Useful and medicinal properties of fossil( kaliucnik)
A biennial, rarely perennial plant with a thick, rod-shaped fleshy root, but without a stem. The above-ground part consists of a number of prickly leaves, which are hollowed out on both sides, located in the form of a rosette 40-50 cm in diameter, in the middle of which there is a large inflorescence - a basket 10-12 cm in diameter;on the flat bottom of the basket are perfectly perfectly arranged tubular numerous flowers. Instead of a cup near the flower, there are many hairs. Corolla of 5 petals;stamens - 5, fused with their anthers, at the base of which there are villous processes;Pistil with the lower ovary. Fruit is achene( ahena) with a pinnate crest at the apex. The outer wrapper of the basket consists of spiny, smaller leaves. Blossoms from July to September.
occurs on grassy dry areas in foothill and lowland parts at an altitude of more than 1000 m.
For the medicinal purposes, roots are used. The root contains 1-2% essential oil, tannins, resinous substances, 12-18% insulin, etc.
Essential oil has antibacterial properties. It is prescribed as a diuretic, spasmodic and diaphoretic remedy, and also as an anti-inflammatory agent in kidney diseases;contributes to sputum discharge in bronchitis;in veterinary medicine is used as an anthelmintic. It is applied externally for chirjah, wounds and skin diseases.
Application of
Raw materials are used in the form of tinctures 1:10 for 15-20 drops 2-3 times a day and water infusion: 15-30 g of crushed dry root pour 0.5 liters of boiling water( dose for 2 days).
Inside take also powder from the root 2-3 times a day at the tip of the knife.
For outdoor washing, the broth is prepared as follows: 50 g of the sliced root is boiled for 30 minutes with 0.5 L of water or vinegar.
In Bulgarian folk medicine, is prescribed for the root of the foci of the in many diseases in the form of a decoction: as a diuretic for dropsy, colds, inflammation and pain in the kidney and bladder, against hemorrhoids, skin rashes, skin lice, worms andnervous exhaustion, loss of strength, seizures, etc.