Rhododendron Adams - useful properties, use in traditional medicine, contraindications. Caucasian rhododendron: useful properties and contraindications, use in traditional medicine

Caucasian rhododendron has established itself as medicinal plant, which has medicinal properties and contains tannic, bactericidal and insecticidal substances in its composition. Other plant names of descriptions of the rhomboid plant are also common - snow rose or alpine tea. Found on greater territory Caucasus, as well as in Siberia and Far East. It grows mainly on the slopes of mountains and river banks.

Description

The Caucasian rhododendron is evergreen shrub reaching a meter in height. The shrub has very dense oval-shaped leaves and beautiful flowers various colors from white to pale pink, so it is often used as an ornamental plant.

Propagated by seeds, so it can often be found as a decor in flower beds. how home plant there is a similar plant in pots small size called Sagan Dailey.

Procurement of raw materials is carried out during abundant flowering, leaves, stems, flowers and, in some cases, roots are collected. You need to collect only dry plants without excess dew. It is necessary to dry the collected raw materials in well-ventilated areas, preferably on a sheet of paper.

Benefits and harms to human health

The medicinal properties of herbs have been known to the world since ancient times, therefore, products prepared on the basis of medicinal plant, are used not only in the treatment of serious diseases, but also for their prevention. The high content of vitamin C in the leaves and stem of the plant helps fight against viral infections increasing immunity and body resistance.

In addition to the healing substances in the composition this plant, which benefit the entire body as a whole, it also contains a toxic compound called andromedotoxin, which has a negative effect caused by impaired receptor function. Therefore, an overdose causes only harm to health.

The benefits of rhododendron for women

medicinal herb has indications for female body, and for male:

• treats cardiovascular diseases;
• eliminates inflammatory processes of the prostate gland;
• relieves pain during menstruation;
• lowers cholesterol levels;
• helps with temperature fluctuations during menopause;
• treats sciatica, osteochondrosis and other diseases associated with bone and connective tissue.

Can pregnant women eat grass?

In addition to the beneficial effect on the body, the Caucasian rhododendron during pregnancy has contraindications, so you should refrain from taking the drug internally during this period.

It is also undesirable to take medication fragrant plant during lactation. But pregnant women can use honey collected from the plantation of this plant, as it is an excellent honey plant. But with infertility, taking infusions and decoctions gives a positive result, since inflammatory processes in the uterus and appendages are removed.

Medicinal properties

Due to the high content of vitamins, trace elements and tannins in the composition, the plant has the following properties:

• bactericidal;
• antipyretic;
• soothing;
• fat burning;
• diuretic;
• sweatshops.

Very often, in case of severe poisoning, it is the rhododendron grass that is prescribed, since it contributes to the rapid removal of toxins from the body, heavy metals and others harmful substances. Also, the grass perfectly removes excess water from the body, while reducing swelling in various directions.

Application

The medicinal plant Snow rose has found wide application in traditional medicine due to the presence in the composition of many vitamins and rare trace elements valuable for human health.

It is used in the treatment of diseases of the heart, liver and rheumatism. Long-term use medicinal herb helps to strengthen the heart muscle. The root and stem contain substances that help burn fat and reduce appetite, as a result of which they are used for weight loss.

Tea for sore throat

For pain and inflammation in the throat, medicinal tea is used, which has a pronounced antiseptic effect. The prepared tea can not only be drunk, but also gargle with an inflamed throat. In folk medicine, it is used as an effective antipyretic for colds caused by sore throats.

To reduce high temperature and inflammatory processes in the throat, the following recipe is used:

• take 1 teaspoon of leaves, pour 1 cup of boiling water, mix thoroughly and insist not more than an hour; strained infusion should be taken three times a day, 1 tablespoon, while contraindications should be remembered, namely, drink with caution when serious illnesses kidneys.

Pressure tincture: cooking recipe

The medicinal properties of the plant are able to lower high blood pressure, although not to a large extent, therefore it is not used as Ambulance but as a long-term use of the drug.

The most commonly used tincture of rhododendron from pressure, prepared in the following way:

• take 20 grams of dried crushed leaves and flowers, pour them with a glass of vodka, mix and insist in a dark place for at least two weeks; strained means to take 25 drops, diluted in water, 3 times a day; the course of admission is not less than a month and not more than two.

After taking the tincture, after a week there is a gradual decrease not only blood pressure, but also venous, and in some cases intracranial. This tincture also helps well with pain in the heart, reducing the frequency of its contraction and increasing the amplitude and overall tone of the heart muscle.

A decoction of rhododendron flowers for neuralgia, polyarthritis and osteochondrosis

Rhododendron flowers have a good sedative effect, so a decoction of them is taken for all types of neuralgia, as well as additional remedy in the treatment of bones and connective tissue. The decoction is brewed according to the following recipe:

• take 1 teaspoon of dried leaves and brew in one liter of water, boil for 5 minutes, then let the broth brew for about 30 minutes; take a third of a glass in a warm form three times a day, store the rest of the medicine in the refrigerator and drink every day.

The decoction has pronounced medicinal properties, so a month of taking such a medicine significantly improves the condition with osteochondrosis, normalizes the emotional state.

How to brew for headaches?

Rhododendron has a pronounced analgesic effect due to the presence of active compounds in the composition. To relieve headaches, an infusion prepared traditional way, namely:

• 1 teaspoon of dried leaves, pour a glass of boiling water and leave for 30 minutes until cool, take warm three times a day, 1-2 teaspoons.

The medicinal properties of the prepared infusion have a positive effect on the general condition of the body, normalizing sleep disorders.

Most people know the rhododendron as an evergreen shrub that delights in spring. beautiful flowers. However, not everyone realizes that it can be not only a garden decoration, but also a wonderful healer for many diseases. The Caucasian rhododendron belongs to the Heather family of the Rhododendron genus. The bush of the plant can reach a height of one and a half meters. Stems of rhododendron lying, covered with dark brown bark. The leaves are oblong in shape, densely pubescent with reddish hairs below. To the touch sheet plates dense and leathery, have a dark green color. The flowers of the shrub are white, slightly greenish, up to five centimeters in diameter, collected in umbrella inflorescences. A box with seeds of an oblong shape.

This type of rhododendron is endemic to the Caucasus. The plant grows in the highlands of the Greater and Lesser Caucasus Range. There is a rhododendron at an altitude of one thousand six hundred to three thousand meters above sea level.

The medicinal properties of the Caucasian rhododendron have been known since ancient times and are actively used in the areas of its growth. In addition, the plant is an excellent honey plant, and on steep slopes this shrub fixes the soil well. As remedy today it is used very widely. In the Republic of Abkhazia, in the highlands of the Main Caucasian Range, rhododendron is grown in industrial scale on vast plantations, which are the main supplier of medicinal raw materials from the Caucasian rhododendron for the whole world.

The chemical composition of the medicinal rhododendron

This evergreen shrub has a mass medicinal properties, for which the healing substances included in its composition are responsible. The Caucasian rhododendron has been repeatedly studied to accurately establish the healing components contained in it. According to the results of research, it can be said with confidence that the plant contains: tannins, flavonoids, rhododendrin, glycosides, ericolin, gallic acid, tranids, ursolic acid, arbutin, essential oils, sugars, tannins, rutin and vitamin C in high concentration.

All these components, with the exception of andromedotoxin glycoside (it is a natural poison), are extremely useful for the human body. They contribute not only to general strengthening, but also help to cope with many ailments that greatly reduce the quality of life of the patient. Today medicinal properties Caucasian rhododendron are recognized not only as folk, but also as traditional medicine. Based on the plant, a number of medicines are produced aimed at combating various diseases.

What cures Caucasian rhododendron

Since ancient times, traditional healers began to use the Caucasian rhododendron as: antipyretic, anticonvulsant, sedative, anti-inflammatory, sedative, diuretic, astringent, antispasmodic, analgesic, diaphoretic, disinfectant and general tonic, which has a quick therapeutic effect.

Helping to remove from the body excess liquid, rhododendron fights edema of cardiac and renal origin. In addition, due to the same non-aggressive diuretic property, the plant prevents the development of urolithiasis by washing sand out of the kidneys before it turns into a stone.

Well supports the Caucasian rhododendron and the heart muscle. Nourishing and strengthening the heart, the plant restores the normal functioning of the organ and lowers the increased pulse. Taking drugs from rhododendron helps prevent the occurrence of serious progressive heart pathologies and relieves shortness of breath. With many serious illnesses organ, the plant is included in complex therapy.

The anticonvulsant effect of Caucasian rhododendron makes it a necessary addition in the treatment of epilepsy. With its help, you can significantly reduce the frequency of seizures and their strength. With a mild course of the disease, rhododendron can even completely relieve attacks. Preparations from the plant are also used for cramps of the limbs.

Colds and flu are also a reason to take funds based on the Caucasian rhododendron. By increasing the body's defenses, relieving fever and pain, and restoring the immune system, the plant contributes to a speedy recovery.

It is useful to use rhododendron for bronchitis and asthma. By clearing the lungs of phlegm and relieving inflammation, it helps in the fight against diseases. The plant strengthens the vessels of the lungs, preventing the development of bleeding.

Insomnia and disorders of the nervous system can also be cured with the help of rhododendron. It restores the correct mode of sleep and wakefulness and strengthens nerve cells. Having a sedative effect, the plant relieves neurosis, depression and hysteria. In mild forms of the disease, rhododendron can be used as the main medicine, and in severe cases, as an additional one.

Gastritis and other inflammatory diseases gastrointestinal tract amenable to plant treatment. Rhododendron relieves inflammation and has a disinfecting effect, destroying pathogens and bacteria.

With radiculitis, myositis and sciatica, rubbing with preparations based on this medicinal plant allows as soon as possible relieve pain and heal inflammation.

Contraindications to the use of medicines from rhododendron

The main contraindications to the use of Caucasian rhododendron are the period of pregnancy and lactation, an allergic reaction to the plant and necrotic processes in the body. In case of severe diseases, before starting treatment, you need to consult with your doctor, who will select the optimal dosage and set the duration of the course of treatment.

Recipes for medicinal preparations from the Caucasian rhododendron

Leaf infusion to restore sleep and prevent epileptic seizures

Two grams of dried leaves are poured with two hundred milliliters of boiling water and infused for a quarter of an hour. After that, the drug is filtered and stored in the refrigerator. Drink an infusion of a tablespoon three times a day, regardless of the time of the meal. The duration of the course is set individually depending on the disease and its severity.

Infusion for increased heart rate, shortness of breath and heart disease

Ten grams of crushed dry leaves and the same number of dry flowers of Caucasian rhododendron are poured with two hundred milliliters of high-quality vodka. The drug is infused in the dark for two weeks. During this period, the infusion needs to be shaken periodically. After two weeks, the medicine is filtered and drunk three times a day, twenty-five drops, slightly diluted with water. The duration of treatment is at least two weeks. Ideally, you should consult your doctor before use.

Diverse healing properties has a beautiful evergreen shrub Caucasian rhododendron. This plant is not easy to cultivate, it can be found in mountainous areas, large plantations of culture grow in the Republic of Abkhazia and in the mountains of the Caucasus Range. In addition, the plant can be found in Chechnya, Dagestan, North Ossetia, Siberia and the Far East.

A variety of healing properties has a beautiful, evergreen shrub Caucasian rhododendron

Rhododendron belongs to the heather family, an evergreen shrub grows up to 100 cm in height. Its leaves are dense, oval in shape, with a pointed end. From above, the leaves are endowed with a dark green color, with reverse side they have a rusty tint. The stem of the culture grows horizontally, its bark is brown. The flowers of the shrub are collected in inflorescences, which are formed in the form of an umbrella. Their color can be pure white, pale cream or pink. The size of the flower reaches up to 4 cm in diameter, their shape is funnel-bell-shaped. Flowering planting begins in June, in nature, flowering is plentiful. Aroma colors light and pleasant.

The fruit of the plant is formed in the form of a box, its size does not exceed 3-3.5 cm. Mountain rhododendron develops slowly, favorable places are those where moisture is stored for a long time and there is no scorching sun.

Medicinal shrub propagated by seeds, it is often used as ornamental plant planting in flower beds. It looks beautiful in group and single plantings. how cultivated plant known since 1803. For successful development, the plant needs an acidic and moist nutrient substrate. The shrub does not tolerate stagnant soils.

Rhododendron belongs to the heather family, an evergreen shrub that grows up to 100 cm in height.

Procurement of raw materials for medicinal use must be collected during the flowering of the shrub. Valuable parts of the plant are flowers, stems, leaves, sometimes rhododendron roots are used to prepare a medicinal potion.

The genus Rhododendron includes nine species of plants, one of them is an azalea shrub, it is deciduous and evergreen.

Gallery: Caucasian rhododendron (25 photos)

How to plant rhododendrons (video)

Useful and harmful properties of the plant

The healing properties of the Caucasian rhododendron have been known to people for a long time. Preparations, which include the mentioned plant, have excellent bactericidal properties, have a diaphoretic and antipyretic effect. They are able to relieve pain and have a calming effect. In the leaves of a shrub summer period located a large number of ascorbic acid, polysaccharides, ketones and other important components.

The plant has a positive effect on the functioning of the cardiovascular system, medical devices created on the basis of this vegetable product, remove excess fluid from the body, eliminate shortness of breath. It is worth noting that the leaves of the shrub contain organic compound andromedotoxin. This component depresses the central nervous system person, at the same time acts on the work of the gastrointestinal tract and the heart. Andromedotoxin belongs to the group of neurotoxins, it interferes with the work of cell receptors. Its action is two-phase, initially the drug excites, and then depresses the human nervous system.

The healing properties of the Caucasian rhododendron have been known to people for a long time.

Andromedotoxin is able to affect animals, most often sheep and other large-horned animals that graze in the mountains are poisoned. Dried rhododendron leaves do not lose the irritating and narcotic ingredient andromedotoxin from their composition. Death can occur several hours after admission a certain amount leaves in an animal or human body.

It must be remembered: the medicinal shrub is a good honey plant, but the pollen contains the dangerous component andromedotoxin. This organic compound enters honey along with nectar.

Traditional healers suggest using rhododendron not only during the treatment of serious diseases, but also for the prevention of various ailments. Healing tea is prepared from leaves, branches and flowers; Circassians drank this drink in ancient times. Currently, a delicious and fragrant product is used by fishermen and hunters. This tea stimulates and enhances the body's ability to resist. In order for tea to become useful and not adversely affect the human body, it is important to know how to brew it correctly. For 200 ml of boiling water, no more than two leaves of the plant are used. Rhododendron tea can be drunk with milk, cream, salt, pepper. Additional ingredients are added to the drink to taste.

Traditional healers suggest using rhododendron not only during the treatment of serious diseases, but also for the prevention of various ailments.

Not only can teas be made from the plant, but also infusions that can be used to treat stomatitis, sore throats, and other throat or gum problems. The drink is taken hot. Raw drinks medicinal shrub suggest drinking with reduced immunity to normalize blood circulation, with colds.

Regardless of which plant or herb is used to treat the disease, it is important to remember that they all have not only positive properties, but also contraindications, which you can ask your doctor about.

Rhododendron Caucasian (video)

Attention: all parts of the Caucasian rhododendrons are poisonous! We recommend you think carefully before buying!

Caucasian rhododendron (Rhododéndron caucásicum) is an evergreen creeping shrub that is sometimes used in ornamental gardening.

Stems up to 1 meter long, recumbent, dark brown bark. The leaves are oval, dense, leathery, with reddish pubescence on the underside.

Caucasian rhododendron blooms in June-July, sometimes twice a year. The inflorescence is a small umbrella. Flowers up to 4 cm in diameter, petals white or yellowish. Sepals, peduncle and ovary covered with brown hairs. The flowers emit a faint pleasant smell.

In nature, it is endemic to the Caucasus and Transcaucasia and is not found anywhere else. In the Caucasus, rhododendron often forms continuous thickets. Used in floriculture since 1803.

Biology

Lifespan: over 30 years. More accurate data is not available.

Winter hardiness: high.

Light requirements: shade-tolerant.

Moisture requirements: moisture-loving.

Soil requirements: prefers moderately loose soils with a neutral or slightly acidic reaction.

The Caucasian rhododendron has both varieties with clear names and descriptions, as well as simply decorative forms - it is not known who and when they brought them out, but they are popular. We will describe both below.

Cunningham's White famous variety(obtained as a result of crossing with Rh. ponticum). main feature- absolutely white corolla without the slightest shade of yellow.

Pictum is a variety of Caucasian rhododendron with high (up to 50 cm) shoots and pink flowers.

Christmas Cheer is a hybrid form that was bred with R. caucasian. Outwardly very similar to the original form. Petals are white with a slightly pinkish edge.

Chevalier Felix de Sauvage is a hybrid form obtained by crossing the Caucasian rhododendron with another hybrid form. The main feature is bright pink flowers. Blooms in April-May.

Decorative forms of Caucasian rhododendron:

• f. rosea-alba - white-pink flowers;
• f. splendens - dark pink flowers, early flowering;
• f. flavidum - golden yellow flowers with greenish spots on inside petals;
• f. stramineum - golden yellow flowers with red spots on the inside of the petals.

Where to buy Caucasian rhododendron?

There are problems with the purchase of seedlings in Russia. You can buy something on rhodo.ru, something on gardening forums. A specialized online store that would offer big choice decorative in forms, in Russia there is none. But there is in the US, UK and Germany.

Landing and care

Landing

Caucasian rhododendron grows well on light, moderately moistened fertile soils with a neutral or slightly acidic reaction. Stagnant water, prolonged drying and liming are extremely dangerous for plants.

Most often, planting is carried out in the spring. Standard sizes landing pit- 70 * 50 cm. A soil mixture is prepared for planting - high-moor peat: coniferous litter: humus sand 2: 2: 1: 1 The recipe is not strict: it can be changed depending on what is available. The main thing is to keep the acidity.

An important point in planting R. Caucasian is the deepening of the root collar. It should be slightly above ground level. After planting, the plants are watered abundantly and mulched with peat, coniferous bedding or sawdust. The thickness of the mulch layer is 5 ... 6 cm. The use of mulch can significantly reduce moisture loss, reduce the number of weeds and protect the root system from late frosts (however, frosts are not dangerous for most rhododendrons).

Care

Caring for the Caucasian rhododendron comes down to removing weeds, loosening, watering and occasional top dressing.

Loosening the near-stem circles should be carried out carefully so as not to damage the surface root system of plants. It is also better to remove weeds by uprooting rather than undermining. However, weeds hardly make their way through good mulch.

R. Caucasian does not tolerate prolonged droughts. In dry weather, it should be watered weekly. The amount of water should be sufficient to soak a clod of earth to a depth of 50 cm.

Top dressing is needed every 2..3 years. Enough application a small amount humus in trunk circle. Can be used complex fertilizers for flowering shrubs at recommended doses.

reproduction

In practice decorative floriculture both seeds and vegetative propagation of the Caucasian rhododendron are widely used.

At seed propagation seeds are sown in early spring in flat pots and bowls. Optimal composition soil mixture- acidic peat: sand: sod land 3:2:1. Seeds need light to germinate, so they are not buried, but simply laid on the ground.

Seedlings appear in about 10-15 days. After their appearance, the bowls are transferred to rooms with an air temperature of 10 ... 15 degrees. In the first years, the Caucasian rhododendron grows very slowly, growing by about 1 cm per year. Starting from the age of 3, it is recommended to “train” the seedlings - to take them out into the open air, starting in May. For summer placement of seedlings, protected from the wind and direct sunlight, but at the same time well-lit areas are suitable.

Seedlings usually bloom for 5-6 years. At this age, they can be planted in nurseries, and after a few more years - in a permanent place.

For vegetative propagation use layering, green cuttings and dividing the bush.

When propagated by layering, full root system in new plants it is formed in the second year. Around September of the second year after the creation of the layering, new bushes can be separated from the mother ones.

When propagated by green cuttings, it is required additional processing cuttings with indolylbutyric acid or other rooting stimulants. Even in this case, not all cuttings take root.

Diseases and pests

Diseases and pests of the Caucasian rhododendron are typical for most types of rhododendrons. You can read about them in the section "Diseases and pests of rhododendrons".

Caucasian rhododendron is a plant with a complex name, sometimes also called an alpine rose. Delicate buds predominantly white color so extraordinarily good that they were honored to be compared with the queen of flowers - the rose.

However, in addition to the purely undeniable visual appeal, the rhododendron is also a great healer. Of all the species of this plant, it is the Caucasian one that is held in special esteem because of its universal beneficial properties. This evergreen shrub belongs to the heather family. And why is it called that? The answer lies on the surface: because it contains a substance called rhododendrin.

Alpine rose bush can grow up to one and a half meters. But the flowers in the inflorescence, which have a delicate, pleasant aroma, are rather miniature, no more than 5 cm in diameter.

The flowering of rhododendron falls on the first two months of summer: June and July. And its fruits - such peculiar boxes with small seeds - fully ripen and are ready for harvest in August. The plant tolerates sub-zero temperatures well.

Useful properties of Caucasian rhododendron

Alpine rose is a real storehouse of all kinds of substances useful for the human body. It contains tannins, essential oils, useful acids, and there is as much vitamin C in it as, perhaps, you will not find in any other plant.

Everything, absolutely everything in it is a medicine, except for andromedotoxin glycoside, the strongest natural poison. It just shouldn’t get into the human body, things can end badly, up to lethal outcome. But if you harvest the plant correctly, then there is nothing to be afraid of.

For the manufacture of all kinds of tinctures and teas, all parts of the plant are used, from flowers to roots. Even the stems are used, not to mention the leaves.

It seems that there is no such disease that rhododendron would not treat. Diseases of the heart, joints, high blood pressure, kidneys, sleep disorders and even epilepsy. The plant copes well with stomatitis and gingivitis, even heals trophic ulcers and other purulent skin diseases.

Infusion and decoction of the leaves will provide significant assistance in fever, gout, rheumatism, gynecological diseases, gastroenteritis. For severe joint pain suitable bath with infusion of rhododendron leaves. For edema, dropsy, migraine, irritability, as well as for stomach diseases, drink a tincture of stems and leaves.

Application for treatment

- Diseases of the heart. Preparations from the leaves and flowers of rhododendron very effectively eliminate shortness of breath, increased heart rate. That is, just those manifestations of the disease, from which the cores suffer so much and because of which they are deprived of a normal, full life.

-Rheumatism. An infusion of leaves based on alcohol or high-quality vodka can be used as you like: rub, make compresses. It relieves pain well.

-Dental problems. With a lack of certain vitamins and minerals in the body, the gums begin to bleed and become inflamed. To prevent this from happening, you need to rinse your mouth with an extract from the leaves of rhododendron.

- Mercury poisoning. Poisoning with this dangerous metal is very dangerous, especially for young children. But if such a misfortune happened, a decoction of fresh leaves will help cleanse the body.

- For insomnia. Some people experience big problems with sleep, which affects both general well-being, and pressure, and performance. To sleep soundly and not worry about anything, you need to drink a tincture of alpine rose flowers.

- Diseases of the joints. For problems such as polyarthritis and osteoporosis, rub an infusion of rhododendron leaves and flowers into the joints. The main thing is to do it regularly, then there will be a result.

- Diseases of the upper respiratory tract. Cough, frequent sore throats, bronchitis - our hero does an excellent job with all this "bouquet". By the way, it also eases asthma attacks.

-For weight loss. If you want to lose weight, rhododendron root will help you. And soon own mother he won't recognize you, and even more so acquaintances and friends.

Contraindications

There are not so many contraindications for the flower, but the medicinal properties cannot be described in one sentence. Funds based on Caucasian rhododendron are not recommended for:

• pregnancy;
• breastfeeding;
• allergic reactions;
• kidney diseases.

Teas and infusions

Leaf infusion for healthy sleep and prevention of seizures in epilepsy

2 gr. dried leaves pour 200 ml of boiling water and leave for 20 minutes. Strain the infusion, put in a cool place. Drink 1 tbsp. l 3 times a day at any time.

Infusion for increased heart rate, shortness of breath, heart disease

10 gr. crushed dry leaves and the same amount of dry flowers pour 200 ml of high-quality vodka. We insist in the dark for 2 weeks. Shake the contents of the bottle periodically. Then we filter and drink 3 times a day, 25 drops, slightly diluted with water.

tea for colds

Pour dried or fresh leaves with boiling water, boil for 5 minutes. Let it brew for a bit and drink with or without milk. It is customary to add a little salt and pepper to this tea.

Caucasian rhododendron - very useful plant, which you can start using right tomorrow - no need to delay. After all, our health depends only on us.