Healing properties of trees

Why trees of certain species are chosen for landscaping cities? What kind of trees are planted in city alleys, parks, squares near hospitals? Why is landscaping important not only from an aesthetic point of view, but also from an environmental and even medical point of view? I will try to answer these and other questions in general terms in this article.

In recent years, many fruit-bearing and medicinal trees have been planted in Moscow. For example, fees with oak leaves or dried rowan berries can be bought at pharmacies. Most often, trees are planted pointwise, in yards and squares. Somewhere they replace diseased trees with new ones, sometimes they hold large-scale campaigns for planting plants in city parks. Most of these actions are limited to one day, but there are also larger projects in which the city gives everyone the opportunity to participate. This is not only a benefit for nature, but also a kind of family team building. I believe that many families lack time spent together in a useful way. So, couples who have babies can take part in the Moscow program Our Tree. To do this, on the program page on the mos.ru website, it is enough to select the type of tree and the nearest park on the interactive map of the city, and then plant a seedling free of charge in honor of the birth of a child. When the child grows up, you can tell him about your overall contribution to protecting the environment of the city and the health of the family, because trees are not only beautiful, they are also responsible for purifying and disinfecting the air in the metropolis.

Health Gardens

In addition to tree planting projects in Moscow in specially protected natural areas, several Health Gardens were launched in 2020: the Garden of Health and Active Longevity in the Biryulevsky arboretum of the Tsaritsyno National Park, the Seventh Sense park in the Troparevsky landscape reserve and Garden and Park Territory” in the natural reserve “Valley of the Setun River”.

These are unique areas for active and quiet recreation. Everyone will find something to their liking here. Sometimes it is very important to move away from the hustle and bustle of the city and spend time in nature. There are pavilions for quiet rest, sports and playgrounds with modern equipment. Qigong breathing exercises and yoga are held in the Health Gardens. Fans of hiking trails will also be pleased. Walking routes have been created throughout the landscaped area. The main purpose of the Health Gardens and other park areas in Moscow is to improve air quality. In this regard, plants for planting are selected taking into account their phytoncidal properties. Let’s look at which trees have these properties. But first, let’s look at what phytoncides are, and why are they so important to humans?

Phytoncides are plant substances that can slow down and suppress the growth of microorganisms. Phytoncidal properties were discovered in 1929 by Professor B.P. Tokin. The scientist crushed different types of plants, mixed them with water and observed how bacteria living in water behave. It has been scientifically proven that the time of death of pathogenic bacteria after interaction with phytoncides of different types of trees and herbs is from 5 to 20 minutes.

Rowan Red

For the Slavs, mountain ash is a traditional plant. It is known not only for its taste, but also for a wide range of useful properties that people have learned to use for their own good.

The rich chemical composition was determined by scientists who confirmed the benefits, not only of berries, but also of other parts of the plant. Rowan is a storehouse of vitamins, as it contains vitamins A, C, E, PP and group B ^[1]. It contains a list of useful minerals, for example, potassium, phosphorus, calcium, iron, magnesium, as well as macro- and microelements ^[2]. The composition of the berries includes pectins and flavonoids, as well as tannins and acids. ^[3]. Rowan is famous for the presence of important phytoncides.

You can admire the mountain ash in Tsaritsyno, on Borisovsky Ponds from the Domodedovskaya metro station, and walking along the Armory Lane.

Fragrant linden

It is the linden that exudes a delicate, slightly sweet aroma at the time of its flowering.

Flowers and leaves of small-leaved linden contain a huge amount of flavonoids and essential oils. ^[4]. Flavonoids regulate the permeability of blood vessel walls, making them more elastic ^[5]. Lime blossom is rich in tannins, which have anti-inflammatory effects, and glycosides, which cause diaphoretic effects of linden ^[6].

It is a special pleasure to walk along the blooming linden alley in summer. For example, in the Kuskovo estate.

Evergreen spruce

The evergreen beauty spruce appears in almost every home every year. So why is it so useful for a person?

Spruce is an amazing plant. Cones, needles, branches and buds have unique beneficial properties. Essential compounds boast bactericidal and antiviral properties ^[7]. And what a delicious jam you can cook from young green spruce cones! Spruce grows in almost all Moscow courtyards and parks. We invite you to take a walk through the Bitsevsky forest park among evergreen beauties. When telling a child about the beneficial properties of trees, do not forget how important it is to preserve the existing natural wealth of our city.

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