At the turn of the millennium, alternative medicine again came out of the underground and became a real competitor to traditional, science-based medicine. More and more people are turning to alternative or biological medicine, which is impossible to imagine without the use of medicinal plants.
The number of adherents of herbal treatment is increasing every year. Biologically active substances that plants contain are capable of influencing human anatomy and physiology in one way or another. With skillful and careful handling, natural medicines become our “green gold”, capable of treating both lungs and complex forms diseases.
Professional herbalists, as well as those who collect herbs for their own needs, know that the greatest healing properties of plants depend on where they grow. The Altai Territory, in this sense, is a unique place not only in Russia, but throughout the entire globe.
The Altai Territory is on the list of the most environmentally friendly places in the world. On the territory of Altai there are five UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Lake Teletskoye, Katunsky National Biosphere Reserve, Altai State Reserve, Belukha Mountain and the Ukok Plateau area.
The amazing combination of biological diversity of this ecoregion is a true miracle and is protected by the global environmental community.
The unique appearance of the landscapes of the Altai Territory amazes everyone who finds themselves among them:
Alpine and subalpine meadows, lush, variegated with forbs
luxurious coniferous forests, mighty centuries-old cedar groves
unique high mountain zone
lakes and rivers into which crystal springs flow, carrying their streams from eternal ice, resting on the tops of mountains.
More than 3,000 plant species grow in the fertile and fertile soil of this magical corner of the planet. About 700 species are used directly by humans, almost 400 of them are medicinal, approximately 150 are listed in the Red Book, more than 100 unique specimens of herbs are found only here and in no other place.
Some species can be both healing and dangerous at the same time, containing both vitamins and useful biologically active components, and toxic substances. There are certain collection and procurement rules medicinal herbs that must be followed.
There are periods or exact dates of collection, often associated with church holidays: Peter's Fast, Ivan Kupala, etc., when the plant has particularly healing properties
The biochemical composition of plants changes by day of the year, by day of the month, and even by hour of the day. For example, during the period of the waxing moon, juices rush upward and fill the ground part of the plants; during the period of the waning moon, juices fill the ground and roots
rules of drying and preparation for storage, which must also be followed, etc.
If you listen to all the necessary instructions that can be found in special reference books, then the plants prepared for future use will retain the necessary useful and active substances. Since ancient times, people have proven the effectiveness various types natural medicines.
Now I'll list some medicinal plants Altai Territory:
Rhodiola rosea (golden root)
The most famous plant, the first mention of its use for medicinal purposes dates back to more than 500 years ago. A certain symbol of the healing nature of the Altai land. Its action is similar to eleutherococcus and ginseng, it belongs to the group of stimulating drugs that increase immunity, mental abilities, and reduce the effects of stressful situations and unfavorable environmental factors.
Elecampane
It is popularly called a cure for nine diseases. It was also used by Hippocrates; in the Middle Ages it was actively bred and used to treat a lot of illnesses and even the plague. Increases appetite, quickly restores after heavy infectious diseases, normalizes the functioning of the stomach and intestines, relieves inflammation.
St. John's wort
They were brought to the royal court from Siberia back in the seventeenth century. Sorcerers considered it a magical plant and used it to treat various wounds.
Coltsfoot
They drank tea from coltsfoot back in Ancient Greece when coughing. Decoctions were used to increase hair growth and to treat burns and wounds.
Motherwort
Since the fifteenth century, its calming properties have been known; in addition, it normalizes blood pressure and has a relaxing and hypnotic effect.
Yarrow
Since the time of Dioscorides it has been used for healing, disinfecting wounds and as a hemostatic agent.
This is only a small part medicinal herbs, growing in the Altai region. Birdweed, azure blueweed, thick-leaved bergenia, Ural licorice - you can list for a long time the composition of this natural storehouse of health and healing energy.
Interest in the use of alternative means to treat diseases has only been growing recently. It is a long established fact that
Altai owes its variety of medicinal herbs to its extraordinary unique climate and natural relief. A rare combination natural conditions created excellent soil for the birth of not only the most talented people (Evdokimov, Zolotukhin, etc.), but also medicinal plants and mineral springs. Cedars, pines, tundra, rocks, meadows, all this is collected in a large area called Altai.
About 2,000 plant species grow in the Altai region, 660 of which are used by humans as food, sources of vitamins and medicine. The list of relict plant species includes 32 names, and 10 of them are listed in the Red Book. These are feather grass, Zalessky feather grass, Siberian candyk, Ludwig's iris, Altai onion, Altai gymnosperm, steppe peony.
Oregano (Lamiaceae family)
A perennial plant reaching one meter in height with erect tetrahedral stems. From July to September it blooms with small lilac-red flowers. The fruit is a small brown nut. It is famous not only for its amazingly pleasant smell and taste, but also for a number of beneficial properties. Good remedy from cough, colic and women's pain.
Golden root (radiola rosea)
An excellent stimulant that increases tone, improves memory and attention. This plant is also called Altai ginseng and is consumed as a tincture or simply brewed as tea.
Pine nuts
Rich in vitamins E, B, R. Linoleic acid improves heredity and cleanses the blood. A source of iodine and phosphatidic phosphorus, which is simply necessary for the human body. Deficient microelements such as zinc, manganese, cobalt and copper are also found in small, delicate nucleoli. And read even more in our article published earlier.
South Siberian kopekweed (red root, bladderwort, bear-root)
A plant with a red root, which sick bears eat with pleasure in the spring, is rich in catechins, tannins and amino acids, treats infertility, impotence, genitourinary problems and prostatitis, improves immunity and strengthens the heart muscles. In terms of its beneficial properties, it exceeds golden root and is equal to ginseng.
Sea buckthorn
An excellent healing agent. Tea from its leaves is successfully drunk for diabetes, hypertension, dermatitis, atherosclerosis, pleurisy, coronary heart disease and pneumonia. A compress of leaves is made on joints for arthritis.
The nature of Altai is unique. An amazing combination of natural conditions created the unique appearance of its landscapes. Here you can find lush meadows full of forbs, and heat-dried steppes, dull mountain tundras and luxurious coniferous forests.
However, the true miracle of Altai is the high mountain zone. These are alpine and subalpine meadows, playing with all the colors of the rainbow, like magical flower beds created by the hand of a sorcerer.
This is also the zone of the forest border, where mighty centuries-old cedars, like epic heroes, guard the secrets of majestic rocks. These are wonderful springs, carrying their crystal streams from the eternal snows resting on the sky-high mountain peaks.
The main features of the vegetation cover of Altai are determined by its geographical location, complex geological history, diversity climatic conditions.
The large extent of Altai's territory, both from north to south and from west to east, determines the extreme diversity of its flora.
More than 2,000 plant species grow in Altai. Useful plants, directly used by humans, about 660 species. Many types of plants can be simultaneously medicinal, food, vitamin-rich, and poisonous.
Group medicinal plants - one of the largest. Widely used in official medicine golden root, bergenia, valerian officinalis, Ural licorice, azure cyanosis, peony, dandelion, knotweed, safflower raptor.
Food There are 149 species of plants in the flora of the region. Edible and widely consumed stems of hogweed, angelica, Siberian skerda, Gmelin's chin, sorrel leaves, rhubarb, bracken, flask, berry plants, wild onion. The reserves of raw materials of some food plants are quite large, but some need protection - rhubarb, bulb, fern.
The flora of Altai is unique - more than 100 plant species are found only in Altai and nowhere else in the world. This endemics, which arose here in the process of evolutionary development, most of which include particularly valuable medicinal plants, such as red brush.
The flora of the Altai Territory contains 32 relict species. This Siberian linden, European hoofweed, sweet bedstraw, giant fescue, Siberian brunnera, floating salvinia, water chestnut and others.
Ten species of plants growing in the Altai Territory are included in the Red Book of Russia (1988): Siberian kandyk, Ludwig's iris, Zalessky feather grass, feather-leaved feather grass, feather feather grass, Altai onion, steppe peony, Altai gymnosperm, Altai stellophopsis.
Altai is rightfully considered one of the most environmentally friendly places not only in Russia, but also in the world. There are eight sites on the UNESCO World Natural Heritage List in Russia. Five of them are located in Altai. These are the Katunsky State Nature Biosphere Reserve, the city of Belukha, the Altai State Nature Reserve, Lake Teletskoye and the Ukok rest zone.
Research conducted at the initiative of WWF (World Wildlife Fund) as part of the Living Planet program showed that there are about two hundred regions on planet Earth, in which 95% of all species of living organisms are concentrated. They got the name coregions (ecological regions).
By preserving these regions, humanity will be able to preserve more than 95% of the planet’s existing biological diversity. Altai is included in the list of 200 unique ecoregions of the world (Global 200). Protecting this truly unique corner of nature is important matter both the population of Altai and all humanity.
Preparation of medicinal herbs
Medicinal plants are our “green gold” and must be handled wisely. With a rational approach to collecting medicinal plants, their supplies will be renewed. Today, the reserves of many medicinal herbs and plants are rapidly declining, some of them are about to disappear completely.
There are certain rules for collecting medicinal plants that must be followed by both professional collectors and those who collect herbs for their own needs.
Ancient herbalists indicated the exact date of collection of a particular plant, when the plant has the greatest healing properties. Often this date was associated with church holidays - “on the dew fast of Peter the Great…”, “to collect on the eve of Ivan Kupala”, etc.
If there are few plants in the areas of planned harvesting, it is necessary to find other places of mass growth. Annuals can be collected in the same place every two years. Repeated harvesting of perennial plants in one area is recommended after 7–10 years, depending on the characteristics of growth. At least 50% of individuals must be left in the collection area to ensure stock recovery.
Medicinal plants change their composition according to the seasons, the days of the month, and even the hours of the day. The sun and moon influence the biochemical composition of plants. Often in ancient recipes it is written that this or that plant should be collected on a full moon or “when the month is at its waning,” or even “on a moonless night.” According to astrological settings, during the period of the waxing moon, juices and energy are directed to the sky, filling the ground part of the vegetation; during the period of the waning moon, they fill the earth and underground organs of plants. The full moon is the most unfavorable period for collecting.
IN folk medicine There is a strong belief about the especially healing properties of herbs collected on July 7, the day of Ivan Kupala, and the maximum effect is exerted by herbs collected at dawn. Some of the Russian herbalists collected herbs, attracting assistants, only on the specified day.
These instructions must be heeded.
To ensure that plants retain as much as possible useful substances, certain conditions must be observed when collecting and drying plants, which can be found in the specialized literature.
Every year interest in medicinal plants is increasing, more and more of them are being prepared, and the number of adherents of herbal treatment is steadily increasing. In this regard, some endangered medicinal plants have already been included in the Red Book. We need to help nature maintain balance. To do this, you need to skillfully and carefully handle its riches, in particular, medicinal herbs.
The following are the most common herbs, plants, berries and mushrooms of Altai, which are used for food and medicinal purposes. This is a description of a small part of all plants suitable for food and treatment. The site format does not allow you to include everything medicinal herbs, plants, berries and mushrooms growing in Altai. But acquaintance with only a small part of them will give the reader an idea of the diversity of their medicinal and nutritional qualities.
Medicinal herbs
Bergenia crassifolia L.
Saxifraga family– Saxifragaceae Juss.
Common name: Mongolian or Chagir tea.
Bergenia thickleaf - perennial herbaceous plant saxifrage family.
It grows in Altai - on mountain slopes, often northern, on stony soils, blocks, rocks, as well as in dark coniferous (cedar, fir) and deciduous forests. Thanks to the branching of the rhizome, it forms crowded continuous thickets.
An extract of leaves and rhizomes is used in medicine; it has astringent, anti-inflammatory, diuretic and disinfecting properties. It is also used to treat colitis, enterocolitis, stomatitis, gingivitis, and cervical erosion.
In folk medicine, infusions and decoctions of bergenia rhizomes are recommended as astringent, hemostatic, disinfectant and antifever agent, for diseases of the oral cavity, nose, for disorders of the gastrointestinal tract, women's diseases, headaches, fever, for wound healing, for pneumonia.
Bergenia leaves are widely used for diarrhea and fever. Tea made from the old leaves of the plant is used for diseases of the urinary tract, goiter, and toothache. After soaking, the rhizomes are eaten. Powder from dried bergenia roots is sprinkled on wounds and ulcers to speed up their healing.
Contraindications: hypotension, tachycardia, hemorrhoids, thrombophlebitis, intestinal diseases with a tendency to constipation.
Galega officinalis L.
Legume family– Fabaceae
Popular name: goat's rue officinalis.
Galega officinalis - Galega is found in damp places in meadows, along river banks, along gullies, and forest edges.
The aerial part of the plant in the form of decoctions and infusions is used for diabetes mellitus
Leaves and flowers are included in antidiabetic preparations. They have been used for a long time in folk medicine as diuretic, diaphoretic, lactogenic, anthelmintic.
Internal use of Galega officinalis requires great caution, since the plant poisonous.
Elecampane tall – Inula helenium L.
Family Asteraceae– Compositae
Perennial herbaceous plant. Distributed in Altai in forest and forest-steppe zones. It grows along the banks of rivers, lakes, in wet meadows, in places where groundwater emerges, among bushes, in deciduous forests, on the outskirts of villages (as a wild plant). Elecampane is one of the ancient medicinal plants that were widely used in their time by doctors of the era of Hippocrates, Dioscorides, and Pliny. This plant was used in practice by Avicenna. Pliny wrote that elecampane grew from the tears of Helen, the daughter of Zeus and Leda, whose abduction by Paris, according to legend, was the reason for the Trojan War.
Decoction elecampane is used
- with bronchitis,
- bronchial asthma,
- pneumonia,
- emphysema,
- pulmonary tuberculosis;
- diseases of the digestive tract (gastritis with increased secretion, enterocolitis, diarrhea of non-infectious origin, pancreatitis, lack of appetite);
- liver diseases,
- skin diseases (eczema, neurodermatitis and other dermatoses and difficult-to-heal wounds),
- in folk medicine – for helminthic infestation,
- painful and irregular menstruation,
- anemia,
- kidney diseases,
- hemorrhoids,
- diabetes mellitus,
- dropsy,
- hypertension
Infusion of elecampane used for:
with pneumonia,
bronchitis,
tracheitis,
cold,
with high blood pressure,
hemorrhoids
as a blood purifier for various skin diseases.
Ointment Elecampane is used for eczema and itchy skin.
Juice– for cough and bronchial asthma.
Tincture- for malaria.
Essence from fresh roots and rhizomes is used in homeopathy. In Bulgarian folk medicine, the tincture is used for palpitations, headaches, epilepsy, whooping cough.
The rhizomes and roots of elecampane are included in expectorant, gastric, and diuretic preparations.
Contraindications and possible side effects: Elecampane is not recommended for use in severe diseases of the cardiovascular system, kidneys, or during pregnancy. It should be remembered that elecampane preparations can only be used as prescribed by a doctor. In case of overdose, symptoms of poisoning may appear.
Oregano – Origanum vulgare L.
Family Lamiaceae– Lamiacea
Common name: Dushmyanka, mother.
Perennial herbaceous plant. Oregano is widespread in Altai. It usually grows in groups of several plants on sandy and loamy dry and fresh soils in coniferous and mixed forests, on their edges, clearings and clearings, on dry and floodplain meadows.
The medicinal properties of the plant are mentioned in the works of Dioscorides, Aristotle, and Aristophanes. According to Avicenna, oregano was used in ancient times for joint diseases, liver and stomach treatment. It was recommended to chew the grass for toothache and to cleanse teeth of stones.
Oregano is part of a sedative collection for the treatment of neuroses, chest and diaphoretic preparations; it is prescribed for intestinal atony.
In obstetric and gynecological practice, infusion is used for amenorrhea, baths are used for gynecological diseases.
In homeopathy, the essence is used for hysteria, erotomania, nymphomania.
In folk medicine infusion of oregano used for:
- acute respiratory diseases,
- whooping cough
- gastritis,
- stomach colic,
- hepatitis,
- diarrhea,
- dyspepsia,
- asthenia,
- bronchial asthma,
- rheumatism,
- neuralgia,
infusion, decoction (topically) –
- for itchy eczema,
- other skin diseases (as a wound healing agent).
Juice oregano is used for:
- for rheumatism,
- paralysis,
- convulsions,
- epilepsy,
- pain in the intestinal area,
- disorders menstrual cycle,
- with decreased secretion of gastric juice,
- atony and bloating,
- for constipation,
- to stimulate appetite,
- improved digestion,
- for a cold
- for various gynecological diseases;
- provides pain relief,
- tranquilizing,
- hemostatic and
- deodorizing effect;
externally– for skin rashes, furunculosis, ulcers, headaches.
In folk medicine it is included in balms and ointments - for neuralgia, rheumatism, paralysis, paresis, toothache and ear pain.
Contraindications the use of oregano preparations is associated with severe diseases of the cardiovascular system and pregnancy.
St. John's wort – Hepericum perforatum L.
St. John's wort family– Hypericaceae
Perennial herbaceous plant.
Distributed throughout almost the entire territory of Altai.
Grows on fresh sandy loam and su clay soils in pine and mixed forests, in clearings, clearings, on fallow lands, along roads.
Rarely forms large thickets (usually on fallow lands); more often it grows in narrow stripes along the edges of the forest.
In the old days, St. John's wort was considered a magical plant. In rural areas, when filling children's mattresses, they always added Bogorodskaya grass (thyme) to the straw so that the child would have sweet dreams, and St. John's wort, so that the smell of this plant would protect the child from fright in his sleep.
And grown-up boys and girls told fortunes on the stalks of St. John's wort. They twist it in their hands and see what kind of juice appears: if it’s red, it means it loves it, if it’s colorless, it means it doesn’t love it. The old people believed that St. John's wort drove away evil spirits, diseases and protected people from attacks by wild animals. The Germans called it devil's wort because they believed that St. John's wort drove out devils and brownies.
St. John's wort was considered a medicinal plant back in Ancient Greece and Rome. Hippocrates, Dioscorides, Pliny the Elder, and Avicenna wrote about him. People call it a herb for 99 diseases, and there was practically no collection that did not include St. John's wort as a main or auxiliary medicine.
The herb St. John's wort (Herba Hyperici) is used as a medicinal raw material, that is, the tops of stems with flowers, leaves, buds and partially unripe fruits. St. John's wort is harvested in the flowering phase of the plant, before the appearance of unripe fruits.
In folk medicine use a decoction of St. John's wort at:
- stomach ulcer,
- increased acidity of gastric juice,
- gout,
- sciatica,
- rheumatism,
- scrofulosis,
- hemorrhoids,
- with nocturnal enuresis in children,
- diarrhea,
- nervous diseases,
- for diseases of the oral cavity.
In folk medicine St. John's wort juice I'm at:
- bronchial asthma,
- colds,
- hypotension,
- scurvy,
- colitis,
- stomatitis,
- gingivitis,
- cholelithiasis,
- kidney diseases,
- cystitis,
- urinary incontinence in children,
- gastritis,
- bloody diarrhea,
- liver diseases,
- jaundice,
- nervous diseases,
- headache,
- anemia,
- uterine bleeding,
- hemorrhoids,
- cough,
- with decreased appetite,
- rheumatism.
Essential oil– for the treatment of burns, leg ulcers, stomach and duodenal ulcers. St. John's wort oil (externally) - as a wound healing agent, orally - on the recommendation of a doctor for peptic ulcers of the stomach and duodenum.
St. John's wort seeds have a strong laxative effect and have antibacterial activity.
Contraindications: St. John's wort herb can cause discomfort in the liver and a feeling of bitterness in the mouth, constipation, and loss of appetite. Since St. John's wort increases blood pressure, it is advisable to prescribe it to people suffering from hypertension only as part of a collection.
“Just as you cannot bake bread without flour, so without St. John’s wort you cannot treat many diseases of people and animals,” people say.
Ivan-angustifolia tea-Chamaenerion angustifolium L.
Fireweed family– Onagraceae
Common name: fireweed, Kaporsky tea.
Perennial herbaceous plant.
Distributed throughout almost the entire territory of Altai. Grows on fresh sandy loam and loamy soils in clearings, clearings in coniferous and mixed forests, near ditches, on drained peat bogs, along railway embankments.
Ivan tea is also called Kaporsky tea after the name of the village of Kapory in Leningrad region, where for the first time in Russia they began to use it instead of Chinese tea.
For medicinal purposes, the grass, leaves, and flowers of the plant are used, which are harvested during flowering.
In folk medicine Ivan tea is used at:
- constipation,
- whites,
- headache,
- and also as an astringent, emollient, enveloping and wound-healing;
decoction (in the form of rinses)
- for sore throats;
inside
- for gastritis,
- colitis,
- bleeding,
- anemia,
- acute respiratory diseases.
Decoction and infusion of fireweed tea
- anti-inflammatory,
- astringent,
- emollient,
- diaphoretic,
- sedative,
- anticonvulsant,
- for gastrointestinal diseases,
- gastritis,
- colitis,
- ulcers of the stomach and intestines,
- metabolic disorders,
- anemia,
- headache,
- scrofulosis,
- insomnia,
- scurvy,
- gonorrhea,
- syphilis,
- as a cardiac stimulant.
Externally– for washing wounds, ulcers; poultices– as a pain reliever for otitis media, bruises, arthralgia; powder– for the treatment of infected wounds.
Side effects: with long-term use of fireweed tea, gastrointestinal disorders may occur.
Tea kopek, red root – Hedysarum thenium L.
Legume family– Fabaceae
Tea kopeck is a perennial herbaceous plant with a thick, long, woody, powerful root (up to 5 m). The tea plant is found in subalpine meadows, banks of rivers, streams, and in the subalpine zone.
Kopeknik is used as:
- anti-inflammatory
- immunomodulatory agent,
- for inflammation of the prostate gland
- women's diseases,
- for tuberculosis,
- bronchitis,
- pneumonia.
It is used as an expectorant for respiratory diseases and acute gastrointestinal diseases.
Meadowsweet – Filipendula ulmaria (L.) Maxim
Rosaceae family– Rosaceae
Meadowsweet is a large perennial herbaceous plant. Meadowsweet is found almost throughout the entire territory of Altai, growing in wet meadows, swamps, along the banks of reservoirs, in damp forests and bushes, along the edges, clearings, clearings and burnt areas. 
Decoctions of meadowsweet roots, herbs, and flowers are used for:
- gastrointestinal diseases,
- epilepsy,
- rheumatism,
- gout,
- kidney and urinary tract diseases,
- hemorrhoids,
- in the form of enemas for leucorrhoea;
- for bites from snakes and rabid animals,
- nervous diseases,
- hypertension,
- as an anthelmintic.
Tincture of the herb in alcohol is used to treat trophic ulcers, wounds and burn surfaces.
A decoction, infusion of herbs and flowers is used for fever and colds as a diaphoretic and diuretic.
Flowers and grass are used instead of tea, young leaves are used for soups, borscht and salads.
Leuzea safflower (maral root) – Rhaponticum carthamoides (Willd.)
Family Asteraceae– Compositae
Leuzea – perennial. It is usually found in alpine and subalpine tall grass meadows, sometimes enters the alpine tundra, and is common in the Altai mountains.
Leuzea liquid extract is used for:
- functional disorders of the nervous system,
- reduced performance,
- mental fatigue and loss of strength,
- chronic alcoholism,
- impotence,
- to regulate blood pressure.
In folk medicine, rhizomes, roots (sometimes herbs) are used in the form of infusions, decoctions, vodka tinctures as a stimulant for loss of strength, insomnia, overwork, after serious illnesses, impotence, and excessive irritability.
Contraindications: pregnancy, age up to 15 years. Long-term use of Leuzea drugs can cause a persistent increase in blood pressure, a slowdown in the rhythm and an increase in the amplitude of heart contractions,
Large burdock – Arctium lappa L.
Aster family– Asteracea
Large biennial herbaceous plant. Distributed throughout almost the entire territory of Altai.
In medicine, burdock is used in the form of infusions.
Burdock infusion is drunk for:
- treatment of gastritis,
- stomach ulcers,
- rickets,
- constipation,
- fevers,
- with delays in menstruation,
- to normalize metabolism,
- activity of the liver and pancreas,
- diabetes mellitus,
- kidney stone disease,
- cholelithiasis,
- salt deposits in joints, etc.
In folk medicine, burdock root is known as a strong diuretic, diaphoretic and blood purifier. Burdock seeds also have a strong diuretic effect, but are rarely used because their collection is labor-intensive.
IN folk medicine Burdock is used both externally as an ointment and internally. Traditional medicine recommends consuming all parts of the plant fresh, in the form of extracts, as well as in the form of decoctions and infusions. An infusion of burdock roots is used for inflammatory diseases of the digestive system, kidney stones and cholelithiasis, rheumatism and gout.
An infusion or decoction of burdock root is prescribed as a diuretic and choleretic agent, as well as an antifever, for diabetes, pulmonary tuberculosis, and salt metabolism disorders.
Traditional medicine also recommends taking the seeds and the whole fresh plant internally as a diuretic and diaphoretic, a remedy for colds and fevers, swelling, hemorrhages and intoxication from insect bites and poisonous snakes.
Common cuff – Alchemilla vulgaris L.
Rosaceae family– Rosaceae Common name: chest, ailing grass.
Perennial herbaceous creeping plant of the Rosaceae family.
Alchemists in the Middle Ages used the dew collected on the leaves of the cuff as “heavenly dew”; with its help they tried to look for the “philosopher’s stone” - hence the origin of the Latin name of the plant “alchemilla”. IN Western Europe In the Middle Ages, mantle was known as a witch's herb.
Since ancient times, it was believed that if you wash your face in the morning with dew collected from the leaves of the cuff, it will return to the person. former beauty. Until now, in some countries, and especially in Switzerland, women wipe their faces with leaves covered with dew to reduce freckles and remove acne.
Distributed throughout Altai, it grows in forests, on moist soils, in dry and wet meadows, river banks, and near houses.
For medicinal purposes, the stem, leaves, flowers and rhizome of the common mantle are used. The leaves are collected from spring to July and air dried in the shade. They should be collected when the morning dew or drops of water actively released by the plant on humid nights have dried.
Used in folk medicine cuff infusion (inside) at:
- kidney diseases,
- Bladder,
- colitis with diarrhea,
- gastritis,
- peptic ulcer of the stomach and duodenum,
- bronchitis,
- cold,
- atherosclerosis;
- ulcers,
- wounds,
- inflammation of the eyes,
- nosebleeds,
- to kill acne,
- furunculosis;
as poultice- with dislocations.
Juice, infusion externally (in the form of lotions)– for tumors, wounds, eye diseases; in the form of douching - for leucorrhoea, bleeding; in the form of compresses - for dislocations.
Lungwort – Pulmonaria officinalis L.
Borage family– Boraginaceae
Common name: water springs, spotted grass, pulmonary root.
Widely distributed in Altai, grows in thickets, among shrubs, and deciduous forests.
In folk medicine apply lungwort:
- to replenish iodine deficiency in the body,
- for diseases of the upper respiratory tract,
- pneumonia,
- pulmonary tuberculosis,
- bronchial asthma,
- as a means of regulating the activity of the endocrine glands,
- improves hematopoiesis,
- as an analgesic and diuretic.
Crushed leaves are applied to purulent wounds for healing or the wounds are washed with a strong solution. Powder from dry leaves is also applied to wounds.
Juice, infusion externally - for tumors, wounds, eye diseases; in the form of douching - for leucorrhoea, bleeding; in the form of compresses - for dislocations.
Lungwort greens can be used for spring vitamin salads and soups.
Contraindications: individual intolerance to iodine preparations.
Common bracken – Pteridium aquilinum (L.) Kuhn.
Centipede family– Polypodiaceae
Large fern with dissected leaves. Distributed almost everywhere on the globe.
Young shoots and leaves of bracken are edible. In the spring, young leaves are collected when the leaf blade has not yet unfolded, immediately processed and salted.
They are used to prepare salads, seasonings and stand-alone dishes.
In folk medicine, a decoction of bracken roots was taken as anthelmintic, laxative, diuretic, antipyretic and analgesic.
Externally, the rhizomes were used for skin diseases.
Orthilia secunda L.
Wintergreen family– Pyrolaceae
Popular name: boron uterus, ramishia one-sided, boletus grass, boletus, wine grass, vinca, pear, hare salt, zymosol, forest pear.
It is found in Altai mainly in the middle and southern taiga and sub-taiga, as well as in deciduous and mixed forests, sometimes in forest meadows with shrubs and open forests. It is found mainly in areas with a humid climate.
Ortilia unilateral is widely used in medicine to treat:
- gynecological diseases of an inflammatory nature,
- uterine fibroids,
- infertility,
- uterine bleeding,
- toxicoses,
- menstrual irregularities,
- adhesive processes,
- obstruction and inflammation of the tubes,
- as a disinfectant for inflammatory processes in the kidneys and bladder,
- for cystitis,
- pyelonephritis,
- with inflammation of the prostate gland,
- hemorrhoids,
- urinary incontinence in adults and children,
- acute inflammation of the ear (purulent).
Contraindications: individual intolerance, pregnancy.
Tansy – Tanacetum vulgare L.
Family Asteraceae– Compositae
Common name: immortal grass, wild rowan, nine, nine-brother.
A perennial herbaceous plant with a strong camphor odor. Distributed throughout Altai. Grows on dry and fresh sandy loam, loamy and clay soils in light, mixed, broad-leaved forests, along forest edges, clearings, and along roadsides. Plant poisonous, especially the inflorescences!
Tansy preparations have choleretic, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, anthelmintic, astringent and antifever action.
They contraindicated pregnant women and young children.
Tansy is prescribed for diseases:
- liver and gallbladder,
- with inflammatory processes in the small and large intestines,
- bladder,
- and also for malaria.
Its infusion has an antiseptic and diaphoretic effect, improves digestion and appetite.
In folk medicine tansy infusion is used for:
- to expel roundworms and pinworms,
- for gastrointestinal diseases (gastritis, peptic ulcer of the stomach and duodenum, enterocolitis),
- diseases of the liver and gall bladder (hepatitis, cholecystitis),
- nervous disorders,
- headache,
- women's diseases,
- fever,
- arterial hypotension;
Powder(with honey or sugar syrup) – for ascariasis, enterobiasis.
Tansy juice is used for:
- intoxications caused by pulmonary tuberculosis,
- fever,
- peptic ulcer of the stomach and duodenum,
- gout,
- rheumatism,
- nervous diseases,
- epilepsy,
- migraine,
- headache,
- aching joints,
- low acidity,
- infectious and acute respiratory diseases,
- inflammation of the small and large intestines, bladder, kidneys;
- for urolithiasis,
- menstrual irregularities and heavy menstruation;
- has a hypnotic effect;
externally (in the form of baths and compresses):
- for the treatment of indolent wounds and ulcers,
- for scabies,
- gout,
- joint inflammation;
in the form of microenemas– to expel roundworms and pinworms.
In France, tansy flowers are used as an anthelmintic, antifever, antiseptic, and gastrointestinal remedy.
Contraindications and side effects: treatment with tansy must be carried out under the supervision of a doctor, since the plant is poisonous. Tansy preparations should not be prescribed to pregnant women and young children. In case of an overdose, stomach upset, vomiting occurs, and with large doses, convulsions occur.
Evading peony – Paeonia anomala L.+
Peony family– Paeoniaceae
Common name: unusual peony, marin root.
Perennial herbaceous plant. A rare endangered species included in the Red Book. It grows in sparse coniferous and deciduous forests, in tall grass and taiga meadows, on the edges and forest clearings, in birch copses. In the mountains it is most abundant in open forests at the upper limit of woody vegetation. The plant is very poisonous!
The genus name Paeonia is found in Theophrastus and comes from the Greek word paionis healing, healing, healing. Greek legend connects this flower with the name of the doctor Paeon, who healed the god of the underworld Pluto from the wounds inflicted on him by Hercules. Paeon's teacher Aesculapius, envious of his student, decided to poison him. But the gods saved Peon by turning him into a flower.
According to another legend, the plant got its name from the Thracian region of Paeonia, where it grew in large quantities.
Peony in Ancient Greece and in the Middle Ages in Europe was considered miraculous medicinal plants, helping with suffocation, gout. Peony roots have long been used in China (1st century AD) and are part of anticancer funds.
In traditional medicine, a tincture of a mixture of roots and herbs is used as sedative for insomnia, vegetative-vascular disorders. Under the influence of the drug, sleep improves, headaches caused by stress and overwork decrease, and performance increases.
In folk medicine, especially in Tibetan and among the local population of Siberia, peony evaginata is used more widely. Peony seeds and alcohol tincture of rhizomes are used for impotence due to diabetes.
Water infusion and alcohol tincture are used for:
- urolithiasis,
- liver diseases,
- pulmonary tuberculosis,
- whooping cough
- bronchitis.
Great plantain – Plantago major L.
Plantain family– Plantaginaceae
Common name: travel companion, traveler, seven-leader.
Perennial herbaceous plant.
The plantain is unusually prolific and produces several tens of thousands of seeds per season, which in autumn bad weather stick along with the dirt to the shoes of pedestrians, the hooves of horses and cows, and car wheels and quickly take over new spaces. Thus, our weed crossed the ocean, and the Indians began to call it “the white man’s footprint.”
The large plantain grows throughout Siberia and does not form large thickets. It grows as a weed along roads, near homes, in water meadows, vegetable gardens, and orchards.
Infusion from the leaves of the great plantain renders expectorant action and is used as an adjuvant for bronchitis, whooping cough, bronchial asthma, and tuberculosis.
Juice from fresh leaves plantain is effective for:
- chronic gastritis,
- peptic ulcer of the stomach and duodenum with normal or reduced acidity of gastric juice.
When treated with plantain leaf juice, patients note a decrease or disappearance of pain and dyspepsia, and an improvement in appetite. By the end of the course of treatment, muscle tension and pain in the abdominal wall upon palpation, spastic phenomena in the large intestine disappear, and the acidity of gastric juice increases.
The presence of phytoncides in the plant determines antimicrobial effect drugs.
Water infusion and Fresh Juice from the leaves of the plant promotes rapid cleansing and wound healing. These drugs are used in the form of lotions and washes for bruises, fresh cuts and wounds, for chronic ulcers, fistulas, abscesses, boils.
Bush cinquefoil – Pentaphylloides fruticosa (L.) O. Sehwarz.
Rosaceae family – Rosaceae
Common name: Kuril tea.
Kuril tea- an erect or spreading shrub of the Rosaceae family, 20–150 cm high. Kuril tea grows in the valleys of mountain rivers, along the pebble-sandy banks of these rivers and on the slopes of mountains in Altai and the East Kazakhstan region.
Kuril tea is close to real tea in composition, content of biologically active substances and mineral elements. However, Kuril tea is still healthier for human health.
It has been established that the plant exhibits bactericidal, antiallergic, hepatoprotective, antiviral, immunostimulating and antidiabetic properties.
IN gynecological practice Kuril tea is used for:
- cervical erosion,
- heavy periods,
- uterine bleeding.
A thick decoction of Kuril tea is used as a rinse for sore throats, stomatitis and other diseases of the oral cavity.
A decoction of leaves and flowers of Kuril tea in folk medicine is prescribed for inflammatory liver diseases as choleretic agent and with fever as sweatshop.
An infusion of Kuril tea is used for bloody diarrhea as hemostatic and an appetite improver, as well as for various neuropsychiatric diseases and blood diseases.
Rhodiola rosea (golden root) – Rhodiola rosea L.
Crassulaceae family– Crassulaceae Rhodiola rosea is a perennial herbaceous medicinal plant.“Whoever finds the golden root will be lucky and healthy until the end of his days, and will live for two centuries,” says an ancient Altai belief.
For several centuries, Chinese emperors sent expeditions to search for Rhodiola rosea, and smugglers smuggled it across the border.
Rhodiola rosea is widespread in Altai. It grows in rocky river valleys, on the northern slopes of ridges with abundant flowing moisture, the presence of large amounts of fine earth and silt particles. 
People fell in love with tea made from golden root with the addition of blackberry leaves, raspberries, strawberries, black currants, thyme grass, St. John's wort flowers, and cinquefoil bushes. This drink, usually prescribed for heavy physical or mental work, restores metabolism and has a tonic effect. It is prescribed for disorders of the stomach and intestines, colds and oncology.
Contraindications: individual intolerance to product components, pregnancy and breastfeeding, diabetes mellitus, increased nervous excitability, insomnia, high blood pressure, cardiac dysfunction, severe atherosclerosis, taking in the evening. It is recommended to consult a doctor before use.
Creeping thyme (thyme) – Thymus serpillum L.
Lamiaceae family – LamiaceaeThe popular name is thyme, cap, Bogorodskaya grass, zhidobnik, flypalm, lemon scent.
A perennial, strongly branched subshrub that creeps along the ground, forming dense turf. It grows mainly in the steppe zone. It lives on southern slopes, rocks, in rocky and sandy steppes, in steppe meadows, along the edges and clearings of pine forests, on rocky and gravelly, slightly turfed slopes. An infusion of the flowering herb thyme or dried herb is used for pulmonary diseases as expectorant, disinfectant means.
An infusion of thyme herb for inhalation is used for inflammatory diseases of the oral cavity.
For kidney diseases, thyme infusion is used internally as diuretic and disinfectant.
Thyme decoction is used in the treatment of:
- alcoholism,
- as an antiseptic for disinfecting the oral cavity,
- as an anthelmintic.
Thyme is used as a spice and as a seasoning for various dishes.
Thyme preparations contraindicated during pregnancy, cardiac decompensation, decreased thyroid function, acute inflammatory kidney diseases.
Common yarrow – Achillea millefolium L.
Compositae family – Asteraceae
A perennial herbaceous plant that grows in dry meadows, on steppe slopes and in sparse forests, along roadsides, field edges and garden plots.
Has a diaphoretic, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, bactericidal and hemostatic effect; increases bile secretion.
Included in stomach and appetizing teas - yarrow preparations improve digestion, especially in case of secretory insufficiency of the gastric glands; yarrow mixtures with nettle are prescribed as a hemostatic agent for internal and external bleeding.
Yarrow is used as:
- hemostatic agent for local bleeding - nasal, dental, from minor wounds, abrasions, scratches,
- for pulmonary and uterine bleeding, fibroids, inflammatory processes, hemorrhoidal bleeding;
- for diseases of the gastrointestinal tract - colitis, gastritis, peptic ulcer;
- colds and respiratory diseases;
- also recommended for inflammation of the biliary and urinary tracts,
- bedwetting.
Contraindications for use. Some people develop a severe skin rash upon contact with yarrow, not only when using it for baths, lotions and compresses as an external remedy, but also when simply touching the plant. If such rashes appear during treatment with yarrow, it should be canceled immediately.
The flora of the Altai region is rich and diverse. The vegetation here was influenced by the geological history of the territory's development, climate, and peculiar relief. Almost all types of vegetation of northern and central Asia, Eastern Kazakhstan, and the European part of Russia are found in Altai.
The region is famous for its abundant thickets of useful sea buckthorn shrubs, which produce berries from which valuable products are made. medicine sea buckthorn oil. They grow along the banks of reservoirs, in floodplains of rivers and streams, on pebbles and sandy soils of reservoirs.
Valerian (valerian) is a perennial herbaceous medicinal plant with small flowers, collected in inflorescences. It is also called: maun pharmacy, cat root, magpie tributary grass. The herbaceous plant grows in most of the territory of Russia.
Dandelion has long been given great importance as a source of the “elixir of life.” And this is not surprising if you know about its rare tonic properties. This plant was widely used for medicinal and cosmetic purposes, as well as in folk cooking for preparing cold and hot dishes, as well as a drink that tastes like coffee. Dandelion has long been given great importance as a source of the “elixir of life.” And this is not surprising if you know about its rare tonic properties. This plant was widely used for medicinal and cosmetic purposes, as well as in folk cooking for preparing cold and hot dishes, as well as a drink that tastes like coffee.
Maryin root, or, as it is also called, evasive peony. This plant grows mainly in the Siberian taiga. Maryin root is not only very beautiful ornamental plant, but also incredibly useful. The plant is popularly nicknamed zhgun-grass because of the pungent taste of its healing rhizomes. Unfortunately, due to massive collections of this plant, its distribution in nature has decreased significantly, so the plant was listed in the Red Book. In medicine, underground and above-ground parts are used to prepare tinctures, which are prescribed as a sedative for insomnia and nervous system disorders.
Spring Adonis is also called: spring adonis, hare poppy, hare grass - a perennial herbaceous plant with a short rhizome. Distributed in the steppe and forest-steppe zones of the European part of Russia, grows on chernozem soils on dry hillsides, forest clearings, forest edges and among thickets of bushes. Adonis vernatum is grown both as a medicinal and ornamental plant.
Licorice is a perennial herbaceous plant of the legume family with a powerful root system. It forms large thickets along saline steppes and the banks of steppe rivers, on sand, as well as in fields of steppe and semi-desert zones. Licorice root is also used to make medicinal preparations in brewing, confectionery, cooking and for technical purposes.
There are a great many medicinal plants on the planet, but the real leader, which has received universal recognition, can be called nettle. This is a truly unique herb, it is used in different areas human life activity. So, in the past, bast fibers obtained from nettles were used to make threads, ropes, fishing nets, and also made very durable fabrics. In the 19th century, Europeans strained honey through a nettle sieve and sifted flour.
Mountain Altai is not only a sacred, unique land, but also a natural reserve. Everything's there. Glaciers and mountains, fast rivers and azure lakes, high mountain steppes, forests, taiga.
And, due to such a variety of natural areas, a very rich flora and fauna. That's why so many medicinal plants grow there.
And many herbalists regularly travel to Altai on expeditions to study and collect medicinal plants.
Ekaterina Snegireva, herbalist, aromatherapist, psychologist, teacher of Kundalini Yoga, talks about some of them.
One of the plants without which I never return from Altai is Bergenia thickifolia.
It usually grows on the shores of high-mountain lakes, on passes, in rock crevices and in general on any rocky rock.
Badan is also called Mongolian tea or Chigir tea. After all, it is one of the oldest medicinal plants, the healing properties of which have long been used in folk medicine by Mongolian, Chinese and Tibetan doctors.
In these countries, bergenia tea has long been a traditional drink; it resembles black tea, but with a more tart and astringent taste and aroma.
Last year's dry, inconspicuous-looking, black leaves are harvested, which have already undergone natural fermentation and have lost the bulk of their alkaloids.
Bergenia tea is also called Shepherd tea or shepherds tea. Roaming through the high mountain steppes, the pastoral tribes of Altai and Mongolia have been drinking this healing and restorative drink since ancient times.
Bergenia has a pronounced antimicrobial activity, is considered a natural antibiotic, tones well without raising blood pressure, gives strength and strengthens the immune system, has hemostatic and vascular strengthening properties, and is an excellent uroseptic.
“Khan-Altai” - the Altaians respectfully call their region. And this is truly sacred, unique land. She is alive.
It was as if there was still some magic there. Altaians believe that every river, every tree or every mountain has its own spirit - eezi. They worship them and treat all living things with great respect.
From the very first minutes of your stay in Altai, you seem to be imbued with this attitude, feeling, and begin to perceive everything a little differently.
It's like you're becoming part of something bigger. Here you merge with nature and return to your essence.
Cinquefoil shrub
Another common medicinal plant in Altai is Cinquefoil bush or Kuril tea.
Entire thickets of this bush with bright yellow flowers can be found almost everywhere there. This plant has been used since ancient times also in China and Mongolia.
Kuril tea is mentioned in the ancient Tibetan medical treatise “Chzhud-Shi”. In Eastern medicine, a healing drink is used to treat diseases of the nervous system and gastrointestinal tract.
Kuril tea is also used for hypertension, to strengthen the immune system, and for various diseases of the liver, blood vessels and genitourinary system.
Leaves - five-leafed leaves and flowers - are collected. Take it with caution for people with low blood pressure, because cinquefoil can lower it even more.
Another equally common occurrence is unique plant- Common skullcap.
First mentions of beneficial properties Skullcap is found in the treatise on Tibetan medicine “Zhud-Shi”, written more than 25 centuries ago.
Currently, treatment with drugs based on this plant is practiced in Chinese medicine.
Skullcap is also called Blue St. John's wort. It has absolutely no contraindications and has antioxidant and antitumor activity.
During periods of strong physical and mental stress, the plant protects nervous system from damage and has a mild tonic effect.
In addition, Skullcap promotes improved oxygen supply to brain and muscle cells, increasing their performance. By dilating blood vessels and increasing their elasticity, the plant helps lower blood pressure and alleviate hypertension. This same property of the herb makes it an excellent remedy for the prevention of strokes.
One of my favorite Altai plants is Schizonepeta multicut. It grows especially abundantly in the valley of the Chulyshman River.
She can't help but attract attention. Blue-violet corollas with a strong spicy odor are visible and felt from afar.
It contains a lot essential oils, causing its strong odor, in particular, thymol and carvacrol, the same ones that are also found in Thyme.
And you need to add very little of it to tea, otherwise it will interrupt the aroma and taste of other herbs.
In cedar forests you can often find lichen, which is very similar to long, patty algae hanging for some reason from trees. This is Usnea beardeda.
Usnea has been used in medical practice since ancient times. The main active ingredients of Usnea barbata are usnic acid and bitterness.
Usnic acid is a strong natural antibiotic with antibacterial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties.
Usna also contains a lot of iodine, ascorbic acid and other useful substances, so in folk medicine it is used in the treatment of a wide variety of diseases.
Licorice glabra or Licorice is another medicinal plant commonly found in Altai.
The roots of the plant are usually used, which have a sweetish taste and characteristic aroma. The famous sweet Liquorice is made from it.
Licorice is widely used in medical practice as an expectorant, enveloping, and cough softener for diseases of the upper respiratory tract.
Licorice preparations have immunomodulatory, antiviral, antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory properties, exhibit hypotensive, capillary-strengthening, antibacterial, and antitumor effects. Licorice also stimulates the adrenal cortex.
High in the mountains and on passes you can find delicate, very beautiful pale yellow and bright blue flowers. This is Gentian.
For the first time, infusions and decoctions of gentian began to be used in Ancient Egypt as effective remedy for the treatment of gastric diseases and Ancient Rome for convulsions, severe bruises, bites of poisonous animals, and also as a means to treat plague.
In the Middle Ages, gentian was used to treat tuberculosis, plague, fever, diarrhea, and also as an effective anthelmintic.
In mountainous countries, bitter alcoholic drinks were made from gentian roots.
The pharmacological properties of this plant are primarily determined by the presence of bitter substances - glycosides, which have a positive effect on the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract and stimulate appetite.
Another alpine plant is Saussurea or Bitterweed. Saussurea is known in Tibetan folk medicine, as well as the peoples of Siberia and Transbaikalia.
The plant is most often used for epilepsy, fever, diarrhea, tuberculosis, neoplasms, and various types of bleeding.
Protected and shrouded in legends, Edelweiss grows on the high mountain plateaus of Altai. For many peoples, it is a symbol of love and happiness.
Bringing a flower to your beloved girl was the height of courage and bravery, since it grows high in the mountains, on the very edge of the eternal snow, and only the bravest can reach it to give it to their beloved.
Edelweiss improves immunity and has an anti-inflammatory effect, but there are more effective plants for these purposes. There are so few edelweiss in the world and they are so magical that one would not dare to collect them for medicinal purposes.
Peony evasive
In the forests of Altai, in clearings or forest edges, you can find Peony evasive or Maryin root blooming en masse.
This is a type of peony that is grown in our flower beds and gardens; only the root of the wild peony has a characteristic strong odor and has strong soothing properties.
In China, peony is used as part of antitumor preparations. In Mongolian medicine - for kidney and liver diseases.
Tibetan medicine widely uses the healing properties of peony: it is used in the treatment of nervous diseases, colds, gastrointestinal diseases, malaria, fever, metabolic disorders, diseases of the kidneys, respiratory tract and lungs.
Rhodiola rosea, Forgotten commonweed, Leuzea soflorida
The calling card of Altai is medicinal plants, which belong to the group of adaptogens - when used regularly, they are able to adapt the body to the harmful effects of the environment.
They have strong immunomodulatory properties, increase mental and physical performance, and tone (therefore, they are contraindicated for people with high blood pressure).
An alcoholic tincture or decoction is made from the roots of these plants. Unfortunately, all of them are endangered species and are listed in the Red Book.
Their extraction is prohibited, but everywhere at Altai fairs you can meet traders of these healing roots.
Here are some of these plants - Rhodiola rosea or Golden root, Forgotten kopeck or Red root, Leuzea soflora or Maral root.
Rhodiola quadrupartum
Rhodiola quadrupartite or Red brush also belongs to the same group of adaptogens. But it is considered more of a female plant, since it also has a hormonal effect; it should be used with caution.
There are many more medicinal Altai plants and herbs, it’s impossible to list them all. And it’s better to see it all with your own eyes. Touch them, say hello, brew aromatic tea.
The season there usually lasts from May to September and each month different herbs bloom. So go, you won't regret it!
