What Are The Benefits Of Raccoon And How To Use It?

Răcovina, scientifically called Stellaria media, is a weed that grows in North America, Europe and parts of Asia. It is also known as chicken grass and is characterized by its particularly hairy stem and small white star-shaped flowers that are used for medicinal purposes. What are the benefits of racquetball and how is it used?

Until a few years ago, răcovina was prepared in the form of tea, decoction and extract and used to alleviate some health problems. At present, it is mainly used as an ointment, because the oral intake presents some risks.

What are the benefits of racquetball and how is it used?

Due to its properties, chicken grass has been used as a natural remedy for hundreds of years. A study published in the journal Heliyon states that the plant concentrates the following compounds with pharmacological potential:

• flavonoids
• Stellar oligosaccharides
• Anthraquinone derivatives
• Fatty acids
• Saponin steroids
• Phenolic compounds

Răcovina has antifungal, antibacterial, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic and anxiolytic properties. However, you must be careful when using it, as it is not without side effects. What are the main uses?

Inflammation

The anti-inflammatory properties of raccoon are used to alleviate the symptoms of skin, joint or respiratory disorders. A review in Integrative Medicine Research found that topical application of this plant helps reduce inflammation and irritation. In addition, it has calming effects.

A study in the journal Molecules has determined that all parts of the plant to reduce inflammation when applied to the skin and inflamed joints. However, raccoon is not a first-line treatment and more research is needed.

Skin health

In traditional Chinese medicine, chicken grass is used to combat skin conditions such as dermatitis. It promotes dermal regeneration and wound healing.

An article shared in Pharmacognosy Research highlights its emollient properties, ideal for reducing irritation and itching. Other topical uses of the plant include the following:

• Burns
• Contact dermatitis
• Diaper rash
• Eczema
• Insect bites
• Psoriasis
• rash

Weight loss

Racovina has been used as a possible treatment for obesity. However, animal studies are not sufficient to make a claim. One of the studies was published in the journal Ayu and reported that obese mice who consumed Stellaria media extract for four weeks suffered weight loss.

Research published in BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine revealed similar data. The mice had a diet high in fat and lyophilized juice. After 6 weeks, no weight gain, body fat or bad cholesterol was observed.

Researchers believe that this is due to the delayed absorption of fats and carbohydrates, which occurs thanks to enzymes that inhibit digestion. In any case, the use of the plant for this purpose is discouraged, because its saponin content may be counterproductive in humans.

Precautions and possible side effects

Topically applied rootstock is safe and well tolerated by most people. However, there are people who have a mild rash. Avoid pollination if you have a history of allergies to plants in the daisy family.

It is essential to prevent excessive intake. The saponin content of the plant can cause stomach pain and other symptoms such as nausea, diarrhea and vomiting. The plant may have toxic potential, with the risk of muscle paralysis, convulsions and coma (in rare cases).

Due to the lack of evidence, its consumption is not recommended in the following cases:

• Pregnancy and breast-feeding
• The kids
• People who take medication or receive medical treatment

Dosage and method of use

There is currently no clinical evidence of an appropriate dose. Supplements should be used according to the manufacturer’s instructions. In addition, it is ideal to talk to your doctor before using racovina in the following ways:

• Cream or ointment: for skin irritations or eczema. Soothes itching and helps relieve minor burns. Do not apply to open wounds.

• Essential oil: to make it, fill a jar with fresh herbs and sunflower oil. Then, in a cool, dry place, let the mixture infuse for a few weeks. Strain the oil and apply it on the skin.
• Infusion: put a teaspoon of the plant in boiling water.
• Powder: the fresh plant is crushed and placed on a gauze. Then apply on rashes, local inflammation or boils.

The benefits of raccoon: conclusion

In natural medicine, chicken grass is used to soothe skin conditions, joint disorders and overweight. However, its oral use is controversial. Therefore, it is used only locally.

Studies are still limited and have been performed in animals. For this reason, derived remedies should not be considered a first choice in the treatment of diseases. It is important to consult your doctor before using racovina as a supplement.