Beggartick Grass: Biological Description
Beggartick (Bidens L.) is an annual herbaceous medicinal plant. It belongs to the Asteraceae/Compositae family.
Among the 12 species of this plant, the tripartite beggartick (Bidens tripartita L.) is of value for medicine. It is characterized by the following features:
- branched root system;
- solitary, glabrous or slightly pubescent, erect stems, 60 to 100 cm high, green in color, sometimes with a purple tint;
- opposite, short-petiolate, tripartite or dissected leaves;
- single or combined baskets;
- small tubular flowers of yellow-brown color;
- two (rarely three) achenes.
The tripartite series blooms from July to September. It is common in areas with high humidity — in meadows, swamps, among shrubs, along banks and in river valleys. Can be cultivated.
The official medicinal plant raw material is the herb beggartick (Herba Bidentis). It is represented by the tips of shoots up to 15 cm long and leaves, which are harvested during the budding period and at the beginning of flowering. Re-collection of raw materials is carried out after the growth of shoots and the formation of baskets.
After drying, the beggartick grass (pieces of stems, leaves, buds and flowers) pass through sieves No. 5600 and No. 1400 to obtain crushed raw materials and coarse powder:
- green, brownish-green or greenish-purple with dirty-yellow inclusions;
- the smell is faint;
- The taste is bitter and slightly astringent.
Medicinal properties of beggartick
Beggartick herb is a dermatological preparation of natural origin. Due to the content of polyphenols, tannins and other biologically active substances, it demonstrates the following effects:
- Disinfecting;
- Antiseptic;
- anti-allergic;
- Diuretic;
- Sudorific;
- choleretic.
The therapeutic properties of beggartick allow it to be actively used in medicine for the treatment of a wide range of diseases. Indications for the use of this herb are:
- dermatological diseases – eczema, pyoderma, psoriasis, diathesis, atopic dermatitis, neurodermatitis, seborrhea, acne;
- allergic diseases accompanied by inflammatory processes on the skin and itching;
- Colds;
- metabolic disorders;
- diseases of the urinary tract.
Beggartick grass does not affect the speed of reaction when driving motor vehicles or other mechanisms.
Interactions with other medicinal products have not been studied.
Contraindications to the use of beggars
It is categorically not recommended to use the herb beggartick in case of individual intolerance to the biologically active substances of the drug.
The product is not prescribed for internal use in children under 12 years of age.
When using the herb beggartick, preference should be given to pharmacy preparations that are made from proven and safe raw materials. It is also important not to exceed the dosages indicated in the instructions to prevent the following side effects:
- weakness, dizziness;
- sleep disorders;
- decreased blood pressure, tachycardia;
- increased excitability of the nervous system, irritability;
- digestive disorders.
Pregnancy Succession
During pregnancy and breastfeeding, the herb beggartick, despite contraindications, can be used strictly as prescribed by a doctor, if the benefits of the drug for colds and other diseases for the mother outweigh the potential risk to the fetus or child.
Applying a Sequence
Before using the herb beggartick, both externally and orally, a sensitivity test must be performed beforehand. It will help to determine the individual tolerance of the drug and prevent the development of allergic reactions (redness, swelling, itching, rash, hives).
- When applying the beggartick externally, to assess sensitivity, apply a small amount of the treatment prepared according to the instructions to clean skin in one of the following areas:
- the upper part of the forearm;
- belly;
- back;
- behind-the-ear area.
The result is evaluated three times: 20 minutes after application, 5-6 hours and 48-72 hours. If you have any allergic symptoms, you should refuse to use the beggar.
- When administered orally, it is recommended to take a minimum amount of the drug (20-40 ml) beforehand and monitor the condition for 24-72 hours. If allergic symptoms appear, you should not use the series.
In case of a sharp deterioration of the general condition and the development of systemic allergic reactions (angioedema, anaphylactic shock), medical attention should be sought immediately.
Newborn bath sequence
Beggartick grass is actively used for bathing children from the first days of life. It contains all the components necessary for the delicate skin of newborns: essential oils, minerals, tannins and other biologically active substances.
The anti-inflammatory, disinfectant and anti-allergic properties of beggartick are beneficial for children’s skin, especially in the presence of diaper rash, rashes and allergic reactions.
Children can be bathed in an infusion or decoction of the herb. Regardless of the method of preparation, the amount of plant is determined by the volume of the bath:
- For a small bath, you will need 15 g (1 tbsp.);
- for a large bathroom – 30 g.
How to prepare an infusion for bathing?
- Pour 2 filter bags of herbs (1.5 g each) with 100 ml of boiling water.
- Cover the container with a lid and leave it on for 15 minutes.
- Add the infusion to the bath.
How to make a decoction for bathing?
- Pour 30 g of herb (2 tablespoons) with a glass of boiling water.
- Cover the container with a lid.
- Place the container in a water bath and cook for 10-15 minutes.
- Allow the broth to cool for 45 minutes.
- Strain and squeeze the mixture, bring the decoction to 200 ml of boiled water.
- Add the decoction to the bath.
A series of allergies
If you have allergies, you should drink the decoction 15-20 minutes before meals 2-3 times a day:
- children from 12 to 14 years old – 1/4 cup;
- Children over 14 years of age and adults: 1/3 cup.
It is recommended to use the infusion of beggartick in the following dosages:
- children from 12 to 14 years old – 50 ml;
- Children over 14 years of age and adults – 100 ml.
Succession in gynecology
In gynecology, the decoction of beggartick is used to treat inflammatory processes in the form of baths and microenemas.
Face & Hair Sequence
The decoction of the herb can be used for washing or as a tonic in regular care. If there are rashes or pimples on the skin of the face, it is recommended to treat the affected areas with compresses, applications or lotions.
To normalize the work of the sebaceous glands of the scalp, eliminate inflammation, improve the condition of the hair and accelerate its growth, the decoction of beggartick can be used in several ways:
- wiping the scalp with a swab soaked in decoction;
- rinsing the hair with decoction after washing.
A Cold Streak
The use of beggartick tea for colds is beneficial due to the anti-inflammatory and antiseptic effects of the herb.
The decoction should be taken 15-20 minutes before meals 2-3 times a day:
- children from 12 to 14 years old – 1/4 cup;
- Children over 14 years of age and adults: 1/3 cup.
The infusion of beggartick is used according to a similar scheme in the following dosages:
- children from 12 to 14 years old – 50 ml;
- Children over 14 years of age and adults – 100 ml.
String in psoriasis, eczema
Beggartick extract is recommended to be used regularly for rubs and lotions.
Literature:
1. Johnson, T. (2018). Herbal Remedies of North America: A Comprehensive Guide to Medicinal Plants and Their Uses. Skyhorse Publishing
2. Foster, S., & Duke, J.A. (2000). Eastern/Central Medicinal Plants and Herbs. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
3. Chevallier, A. (2016). Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine. DK Publishing.
4. Mills, S., & Bone, K. (2013). Principles and Practice of Phytotherapy: Modern Herbal Medicine. Churchill Livingstone
5. Hoffmann, D. (2003). Medical Herbalism: The Science and Practice of Herbal edicine. Healing Arts Press.
Author: Natalia Kandybey, Candidate of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Quality Director of the Viola Pharmaceutical Factory
