The grass frog serves as a medicinal plant, with the most prominent diuretic properties and healing, however, that not just their healing benefits. In traditional and popular wisdom it is also attributed medicinal properties that are used for health disorders in general.
This plant, originally from Mexico, belongs to the Apiaceae family, a hierarchy which is the same as that of some known vegetables such as carrots, celery and fennel. Its appearance stands out due to its thorny characteristic and its lack of stem. Toad grass is also known as Cardón, Estrellita and Espinosa.
Index
Toad herb benefits
Thanks to the properties of its tender leaves and the roots of the herb, its medicinal use provides a large number of benefits, being diuretics and healing the most prominent as mentioned above.
Toad grass for weight loss
Its properties are ideal for lowering cholesterol levels, making it the main reason for its consumption. Different investigations have proven that the adequate consumption of this plant can be very beneficial to lose weight. In turn, it was found that its consumption does not alter liver tissues.
The herb of the toad for the elimination of liquids and retained toxins
The “Estrellita” is very good for detoxification of the body, thanks to its diuretic properties. It is also very useful for reducing plasma uric acid and creatinine values.
Toad herb to soothe arthritis and muscle aches
It is widely used thanks to its properties that help alleviate muscle and joint disorders that are related to substances.
Toad weed to control dyslipidemia
As you know, the main reason for its use is the effect it produces on cholesterol, lowering its levels, but the same thing happens with blood triglyceride levels as well.
The herb of the toad excellent for the heart
Another main use of the plant is that it helps prevent cardiovascular problems. Apart from that it reduces, eliminates and prevents gallstones and kidney stones.
Toad grass for scars
Its properties favor the healing process.
Other benefits of toad grass
- It does not alter the level of glucose in the blood, but it helps diabetics to control uric acid levels.
- It favors the reduction of kidney and gallstones, thus alleviating certain urinary problems and conditions.
How do you take toad grass?
To take full advantage of its properties, it must be taken into account that it will depend on the way in which this plant is consumed, either in infusion or in chalice. Its preparation consists of putting the leaves to cook. In other cases the root is also used as a medicine. Its modes of preparation are in the form of:
- Tizana : For the cases of arthritis, a tizana of grass of the toad is ideal for it. Together with a dandelion and chamomile you will take better advantage of its properties, thus helping to soothe joint pain.
- Infusion : For people who prefer something more liquid, an infusion of toad grass can be prepared, this being beneficial against cholesterol, reducing its levels. There are experts who say that it can be achieved if you maintain your consumption for a month.
- Capsules : A more practical way to consume it is in the form of capsules. This should be recommended by a doctor for a more prudent use. In case of consuming it, it is recommended to consume 2 pills in each meal.
These are the most popular ways this plant is consumed, but due to its popularity, there are other ways to consume toad weed; being marketed in powder, jarana, fresh, whole, dry and tablets.
Active components in toad grass
Behind all its benefits, there are a number of important active substances, such as:
- Flavonoids : helps reduce the effects of cellular oxidation. It protects the cardiovascular system, reducing the levels of bad cholesterol or LDL, it also has anti-inflammatory properties and inhibits the proliferation of cancer cells.
- Saponin : acts as a cleanser for the body, both in the blood and in the urinary tract. Although it is an active substance that generates benefits, it is also considered the most harmful, so it must be ingested under medical supervision and for a limited period of time.
- Parazymene : an active substance with anti-infectious properties.
- Important minerals such as iron and calcium.
- Sterols : which help prevent the digestive system from absorbing cholesterol.
- Triterpenes : they favor the synthesis of vitamins A, E and K in the body.
Recommended dosages of toad grass
There are several doses depending on the conditions and the way it is consumed.
- In case of presenting a cough, it is recommended to prepare a tea that should be consumed three times a day. Its use is also effective in cases against bile and cholelithiasis, fever, stomach pain, lung and bladder diseases.
- For bumps and swellings, it can be applied by rubbing a little water from the herb (cooking) on the affected area, along with canvases and covering it with a cloth for several days.
- According to studies carried out in Mexico, a dose of about 100mg / kg significantly reduces cholesterol levels.
- Against kidney problems and liver conditions, it is suggested to consume an infusion made with the whole plant, as it can also be cooked with manzanita leaves. This is consumed every day and is ingested as drinking water or it can also be mixed with lemon juice.
In the case of women, it is ideal for menstrual cramps. A toad herb tea should be prepared, adding guapilla and manzanita leaves to it; This will help relieve colic pain. It should be taken four times, once every third day at night, after the menstrual stage has started.
Toad weed side effects
There are studies carried out that show that there are no alterations during the consumption of this plant, but it must be taken into account that its consumption is not recommended in cases of cerebral vascular diseases.
These are produced by poor control of chronic diseases such as high blood pressure, triglycerides or high cholesterol, and diabetes. In these cases, remember not to take the toad grass and consult specialists about its consumption.
Contraindications of toad grass
One of the main indications is that, if the plant is bought without a prescription, it is advisable not to ingest it for more than two months. Ingesting it for a period of more than two months without medical supervision can cause kidney and liver damage. In addition to that there are cases in which people are susceptible and are allergic to yerba.
In the case of pregnant women, there are no studies that certify its consumption during the pregnancy stage, as well as in the postnatal stage. If you are pregnant or think you are, it is recommended not to ingest the herb without first having a medical check-up. This is because it can induce contractions of the uterus.
If better results are desired, it is suggested, as is also important, to ingest the plant together with medical treatment. Keep in mind that toad grass is a hepatorenal drainer, so you should contact a specialist.
conclusion
In conclusion, toad grass is a very beneficial medicinal plant for the body, with marked cleansing, diuretic, anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, among others. However, its consumption is not recommended for a long time, since side effects may appear, which affect health.
It is best to consult the opinion of a doctor and follow the treatment appropriately according to the condition that is suffered.
Dr. Samantha Robson ( CRN: 0510146-5) is a nutritionist and website content reviewer related to her area of expertise. With a postgraduate degree in Nutrition from The University of Arizona, she is a specialist in Sports Nutrition from Oxford University and is also a member of the International Society of Sports Nutrition.