Colza ordinary - biennial herbaceous plant, widely used in traditional medicine. In this article we will talk about its medicinal properties, as well as about contraindications to use and consider the methods of preparation and storage of this raw material.
Description and photo
Colza - A plant that is found in many countries around the world. It belongs to the Cabbage family. The main root is more developed compared to the side. 
The plant can reach 35-70 cm in height, has a straight stem, most of which is not covered with leaves, with a branched top. Almost all sheets are lyre-pinnate, only the lower ones belong to the petiolate. The top consists of sessile leaves with a single plate and jagged edges.
If you look at the photo, you can see that the plant has yellow four-membered flowers, collected in a brush. Colza fruits are tetrahedral pods, inside which are many brown seeds. Propagated only by seeds.
Did you know? For its healing properties, colza ordinary in many countries is called "the grass of St. Barbara."In the world there are about 20 species of this plant. The most popular are:
- ordinary;
- compressed (pressed);
- arcuate.
This herb is a good source of nectar for bees and produces a large amount of honey (up to 50 kg per hectare).Chemical composition
At present, the plant is not yet sufficiently studied, but some of its elements are already known:
- glycoside sinigrin;
- flavonoids;
- saponins;
- cellulose;
- essential and mustard oils;
- thioglycoside glucobarbarin;
- B vitamins;
- vitamin C;
- organic acids.
Did you know? Sevepsilya is a special section of botany that studies the properties of colza.
What is the use?
Despite the fact that the common colza grows on any soil, it is found along the roads, in the fields, meadows, has useful properties, many still wonder whether it is a weed or a medicinal plant. To use all its parts - leaves, flowers, stems, roots, seeds.
Seed
Thioglycosides, which are rich in seeds, help fight bacteria in the body. They also contribute to the development of gastric juice, thereby increasing appetite. 
The composition of the seeds are fatty oils used in baking bread, which is recommended for use in disorders of the nervous system.
Did you know? One bush of a plant can produce about 10,000 seeds and scatter them at a distance of 3 meters.
The roots
Roots possess diuretic properties and are used for antibacterial purposes. Also, these drugs are often used as additional in the treatment of infertility, prostatitis, reduced sexual function.
Colors
Flowers help to strengthen the immune system and have a beneficial effect on the nervous, cardiovascular and urinary systems. They promote the growth and repair of cells in the body.
With the help of hellebore, strawberry and propolis, you greatly enhance immunity.
Leaves
Colza leaves are a source of vitamins and organic acids, the lack of which leads to beriberi and fatigue. 
They support the acid-base balance and the body as a whole, have anti-inflammatory properties. Also used as a spicy tasty additive to salads, especially in early spring.
Application of colza
This plant has a wide range of activities, as it is used in many aspects of daily life.
In medicine
There are many recipes for the use of colza ordinary in traditional medicine, which indicates a long-standing start of its use.
The plant has diuretic properties and is often used for the rapid elimination of edema of renal or cardiac origin from the body. 
Used in the early stages of urolithiasis, as the grass promotes the active washing of the kidneys from the sand.
Colza seeds have a laxative effect and help to cope even with permanent constipation, activating the contraction of the intestinal walls.
In medicine, they also use such herbaceous plants as: lily of the valley, lemon balm, mint, chervil, catnip, ambrosia, sow thistle, gentian, bathing.Since the plant is also characterized by antibacterial and healing properties, it is used to heal small wounds, skin ulcers and abscesses, contributes not only to their rapid overgrowth, but also to the prevention of scars.
The herb has a positive effect on the work of the nervous system, therefore, its use is resorted to in case of depression and neurosis. 
It relieves tension, invigorates, and, if the disease is in an unallocated stage, it is often the main solution to the problem, without the intervention of other medications.
To prepare such a medicine is quite simple: 1 tbsp. l herbs pour 1 tbsp. boiling water, let it stand for 2-3 hours and take по cup 4 times a day. This remedy is also used in the treatment of dropsy, paralysis, epilepsy.
For complete cleaning of the body, it is recommended to use colza-based infusion. There are needed such dried and chopped herbs:
- colza leaves - 1 tsp;
- plantain leaves - 1 tsp;
- sage leaves - 1 tsp;
- nettle leaves and sprigs - 1 tsp;
- St. John's wort - 1 tsp.
Mix all the ingredients, 1 tbsp. l herbs pour 1 tbsp. boiling water, insist 40 minutes, filter and take half a cup 2 times a day for 20 minutes before a meal. Cleaning course - 3 weeks.Often this plant is a life-saving medicine for men, as it is used in the treatment of prostatitis and infertility.
Broths, which include colza, accelerate blood circulation in the pelvic area, and fresh juice activates sperm production (1-2 months, 30 times a day, 30 ml).
For the treatment of prostatitis, you can use a decoction, which is based on colza seeds:
- colza seeds - 1 tsp;
- parsley seeds - 1 tsp;
- plantain seeds - 1 tsp;
- carrot seeds - 1 tsp;
- coriander seeds - 1 tsp;
- Chernushka onion seeds - 1 tsp;
- water - 2 tbsp.
- 100 ml on an empty stomach half an hour before breakfast;
- 100 ml half an hour before dinner (preferably before 18:00);
- 200 ml before bedtime.
In addition to the positive effects on the male body, this herb also has a stimulating effect on both sexes.At home
In everyday life, the plant is used for:
- Making various flower arrangements, as it has a beautiful look.
- Dyeing fabrics in yellow color.
- The production of soap, which includes its fatty oils.
In cooking
Common colza is often consumed, especially in America. Mainly for the preparation of dishes using young leaves and unblown inflorescences. 
The most common dish is salad, which includes colza leaves, green onions, egg and mayonnaise or sour cream.
After interacting with boiling water, the plant loses bitterness and tastes like cabbage, so soups and purees are often made from it, and inflorescences are baked.
Important! Boil the colza can be no longer than 3 minutes, since then it loses its taste.But you need to be very careful when taking it in food, as in large quantities the grass can lead to poisoning of the body.
Harm and contraindications
Despite its many beneficial properties, it is not a panacea for colza. It has a number of contraindications.
It is not recommended to use the plant in such cases.:
- with increased bleeding;
- with kidney or bladder stones;
- during pregnancy;
- with a stomach ulcer or inflammatory bowel disease;
- with grass allergies.
Allowed to apply even to children. But it should be remembered: without consulting with a doctor, it is impossible to self-medicate and take medications from colza.Important! Colza seeds should not be used as feed for animals and birds.
Preparation and storage of medical raw materials
It is best to collect colza during flowering (from May to July). For harvesting, it is necessary to choose healthy plants and collect them in ecologically clean places, away from the roads. In medicine, use only the ground part, so you need to tear off the leaves, flowers and cut the stem. 
Drying materials is recommended in dark, well-ventilated areas, scattering a thin layer. Store dried grass in dry places in paper bags no longer than one year.
Colza is a plant with many positive qualities. It is great for treating the body from many diseases, as well as for prevention. And given that this grass is unpretentious to the conditions of growth, to find and prepare it will not be any problem.
