Sambucus is a genus of flowering plants in the family Adoxaceae. The various species are commonly called elder or elderberry. The genus was formerly placed in the honeysuckle family, Caprifoliaceae, but was reclassified as Adoxaceae due to genetic and morphological comparisons to plants in the genus Adoxa.

The oppositely arranged leaves are pinnate with 5–9 leaflets (or, rarely, 3 or 11). Each leaf is 5–30 cm (2.0–11.8 in) long, and the leaflets have serrated margins. They bear large clusters of ...

sambucus

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Danewort, but also known as dwarf elder and dane weed, is an herb that has been well known since ancient times.&nbsp;It is also described by the ancient Greek healer Dioscorides in his De Materia Medica, where many of its therapeutic applications are listed <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3029555/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">[ref.1].</a>

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The plant is widely used in Bulgarian traditional medicine to this day and is popular mostly as a powerful immunostimulant. However, some of its parts contain poisonous substances and we should always use it with caution.

How-to-recognize-the-danewort

How to recognize the danewort

How-to-recognize-the-danewort_0_0

Sambucus ebulus is a common species at our latitudes.&nbsp;You will find it almost everywhere - around roads, in bushes, in fields, around rivers. It spreads quite quickly and occupies large areas, which can suffocate the surrounding plants and is often referred to as a weed.

How-to-recognize-the-danewort_0_1

The plant is shruby, reaching up to2 meters. The stem is branched at its top and has a white and soft core. It blooms in July and August in white (or in rare cases pink), and the fruits are spherical, dark violet in color and facing upwards.

How-to-recognize-the-danewort_0_2

It should not be confused with another famous representative of the family - elderberry.&nbsp;Unlike the elderberry, this species is woody, blooms in May and June and the fruits fall like bunches down. From its flowers is prepared the favorite of young and old elderberry syrup.

How-to-recognize-the-danewort_0_3

Read more in the article the <a href="../../eng/p/top_10_medicinal_herbs_in_europe" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Top 10 Medicinal Herbs in Europe</a>

Bioactive-composition-and-collection-of-danewort

Bioactive composition and collection of danewort

Bioactive-composition-and-collection-of-danewort_1_0

Bioactive-composition-and-collection-of-danewort_1_1

The healing properties of the plant are due to the many bioactive compounds it contains. It is rich in anthocyanins, phytosterols, flavonoids, terpenes, phenols, tanines, lectins and others. The plant also contains the plant antioxidant quercetin.

Bioactive-composition-and-collection-of-danewort_1_2

Perhaps the most used part of the herb is its fruits. They&nbsp;accumulate sugars, fiber, minerals and vitamins <a href="https://www.bioseek.eu/en/eng/research/pubmed/A_systematic_review_on_the_sambuci_fructus_effect_and_efficacy_profiles_19548290" target="_blank" rel="noopener">[ref.2]</a>. In addition, the fruit has a rich chemical composition that contributes to their strong antioxidant, antimicrobial and antiviral properties.&nbsp;Here we must pay attention to one feature - unripe green fruits are poisonous. They contain the substance sambunigrin, which decomposes as they mature and significantly reduces its concentration. For this reason, we need to collect only well-ripened blue-violet fruits.

Bioactive-composition-and-collection-of-danewort_1_3

Nature has found its own way to warn us - the taste of unripe fruit is very bitter, while in those ready for consumption, it becomes sweet, although even then it remains an unpleasant aftertaste. Once collected, they should be dried very well and stored in a paper bag in a cool and ventilated place.

Bioactive-composition-and-collection-of-danewort_1_4

In addition to the fruits, the other parts of the plant are used - the roots, leaves and flowers. The roots are taken out, washed and cut into pieces. Once well dried, they can be stored.

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The flowers and leaves are also collected, dried and then kept in a dry place.

Use-of-dane-weed

Use of dane weed

Use-of-dane-weed_2_0

Dane weed has been used as food and healing tool for millennia <a href="https://www.bioseek.eu/en/eng/research/pubmed/Biological_Effects_and_Clinical_Applications_of_Dwarf_Elder_Sambucus_ebulus_L_A_Review_28397551" target="_blank" rel="noopener">[ref.3]</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Use-of-dane-weed_2_1

In Persian folk medicine, the herb was used as an analgesic (suppresses pain) in various painful conditions of the musculoskeletal system such as joint pain, dislocations and fractures.&nbsp;It has been used topically for bites, burns, sore throats, diseases of the female reproductive system and others.

Use-of-dane-weed_2_2

In Romania, dane wort is used for the treatment of colds and rheumatic pains.

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In Turkey, the herb bears the nickname " the mother healer". This is by no means accidental and is due to its many&nbsp; applications. Externally it is applied to bites, wounds, eczema, rheumatic pains. Its internal use is also not foreign in these lands. Danewort is often taken in gastrointestinal irritations, hemorrhoids and as a diuretic agent.

Use-of-dane-weed_2_4

Last but not least, elderberry is an important part of Bulgarian traditional medicine.

Use-of-dane-weed_2_5

<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">difficulty urinating</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">kidney problems</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">liver problems</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">gastrointestinal disorders</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">exhaustion</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">anemia</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">metabolic diseases</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">wounds and bites</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">viral diseases</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">rheumatoid arthritis</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">neuralgia</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">lack of appetite</li>
</ul>

What-does-science-say

What does science say

What-does-science-say_3_0

Of course, the herb does not go unnoticed by modern science. Some of its researched properties include:

What-does-science-say_3_1

<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><a href="../p/kakvi_sa_polzitie_ot_antioksidantitie_za_zdravieto_i_koi_khrani_sa_nai_boghati_na_tiakh_0376155d_ea0c_4218_8ed2_114aed9f37c5" target="_blank" rel="noopener">antioxidant activity</a> - it is due to the high content of polyphenols in the plant, which have the property to protect against the harmful <a href="https://www.phcog.com/article.asp?issn=0973-1296;year=2009;volume=5;issue=19;spage=213;epage=218;aulast=Ebrahimzadeh" target="_blank" rel="noopener"></a>effects of free radicals. Of greatest importance in this case are anthocyanins <a href="https://www.phcog.com/article.asp?issn=0973-1296;year=2009;volume=5;issue=19;spage=213;epage=218;aulast=Ebrahimzadeh" target="_blank" rel="noopener">[ref.4]</a>, which are more abundant in elderberry than in other anthocyanin-containing plants.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">antimicrobial activity - there are studies that show the depressing effect of elderberry extracts against bacterial species such as Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Klebsiella pneumonia and Bacillus subtilis <a href="https://www.bioseek.eu/en/eng/research/pubmed/Biological_Effects_and_Clinical_Applications_of_Dwarf_Elder_Sambucus_ebulus_L_A_Review_28397551mbucus_ebulus_L_A_Review_28397551" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> [ref.3]. </a></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><a href="../p/bilki_v_pomoshch_na_stradashchitie_ot_avtoimunni_zaboliavaniia_i_transplantiranitie_patsiienti_3e10fd84_0336_4afa_a40c_d95d46603aef" target="_blank" rel="noopener">anti-inflammatory activity</a> - Elderberry shows suppressive activity against some mediators of inflammation, which confirms the meaning of the use of the herb in chronic inflammatory diseases <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3029555/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">&nbsp;[ref.1]</a>. Here we can mention ursolic acid, which exhibits such an effect.</li>
</ul>

What-does-science-say_3_2

These are just some of the studied properties of elderberry. The scientific literature on the subject is rich, but for the purposes of this article we will no longer ding on them.

How-to-use-the-herb

How to use the herb

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How-to-use-the-herb_4_1

As mentioned above, elderberry is most popular in Bulgaria with its immunostimulating function.&nbsp;For this effect, a sugar extract of the fruit is prepared:

How-to-use-the-herb_4_2

Mix water, fruit and sugar in a ratio of 1: 1: 1. It is best to leave the mixture at room temperature for 10-14 days without boiling it, so as not to lose its healing properties. It can then be stored in the refrigerator. Take 1 teaspoon in the morning on an empty stomach.

How-to-use-the-herb_4_3

Tea from flowers:

How-to-use-the-herb_4_4

You can prepare a decoction by pouring 2 tablespoons of flower with 400 ml of boiling water. The decoction sits for 1 hour under a lid.

Contraindications

Contraindications_5_0

The herb should be used with caution. Immature fruits should not be eaten because they are poisonous. Other parts of the plant are also considered poisonous, but in heat treatment, can be consumed in limited quantities. For this reason, be sure to consult a doctor or pharmacist to determine the exact dosage before use.

Contraindications_5_1

Excessive use can lead to diarrhea, dizziness, nausea, difficulty breathing and even death.

Danewort - a Useful Herb with Which We Must Be Careful

https://d20hztklr4qnvi.cloudfront.net/266f618e-4b20-4707-aa29-f23726b5460a_middle.jpg

 Danewort - a Useful Herb with Which We Must Be Careful

Силвия Маринова

Author: Rositsa Tashkova, Master of Molecular Biology and Microbiology

Europe is extremely rich in medicinal plants and herbs. The aroma of thyme, linden and chamomile evokes sweet memories of childhood in everyone whose grandmother once made herbal tea for breakfast.

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The herbs are deeply embedded in our traditions and are sometimes given a mystical and almost magical action. As science progresses, the secrets of their healing effects are revealed - encoded in a variety of active substances.

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In this article, we will look at 10 of the best medicinal herbs we can find in our nature or in the pharmacy.

Elderberry-(Sambucus-nigra)-and-danewort-(Sambucus-ebulus)

1. Elderberry (Sambucus nigra) and danewort (Sambucus ebulus)

Elderberry-(Sambucus-nigra)-and-danewort-(Sambucus-ebulus)_0_0

Elderberry is also called elder, black elder, European elder, European elderberry, and European black elderberry. It is a tree and should not be confused with danewort (Sambucus ebulus), which is a herbaceous plant. The fruits of the elderberry hang down, and the danewort is straightened upwards.

Elderberry-(Sambucus-nigra)-and-danewort-(Sambucus-ebulus)_0_1

The other names of the danewort are dane weed, danesblood, dwarf elder or European dwarf elder, walewort, dwarf elderberry, elderwort and blood hilder. Both herbs are sometimes called elderberry. But enough about the names, let's find out what the properties of these plants are.

Elderberry-(tree)

Elderberry (tree)

Elderberry-(tree)_0_0

Elderberry-(tree)_0_1

The fruit of <a href="https://www.researchgate.net/publication/259696401_An_Evidence-Based_Systematic_Review_of_Elderberry_and_Elderflower_Sambucus_nigra_by_the_Natural_Standard_Research_Collaboration" target="_blank" rel="noopener"></a> elderberry contains the protein agglutinin Ivf (SNAIVf), which is homologous to the RIP type 2 lectin, as well as quercetin. The elderberry has the following medicinal properties&nbsp;[<a href="https://www.researchgate.net/publication/259696401_An_Evidence-Based_Systematic_Review_of_Elderberry_and_Elderflower_Sambucus_nigra_by_the_Natural_Standard_Research_Collaboration" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref. 1</a>]:

Elderberry-(tree)_0_2

<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Anti-inflammatory effect,</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Modulation of immune protection,</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Antioxidant effects thanks to the flavonoids,</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Antiviral effect - especially against influenza viruses type A and B, as well as against herpes simplex-1 virus,</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Potentially lowers blood pressure,</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Diuretic effect (elderberry flowers),</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Potentially stimulates glucose metabolism and increases insulin secretion from the beta cells of the pancreas,</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Potentially lowers cholesterol (fruit syrup),</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Potentially lowers the weight.</li>
</ul>

Elderberry-(tree)_0_3

Attention, attention! Poorly ripe fruits, bark, roots and leaves of S. nigra contain cyanogen glycoside sambungrin, which is toxic and its intake can lead to cyanide poisoning.

Elderberry-(tree)_0_4

Elderberry can adversely affect people with a variety of diseases and conditions, including: arrhythmia, cardiovascular disease, along with taking medications to lower blood pressure, diabetes, during <a href="https://www.sanat.io/bul/p/liechiebni_rastieniia_koito_obliekchavat_mchitielnitie_stranichni_iefiekti_ot_khimio_i_lchietierapiiata_0e97f0c5_6473_4c0a_bfd5_233383967f22" target="_blank" rel="noopener">chemotherapy</a>, diseases of the central nervous system, in gastrointestinal disorders, <a href="/p/anorieksiia_bulimiia_prieiazhdanie_kdie_sie_korieniat_khranitielnitie_razstroistva_499c17d9_4b0f_4506_8deb_16089dec54bf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer">eating disorders</a> and in particular anorexia, <a href="https://www.sanat.io/bul/p/6_bilki_koito_shchie_pomoghnat_na_stradashchitie_ot_mighriena_5f9f41dd_4a26_479a_b23f_06bf63bc6557" target="_blank" rel="noopener">migraines</a> and others.

Elderberry-(tree)_0_5

As it becomes clear, elderberry is a very potent herb, and it is good to use it after consulting a doctor, especially in the presence of accompanying diseases or specific conditions, including in pregnancy and lactation.

Danewort-(herbaceous-elderberry)

Danewort (herbaceous elderberry)

Danewort-(herbaceous-elderberry)_0_0

Danewort-(herbaceous-elderberry)_0_1

Unripe fruits of the danewort are also poisonous, and only ripe ones are used for medicinal purposes.

Danewort-(herbaceous-elderberry)_0_2

Other effects are [<a href="https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/2156587217701322" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref. 2</a>]:

Danewort-(herbaceous-elderberry)_0_3

<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Antioxidant,</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Anti-inflammatory,</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Antibacterial,</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Analgesic,</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Antidepression,</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">For faster wound healing,</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Anticancer effect - demonstrated only in cells in laboratory conditions.</li>
</ul>

Danewort-(herbaceous-elderberry)_0_4

As a herb used since ancient times, danewort has a long history of food and medicinal applications and is still widely used. Its high potential for therapeutic applications, due to its many bioactive phytochemicals, heralds a bright future for&nbsp;danewort.

Where-to-look-for-elderberry

Where to look for elderberry

Where-to-look-for-elderberry_0_0

Both types of elderberry are found&nbsp;free-growing by the roads, settlements, in shrubs and forests.

Where-to-look-for-elderberry_0_1

It can also be purchased in the form of various preparations, dried fruit and syrups from pharmacies and drugstores.

Common-yarrow-(Achillea-millefolium)---an-ancient-herb

2. Common yarrow (Achillea millefolium) - an ancient herb

Common-yarrow-(Achillea-millefolium)---an-ancient-herb_1_0

Common-yarrow-(Achillea-millefolium)---an-ancient-herb_1_1

The common yarrow is also called gordaldo, nosebleed plant, old man's pepper, devil's nettle, sanguinary, milfoil, soldier's woundwort, thousand-leaf, and thousand-seal. "Melifolium" means "thousands of leaves".

Common-yarrow-(Achillea-millefolium)---an-ancient-herb_1_2

The herb has attracted people's attention since ancient times and has become part of a variety of myths and legends - including the one about Achilles, according to which he used yarrow to heal his wounds.

Common-yarrow-(Achillea-millefolium)---an-ancient-herb_1_3

Besides yarrow, several other species of this genus are used to treat wounds, hemorrhages, headaches, inflammations, pain, spasmodic diseases, flatulence and <a href="/p/losho_khranosmilanie_dispiepsiia_prichini_simptomi_i_liechieniie_295123d1_141a_4a34_b5b4_38236707b61c" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer">dyspepsia</a>. Phytochemical studies of species of the genus Achillea reveal that they contain many components that are highly bioactive.

Common-yarrow-(Achillea-millefolium)---an-ancient-herb_1_4

The different effects of these plants may be due to the presence of a wide range of secondary active metabolites such as flavonoids, phenolic acids, coumarins, terpenoids (monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes, dieterpenes, triterpenes) and sterols, which are often reported to be found in Achillea species.

Common-yarrow-(Achillea-millefolium)---an-ancient-herb_1_5

Common-yarrow-(Achillea-millefolium)---an-ancient-herb_1_6

Here are the effects of yarrow of medical importance [<a href="https://www.bioseek.eu/bg/eng/research/pubmed/A_review_on_phytochemistry_and_medicinal_properties_of_the_genus_Achillea_22615655" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref. 3</a>]:

Common-yarrow-(Achillea-millefolium)---an-ancient-herb_1_7

<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Treatment of wounds - for faster healing, aqueous extract of the flowers.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Antioxidant properties - tea from the herb.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Estrogenic activity - traditionally yarrow is used as a means of regulating the menstrual cycle, <a href="/p/maghdanozt_tsielinata_i_drughi_bilki_koito_pomaghat_v_borbata_s_raka_431f42b9_91a1_4cb7_b9d4_e633b827af78" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer"></a> since it contains luteolin and <a href="../p/maghdanozt_tsielinata_i_drughi_bilki_koito_pomaghat_v_borbata_s_raka_431f42b9_91a1_4cb7_b9d4_e633b827af78" target="_blank" rel="noopener">apigenin</a> (luteolin and apigenin). Apigenin exhibits estrogenic activity, since it has the ability to bind to estrogen receptors.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Antispermogenous effect - it has been found that in rats, alcoholic yarrow extract disrupts sperm formation processes.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Anti-ulcer <a href="https://www.bioseek.eu/bg/eng/research/pubmed/In_vitro_susceptibility_of_Helicobacter_pylori_to_botanical_extracts_used_traditionally_for_the_treatment_of_gastrointestinal_disorders_16317658" target="_blank" rel="noopener"></a>activity - the aqueous extract of the <a href="/p/kak_da_razpoznaiem_iazvata_na_stomakha_prichini_simptomi_i_liechieniie_aca42d14_75a4_49dc_900a_1ec74f04c479" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer"></a> herb protects the disturbed mucous membrane of the stomach and promotes its recovery.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Effects on the immune system - yarrow is rich in substances called sesquiterpenes, which have an immunosuppressive effect (suppress the activity of the immune system). This effect is manifested by the use of essential oil from the herb.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Antibacterial effects - extract (hexane:ether:methanol = 1:1:1) of yarrow has shown [<a href="https://www.bioseek.eu/bg/eng/research/pubmed/In_vitro_antimicrobial_activity_of_extracts_of_four_Achillea_species_the_composition_of_Achillea_clavennae_L_Asteraceae_extract_15978758" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref. 5</a>] broad antibacterial activity against 5 bacterial species (Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Salmonella enteritidis) and 2 types of fungi (Aspergillus niger and Candida albicans).</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Antispasmodic effects - the use of yarrow infusion to relieve gastrointestinal problems, especially as an antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory agent, is quite common in folk medicine. Antispasmodic effects of the herb are probably due to flavonoids in the plant. The substances galangin, quercetin and eupatilin, which are common in this genus, have been reported to cause a powerful sagging of the ileum (the last part of the small intestine).</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Anti-inflammatory properties - the action is probably due to sesquiterpenes and alkamides.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Undesirable effects - hypersensitivity may occur in some people and there is not enough data to determine whether the intake of the herb during pregnancy and lactation [<a href="https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/herbal-report/final-assessment-report-achillea-millefolium-l-herba_en.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref. 6</a>] is safe. However, consultation with a specialist is necessary if we intend to use the yarrow for longer periods of time.</li>
</ul>

Where-can-you-find-yarrow

Where can you find yarrow

Where-can-you-find-yarrow_1_0

The yarrow is found at an altitude of up to 2000 m above sea level. It grows in grassy places, meadows, shrubs.

Where-can-you-find-yarrow_1_1

In pharmacies it is available in a variety of forms - tincture, dried herb, essential oil, capsules, ointments, floral water.

Europeanmistletoe-(Viscum-album)

3. Europeanmistletoe (Viscum album)

Europeanmistletoe-(Viscum-album)_2_0

Europeanmistletoe-(Viscum-album)_2_1

European mistletoe, also called common mistletoe or simply mistletoe, is a semi-parasitic shrub that develops in the crowns of trees and gives specific white ball fruits.

Europeanmistletoe-(Viscum-album)_2_2

The plant is poisonous, its stalks and leaves also apply as a herb, but it should not be taken for a long time.

Europeanmistletoe-(Viscum-album)_2_3

Recently, white mistletoe has been more actively studied, as some of its potentially beneficial effects in the fight against cancer have been found.

Europeanmistletoe-(Viscum-album)_2_4

The plant contains phenols, terpenoids and lectins. Lectins may act as immune system modulators and anticancer agents.

Europeanmistletoe-(Viscum-album)_2_5

Various mistletoe extracts have anticancer, antiviral, antioxidant and proapoptotic effects (apoptosis is the programmed cell death or process in which the cell kills itself so as not to harm the body).

Europeanmistletoe-(Viscum-album)_2_6

In fact, both mistletoe extracts and purified mistletoe lectins have great potential as anticancer agents and have been shown to inhibit the growth of tumor cell lines such as B-cell hybridomas, P815, EL-4, Ke37, MOLT-4 and U937 in vitro. The mechanism by which they stop cell growth involves inducing apoptosis.

Europeanmistletoe-(Viscum-album)_2_7

Europeanmistletoe-(Viscum-album)_2_8

It should be taken into account that the use of mistletoe alone is not the best therapy against cancer and the results are influenced by the use of other treatments. Given all this, the best way to evaluate the anti-cancer properties of mistletoe is to evaluate its use as an adjuvant drug rather than as an alternative to chemotherapy. [<a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/B9780124078499000543" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref. 7</a>]

Europeanmistletoe-(Viscum-album)_2_9

In folk medicine, mistletoe is used in the form of a decoction for:

Europeanmistletoe-(Viscum-album)_2_10

<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">decrease in high blood pressure,</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">as a vasodilator agent with an effect on the lower extremities,</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">as a hemostatic agent,</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">in degenerative inflammation of the joints,</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">asthma,</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">vertigo,</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">diarrhea,</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">epilepsy,</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">anxiety.</li>
</ul>

Europeanmistletoe-(Viscum-album)_2_11

A curious fact is that the main toxic ingredients of the mistletoe are stomach-irritating alkaloids, heart toxins (viscotoxins) and lectins, as viscotoxins are physiologically similar to cobra snake poison. [<a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/B9780124165953000050" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref. 8</a>]

Where-can-you-find-mistletoe

Where can you find mistletoe

Where-can-you-find-mistletoe_2_0

As we said at the beginning, mistletoe is a semi-parasite that grows on the branches of various tree species, up to 2000 meters above sea level. Dried herb is sold in drug stores and it's not expensive.

Lemon-Balm-(Melissa-officinalis)---bees-love-it

4. Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis) - bees love it

Lemon-Balm-(Melissa-officinalis)---bees-love-it_3_0

Lemon-Balm-(Melissa-officinalis)---bees-love-it_3_1

It blooms at the end of summer and is a honey plant attracting bees - it is also named after them. It's leaves smell like lemon.

Lemon-Balm-(Melissa-officinalis)---bees-love-it_3_2

For healing purposes, the leaves of the lemon balm are used before flowering occurs.

Lemon-Balm-(Melissa-officinalis)---bees-love-it_3_3

Phytochemical studies reveal that the herb contains volatile compounds, triterpenoids, phenolic acids and flavonoids.

Lemon-Balm-(Melissa-officinalis)---bees-love-it_3_4

Raw extracts and pure compounds isolated from M. officinalis exhibit numerous pharmacological effects, of which only the following are shown in clinical trials:

Lemon-Balm-(Melissa-officinalis)---bees-love-it_3_5

<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">anxiolytic (anti-anxiety),</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">antivirus,</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">antispasmodic activities of this plant, as well as its effects on mood, cognition and memory. [<a href="https://www.bioseek.eu/bg/eng/research/pubmed/Melissa_officinalis_L_A_review_of_its_traditional_uses_phytochemistry_and_pharmacology_27167460" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref. 9</a>]</li>
</ul>

Lemon-Balm-(Melissa-officinalis)---bees-love-it_3_6

The herb has a potential positive effect in insomnia <a href="/p/kak_da_sie_spravim_s_biezsniieto_4a5e9367_3f8a_4aa7_bcf3_ecedac42f10c" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer"></a>as well as in the role of an&nbsp; antioxidant. [<a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5871149/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref. 10</a>]

Lemon-Balm-(Melissa-officinalis)---bees-love-it_3_7

It is important to note that its intake with sedative and antipsychotic drugs is absolutely prohibited. Prolonged intake of lemon balm (30 days) can lead to a number of adverse effects.

Lemon-Balm-(Melissa-officinalis)---bees-love-it_3_8

Where-can-you-find-the-lemon-balm

Where can you find the lemon balm

Where-can-you-find-the-lemon-balm_3_0

The lemon balm grows in shrubs and small forests, courtyards, in grassy and rocky&nbsp; places - up to 1200 m above sea level.

Stinging-nettle-(Urtica-dioica)---the-hidden-treasure

5. Stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) - the hidden treasure

Stinging-nettle-(Urtica-dioica)---the-hidden-treasure_4_0

Stinging-nettle-(Urtica-dioica)---the-hidden-treasure_4_1

Stinging nettle is also called common nettle or stinger. Leaves and stalks are collected from June to September, and the roots - in the autumn, in which case it is necessary to act responsibly and not destroy the entire bed, in order to have nettle in this place and the following year.

Stinging-nettle-(Urtica-dioica)---the-hidden-treasure_4_2

The plant is well known by everyone because of the dermatitis it causes when touched, due to biochemical mediators such as histamine and acetylcholine. Nettle exhibits a number of strong biological activities such as: antirheumatic, anti-infectious, immunomodulatory, antihyperglycemic (lowers blood sugar) action, as well as for the relief of allergies.

Stinging-nettle-(Urtica-dioica)---the-hidden-treasure_4_3

For a long time&nbsp;Urtica dioica has been used as a diuretic agent and for the treatment of arthritis and rheumatism in folk medicine. Today nettle is recognized as an important medicinal herb, and is also consumed as food due to its content of minerals, amino acids, lecithin, carotenoids and vitamins.

Stinging-nettle-(Urtica-dioica)---the-hidden-treasure_4_4

А variety of valuable substances are found in nettle, such as flavonoids, tanins and sterols. Its roots contain other biologically active compounds such as scopoletin, fatty acids, polysaccharides and isolectins.

Stinging-nettle-(Urtica-dioica)---the-hidden-treasure_4_5

Stinging-nettle-(Urtica-dioica)---the-hidden-treasure_4_6

Pharmaceutical studies also found additional medicinal applications of nettle [<a href="https://www.researchgate.net/publication/235672360_Phytochemistry_and_pharmacologic_properties_of_Urtica_dioica_L" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref. 11</a>]:

sambucus

Top 10 medicinal herbs in Europe