Symphytum officinale is a perennial flowering plant in the family Boraginaceae. Along with thirty four other species of Symphytum, it is known as comfrey. To differentiate it from other members of the genus Symphytum, this species is known as common comfrey or true comfrey. Other English names include Quaker comfrey, cultivated comfrey, boneset, knitbone, consound, and slippery-root. It is native to Europe, growing in damp, grassy places. It is locally frequent throughout Ireland and Britain on river ...

symphytum officinale

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Author: Rositsa Tashkova, Master of Molecular Biology and Microbiology

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"Beauty from the inside is evident from the outside" - how true this statement is when it comes to the skin.

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Our lifestyle, habits, the food we eat have a direct impact on our skin.

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In the article "<a href="/p/13_nachina_da_priedotvratitie_sstariavanieto_na_kozhata_f73bcd9c_5647_4b13_8a51_0b90f2ef84e2" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer">13 ways to prevent aging skin</a>" we gave you practical advice on maintaining&nbsp;the youth of the skin, which are completely achievable. At the end of the article, we also examined the natural remedies and herbs-helpers in the fight against aging of the skin: honey, turmeric, ginseng, aloe vera, licorice, amla, Indian nard (<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nardostachys_jatamansi" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Nardostachys jatamansi</a>), and arjuna.

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But aging is not the only misfortune that can befall our skin.

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<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Act against acne;</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Help heal wounds and burns;</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">They have a calming and anti-inflammatory effect.</li>
</ul>

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The plants we will talk about are easily accessible and familiar, which will allow readers to prepare&nbsp;creams, balms, and other homemade ointments from them. [<a href="https://www.bioseek.eu/en/eng/research/pubmed/Botanicals_in_dermatology_an_evidence_based_review_20509719" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref.1</a>]

Herbs-against-acne

Herbs against acne

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Calendula, Common comfrey, echinacea, and aloe vera are among the medicinal plants that can help us cope with acne and skin imperfections.

Thyme-(Thymus-vulgaris)

Thyme (Thymus vulgaris)

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There is evidence that thyme essential oil can destroy the bacterium responsible for the appearance of acne - Propionibacterium acnes, faster than the substance used as an active ingredient of acne cosmetics&nbsp;- benzoyl peroxide. [<a href="https://www.bioseek.eu/en/eng/research/pubmed/Activities_of_ten_essential_oils_towards_Propionibacterium_acnes_and_PC_3_A_549_and_MCF_7_cancer_cells_20657472" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref.3</a>, <a href="https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120327215951.htm" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref.4</a>]

Green-tea-(Camelliasinensis)

Green tea (Camelliasinensis)

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Green tea has an antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effect, and its application as a tonic can soothe acne skin. In addition to suppressing the viability of P. acnes, the active substance in green teaepigalomatechin-3 galate (EGCG) causes apoptosis (programmed cell death) in the cells that produce sebum. This means that the substance practically suppresses the two main factors for the appearance of acne - sebum and bacterium. [<a href="https://www.bioseek.eu/en/eng/research/pubmed/Epigallocatechin_3_gallate_improves_acne_in_humans_by_modulating_intracellular_molecular_targets_and_inhibiting_P_acnes_23096708" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref.6</a>]

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Lavender-(Lavandula-angustifolia)

Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)

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A tonic of lavender colors can be prepared - fresh or dried. It helps heal wounds, has an anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effect. [<a href="https://www.bioseek.eu/en/eng/research/pubmed/Activities_of_ten_essential_oils_towards_Propionibacterium_acnes_and_PC_3_A_549_and_MCF_7_cancer_cells_20657472" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref.3</a>]

Tea-tree-(Melaleuca-alternifolia)

Tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia)

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Tea tree essential oil is applied topically to each bud. It has a strong antibacterial effect comparable to that of benzoyl peroxide, but with fewer or no side effects. [<a href="https://www.bioseek.eu/en/eng/research/pubmed/A_comparative_study_of_tea_tree_oil_versus_benzoylperoxide_in_the_treatment_of_acne_2145499" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref.5</a>]

Herbs-for-wound-healing-and-burns

Herbs for wound healing and burns

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Some medicinal plants have the property to accelerate the recovery and healing of skin injuries.

Pot-marigold-(Calendula-officinalis)

Pot marigold (Calendula officinalis)

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The calendula definitely deserves the first place here. Aqueous or oil&nbsp;extract from its orange petals is an effective means of rapid wound healing [<a href="https://www.bioseek.eu/en/eng/research/pubmed/Determination_of_the_wound_healing_effect_of_Calendula_extracts_using_the_scratch_assay_with_3T3_fibroblasts_19781615" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref.9</a>], for sun and thermal burns, acne, irritated skin, eczema.

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Tincture (spirit extract) of neven can be used to suppress individual pimples in acne, but not to smear the entire skin, since alcohol will dry it.

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Common-comfrey-(Symphytum-officinale)

Common comfrey (Symphytum officinale)

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Aqueous extract (infusion) <a href="/p/psoriazis_i_psoriatichien_artrit_sshchnost_prichini_i_liechieniie_646d5c4e_2d56_4246_894b_bd4b98ec5d3c" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer"></a>from common comfrey blossoms&nbsp;and leaves can be applied externally to eczema, acne, psoriasis, in the form of a tonic or&nbsp;lotion. [<a href="https://www.bioseek.eu/en/eng/research/pubmed/In_vivo_wound_healing_effects_of_Symphytum_officinale_L_leaves_extract_in_different_topical_formulations_22570943" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref.8</a>]

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Attention, attention! The plant is poisonous and should not be swallowed!

St.-John's-wort-(Hypericum-perforatum)

St. John's wort (Hypericum perforatum)

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St. John's wort significantly accelerates the wound healing process. This effect can be strengthened by its combination with propolis. [<a href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00238-019-01538-6" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref.2</a>]

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Extract of cut blossoms, stems, and leaves of St. John's wort in olive oil helps with thermal and sunburns of the skin.

Echinacea-(Echinacea-purpurea,-Echinacea-pallida)

Echinacea (Echinacea purpurea, Echinacea pallida)

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Well known for its immunostimulating properties, echinacea is also used for skin problems - for faster wound healing, acne, and anti-inflammatory agent.

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But Echinacea pallida root extract has been found to have a significantly stronger healing effect [<a href="https://www.bioseek.eu/en/eng/research/pubmed/Anti_inflammatory_and_cicatrizing_activity_of_Echinacea_pallida_Nutt_root_extract_11801391" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref.7</a>].

Herbs-and-medicinal-plants-that-have-a-soothing-and-anti-inflammatory-effect

Herbs and medicinal plants that have a soothing and anti-inflammatory effect

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The skin may turn out to be inflamed, reddened, or puffy for a number of reasons, including due to an allergic reaction (in this case, we need to remove the allergen as quickly as possible and seek medical attention if necessary). To soothe the skin, we can use any of the following herbs.

Chamomile-(Matricaria-recutita)

Chamomile (Matricaria recutita)

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Aqueous or oily chamomile extract soothes irritated or dry skin. From these extracts can be made cream, balm, or tonic.

Chickweed-(Stellaria-media)

Chickweed (Stellaria media)

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This inconspicuous plant is ubiquitous, its stems become entangled and form a carpet, the colors are quite tiny, white, asterisks-like.

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The plant has an anti-inflammatory effect and aqueous or oil extract of it can be applied externally to soothe itching and irritated skin. [<a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2405844020309944" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref.10</a>]

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Germander-speedwell-(Veronica-chamaedrys)

Germander speedwell (Veronica chamaedrys)

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In Europe, the germander speedwell, bird's-eye speedwell, or cat's eyes&nbsp;is found all over the country in forests, shrubs, and meadows. It is a herbaceous plant with gentle blue flowers.

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Tea from leaves and blossoms is used externally to soothe redness and itching, in eczema.

Cucumber-(Cucumis-sativus)

Cucumber (Cucumis sativus)

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We are not used to treating cucumber as an herb, but everyone knows about its refreshing, astringent and soothing effect on the skin. It is rich in antioxidants, which makes it suitable for use on sunburns, since they are essentially not similar to thermal burns, but are an inflammatory reaction of the skin against free radicals formed under the action of UV rays.

Aloe-vera

Aloe vera

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It is good to keep in mind that the daily use of the gel from the inside of the leaves of aloe vera can have a drying effect. Therefore, it is good in this case to use it in the form&nbsp;of (homemade) lotions.

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Aloe vera is suitable for burning and soothing inflamed skin.

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In the next part of the article, we will focus on the medicinal plants that tone the skin, moisturize it, and are suitable for refreshing mature skin.

Medicinal plants for beautiful amd healthy skin. Part 1

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 Medicinal plants for beautiful amd healthy skin. Part 1

Rositsa Tashkova-Kacharova

Author: Yana Nencheva, Biochemist, PhD candidate in Biophysics

In times like this we are all tired of taking medicines, and doctors are tired of prescribing them. Both sides want to prevent the overuse of pharmaceuticals, but how to deal with persistent cough without medications?

In this article you will find information about 9 herbs, which doctors daily prescribe as an alternative treatment of cough. These herbs are for adults ONLY, and not for children.

Doses for children are extremely small and you must consult your pediatrician before preparing a tea for your child. The problem is that children can't cough very well and this leads to worsening of their condition.

Pini-turiones---Scotch-pine-sprouts-(Pinus-sylvestris)

1. Pini turiones - Scotch pine sprouts (Pinus sylvestris)

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On the official sites of lung disease sanatoriums, you may come across descriptions that give detailed information about the forest that surrounds the building.

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This information is not put in place to fuel the reader's landscape curiosity. It is there because the fragrant chemicals that the trees such as oak, beech, fir, pine, emit, have a beneficial effect on the respiratory system.&nbsp;

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If you expect tea or inhalations with Scotch pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) sprouts extract to calm your throat, it will not work out exactly as you wish. They are for expectoration, to stimulate the mucous membrane to regenerate faster, and they have anti-inflamatory properties.

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This herb is derived from small, tender, young sprouts of the Scotch&nbsp;pine before they have even blossomed. In Latin, the pine tips are called Turiones Pini or Pini turiones.

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The timing of picking is specific, and for this we recommend that you buy the from a pharmacy. Keep in mind: higher doses in your tea - more expectoration.

2. Thyme (Thymus vulgaris)

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In addition to irritated stomach and intestines, colds and 100 other pains, thyme (Thymus vulgaris) is also used to soothe the throat when coughing. In some syrups, thyme extract is used in a combined medicinal product, achieving liquefaction of secretions, disinfectant and local analgesic effect in cough.

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The reason for this action is the phenolic compound thymol, which is part of thyme's composition. Thymol is used in medicine as an anti-inflammatory and antiseptic and soothes the throat.

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Interestingly, it has long been used as a remedy against mites and parasites in agriculture.

Mint-(Mentha-spicata)

3. Mint (Mentha spicata)

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Some use mint (Mentha spicata) for gargle against bad breath, but it also soothes the cough.

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It also soothes the gastrointestinal tract by beneficially affecting stomach pain, nausea and irritable intestines. Some people add mint leaves to a larger amount of boiled water, as this is thought to improve the dubious quality of the water and give it a fresher taste.

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The active ingredient is menthol and studies show that even with early symptoms, the common cold can be stopped by this compound. Ointments with essential oils of menthol and eucalyptus are being developed [ref. 1].

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Singers should keep in mind, however, that sucking herbal tablets containing menthol will relax the throat for about 15 minutes, but then the voice might change.

Coltsfoot-(Tussilago-farfara)

4. Coltsfoot (Tussilago farfara)

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The leaves of coltsfoot (Folia Farfarae, Tussilago farfara) soothe the throat. In Chinese medicine, the coltsfoot is often used because of its antioxidant properties.

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Research has shown that it contains phenols and flavonoids, as well as significant levels of trace elements such as zinc, magnesium and selenium, which also explains the antioxidant activity of the herb [ref. 2].

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Because of essential oils (5-8%), it is also used for inflammation of the respiratory system. In severe bouts of coughing (especially at night), coltsfoot tea soothes the throat. It is used mainly for problems of the upper respiratory tract (pharyngitis, laryngitis, etc.).

Coltsfoot-(Tussilago-farfara)_3_4

There are also contraindications to it - it should not be taken by pregnant women and children under 2 years of age. Let us remember that when the baby is breast-feeding, the mother's milk contains compounds from the food and drinks that the mother has consumed. Therefore, it should not be taken by women who are breastfeeding children under 2 years.

Coltsfoot-(Tussilago-farfara)_3_5

If your doctor prescribes you this herb, you should inform them if you have kidney problems or any allergies.

Common-soapwort-root-(Saponaria-officinalis)

5. Common soapwort root (Saponaria officinalis)

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Saponaria officinalis has many names - bouncing-bet, crow soap, wild sweet William, and soapweed.

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Besides a favorable effect on the throat, the herb also has a diuretic effect, accompanied by increased sweating, and sometimes a laxative effect.

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It is therefore necessary to consult a specialist to look at factors such as high and low blood sugar and what is the causative agent of cough. If a virus attacking the intestine is involved, the herb should not be taken is gastrointestinal problems haven't&nbsp;improved.

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Common soapwort contains a significant amount of saponins, which cause the gastrointestinal inconveniences. [ref. 3]&nbsp;But they also boost the immunity.

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The infusion of the herb liquifies the secretions and expectoration is facilitated. Therefore, it has a calming effect on coughing.

Primrose-root-(Primula-veris)

6. Primrose root (Primula veris)

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Unlike the herbs listed so far, which are known for their healing properties on another part of the body other than the upper respiratory tract, then the main action and what the root of primrose is associated with is precisely expectoration.

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And here the "culprit" are the saponins, which initiate enhanced separation of secretions. Essential oils, on the other hand, soothe inflammatory processes.

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But excessive intake of primrose root (Primula veris) can irritate the gastric mucosa and cause diarrhea. Therefore, it is important that people with stomach problems be careful.

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Consultation with a doctor here is also mandatory, as is the careful choice of source of the herb itself. The correct time of picking and drying of the roots of the primrose are specific and affect its healing power.

Common-comfrey-root-(Symphytum-officinale)

7. Common comfrey root (Symphytum officinale)

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Since the past, the root of common cofrey (Symphytum officinale, true cofrey) is actively used and is known mostly for its anti-inflammatory and healing action with regard to wounds (external and internal).

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Unlike the root of primrose, common cofrey root is applied precisely when stomach problems, such as ulcers, are present.

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In Bulgarian traditional medicine it is better known for its beneficial action for the upper respiratory tract (cough, laryngitis, pharyngitis).

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Common cofrey root intake might be dangerous. It is necessary to take breaks and strictly observe the dose so that no side effects occur. This is a strong herb that carries the risk of serious poisoning. Even research is being carried out on how the toxic action of this type of herbs [ref. 4] could be reduced. A consultation with your physician is mandatory in this case.

Iceland-moss-(Cetraria-islandica)

8. Iceland moss (Cetraria islandica)

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Iceland moss (Cetraria islandica) is a type of lichen that sooths the mucous membranes of both the gastrointestinal tract and the upper respiratory tract. In 1807-1814, during the famine in Norway, it was used as a basic food ingredient. When it comes to cough problems, it is recommended to take it in combination with mint and coltsfoot.

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More often it is applied in the form of compresses - externally. The herb is used in folk medicine, not so much for coughs, but for injured surfaces - purulent wounds and burns. The reason for this is its pronounced bactericidal action, which inhibits the development of the pathogen.

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Today Iceland moss is also used to increase appetite. Recently a polysaccharide, which is believed to have immunostimulating effect, was isolated from the herb [ref 5].

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It is important to stress that taking Iceland moss is contraindicated for people with autoimmune diseases (lupus and others), and even if the patient does not suffer from such a disease, they should be closely monitored whether it will cause an individual side effect. Some sources say that it should not be taken by patients with gastro-duodenal ulcers.

symphytum officinale

9 herbs that will help you relieve cough