Shepherd's bag - grass with unusual properties

Few people know that a modest plant shepherd's bag is a herb with rather unusual and even outstanding medicinal properties. However, about everything in order. So, according to botanical classification, the plant is considered to be one-year herbs, the height of its stem can reach about 40 centimeters. A distinctive feature is the seeds of a characteristic form (which resemble a bag of shepherds), ripening from the panicles of colors of whitish-yellow (or cream) color. In people the plant is more known under such names: ярутка and чижиов eyes.

The grass of the shepherd's bag is spread almost throughout the entire territory of our country, excluding only the Caucasus and the regions of the Far North. In some cases, it is considered even a very malignant weed, as it can successfully live on fences and roofs of houses.

As for the benefit to man, the shepherd's bag is a versatile herb, since valuable substances are contained in almost all parts of the plant. In particular, in the stems and seeds there are alkaloids (in non-hazardous quantities), a large part of the B vitamins, as well as vitamins K and A. It contains many microelements, organic acids and saponins. That is why the shepherd's bag is soap grass, as in the recent past many varieties of soap were produced on its basis. In addition, the seeds contain a pretty decent percentage of fatty oil, which is somewhat like a mustard seed. It is quite suitable for eating.

What to say that the grass shepherd's bag, the description of which is given above, has been known in pharmaceutical practice for a long time. In particular, the ancient Greeks and Romans constantly mentioned this plant in their manuscripts as an excellent hemostatic and restorative means. Modern medicine from yarutka also did not turn away, actively using it in the prevention and treatment of gastrointestinal diseases, increased pressure, if necessary to strengthen diuresis. Her ability to stop blood was also not disregarded, since the eyes have recently been used extensively in the production of drugs for the treatment of blood disorders associated with poor coagulation of the latter. Very often the plant is used in cases when kidney diseases are accompanied by bleeding.

In folk medicine, a shepherd's bag is a herb of young people, since it can be actively used as a rather effective and safe contraceptive. Considering the high, but balanced content of microelements in it, yarutka can be used for the prevention of metabolic diseases. For the same reason, its decoctions and infusions are effective in the treatment of non-healing wounds and ulcers. In the spring it is useful to drink tea from a shepherd's bag, since it is useful for the prevention and treatment of beriberi.

In cooking, the plant has also found wide application. Young leaves are great for salads and spring soups, they can be added to billets. From fresh greenery yarutki prepare a vitamin green paste for sandwiches, and from the dried one you can make a kind of mustard. However, pies stuffed with fresh her leaves are also very tasty.