Have you ever heard of the Adam's root plant? If not, then you have lost a lot, because it is widely used in folk medicine. Dioscorea (Tamus communis) is used in the complex treatment of many diseases. If you want to do herbal medicine and include Adam’s root in it, we will give you recipes for making tinctures!
But first you need to understand why this plant is so useful and in what cases it can be used. You will learn about the properties and indications for use of tincture based on Adam's root in our article.
Historical reference
This root got its name due to an ancient belief. Once upon a time, while walking through the expanses of Eden, Adam stumbled upon the protruding roots of an old tree and injured his leg.
While looking for a cure, Eve came across a vine whose roots had unique properties. The girl’s feminine intuition told her how to use them correctly. Having cut the root of the thamus, Eve put a bandage on her injured leg and thus cured Adam.
For a long time, Adam's root has enjoyed success among folk healers of the Caucasus. The whole world learned about the plant only in the 17th century. And only at the end of the 18th century, the physician of the Prussian king, Christophor Hufeland, wrote in scientific articles that Adam’s root effectively copes with lung diseases and other ailments.
The area of use of thamus is extensive. The plant effectively copes with both the elimination of edema and the treatment of arthritis, as well as the treatment of respiratory tract pathologies and recovery from back injuries.
Adam's root or common thamus
Thamus is a worthy alternative to expensive medications for many pathologies of the gastrointestinal tract, central nervous system, spine and respiratory system.
The botanical name for Adam's root is thamus. Popularly it is called the stepper, lepshura, povetel, inaccessibility, watergon, white bryonia, snake root.
Alternative folk names: gill, guillemot, wild flax.
COMMON FLACJA (Linaria vulgaris Mill.) A perennial herbaceous plant of the Scrophularia-ceae family, up to 90 cm high, with a long, thin, woody rhizome. The stem is straight, glabrous, simple or branched, densely leafy up to the inflorescence. The leaves are alternate, linear-lanceolate, entire, acute, narrowed at the base, sessile. The flowers are light yellow, with a two-lipped corolla, with a long, almost straight spur at the base. The upper lip is 2-lobed, the lower with an orange convexity. The brushes are thick, the stem of their peduncles are covered with glandular pubescence. The fruit is a smooth oval capsule with flat black seeds. It blooms from June to September, the fruits ripen from August. Propagated by seeds and root suckers. One plant can produce up to 30 thousand seeds. Distributed in the European part of the CIS and Western Siberia. It grows as a weed in crops, in garbage areas near homes, wastelands, forest clearings and forest edges. Flaxgrass prefers loose soils. The plant is poisonous!
Botanical features
Adam's root is a plant that looks like a monoecious vine. The voluminous brown turnip-shaped root is divided into 2-3 branches. An adult rhizome weighs 10-15 kg.
The creeping stems of thamus are either bare or with thorns. They cling, like grape stems, with the help of tendrils. The leaves of Adam's root are five-lobed, heart-shaped, with a jagged edge, on long stalks, with arched veins. The surface of the leaves is rough.
Tamus blooms in May-June with small yellow-green flowers collected in umbrellas on a long stem. After flowering, round, poisonous berries appear.
Thamus blooms in May-June
Flowering calendar
White bryonia blooms from April to June, bears fruit from July to September. The medicinal plant is collected in Europe and Asia, the southern part of Crimea, and the Black Sea coast of the Caucasus. Tamus loves forested mountains, forest edges, limestone stones, and bushes.
More about the plant
Thamus vulgaris, or Adam's root, is a perennial dioecious herbaceous plant from the Dioscoreaceae family. Under natural conditions it grows in mountain forests - most often chestnut and beech. Distributed in European countries, the Caucasus and Central Asia. Sometimes this plant is grown for the purpose of landscaping areas, since it is resistant to low temperatures. Other names for Adam's root: white step, white bryonia, fire, snake or greasy root.
Thamus has the appearance of a creeping vine with several stems; the length can reach five meters. The stems have tendrils: the plant needs them to stay supported.
Thamus flowers are small, yellow-green, collected in axillary racemes. Their appearance is observed in April and continues until June. The fruits of Adam's root look like red, round berries with a diameter of approximately 10 millimeters. Fruiting begins in July and ends in September. Each berry contains round seeds of a reddish or dark brown hue in the amount of 3-6 pieces.
The rod-shaped massive root, brown on the outside and white on the inside, has a juicy, oily consistency. The length of the root can be up to 1 meter, and its weight can be up to 15 kilograms.
The ovoid leaves have serrated edges and long petioles, their length reaches 10 centimeters. They have a rough surface. The leaves are arranged alternately on the stem.
When growing tamus in artificial conditions, it is necessary to take into account that this plant prefers moist, well-drained soil. It is advisable to choose a shaded area for planting. Adams root can be grown in sunny places only if the proper level of soil moisture is maintained.
The plant needs to be watered as the top layer of soil dries. Since thamus loves moisture, the tree trunk area must be mulched, but the mulch should not acidify the soil. Adam's root does not need to be fed, but lime should be added to the soil periodically. When cold weather sets in, there is no need to cover the tamus. The above-ground part of the plant dies off in autumn, so it is necessary to cut off the shoots to root level before winter.
Adam's root is propagated by seeds or division of rhizomes. The plant can reproduce on its own, but when the seeds fall, they can germinate only after 2-3 years. Sow the seeds before winter, first grinding off their shell with sandpaper. Sowing is carried out in a permanent place.
The division of rhizomes is carried out in September. Parts of the root system are planted in permanent places providing good drainage conditions.
Medicinal possibilities
Thanks to its rich composition with biologically active components, the plant has long taken root in folk and traditional medicine.
Products based on it:
- Reduce inflammatory processes;
- They have antiseptic capabilities;
- Strengthen local blood supply;
- Reduce swelling;
- Restore damaged tissues;
- Relieves pain;
- Slow down the aging process;
- Stop bleeding;
- They have diuretic properties;
- Increases the elasticity of vascular walls;
- They clean the blood.
Muscles, ligaments, bones, joints and the nervous system are effectively treated with snake root.
Remedies with thamus relieve pain in rheumatism, radiculitis, gout, osteochondrosis, arthritis, and increase joint mobility. Thamus saturates bone tissue with minerals, which promotes rapid regeneration of bone tissue after injury. The active components of the plant accelerate the resorption of hematomas.
Thamus increases the elasticity of blood vessels. Due to this, it is actively used in folk medicine for thrombophlebitis, hemorrhoids, and varicose veins.
Snake root is good for problems with warts, furunculosis, age spots, and trophic ulcers. In complex treatment, thamus is used for eczema.
Its anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties make it possible to include it in complex therapy for cystitis and pyelonephritis, pneumonia and bronchitis, ulcers and adnexitis.
Range of actions
The valuable composition of Adam's root provides an impressive range of pharmacological actions, including the following effects:
- annoying;
- local anesthetic;
- decongestant;
- painkiller;
- disinfectant;
- regenerating;
- elimination of inflammation;
- activation of metabolism in bone tissue.
The combination of these actions allows the plant to be used to obtain effective medicines and prepare home remedies according to folk recipes.
Chemical composition
Adam's root composition:
- Carotenoids (purify the blood);
- Tannins (stop inflammation and bleeding);
- Alkaloids (improve brain function, normalize blood flow);
- Methane acid (cleanses skin from acne, eliminates bacteria);
- Polysaccharides are complex carbohydrates that normalize blood glucose levels in diabetes mellitus.
The list can be supplemented with fatty acids, carbohydrates, starch, saponins, phytosterols, glycosides and coumarins. The plant has a gentle effect on the body. If used correctly, the risk of adverse events will be significantly reduced.
Therapeutic effect
The medicinal properties of products prepared on the basis of Adam's root are explained by a multicomponent composition, including a successful combination of active substances.
The centuries-old use of the plant confirms its healing effect, which consists of anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, regenerating and analgesic effects.
When used externally the following is noted:
- increased blood circulation, warming effect;
- relieving inflammation;
- relief from pain;
- regulation of mineral metabolism in joints;
- stimulation of the regeneration process;
- reduction of swelling due to diuretic action;
- restoration of hormonal levels (in women);
- increase in male potency, etc.
Indications
There are few plants with such a wide range of uses as Adam's root. It is indicated for the treatment of:
- Pathologies of the cardiovascular system. The drugs support the functioning of the heart muscle during the rehabilitation period after a stroke and lower blood pressure.
- Thrombophlebitis. The plant tones blood vessels, increasing their elasticity. Improves blood supply, removes swelling and relieves inflammation.
- Diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. The drugs treat ulcers and cirrhosis of the liver, relieve symptoms of colitis, help with constipation and resolve hemorrhoidal cones.
- Diseases of the musculoskeletal system. Relieves inflammation and pain caused by osteochondrosis, rheumatism, dislocations and sprains. Adam's root relieves symptoms of radiculitis, gout, heel spurs, sciatica, bursitis and polyarthritis.
- Pathologies of the respiratory system. The remedy will help with acute respiratory viral infections, pneumonia, tuberculosis, and asthma.
- Diseases of the genitourinary organs. Thamus relieves swelling, normalizes sexual function, and relieves inflammation.
- Skin diseases. Rubs and ointments are used for psoriasis, ulcers and warts, boils.
- Gynecological problems. Suitable for female diseases such as ovarian cysts and endometriosis.
This medicinal plant is also popular in cosmetology for removing freckles or age spots. With the help of thamus, hair thickness is restored by strengthening the hair follicles. The plant also restores hormonal balance, helps with carbohydrate metabolism disorders and the disorders caused by it.
Area
There are about 600 species of the genus Dioscorea. Most of them grow in the tropical zone. However, some species take root well in the temperate zone (usually in the mountain forest). These include Thamus vulgaris.
This plant can be found in Crimea, Central Asia, and the Caucasus (Armenia, Georgia, Azerbaijan). Less common in Ukraine, Moldova, and Belarus. In Europe it grows in the southern regions, in the countries of the Iberian and Apennine peninsulas. The liana can also be seen in northern Africa and Western Asia.
The most valuable species, besides Thamus vulgaris, are Dioscorea Caucasus and Nippon. Dioscorea Caucasica grows in the western regions of Transcaucasia and is listed in the Red Book. Dioscorea nipponensis grows in the Far East. Contains steroid saponins, from which hormonal drugs are obtained.
Methods of application
Other parts of the plant are used quite rarely for medicinal purposes. The main value is the rhizome. It is used for decoctions and infusions, balms and ointments. Rubbing, compresses and massages are the main ways to use such medicines.
It is necessary to use medicines based on snake root after medical consultation. Illiterate use of this poisonous plant can lead to fatal results.
To prepare medicine, you can buy snake root at a pharmacy or prepare it yourself. To do this, dig up the roots before the flowers appear or after the fruiting period. Cleaned of foreign plants, washed with a brush, crushed and dried in a cool place without direct sunlight.
If stored properly, the dried root retains its therapeutic effect for 2 years. It is recommended to store it in a box in a cool place with normal humidity, out of reach of children, pets and direct sunlight.
When preparing snake root raw materials, you can only wear gloves. Juice that gets on the soft tissues of the epidermis provokes irritation.
Alcohol tincture for external use
This tincture treats rheumatism, osteochondrosis, radiculitis, and sore joints.
Preparation:
- Place 200 g of crushed dried root in a dark glass bottle.
- Add half a liter of vodka.
- Leave for 2 weeks, shaking regularly.
Apply the tincture to the problem area before going to bed. Then it is advisable to cover it with warm clothes.
Alcohol tincture of Adam's root at home
Poultice
The poultice is used to treat diseases such as rheumatism or sciatica. Add 200 ml of boiling water to approximately 35-40 g of root and cover the container. After 5 minutes, drain the water, place the steamed raw material on a napkin and apply it to the problem area. Repeat twice more a day.
Alcohol tincture for oral administration
This remedy treats polycystic ovary syndrome, adnexitis, and painful joints. To 20 g of raw material, add 400 ml of 60-70% alcohol, keep in a warm place for 2 weeks, shaking regularly. The strained infusion can be drunk according to the regimen recommended by the doctor.
In order not to burn the insides, dilute 15 ml of the medicine with water in a combination of 1 to 4 and take it 3 times a day after meals for a long time (up to 90 days).
Mixture for pathologies of the gastrointestinal tract and respiratory organs
To relieve symptoms of ulcers, gastritis, cholecystitis, pneumonia and tuberculosis, a medicine with the following composition is suitable:
- Raw Adam's root (30 g);
- Butter (300 g);
- Honey (250 g).
Adam's root raw material
Honey
Butter
Mix everything together and leave for about 24 hours. Drink 10 g 2 times a day 30 minutes after meals until the end of the course (individually).
Oil tincture
Indicated for sore joints, varicose veins and hematomas. The recipe requires 50 g of rhizome powder and 0.5 liters of any vegetable oil. Fill the raw materials with oil and leave for about 2 weeks. Suitable for massage and rubbing.
Poultice made from fresh raw materials
The method is very effective for pinched sciatic nerves, sprains, and rheumatism.
Relieves post-traumatic pain in muscle tissue. Treats eczema, dermatitis, ulcers, resolves hematomas, warts, tumors. To make a poultice from freshly prepared raw materials, you will need to dig up the rhizome, separate it from the weeds, wash it and finely chop it. Then the workpiece is thrown into boiling water. After a few minutes, the liquid is drained, the steamed root is placed in a napkin and left on the problem area for an hour. Poultices should be done 3 times a day.
Ointment
The gel relieves pain from joint injuries. The medicine is prepared from fresh raw materials; it helps with bruises, sprains, and as a warming agent. The proportions must be maintained at 1:10 (for 1 part of crushed raw materials, take 10 parts of Vaseline). Treat the problem area three or more times a day, rubbing the ointment in until it has a warming effect. Store the medicine in the refrigerator in an airtight container.
Warts can also be treated with this root. The powder is added to 3% boron ointment and lubricated on the warts. Cover the top with paper suitable for a compress and secure with a band-aid.
Grind Adam's root
Add boric ointment
Lubricate the wart
Powder
The rhizome, crushed into powder, treats wounds, abscesses, and trophic ulcers. Cover the wound with powder and cover it with gauze or another clean cloth. You can prepare a remedy for warts, eczema, and dermatitis by mixing it with boric ointment and treating the damaged areas of the skin.
All parts of this medicine are poisonous, therefore, when making medicines, it is so important to follow the recipe exactly. They can be used after medical consultation.
Recipes
Doctors often recommend thamus vulgaris for joint pathologies and disorders of the circulatory system. And the ability to quickly relieve pain allows the root to be used by those people for whom medications are contraindicated.
From the rhizome, which is crushed or ground into powder, infusions, decoctions, tinctures, balms and ointments are made. It is used internally with great caution, and externally used as poultices, applications, lotions.
Before use, consult your doctor!
Remedy for rheumatism
Pour 2 tbsp. dry raw materials 200 ml boiling water. Cover with a cloth and let sit for 10 minutes. Drain the water, place the swollen pieces in gauze and apply warm to the sore spots.
Tincture for radiculitis, pain in ligaments and joints
Pour 200 g of dry raw material into a dark glass container with 500 ml of good vodka. Leave for two weeks in a dark place at room temperature. Every day the mixture in the container needs to be shaken. The sore spots are rubbed before going to bed and wrapped in a warm scarf at night. Can be repeated every day.
Collection for the treatment of joints
Adding other components to Adam's root enhances the effects of the plant's beneficial substances. The root is often supplemented with honey. For 300 ml of honey, take 50 g of dry raw materials and mix well. The joints are first rubbed with vodka, and then an application of the resulting mixture is applied. The joint area is covered with film and wrapped in a scarf. Keep the compress for 3 hours.
For eczema, dermatitis and warts
Adam's root is ground to powder. Mix well with boric ointment and apply to the affected area or wart. The top is bandaged. After 24 hours, the bandage is changed to a new one. Apply the product until healing.
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Decoction for hemorrhoids
1/2 tsp. powder is poured into 250 ml of boiling water. They insist for three hours. They drink 3 rubles. per day 1 tbsp. A larger dose is discussed with your doctor.
For stomatitis
1 tsp pour 250 ml of boiling water with a heap of Adam's root powder. Steam for 3 hours, filter and use as a gargle for sore throat, stomatitis, and gingivitis.
Tincture for strengthening blood vessels
Helps strengthen blood vessels for those suffering from varicose veins and people after a stroke.
1 tbsp. powder is poured into 300 ml of vodka. Infuse for 10 days in a dark place, shaking every day. Take 10 drops diluted in 100 ml of water. Consume 10 minutes before meals. Treatment for 30 days, then a break.
For varicose veins
The composition of the infusion, in addition to the roots, includes Japanese sophora and horse chestnut. For cooking, take 1 tsp. Adam's root powder and 1 tbsp. sophora berries and chestnut bark. The collection is poured with 250 ml of boiling water. Wrap in a warm scarf and leave for 3 hours. Use strained infusion, 1 tbsp. before eating.
For stomach ulcers
The powder is mixed with honey and butter. Take 1 tbsp of all ingredients. The mixture is consumed 1 tsp. before eating.
To strengthen the body
100 g of dry Adam's root is poured into a bottle of white wine. They insist for 21 days. Strain, consume 30 ml no more than 3 r. in a day.
Contraindications
A medicine like thamus is distinguished from poisons only by the dose. Even if the recipe is exactly the same, the medicine must be taken orally with caution and the dosage schedule and dosage must be followed until the end of the course. It is not recommended to take the medicine orally on an empty stomach.
During the adaptation period, undesirable consequences are possible in the form of dyspeptic disorders, disturbances in the rhythm of bowel movements, and skin burns. At the first manifestation of adverse symptoms, you should stop taking the medication and consult a doctor. Perhaps he will reduce the dose or select an analogue.
In addition to an allergic reaction to the components of the product, absolute contraindications apply to women (during the period of bearing and feeding a child) and children under 12 years of age.
Contraindicated during pregnancy
Adam's root: prices in online pharmacies
The main criterion when choosing a medicinal plant is often the price. But the price range is the same in most regions. If they offer Adam's root at a very low price, make sure it is not counterfeit. Packaging also plays a certain role. Medicinal raw materials in a cardboard box are susceptible to dampness; the plastic bag can tear due to the sharp edges of the rhizome.
A multilayer bag with foil and a secure fastener is the best option for medicinal raw materials.
When purchasing Adam's root at a pharmacy, make sure that it has a declaration of conformity. This means that it is collected and dried in compliance with all technologies, without foreign impurities, in an environmentally safe place.
It is important that the medicine is stored in proper conditions - the raw materials must be fresh, free of foreign odors and pests. The cost of the medicine depends on its type and volume. For example, in Moscow pharmacies, Adam's Root balm-gel (75 ml) can be purchased for 76-123 rubles. An alcoholic tincture of the root (50 ml) is offered for an average of 300 rubles. Prices on online pharmacy websites do not always coincide with real ones - you need to check.
