Caucasian rhododendron: medicinal properties and contraindications

Caucasian rhododendron is a beautiful evergreen shrub that has beneficial properties. In the middle lane, the plant is only gaining popularity. Successful cultivation depends on the quality of the soil, planting site and care.

Description of the Caucasian rhododendron

Caucasian rhododendron is an evergreen plant of the Heather family of the genus Rhododendron. In nature, it is found in the Lesser and Greater Caucasus. Forms extensive thickets next to snow-covered fields. It lives at an altitude of 1600 to 3000 above sea level.

It has been grown in culture since the beginning of the XNUMXth century. Well adapted to the conditions of the middle lane. It is planted on the territory of European Our Country, including in the North-West region. Many species of Caucasian rhododendron are listed in the Red Book.

Shrub with a usual height of 50 – 60 cm sometimes reaches 1 – 2 m. Branches recumbent, with dark bark. The leaves are oval, oblong, leathery, pointed at the ends. From above the sheet plate is dark green in color, from below it is covered with short red hairs. Leaves are up to 10 cm long.

The flowers are funnel-shaped and resemble bells, up to 4 cm in size, the color is from whitish to pink, the aroma is light, pleasant. The flowers are collected in umbellate inflorescences. Inside there are greenish spots. Pedicels and calyx covered with red hairs. After flowering, a box up to 3 cm long is formed.

Caucasian rhododendron in the photo:

Varieties of Caucasian rhododendron

Depending on the color of the flowers, there are several varieties of rhododendron:

• Cunninghams White. The variety was bred at the end of the 2th century. This is a winter-hardy and unpretentious plant up to 1,5 m high. The crown diameter is up to XNUMX m. The culture is not demanding on soil acidity, does not suffer from urban pollution. The flowers are white, with a lilac spot on the upper petal. Flowering occurs at the beginning of June;

  

• Riga white. A plant up to 70 cm high. In the spring it produces snow-white flowers, thanks to which the variety got its name. Grows in parks and the botanical garden of Riga;

  

• Straw yellow. Shrub up to 1,5 m high and up to 3 m wide. Occurs in mountainous areas. The flowers are bell-shaped with a diameter of 4-6 cm. The flowers are yellow in color, collected in inflorescences of 8-12 pieces;

  

• Rose Alba. Decorative form, which is characterized by early flowering. It produces beautiful pinkish-white flowers.

  

Medicinal properties of the Caucasian rhododendron

The leaves of the Caucasian rhododendron have healing properties. They contain acids, essential oils, tannins, rhododendrin, vitamin C, tannins. The roots of the plant contain substances that burn fats.

Treatment with Caucasian rhododendron is carried out under the supervision of a physician. The specialist will conduct an examination and prescribe the necessary dose. At high concentrations, the intake leads to intoxication and worsens well-being.

The effect on the body of the Caucasian rhododendron is as follows:

• enhances sweating, removes toxins and other harmful substances;
• normalizes body temperature, relieves fever with colds;
• removes cholesterol from the blood;
• soothes the nervous system;
• burns fat and helps to lose weight;
• diuretic effect helps to relieve swelling;
• prevents the growth of harmful bacteria;
• increases blood flow and contraction of the heart muscle;
• reduces venous pressure;
• beneficial in rheumatism, colitis, epilepsy.

From the Caucasian varieties, effective remedies are obtained against poisoning with mercury and other toxic substances. The drugs relieve headaches and restore mucous membranes. Aqueous extracts are used for rinsing in diseases of the oral cavity.

An infusion of the leaves is used for infertility and uterine erosion in women. The healing properties of Caucasian rhododendron for men are to relieve inflammation in the prostate gland.

Methods for harvesting Caucasian rhododendron

In order for plants to bring maximum benefit to the body, it is important to properly prepare raw materials. Leaves are cut during the flowering period from shrubs older than 2 years. To do this, use sharp scissors or secateurs. For work, choose the morning or evening period.

The collected leaves are dried outdoors or indoors. Be sure to choose a place in the shade, protected from direct sunlight. The collected raw materials are laid out on paper or a clean cloth. The leaves are kept until completely dry. Periodically, the mass is stirred.

When the raw material becomes more brittle and fragile, it is removed for storage. Dried leaves are kept at room temperature, protected from sunlight and high humidity. It is best to place the mass in a container and close the lid. The storage period is up to 2 years.

How to brew Caucasian rhododendron

Tea from the Caucasian rhododendron relieves sore throat with a cold. The drink strengthens the immune system, calms the nervous system, relieves insomnia. It is also used for gargling.

The procedure for making tea from the Caucasian rhododendron:

1. Rinse the pot with boiling water.
2. Place on the bottom 1 tbsp. l. dried leaves.
3. Add 1 cup boiling water.
4. Close the teapot with a lid and leave for 15 minutes.
5. Strain infusion.

Prepared tea is taken daily for 1/3 cup. Lemon, honey or sugar are added to taste. The plant goes well with other herbs: oregano, thyme, mint, sweet clover, lungwort, sage, Ivan tea. The course of taking such tea is 2-4 weeks, after which they take a break for 2 weeks.

The use of Caucasian rhododendron

In order for the Caucasian rhododendron to have a therapeutic effect, it is important to choose the right method of application. Most often, a decoction or alcohol tincture is prepared from the plant.

A decoction of the leaves normalizes the nervous system, relieves symptoms in diseases of the bones and connective tissue. The course of admission is at least a month.

The procedure for preparing the decoction:

1. 5 g of dried leaves pour 1 liter of water.
2. Bring the liquid to a boil for 5-8 minutes.
3. Remove the container from the stove and leave the broth to infuse for 30 minutes.

The drug is taken three times a day, 50 ml. The decoction is stored in the refrigerator. It is best to prepare a fresh remedy at least once a week.

Another way to use Caucasian rhododendron is tincture. It is prepared independently or purchased ready-made in a pharmacy. The course of admission is from one to two months, after which they take a break for a month. The tool lowers blood pressure and normalizes sleep.

Instructions for preparing the tincture:

1. Measure 20 g of dry leaves and pour them with 200 ml of vodka.
2. The mass is well mixed and kept in a place protected from sunlight.
3. After 2 weeks, the product is filtered.
4. The resulting tincture is stored in a dark cool place.

Contraindications to the Caucasian rhododendron

Herb Rhododendron Caucasian has a number of contraindications:

• pregnancy and breastfeeding;
• kidney disease;
• idiosyncrasy;
• low pressure;
• age of 10 years;
• kidney disease;
• tissue necrosis.

Planting and caring for the Caucasian rhododendron

Mountain Caucasian rhododendron develops well in the middle zone. The plant prefers shady areas with moist soil. The shrub does not freeze at temperatures down to -29 ° C. The optimal substrate is leafy soil, peat and coniferous litter in a ratio of 3:2:1.

Rhododendron is planted in spring. It is better to prepare the landing pit in the fall so that the soil shrinks. The plant is removed at least 70 cm from other shrubs and trees.

Boarding order:

1. A hole 70 cm wide and 50 cm deep is dug on the site.
2. Sand and broken bricks are placed at the bottom with a layer of 20 cm.
3. The pit is filled with substrate to form a small mound.
4. A seedling is placed on top. Its roots are covered with soil.
5. Rhododendron is watered abundantly.
6. A mulching layer up to 8 cm thick is poured into the trunk circle.

In the future, the rhododendron is provided with good care: watering, fertilizing, weeding. The plant needs abundant watering. Water is applied under the root at least 2-3 times a week. The norm of moisture per plant is up to 10 liters.

Rhododendron fertilize 2 – 3 times per season. In the spring, rotted manure is brought under the shrub. Before and after flowering, use any fertilizer containing phosphorus and potassium. Compounds containing lime and chlorine should be avoided.

For the winter, young plants of the Caucasian rhododendron are covered with spruce branches. Just also agrofibre and other non-woven materials. They are attached to a wooden frame. Winter watering and mulching of the soil with humus well protects against frost. At the end of March, the shelter is removed, but the spruce branches are left. This will help avoid sunburn on the leaves.

With what to plant a Caucasian rhododendron in a flower bed

Caucasian rhododendron prefers moist, dark places. The plant is used in group and single plantings. Choose areas with moist soil. An excellent option is planting next to ponds and streams, under ornamental shrubs, spruces, pines and other trees. The plant will help fill the north side of the site next to the walls of houses and fences.

Rhododendrons planted in groups look spectacular. They are located along lawns, paths and alleys. When planting take into account the compatibility of colors. It is best to combine varieties with white, pink and purple inflorescences.

From rhododendrons, beautiful tapeworm compositions are obtained. A tall shrub stands out against the background of a green lawn. The plant is also used to create rocky slides and hedges. Its combination with other alpine herbs is very effective.

When rhododendron blooms in the Caucasus

Rhododendrons in the Caucasus Mountains bloom from late spring to early summer. The first buds appear in plants older than 12 years. In culture under natural conditions, flowering lasts from mid-May to the first decade of July. Sometimes the shrub re-releases inflorescences in mid-October. Repeat flowering is not annual.

Conclusion

Caucasian rhododendron is a beautiful and useful plant. According to the type of flowers, there are several varieties of this shrub. In medicine, its beneficial properties are used. For growing rhododendron, it is important to prepare a place on the site and provide the plant with further care.