Many medicinal plants are grown or harvested from natural sites for the valuable healing properties of roots and rhizomes. Their action is universal - they have a positive effect on the body and mind. They are often used to detoxify the body. Before that, however, they should be properly prepared.

Roots and rhizomesmedicinal plants should be harvested outside the growing season (autumn or spring). During this period, they contain the greatest amount of beneficial active substances. In addition, harvesting is easier because it is not as dense as during the growing season. Plant fragments should be cleaned of soil remnants and admixtures, divided into fragments (in the case of larger ones), and then dried. You can use a tray or an oven pre-heated on a hob. In a situation where you can control the temperature, it is worth setting it initially at about 40 ° C, and then gradually increasing it. Well-dried rhizomes and roots are firm, but not brittle. Store them in a dry place, preferably in paper bags. Their specific use depends on the species.

Medicinal properties of herbal roots and rhizomes - ginseng

This most famous root is suitable for cultivation in Poland, although it is not the easiest matter. Ginseng sprouts only after two months, grows slowly and is harvested after 5-6 years. Therefore, as a rule, ready-made, dried or ground roots are purchased. It is a panacea for many diseases, known in Eastern medicine for millennia. They are most often used to improve concentration and increase the vitality of the body. In addition - this is a less known effect - ginseng detoxifies the body, lowers sugar levels and stimulates the heart. In the countries of North America and Russia, Siberian ginseng performs a similar function - Eleutherococcus acuminata.

Healing properties of herbal roots and rhizomes - angelica

Arcydzięgiel litwor is one of the favorite plants of gourmets of liqueurs. In this form (or another - e.g. infusion), it can be used for digestive disorders, detoxifying the body, as well as bactericidal and fungicidal.

Medicinal properties of herbal roots and rhizomes - lovage, valerian

Lovage is known mainly as a spice - its leaves are added to soups and sauces. At the same time, its root can be used as a medicine. It's an ingredientmany medicinal blends available in stores (eg Urosan). Infusions and tinctures are diuretic, carminative, antispasmodic and mildly sedative. Valerian is an even better way to achieve spiritual balance, fight stress and depression. Roots (especially in combination with hop cones) are an effective remedy for insomnia.

Weeds and ruderal plants

One of the most valuable rhizomes for humans is produced by couch grass. In the past - in times of hunger - they were even added to bread (as a flour substitute). Rhizomes can be used in the form of extracts and infusions as a diuretic, anti-inflammatory and bactericidal drug. It is a good ingredient for the preparation of beverages that help to cleanse the body of metabolic products. From ruderal plants in the home medicine cabinet, horseradish and traveler chicory will be useful. For centuries, the horseradish root has been used as a natural, powerful medicine in Germany and France. It is a digestive aid and diuretic. Horseradish juice has a disinfecting and cleansing effect. Chicory roots have a similar, although not as strong, effect. In damp forests and thickets, you can get the common corncob. It has strong astringent properties - therefore it can be used to treat diarrhea and intestinal inflammation. Even greater burdock (popularly known as a thistle) produces roots that are useful for humans. They are obtained from young plants and used as a diuretic, choleretic and metabolism accelerator.

Medicinal properties of herbal roots and rhizomes - licorice

In the fall, it is worth harvesting licorice roots that are grown in the garden or on the balcony. After drying, they have a characteristic yellow color and a sweet taste. They are often used (similar to stevia) as a sweetener. It has also been a valued expectorant drug since the 16th century. In addition, licorice improves the functioning of the digestive system. Recently, it has been used to support the treatment of neoplastic diseases.

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