Caucasian hellebore: uses and contraindications, reviews from doctors

Because of this plant, passions have been raging for many years, discussions have not subsided and... the number of loyal fans is increasing. It’s worth looking at least once at the hellebore in early spring, when in some places not all the snow has melted yet, and that’s it, you’re lost: from now on you’re captivated by the delicate beauty of its flowers. Of course, you immediately have a desire to find out the stranger’s name and quickly invite him into your garden.

Chemical composition of hellebore

Due to the saturation of rhizome tissues with various substances, Caucasian hellebore has unique healing properties:

• vitamins C, D and E strengthen the immune system, promote calcium absorption, stimulate the adrenal glands and prevent blood clots;
• alkaloids are an effective tonic and analgesic and promote normal blood circulation;
• the cardiac glycoside desglucogellebrin, which has a positive effect on the central and peripheral nervous system, has the highest cardiotonic activity;
• steroid saponins, widely used as anti-inflammatory, expectorant and diuretic agents, can also influence the proper absorption of fats and normalize hormonal levels;
• flavonoids strengthen the walls of blood vessels and capillaries, help normalize the activity of the nervous and cardiovascular systems;
• essential and fatty oils promote the regeneration of the skin and internal tissues;
• Caucasian hellebore contains coumarins, which reduce the risk of thrombosis and inhibit the development and growth of cancerous tumors.

Comment! The Russian name for the flower was given by Academician Pallas - for its outstanding endurance, which allows it to bloom and produce seeds in extreme conditions.

Using hydrolysis, smilagenin is obtained from the plant, which is actively used in the pharmacological industry.

Interactions with other drugs

When prescribing hellebore, it is very important to adhere to the dosage so as not to provoke serious health problems. The following interactions with other drugs have been studied:

• Caucasian hellebore for weight loss should not be used together with laxatives, because excessive stimulation of the digestive organs is harmful to the body.
• The active components of the plant are not combined with calcium supplements, since hellebore binds and removes ions of this mineral, contributing to the development of its deficiency.
• It is unacceptable to use it simultaneously with other potent herbs, so as not to enhance the toxic properties of hellebore.

What does hellebore herb treat?

Already in the 60s of the 19th century, Caucasian hellebore was recognized by scientists and doctors as an effective remedy for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases. Decoctions and extracts obtained from rhizomes have a complex effect on the body when used correctly. Indications for use of hellebore:

• heart and liver diseases, thinning of blood vessels, thrombosis;
• Alzheimer's disease, epilepsy, headaches;
• prevention and treatment of oncology, used in radiation therapy;
• atherosclerosis caused by high cholesterol levels;
• diabetes, hypertension and obesity;
• helminthic infestations, stomach ulcers;
• joint problems – arthritis, radiculitis;
• cleansing the blood and gastrointestinal tract of toxins;
• lung diseases of a viral and bacterial nature, including tuberculosis.

Attention! Before using the collection, you should consult your doctor. Caucasian hellebore also has toxic properties.

Caucasian hellebore has developed rhizomes, which are used as medicinal raw materials

How does Caucasian hellebore affect men?

In addition to the general healing and rejuvenating effect, the root has a beneficial effect on the sexual function of men. Caucasian hellebore cleanses blood vessels and restores heart function, helping to normalize erection. Serves as an effective means of prevention and treatment in the initial stages of prostate cancer. Caucasian hellebore treats varicose veins of the rectum - hemorrhoids, and also helps normalize metabolism and burn fat deposits.

How does Caucasian hellebore affect women?

For women, the Caucasian hellebore has long served as an excellent remedy for preserving youth and beauty. By helping to normalize hormonal levels, it alleviates the symptoms of menstruation and menopause. Helps you lose excess weight and create an ideal figure. Effectively removes waste and toxins from the body, which has a beneficial effect on the condition of the skin, hair, and nails. Prevents the formation of cancerous tumors in the mammary glands and on the cervix. Relieves swelling and removes excess fluid from the body, as well as sand and stones from the bladder.

Comment! It is thanks to its powerful cleansing effect on the body that the Caucasian hellebore gained its fame as a “herb for weight loss.”

Caucasian hellebore for medicinal raw materials should be collected in late summer-early autumn, after the seeds have fallen

Doctors' opinions

The average statistical opinion of medical professionals regarding hellebore is negative:

• Caucasian hellebore is not included in the general list of dietary supplements and is not considered a medicine;
• the effect of weight loss may occur due to the removal of fluid, along with which useful substances (vitamins, minerals) are removed, which can negatively affect the overall health;
• the patient may not pay attention to the state of weakness and mild disturbances in the cardiovascular system, which will lead to the need for hospitalization.

Doctors believe that hellebore should be taken in cases of real need and under the constant supervision of specialists. In other cases, it is undesirable to take it - the plant can cause cardiac arrest, damage to the nervous system, gag reflex, diarrhea and dehydration.

“Before you run for a magic remedy, consult a general practitioner, who will subsequently refer you to a nutritionist.

A thoughtless desire to lose weight instantly has a bad effect on your health in the end.

If you decide to eat hellebore, take a possible allergy test to avoid developing allergic reactions to the plant. Always use caution with any “time-tested” recipe.”

Damage to hellebore

The undoubted beneficial properties of this plant are accompanied by a considerable danger of uncontrolled use. Caucasian hellebore contains glycosides in its tissues. This is a powerful poison that can accumulate in the heart muscle. Too large a dose or frequent use of decoctions causes considerable harm to the heart and the body as a whole, poisoning it.

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Main symptoms of overdose:

• heart failure;
• severe headaches and numbness of the tongue;
• uncontrolled diarrhea;
• vomiting blood, nausea;
• decreased hemoglobin level in the blood, dizziness;
• heart rate drops below 60 beats per minute;
• general exhaustion of the body.

Important! When using preparations based on winter grass, you must strictly follow the recipe and doctor’s recommendations, monitoring your condition. If negative symptoms appear, stop taking it immediately!

Overdose

If an increased dose of hellebore enters the body, severe thirst, diarrhea, tinnitus, muscle weakness, arrhythmia, nervous irritability and hallucinations are observed. With uncontrolled use or high doses of the plant, its toxic substances accumulate in the body and cause poisoning.

If nothing is done, then the following signs appear - excitability, delirium, convulsions, collapse and, ultimately, death.

In case of poisoning and overdose, it is necessary to call an ambulance; while it is on its way, the victim is given 500 ml of warm salt water to drink and is induced to vomit. Take up to 20 tablets of activated carbon to absorb the remaining toxic substance in the gastrointestinal tract.

Contraindications to hellebore

Caucasian hellebore has a number of contraindications for use:

• pregnancy and lactation;
• children under 18 years of age;
• the presence of large stones in the gallbladder or bladder;
• exacerbation of chronic gastrointestinal and liver diseases;
• individual intolerance;
• coronary heart disease, heart attack and pre-infarction condition.

Caucasian hellebore should not be consumed by persons with cerebrovascular disorders.

Important! After the course of treatment, it is necessary to take a break of at least a month.

Caucasian hellebore contains ranunculin and protoanemonin, which are powerful toxins

How to take Caucasian hellebore for treatment

Caucasian hellebore - method of application and dose:

• crushed powder from the dry root in an amount of 50 mg on an empty stomach for a period of 30 days to a year, helps with diseases of the cardiovascular system and liver;
• dried root in an amount of 50 mg mixed with a teaspoon of honey and taken in the evening for six months to treat insomnia, nervous disorders, and to cleanse the body;
• Caucasian hellebore to strengthen the immune system: dry leaves are perfect - 3 mg mixed 1 to 1 with sugar and taken daily for 60 days;
• A decoction of the root is prepared as follows: 1 tsp. dry raw materials per 500 ml of boiling water, put in a water bath and simmer for 30 minutes, cool, strain, take 10 ml 3 times a day 30 minutes before meals;
• Caucasian hellebore for the treatment of various joint diseases: ready-made ointment can be purchased at a pharmacy or made independently: to 50 g of baked bear, badger or goat lard, add 50 g of powder, mix well, lubricate problem areas at night, wrapping the joint with a warm cloth;
• Caucasian winterweed for weight loss: the infusion is prepared as follows: pour ¼ measuring spoon of powder (200 mg) into a glass of warm water overnight, drink in the morning on an empty stomach; The duration of the course depends on the effect obtained and general well-being, and usually ranges from 3 to 12 months.

Fresh juice is very effective for lower back pain. It should be rubbed twice a day for a week.

Recommendations

When choosing hellebore as the main means for losing weight, keep in mind that you will have to adjust your diet and change your lifestyle. Remember that the weight loss course lasts a whole year. And for quick weight loss, try diets such as wine, military, model and ballerina.

Drugs

Pharmacies and online stores offer a wide range of hellebore-based products. How to choose the right quality drug so that it does not harm the body? Here are the tips:

1. Buy medications only from pharmacies.
2. If you plan to order the plant root on large online trading platforms, for example, AliExpress, be prepared for the fact that you may not get what you wanted. According to reviews from most buyers, they receive rather low quality raw materials.
3. The most optimal variety for weight loss is Caucasian hellebore; the preferred form of release is powder or dietary supplement.
4. Buy drugs only from trusted manufacturers who have all quality certificates.

Exercising helps you lose weight

Physical activity

If possible, try to exercise more while losing weight. Take walks in the fresh air, use the stairs instead of the elevator.

Get enough rest and sleep at least 8 hours a night.

Nutrition

Since weight loss with hellebore occurs due to a mild laxative effect, beneficial substances are washed out of the body. The loss of calcium and potassium is especially dangerous; without them, disturbances in the functioning of the heart may occur. To prevent this, your daily diet should include:

• garlic;
• barley, oatmeal;
• potato;
• dairy and fermented milk products;
• Parmesan cheese;
• greens: spinach, sorrel, parsley, dill, lettuce;
• cereals;
• legumes;
• fish;
• honey;
• bananas;
• seeds;
• citrus;
• nuts;
• grape;
• dried apricots;
• soy;
• cabbage;
• carrot;
• peas;
• beans.

It is not recommended to abuse alcohol and carbonated drinks. Alcohol, when reacting with cardiac glycosides, can increase the laxative effect of the plant, causing vomiting.

To prevent dehydration, you should drink at least 2-2.5 liters of water per day. It is also necessary to give up bad habits, switch to proper nutrition and not eat 2-4 hours before bedtime.

Uses of hellebore root

In folk medicine, Caucasian hellebore is widely used to improve the health of the body and treat many diseases, indications for use:

• normalization of blood pressure and metabolism;
• as a diuretic, laxative, removing toxins and parasites;
• treatment of stomach ulcers, migraines, epilepsy attacks;
• improvement of the condition of diabetic patients;
• normalization of the heart and blood vessels, nervous system;
• an effective treatment for colds, benign and malignant tumors;
• treatment of arthrosis and arthritis, osteochondrosis and radiculitis.

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In addition, decoctions based on the root are good for treating bronchitis and tracheitis, helping to cope with fever and colds, cough.

Important! The collected Caucasian hellebore cannot be subjected to strong heat treatment, including washing in hot water.

Stems and leaves must be removed, roots must be healthy, free from mold and rot.

Collection and storage rules

The healing Caucasian hellebore is widespread in the Caucasus and the southwest of the Krasnodar Territory, in Georgia and the Carpathians. It tolerates frost well and is often found at an altitude of 1000 m above sea level, in gorges and mountain slopes. The peak content of useful elements in the roots occurs at the end of fruiting - from August to September, when the seeds have ripened and fallen. It is at this time that hellebores should be collected for medicinal raw materials.

The rhizome should be carefully dug up, cleared of soil and washed in cool water. All work with the plant must be carried out with strong gloves and a mask, as it is poisonous. Never use utensils or tools intended for cooking. Protect Caucasian hellebore from children and pets. Cut into slices and dry in a well-ventilated place, away from direct sunlight. You can use an electric dryer, setting the temperature to no more than 35-45 degrees.

Properly dried Caucasian hellebore is brownish-brown on the outside and creamy on the inside. The taste is bitter-burning, peppery, with an unpleasant odor. Store in a well-ventilated area at a temperature of 15-18 degrees for 2 years.

Attention! The Caucasian hellebore is an endangered species and needs protection, since in recent decades the collection of raw materials has been carried out uncontrolled.

A gentle flower for the benefit of man

Every time the earth puts on its green outfit, few people think about its value for the body.
It doesn’t even occur to many that ready-made “drugs” that can affect the immune system can grow under their feet. However, smart people have long been taking advantage of the generous gifts of the earth. One of them is hellebore, which naturally occurs on the slopes and deep gorges of the Caucasus Mountains. It can be found on forest edges in the Krasnodar region. It is an evergreen perennial and grows to approximately 50 cm in height. In the underground part of the plant there is a horizontal rhizome, consisting of many cord-like roots. They are painted dark brown.

Hellebore shoots are usually erect in nature. Only the upper part branches in different directions. The leaf blades are located in the rhizome area. The maximum width is approximately 9 cm. The shape resembles an ellipse, but the edges are dissected. The leaves are dark green in color.

During flowering, buds appear at the top of the shoots, consisting of 5 delicate petals. This happens already at the beginning of March and continues until the end of June.

Their colors come in different shades:

• pink;
• light yellow;
• purple;
• violet;
• inky.

In addition, there are two-color options. The shape of the buds of cultivated hellebore can be simple or terry. Despite its delicate petals, hellebore is resistant to spring frosts and summer droughts.

Since the plant belongs to the Ranunculaceae family, it is extremely poisonous when alive.