treatment results. It is also irreplaceable for degenerative-dystrophic ailments.

Harpagophytum application

The analgesic properties of harpagophytum have been confirmed through many medical experiments. In the overwhelming majority of patients with arthrosis, the general condition has improved significantly. Along with this, the undoubted healthfulness of various preparations of this plant has been proven for other acute attacks of pain, as well as for impotence. For the treatment of mild forms of rheumatism, agents based on harpagophytum are often prescribed. It is indicated for oral administration.

In case of unreleased joint pain, the presented remedy is irreplaceable. In this case, it is recommended to use all kinds of effective gels and ointments.

For the treatment of mild forms of rheumatism, a special remedy can be prepared. To do this, we take 200 ml of boiling water for a standard package of powder. To eliminate pronounced bitterness, add a teaspoon of honey. You can use special gelatin capsules, which contain 435 mg of powder. The dosage is 2 capsules three times a day after the main meals and should be taken with a large glass of clean warm water.

For mild joint pain, experts recommend applying special gels, ointments and creams. The selected drug should be rubbed into all painful areas of the body at least twice a day with gentle movements. Its action is based primarily on the unique anti-inflammatory properties of the main components. The use of harpagophytum also reduces swelling by facilitating joint mobility.

It should be mentioned about the successful use of tea from such an incomparable harpagophytum, which is prescribed for disorders of the gastrointestinal tract. This healing drink restores appetite, normalizes digestion and promotes adequate bile secretion. To make tea from harpagophytum, you should take 1 tsp. roots and cover them with a glass of water. It is necessary to infuse the mixture for at least 5-6 hours. The optimal dosage for an adult is no more than 3 full cups per day.

In addition, harpagophytum is a highly effective sedative, cardiotonic, and myarrhythmic agent. Due to this, he rightfully deserves really serious attention.

Harpagophytum contraindications

Serious side effects with regular use of products based on the presented plant in therapeutic doses are not known. However, it is not recommended to use drugs inside for stomach ulcers, as well as intestines. As a rule, all means of harpagophytum are easily tolerated by many patients, but some people may occasionally develop diarrhea. It is also not recommended to prescribe drugs to pregnant women and lactating mothers.

The author of the article: Sokolova Nina Vladimirovna | Phytotherapist

Education: Diploma in "General Medicine" and "Therapy" received at the Pirogov University (2005 and 2006). Advanced training at the Department of Phytotherapy at the Peoples' Friendship University of Moscow (2008).