Surely many had to see the beautiful blue flowers of Veronica oak. It grows in forest glades, meadows, near shrubs. But to observe the beauty of this tender plant is possible only on a sunny day, because in cloudy weather the blue flowers hide. It is important to note that Veronica oak (photo see article) is used for medical purposes.
Botanical Description
This plant species belongs to the genus Veronica from the Podorozhnikov family and is a herbaceous perennial. Depending on the place of growth, the creeping stems of the flower stretch from 10 to 45 cm. On the stems you can see small soft hairs. The leaves of the plant have a slightly elongated ovoid shape with an incised-blunt-edged border. They grow on short cuttings. The length of the leaves is 1.5-3 cm, and their width is 1-2 cm. Thanks to the hairs, they have a slight fluffiness.
Blue little axillary flowers are collected in small brushes. A flower cup is formed of four or five fused leaflets. Sometimes flowers can have white bordering and dark veins. The diameter of the corolla is 10-15 mm. After flowering, fruits appear on the plant resembling small boxes about 3x4 cm in size. Inside are numerous flat seeds. Veronica oak has a thin branchy rhizome.
Flower spread
This plant can be found in Russia and Ukraine in all areas. Veronica chooses dry places in meadows and clearings. Also, it is often planted in gardens near shrubs, as an ornament. Some people like that in their plots Veronica oak grows. A description of the growing process is given below.
Variety of names
Given this wide distribution, oak veronica in different parts of the country can be called differently. Here are some of its names: wild forget-me-not, heart shape, heart grass, cog, oak, consumables, sheep grass, hernial grass, cichon, eyebright, waxwort, horsehair. The variety of her names does not end there, but in botanical encyclopedias this plant is called Veronica chamaedrys.
Collection and harvesting of plants
Veronica Dubrava flower is used in folk treatment. Many herbalists harvest plants during their flowering period, because it is at this moment that the maximum amount of nutrients is collected in them. Veronica Dubravna has this period in the months of May to July.
In medicine, flowering shoots are used, which must be cut with sharp scissors. If there are any damaged or yellowed parts, they must be removed. After collecting, the raw materials are laid out on a prepared pallet with a thin layer. The layer should not exceed five centimeters. You need to dry the raw materials in a room where there is air access, for example, an attic or a porch is suitable for this. Here you can store already dried grass, packaged in paper bags. After two years, this medicinal raw material loses its strength and becomes unusable.
You may notice that in natural conditions the veronica oak tree plant has no smell, but after it has been dried, an unobtrusive aroma appears. When consumed, a little bitterness is felt.
Flower growing
Veronika oak is often bred in front gardens and in garden areas. The growing process is quite simple, because the plant is unpretentious and quickly takes root. For planting, the division method is used, but the flower can also grow from seeds. Growth requires access to sunlight and moderately fertile land. When planting Veronica, you need to remember that it does not tolerate wet and heavy soil. Landing can be done in autumn or spring. After flowering has passed, dried branches are pruned. For winter, the plant is not covered.
Veronica Dubravna: use in medicine for healing
Like many other herbs, Veronica was widely used by healers back in World War II. It could be collected in a forest in a clearing, and decoctions and infusions were prepared from it. Such drugs were given to drink in diseases of the liver and kidneys.
Now it is revealed that the composition of the herb contains some vitamins, tannins, saponins, aucubin, essential oils and other components. But unlike Veronica officinalis, the chemical composition of this plant is not fully understood. Despite this, it was noted that drugs from this herb help with gynecological disorders, tuberculosis, bronchial asthma, gout, diabetes mellitus, oncological pathologies and during common colds.
So, Veronica Dubrava has wound healing, antifungal, expectorant, anticonvulsant, anti-inflammatory and hemostatic properties. Also, herbalists recommend gastritis with low acidity, during diarrhea or with poor appetite. Cooked infusion of herbs can also help if there are wounds, skin diseases, boils, burns. For these purposes, appropriate external use.
Possible recipes
You can prepare a medicinal decoction, so that the medicine is always at hand. To do this, take dried, chopped veronica oak and pour into hot water (2 tbsp. L. Raw materials per 400 ml of liquid). For further preparation, a water bath is made, and the potion is left for 15 minutes. After cooling, the infusion is filtered through a strainer or gauze. The finished product is stored in the refrigerator, in the freezer. At room temperature, the medicine becomes sour for a couple of days and loses its healing properties. For internal use or treatment of skin diseases, it is better to prepare a fresh herb preparation daily.
There are also recipes for making infusion for internal use. Pour two glasses of boiling water into a thermos and fill it with two tablespoons of Veronica (pre-dry and grind it). Tightly tighten the container and leave it overnight. In the morning, the infusion is filtered in a container. This tool can be used not only inside, but also externally.
Another recipe for infusion. For cooking, ten grams of ground raw material is measured and lowered into a glass or cup. Capacity to the top is filled with boiling water and covered with a saucer. After two hours, the infusion is filtered through cheesecloth, squeeze the cake well and discard. Fluid is used for treatment.
