Cocklebur
 That is now the name of the plant ... Name it is received, probably, because it grows in most places on wasteland of garbage, landfill, in the pastures, on the sandy shores of reservoirs, under fences. He grows in the gardens, and is considered a malignant weed. However, healing properties are not inferior fragrant rose or lily, and on some points and exceeds these queens flora.

Cocklebur zobovidny or common cocklebur - Xanthium spinosum   - An annual plant of the family Asteraceae.

Straight, strong, rough, fibrous, branched stem mostly grayish-green color, grows in height from half a meter to 1 meter. The leaves are large, slightly pubescent, slightly rough, round or heart-shaped at the base away from the stem.

The flowers are almost imperceptible, greenish or gray-green, collected in small spike-like inflorescences are located in the leaf axils. Cocklebur Blooms in June - August. Gradually formed elliptical boxes as small spiny hedgehogs within them komorki seeds. The seeds ripen in September.

Medicinal properties
Grass cocklebur appreciated healers of various peoples since ancient times.

The cocklebur grass contains large amounts of vitamin C, especially a lot of it out there during the flowering plants. Furthermore all parts of the plant contain: alkaloids, iodine. The seeds to 40% fatty oils, fruit - saponins, flavonoids, coumarins, etc.

With the purpose of treatment harvested grass cocklebur - leaves and stalks in July-August, fruits in September - October, the roots - in late autumn. Dried outdoors in the shade.

 Cocklebur
   Preparations of cocklebur have anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, diuretic, analgesic, diaphoretic, antipyretic, antipruritic and anti-fungal action.

In China the plant is enrolled in the state pharmacopoeia, and the grass is used as a diaphoretic, antispasmodic and sedative agent in the treatment of thyroid diseases, and oncology.

In India, oncology and thyroid disease treated roots cocklebur.

Decoction of cocklebur relieve pressure, strengthen and slow breathing, relax the smooth muscles of the intestine.

How calming and anesthetic used cocklebur juice. Juice is applied inwardly from 15 to 30 drops three times a day. In most cases, it is mixed with vodka in a ratio of 1: 1.

- Decoction for treatment of goiter
1 dessert spoon of chopped dry grass pour 1 incomplete (to kaёmki) cup of boiling water, bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer for 8-10 minutes on low heat, infuse 1 hour, drain, take 1/3 cup 3 times a day before meals . The same broth accept at rheumatism. Or - 1 tbsp. spoon of dried herbs to brew 2 cups of water in boiling water, to insist 2 hours, strain, divided into 4 equal portions and drink during the day after eating.

- When nephrolithiasis
1 tbsp. a spoonful of chopped dry grass pour 1 cup boiling water, leave for 10 minutes, cool, strain, take ½ cup 2 times a day.

Decoction of the roots and seeds are not recommended for constipation.

All the plant can not be used in the acute gastric ulcer and bowel. And yet cocklebur treat poisonous plants, so they can be treated under the guidance of an experienced herbalist.

Preparations of cocklebur are used in homeopathy. Warm broth rinse the throat with tonsillitis and mouth with stomatitis, gingivitis, periodontitis.

- Warm broth
1 teaspoon of dry raw pour 1 cup boiling water, boil for 10 minutes, to insist in a thermos for 1 hour, drain, rinse your.

Cocklebur juice smeared with lichen, acne, place the affected fungus dermatitis, scabies.

Broth moisten cocklebur acne, but the broth does not have to be strong, otherwise burning may occur.

- Broth from acne
1 teaspoon minced raw pour 1 cup boiling water, cover and infuse for half an hour. For oily, acne skin moisten with broth face. Wash off after 10 minutes. Ensure that no liquid gets into your eyes.

Before using cocklebur, you need to lubricate the juice or broth of a bend at the elbow, if redness and burning is not, then you can wipe the face.

- Bath of the roots of common cocklebur
2st. tablespoons chopped dried roots pour cold water for 2 hours, then put on fire and pokipyatit 15-20 minutes strain, pour into the tub with the water temperature no higher than + 38C. This bath purifies the skin before bedtime helps get rid of acne and rashes. The course of 10-12 baths 2-3 times a week.
Author: Natalia Alexeeva