Columbine –a perennial plant that is usually present in the high altitudes in the woodlands and open meadows. This particular plant is actually a good addition to the health. In the actual fact, there are a lot of health benefits of columbine that are all essential and vital for the overall health. These include lessening the menstrual bleeding, detoxifying the body, alleviating respiratory conditions, soothing the gastrointestinal issues, reducing fevers, eliminating pain, reducing inflammation, and treating skin conditions, among others. Aside from these, there is more to columbine than meets the eye. Give this article a read and get the chance of understanding more about this perennial plant.
Columbine: What is this?
Usually, they call columbine as the granny’s Bonnet. It comes from the Aquilegia genus, which actually consists of about 70 different species of perennial plants, which have been in use both as a food source and a medicinal substance by the Native Americans all over the northern hemisphere. Typically, it is present in the high altitudes in the woodlands and open meadows. Furthermore, they are easy to identify because of the spurred petals of their flower, that somewhat look like a claw.
In the actual fact, there are a lot of traditional uses and herbal remedies of this particular nifty plant. This includes the root, seed, and flowers, yet there is a considerable danger in the ingestion of the seeds in large amounts. This is since they contain some cardiogenic toxins, which may affect the gastrointestinal and cardiovascular systems. Moreover, the greatest care must be taken when turning to columbine for all of its medicinal benefits, and you must only trust the columbine, which are from a reliable and trusted herbalist.
You may use decoctions and tinctures of columbine for a lot of health benefits because of its astringent and diuretic properties, as well as the distinct mixture of organic compounds it has. The roots and seeds may be valuable in various ways to achieve various benefits. However, there is an increase in the risk of these kinds of traditional treatments.
Health Benefits of Columbine
Here are some of the most significant health benefits of columbine:
Aids in menstrual bleeding.
The effects of the columbine to women have been so popular for generations now. A small tincture of it may help in inducing the labor in pregnancy. Furthermore, its astringent and coagulant properties may help in reducing the bleeding after the delivery. Furthermore, some herbal practitioners in order to lessen the menstrual bleeding, as well as reduce some discomfort and symptoms that comes with menstruation also use columbine.
Aids in various stomach issues.
If you prepare the columbine roots properly, they may be beneficial as a tonic, especially for the stomach. This is since it is essential in easing the irritation and inflammation in the bowels, which may cause irritable bowel syndrome and diarrhea. It must be consumed just in small quantities and prepared by a trusted herbalist.
Helps in detoxifying the body.
The columbine has long been in use to stimulate the perspiration. When you mix the columbine flower with water and drink it, fever may rapidly vanish. The similar property is what induces the urination; hence, its role being diuretic makes it essential in detoxifying the body. By way of stimulating the elimination of the excess toxins, water, fats, and salts, columbine is beneficial in relieving the pressure on the liver and kidneys.
Aids in respiratory conditions.
By crushing the roots and combing in them with water has also been in use as a treatment for various respiratory conditions, just like sore throats and congestions. Via the elimination of the inflammation of the respiratory system, the columbine may help in speeding up the healing process, eliminate congestion, and reduce irritation that prevents any further conditions of infections from bacteria in the sputum and phlegm.
Aids in treating headache.
One of the most popular health benefits of columbine is its help in treating headaches. Even though the seeds are somewhat toxic, when you mix it with water or wine, your headaches may relieve rapidly. Note, however, that you will just use it in moderation and not in excess amounts.
Helps in eliminating pain.
Columbine helps in effectively relieving pain on various parts of the body. The same kind of paste may actually be applied to strained or bruised muscles in order to reduce pains and aches. Furthermore, those who are suffering from arthritis may also use an herbal lotion from columbine to effectively reduce discomfort.
Aids in skin health.
The anti-inflammatory being of columbine helps in reducing redness and irritation of the different parts of the body. It is in fact, essential in treating poison ivy, psoriasis, and mild acne, among other plant-resultant rashes.
Caution on the Consumption
As what we mentioned repeatedly in this article, various plant parts of columbine are somewhat poisonous. Hence, in spite all of the health benefits of columbine, you must not try to create tinctures, decoctions, or salves with no proper consultation or training. Always consult a professional medical practitioner before you add it in your health regiment.
