Goose cinquefoil: photo and description, use, application

Goose cinquefoil is considered a unique plant that is actively used in folk medicine to treat a large number of diseases. The plant has not only antiviral properties, but is also capable of stopping bleeding if necessary. To date, goose cinquefoil has found application not only in folk, but also in scientific medicine, as a biologically active agent suitable for external and internal use. In order to deal with the collection and further storage of a plant, it is worth understanding exactly how it looks, for what purposes it can be used and what are the contraindications for use.

What does goose cinquefoil look like?

Cinquefoil goose or goose foot, as it is also popularly called, is a perennial herb that belongs to the Rosaceae family. In addition, it is worth taking into account the fact that there may be other names for the culture, for example:

  • convulsive grass;
  • Martyn's hand;
  • toad;
  • goose Dubrovka.

If we consider the appearance of Potentilla goose, then it is worth noting that it has a rather thick and multi-headed rhizome, creeping rooting stems, the length of which can reach 70 cm.In some places, thin whiskers may extend from the stems, which in turn take root into the ground. At the same time, the leaves are basal, intermittent-pinnate, may include from 9 to 20 leaflets. The leaf plate on top has a green tint, below it is silvery-white-felt, the leaves are velvety to the touch.

Stem leaves located in the lower part of the plant are short-petiolate, in the upper part they are reduced, while their number is small. Shoots, as a rule, emerge from the leaf sinuses, on which flowers, consisting of 5 petals, are located singly. During the flowering period, flowers of a rich golden-yellow hue appear on the culture, the calyx is double, pistils and stamens are located in it. A distinctive feature is a rather pleasant smell that plants exude. The flowering period lasts from May to the end of August.

Attention! Many people tend to assume that goose grass is a relative of galangal.

Where does cinquefoil goose grow

In order to collect cinquefoil goose, it is important to understand not only how it looks so that it can be distinguished from other varieties of herbs, but also the places in which the culture grows. This type of grass is considered a Eurasian plant species. That is why galangal is widespread throughout European territory. If necessary, the culture can be found in the Caucasus and Asia. In Russia, it grows throughout the European part.

A large amount of grass can be found in Polesie, in addition, harvesting can be done in the Urals, Siberia, up to the Altai Territory. Cinquefoil goose grows well not only on sandy soil, but also in swampy places. It requires a lot of sunlight and warmth to grow.

Important! Many people consider the goose cinquefoil a weed, and this is not surprising, because it can be found on slopes, pastures, forest glades, in open areas.

The structure of the goose cinquefoil

Many recommend that you first study the photo and description of the goose cinquefoil, and then proceed to a detailed examination of the structure of the culture. In order to understand how exactly to distinguish a plant from other varieties and varieties, it is important to understand how each individual part looks like, what useful properties it has. A distinctive feature is the rather large buds, exuding a strong and at the same time pleasant aroma.

What kind does the rhizome of Potentilla goose have

If we consider the type of rhizome of Potentilla goose, then it is worth noting that the root system is woody, has a cylindrical shape, thickening is observed in places, but it is uneven, which should also be taken into account. Potentilla goose root is small, rather short if dug out completely. In addition, the rhizome contains a large number of biologically active substances, among which are:

  • tannins;
  • sugar; 4
  • flavonoids;
  • starch;
  • essential oils;
  • resin;
  • the glycoside tormentillin;
  • wax;
  • red flobafen pigment;
  • gum;
  • ether tormentol;
  • flobaphenes;
  • quinic acid;
  • ellagic acid.

The root system of the goose cinquefoil has found wide application, as a result of which it is used not only in folk medicine for the preparation of decoctions against various diseases, but also added to the paint to obtain the desired shade, in cooking it is used as a spice.

Attention! The root system of goose cinquefoil has anti-burn, bactericidal and anti-inflammatory properties.

Potentilla goose stalk

As practice shows, goose cinquefoil belongs to the Rosaceae family. This culture is a herbaceous perennial plant. A distinctive feature is a creeping stem, the length of which can vary from 10 to 15 cm. If we consider the appearance of the stems, it is noticeable that they are slightly raised upward, in addition, they have an arched shape. It is important to take into account the fact that the stems, as well as pedicels with cuttings, are covered with felt, which has a gray or white tint. In addition, there may be few hairs on the surface. Potentilla goose whiskers move away from the stems, after which they take root.

Leaves and leaf arrangement of goose cinquefoil

Cinquefoil goose has intermittent leaves, while they are pinnate. The lower part of the leaf plate is of a silvery-white felt shade. In the lower part of the plant, leaves are located, which, closer to the root system, have rather long petioles, grouped by about 6-7 leaves. In the central part of the stem and on the upper part of the leaf there are about 4 leaves, which have an obovate shape and a narrow wedge-shaped base. As a rule, there are denticles at the top of each leaf, in the amount of 2-5 pcs. The upper part of the lamina is bare or has rather long and sparse hairs. Below the leaves, all the leaves are covered with white felt and painted in a silvery shade.

Flower and inflorescence of Potentilla goose

During the flowering period, flowers of a rich yellow color appear in Potentilla goose. If you look closely at the culture, you will notice that the buds grow the same size, while they are quite large, which distinguishes this species from other existing varieties. The flowers emerge from the axils of the leaves of creeping shoots, the height of which varies from 10 to 20 cm.If we consider the appearance of the outer sepals, it is worth noting that they are incised, the same in length, and have a fairly wide ovoid shape. In flowers of Potentilla, goose petals are from 7 to 10 mm long, sepals are several times longer. The number of stamens is about 20-25 pcs., The threads are short.

What is in the knots of Potentilla goose

Cinquefoil goose is a plant that densely covers the territory in which it grows, as a result of which it is a solid carpet of a rich green hue. In the process of the growth of the nodes, the process of rooting of sufficiently strong creeping stems is carried out, the length of which can vary from 20 to 80 cm. These shoots, as a rule, emerge from the leaf sinuses.

During strong gusts of wind, the leaf plate turns upward with its lower part, as a result of which there is a feeling as if waves of a silvery shade are running along a carpet of goose gooseberry. That is why people quite often hear how the culture is called silversmith or silvered grass.

What breeds cinquefoil goose

As mentioned above, goose cinquefoil is a perennial plant. In the first year of life, aerial leaf rosettes begin to form from seeds in a culture. After the plant is 2 years old or more, the goose cinquefoil begins to reproduce. In this case, it is important to understand that a plant can reproduce in several ways. Thus, the vegetative method implies reproduction with the help of aboveground rooted shoots. The second method is called sexual and involves reproduction using seeds.

However, it is worth taking into account the fact that the seed method is a secondary method for Potentilla goose, since the culture takes root quite well due to the presence of creeping aerial shoots, as well as by cutting off root tubers. Due to vegetative reproduction, cinquefoil goose is capable of forming rather dense thickets during growth.

Advice! If you plan to grow cinquefoil goose at home, then for reproduction it will be enough to dig a bush, cut the tuber into parts and root each part separately.

Medicinal properties of goose cinquefoil and contraindications

Since cinquefoil goose is a herb with medicinal properties, it is actively used in folk medicine. It should be noted that the plant has the following properties:

  • anticonvulsants;
  • pain relievers;
  • diuretic;
  • hemostatic;
  • wound healing;
  • astringent;
  • improve metabolism.

Due to the presence of astringent properties, goose cinquefoil is actively used in the fight against diarrhea, against bleeding, mucous secretions. For a long time, infusions have been actively used for rinsing the mouth if bleeding of the gums is observed or cracks appear on the tongue.

As practice shows, there are few contraindications for use. Herbal decoctions are not recommended for people who have thickened blood, colitis with atonic constipation. Also, drugs should be taken as carefully as possible in cases where it is planned to remove kidney stones. This is primarily due to the fact that stones can easily get stuck in the ureter.

Advice! Before using infusions and medicines, it is recommended to first consult with your doctor.

Collection and procurement of raw materials

Since cinquefoil goose has useful properties and is actively used in medicine, many collect plants for further storage and use. As practice shows, you can use all parts of the culture, including grass, flowers and seeds. It is recommended to engage in harvesting at the moment when the flowering period begins, that is, from the beginning of May and continues until the end of August. In order to dry the collected grass, it is necessary to use a special dryer, in addition, the place must be dark and well ventilated.

You can start collecting seeds after the fruits are fully ripe, namely, in the second half of August. The root system can be dug up in early spring or autumn, only after the aerial part is dry.If the dried herb is properly stored, the medicinal properties can be preserved for several years.

Important! It is recommended to collect grass as far away from highways as possible.

The use of goose cinquefoil

Before you start taking infusions, it is worth not only studying the contraindications of the goose cinquefoil, but also understanding what diseases it is worth using.

Thus, tea based on Potentilla goose should be used for diseases associated with housing and communal services, menstruation, ailments, cramps in the lower body.

Decoctions and infusions are perfect for dysentery, diarrhea, kidney stones, tumors, hernias, gastritis, stomach ulcers, severe pain in the abdomen. Also externally taken for angina, ointments are used in the presence of cracks on the lips.

The sap of the plant is used as a lotion in the presence of open wounds. During a toothache, you can rinse the mouth, which helps to strengthen the gums, eliminate ulcers, bleeding wounds. Perfectly helps to cope with inflammatory processes in the oral cavity.

In addition, many folk healers strongly recommend using Potentilla goose in the presence of tuberculosis, a lowered uterus. As practice shows, decoctions are most often prepared from plant parts.

Conclusion

Cinquefoil goose is a plant, the beneficial properties of which are simply undeniable. Due to the presence of healing properties, the plant is actively used in folk medicine for the treatment of many diseases, which is why this remedy can be considered universal. If necessary, you can assemble and prepare raw materials yourself or purchase them at the pharmacy.

Reviews of goose cinquefoil

Antonina Starodubtseva, 63 years old, Irkutsk
My family has been using goose cinquefoil to treat many diseases for many years. I can say one thing that this tool can rightfully be considered universal. Every year I personally go to collect grass, I take everything for decoctions - roots, flowers, seeds, leaves. The most important thing in this matter is not only to correctly collect the culture, but also to prepare it for further storage. I use a special dryer for drying, as it should be. I definitely choose a place that is dark and well-ventilated. After the plants are ready for storage, I put them in different containers. For this I use fabric or paper bags that breathe well. If everything is done correctly, then the herb is able to retain its healing properties for up to 2 years, after this period it is better not to use it.
Sergey Pechnikov, 50 years old, Penza
For many years I have been suffering with my stomach - constant pains. For a long time I drank drugs, to which the body gradually gets used to and the desired effect is more and more difficult to achieve each time. Not so long ago, a neighbor advised me to cook broths based on goose cinquefoil. Since I am scrupulous about my health, I decided to initially consult with the attending physician to check whether I can use decoctions based on it, whether there will be side effects. After the examination, they gave me the go-ahead. Since I personally do not have the opportunity to harvest the culture, I buy it at the pharmacy. From my own experience, I want to say that thanks to broths based on Potentilla, goose pains in the stomach have become much less, sometimes it seems that my ailment is receding. The wife uses the plant for sore throat. A universal option, if not for everyone, then for many diseases.
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