(Other names: Bozot, Dogası) It is from the Lamiaceae family. There are about 15 species of dogweeds of the Marrubium genus, whose homeland is unknown. Of these, the White Dogweed (M. vulgare), which is related to our subject, is seen in Europe, Mediterranean basin countries and Turkey. It is a perennial, durable herbaceous plant that can grow up to 60 cm. Its four-sided, hairy and branched body is off-white in color. Its heart-shaped leaves, which are arranged oppositely on the body and stems, have toothed edges and the leaf tips are covered with woolly hairs. These leaves smell like fruit.
The small white flowers of the plant bloom in the leaf axils from mid-summer to early autumn of its second year. The mature flowers produce 2 mm long, tear-shaped, dark brown, shiny-looking seeds. White dogwort, which likes places with plenty of sun and protection from cold winds, prefers alkaline and dry soils. It reproduces by the seeds it sheds.
The beneficial effects of dogweed on the body were discovered by the ancient Egyptians and praised by the famous physician Hippocrates. For a long time, it was used as the only medicine against coughs. The above-ground parts of the plant contain a substance called marrubin, a volatile oil, sticky plant fluid, tannin and plenty of vitamin C. The flowers of the plant attract honeybees to the gardens where it is found, while the infusion obtained by brewing the leaves is used in pumps against leafhoppers on trees and in dishes against flies. In some places, the dried leaves of dogweed are used as a spice.
The medical effects of white dogwood and the methods of using them can be listed as follows:
1. It has diaphoretic, expectorant, chest softening and antispasmodic effects. It supports the mucosa of the respiratory tract. It provides relaxation and comfort to the bronchial muscles. With all these effects, it is useful in treating diseases such as cough, bronchitis and whooping cough.
2. Taking it at the first sign of cold symptoms will help you get over colds and flu more easily.
3. It increases bile secretion. With this effect, it eliminates loss of appetite and facilitates digestion.
4. It is diuretic and carminative.
5. It relieves heart inflammation.
6. It also has a worm-reducing effect.
To provide these effects, the leaves and flowering stems of the white dogwort are collected between midsummer and early autumn, when the plant is in flower, and carefully dried in a shady place where the temperature is not hotter than 35 degrees C. Take 1/2-1 tablespoon of the dried flower mixture and put it in 1 glass of boiling water. Let it steep for 10-15 minutes and drink one glass of the resulting infusion three times a day.
White dogwort is also an effective wound healer. To do this, heat 1 teaspoon of the dried leaf mixture in 10 cups of water until it boils. Then reduce the heat and continue heating for another 10-15 minutes. The resulting decoction is cooled and applied externally to wounds.
