This plant is absolutely indispensable in medicine. Its useful properties lay in the basis of legends and legends: the heroes healed their wounds, and they were considered the best cure for tuberculosis by the people. However, like all medicinal plants, the centaury has peculiarities in its use and contraindications. Therefore, today we offer more information about the characteristics of this herb.
Botanical description
Centaury ordinary (Centaurium erythraea) is a gentian family grass with a height of up to 50 cm. Stems are straight, tetrahedral, growing one by one.
Leaves - elongated, ovate, with axial veins. The root system is branched. During flowering (and the grass blooms all summer), the plant is covered with bright pink corymbolous flowers. Fruits (cylindrical seed pods) appear from late summer to mid-autumn.
The genus of the centaury includes such species of plants:
- small;
- umbrella.
In the people, this culture has the following names:
- spool;
- red flower;
- century;
- Centauri grass;
- scrofula;
- yuzhefka;
- spool grass;
- gold ball;
- dawn;
- sevensilk;
- fraxinella;
- cornflower-rubella.
Important! Of the currently known 50 species of plants, only the centaury is simple and small.
Spread in nature
In most cases, this plant grows in Europe, on the European territory of Russia, as well as in Central Asia and North America. Selects the centaury fields, shores of reservoirs, glades and meadows. But you can meet him among the bushes.
Chemical composition
To taste the centaury bitterish. And all this because its structure contains bitter glycosides. 
In addition, the stems and flowers contain:
- sterols;
- flavonoids (apigenin, luteolin, rutin, quercetin);
- pyridine and actinidine alkaloids;
- essential oil;
- iron;
- vitamin C;
- mucus;
- tin;
- phytosterol;
- triterpenoids;
- sulfur;
- resins;
- carbohydrates;
- vitamins;
- trace elements.
pharmachologic effect
Official medicine has recognized the healing qualities of the herb and uses it to manufacture various medicinal products.
Thus, preparations containing a valve can stimulate the secretion of the glands of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT), increase bile secretion, intensify the contraction of the intestine and muscles of the uterus, and have an anthelmintic effect.
Did you know? For bitter taste and astringent composition in the people of goldsmith called "the bitterness of the earth."
To extract of this herb, as an adjuvant, resorted to:
- diseases of the liver and gallbladder;
- diabetes;
- problems in the genitourinary system;
- anemia;
For the treatment of anemia in traditional medicine also use blueberries, rokambol, hazel, zizifus, periwinkle, black chokeberry and red rowan.
- diseases of the cardiovascular system;
- gynecological problems.
Use the spool and externally. Since this herb has regenerating properties, it is used to get rid of rashes, boils and eczema. Dentists advise infusion of the spool to rinse the mouth with dental problems. They recommend drinks on the basis of gold-plated to mute the symptoms of toxicosis during pregnancy. 
Medicinal properties
Due to its unique composition, the centaury improves appetite and heals the bowels. However, this herb has a choleretic, antiseptic and analgesic effect.
White carrots, wormwood, red currant, plectranthos, dandelion and chamomile also have a choleretic effect.
Goldbeard is successfully used for bleeding, because it stops blood very well, and alternative medicine also uses it as an effective laxative.
Use in traditional medicine
Bitter drugs are used in unconventional practice deserved recognition. Teas are made from this herb to enhance the digestive process and treat gastric diseases.
If you have problems with the liver or anemia, it is recommended to take the wine on the basis of gold. Desensitizing property of the herb allows the use of herbal infusions in the treatment of alcoholism. 
Important! It is not necessary to suppress the bitter taste with sugar, they quickly get used to the healing bitterness. But less bitter medicine will act worse.
In addition to the above, indications for the use of the spool in traditional methods of therapy are also:
- overvoltage;
- nervous exhaustion;
- flatulence;
- painful bowel movements;
- enterocolitis in chronic form;
- anemia;
- migraine;
- flatulence;
- neurasthenia;
- flu;
- diabetes;
- swelling;
- fever, malaria;
- heartburn;
Gentian, bay leaf, wormwood and chestnut honey will also help you get rid of heartburn.
- epilepsy.
Freshly squeezed juice is used externally for the treatment of ear inflammations, and inside - for complications in the gallbladder, liver and stomach. The centaury helps in treating food allergies in babies.
At the same time, various types of medicine can be used: juices, oils, tinctures, essences, decoctions, teas, compresses, rubbing. Also this herb is included in liqueurs and wine.
Application in cosmetology
Features of this unique weed found their application in cosmetology. With the help of this (diluted 2 tablespoons of 2 liters of water and boiled until the volume is halved) of the spool can get rid of dark spots on the face. For this purpose, cotton discs soaked in broth are applied to the problem areas.
It will be useful for girls to learn how to use rosemary, marjoram, bird cherry, nasturtium, sedge, coltsfoot, calendula, nettle, enoteru, soapworm, comfrey, marigold, mountain arnica, elder, savory and parsnip for cosmetic purposes.
Contraindications
Restrictions on the use of the centaury, as well as its healing qualities, are due to the composition of the herb. 
In general, the following are considered contraindications:
- peptic ulcer and duodenal ulcer;
- gastrointestinal tract diseases associated with increased acidity;
- predisposition to diarrhea;
- the presence of excess weight.
Important! They do not recommend taking drinks from the centaury during pregnancy, because they stimulate the muscles of the uterus and increase the tone, which can cause miscarriage.
Collection, preparation and storage of raw materials
In order to further use the spool as a therapeutic agent, collect the upper parts of the plant. At the same time, a period is chosen when the grass is in bloom and they are trying to finish it until the time when the basal leaves begin to turn yellow.
The centaury is cut at a distance of 5-10 cm from the soil. The collected material is laid out in a small layer on a cloth or paper or formed into bundles. Dry the raw materials in a shaded place in the open air or in a well-ventilated area. 
Dryers may be used, but the temperature should not exceed +45 ° C. Store dried grass in a dark dry place for 1.5-2 years.
Recipe for medicinal drugs
The centaury is mainly used in the form of infusions, essences, decoctions and teas.
The centaury decoction
It is the spool that has phenomenal features that allow you to get rid of craving for alcohol, cleanse the body and restore the function of internal organs. In addition, a decoction of this herb makes it easier to transfer a hangover.
And the recipe for such a potion is simple: 2 tablespoons of cinquefoil are diluted with a glass of boiling water and boiled for 10 minutes. Upon completion, remove from heat and brew for 2 hours. Drink 10 days.
Important! The dosage of drinks is chosen strictly individually, since the centaury is endowed with strong actions.
Relieve the symptoms of hyperacid gastritis will help such a decoction. The centaury and St. John's wort are mixed in a 1: 1 ratio. Then 2 tablespoons of this composition pour ½ liter of boiling water and allow to brew for 1-2 hours. The resulting drug is divided into 4-5 receptions and drink throughout the day.
To combat intestinal parasites, such a decoction is recommended. For ½ teaspoon of cinquefoil and wormwood pour 200 ml of boiling water. Put on the stove and cook for 20 minutes. After that, the potion is filtered and taken on an empty stomach at 200-250 ml. Course - 1 week.
Infusion of the centaury
Ingredients: dried spool 10 g (2 tbsp. L.), 200 ml of boiled water. The grass is placed in an enameled container, pour water, cover with a lid and hover in a water bath for 15 minutes. After the broth is ready, it is allowed to brew for 45 minutes, filtered, the cake is removed and boiled water is added to make 200 ml.
Used in a heated form for the improvement of digestion and stimulation of appetite for ½ cup 2-3 times daily before meals (30 minutes). Store the drink in the refrigerator for no more than two days. 
Did you know? Taste features of the centaury are resorted to in brewing - this herb is added as a spice.
When sore throat will help this infusion: 2 teaspoons of raw materials pour boiling water and insist for 20-30 minutes. This medicine is recommended to gargle several times a day.
With indigestion and heartburn, you can use this recipe. 10 g of raw material pour 200-250 ml of boiling water and let it brew for 2-3 hours. After that, strain and drink 1 tbsp. l before meals 3-4 times a day.
With inflammation of the gastric mucosa and diabetes, you can make a drink of 20 g of grass and a liter of boiling water. Then the grass is filtered and drunk 50-80 ml before meals.
Tincture of the centaury
The combination of centaury with alcoholic beverages is considered effective. To improve the appetite, normalize the work of the digestive glands, with flatulence, it is recommended to take this tincture. 
1 tablespoon of dry raw material is poured with a glass of vodka and cleaned in a dark place for 10-14 days. From time to time, the medicine must be shaken. After the drink is ready, it is filtered and taken 20 drops 30 minutes before a meal.
Did you know? There is a legend that the grass is named because of the fact that the rich man, who was cured by it, distributed 100 gold to the poor.
Centaury tea
A good effect for the normalization of digestion, in the pathology of the gallbladder and as an antiseptic has tea from the spool. A teaspoon of crushed grass is poured 200-250 ml of cold water and set aside for a while.
At the same time, it is necessary to shake the medicine from time to time. After 8-10 hours, the drink is filtered and drunk warm without sugar and any sweetener. To increase lactation, they drink tea made from 12 g of grass and 230 ml of water. 
Drink insist day and drink several times a day in the form of heat. This tea not only increases the amount of milk, but also improves the quality of the composition. Today we tried to talk about the unique composition and characteristics of the centaury, which can be used both to maintain immunity and to heal from ailments.
However, in the treatment of certain diseases, it is important to remember that a good effect can be obtained only in combination with traditional methods and in no case use healing herbs as a substitute for conservative treatment.
