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Monarda: useful properties and contraindications
This herbaceous perennial plant has been known since ancient times – even the Indians used it as a seasoning and medicine. The fragrant monard came to our country at the end of the XNUMXth century and at first was used only as an ornamental plant. Today it is added to food, used to treat various diseases and the body, and to strengthen the immune system.
Useful properties of monarda
Monarda is a herbaceous perennial plant that can grow up to 1 meter. Its value as a vegetable crop lies in the fact that it retains its greens from March to November, even with light frosts. Monarda is often used simply as an ornamental plant that blooms beautifully in July-August. Depending on the variety, monarda can have inflorescences of red, white, pink and purple.
Useful properties and application of monarda
The composition of monarda contains a high content of essential oils, various biologically active elements, compounds, as well as vitamins C, B1 and B2. Due to this composition, this plant is widely used in homeopathy.
Especially appreciated is the monarda essential oil, which has a broad spectrum bactericidal effect. It effectively relieves inflammation and spasms, removes carcinogens and strengthens the immune system. It is often used for 1-3 degree burns and eczema, chronic bronchitis and bronchial asthma.
In case of fractures or eczema, it is recommended to rub an oily composition of 5 drops of monarda essential oil, 15 ml of wheat germ oil and 2-3 drops of lavender into the damaged area
In addition, Monarda essential oil has reproductive, anti-stress, antioxidant and antianemic effects. It also acts as a natural blood preservative that promotes the engraftment of foreign tissue. And also the unique properties of this plant allow, with its regular consumption, to cleanse the aorta from atherosclerotic plaques.
Monarda is also one of the few plants that treats radiation sickness and effectively protects against radiation radiation. In addition, it is recommended for use after chemotherapy. In the latter case, monarda essential oil can be added in small amounts to tea. A light massage using monarda essential oils, tea tree oil, lavender, rosewood and grape seed oil is also helpful.
In case of oncology, Monarda should be used only after consultation with the attending physician.
This beneficial herb is also good for flu and colds, as it not only strengthens the immune system, but also helps fight various viruses and microorganisms. To do this, you can add essential oil or fresh herbs of this fragrant plant to tea. In addition, for colds, it is recommended to use an aroma lamp or do inhalations with Monarda essential oil.
Monarda enhances the effect of antibiotics, which allows you to reduce their dose
Indications for the use of monarda are also cystitis, otitis media, indigestion, sinusitis or pneumonia. It is recommended to use it for anemia, atherosclerosis, tuberculosis, psoriasis. This plant also helps to fight worms, diseases of the oral cavity, headache. It is especially useful to use lemon monarda, which contains a high content of thymol – a strong antiseptic.
Due to its unusual pleasant taste and fragrant aroma, monarda is often used as an additional ingredient in the preparation of various dishes. So, fresh herbs of this plant are added to salads, okroshka, cabbage soup, borscht and soups. It gives aroma to jelly and compote, pear and apple jam, fruit jelly. Monarda greens can also be used to prepare delicious seasonings for fish and vegetable dishes – it goes well with mint, basil, oregano, tarragon and fennel. In sweet dishes, monarda can be combined with orange peel, lemon balm, cloves and cinnamon.
In addition, Monarda effectively fights various fungal microorganisms. To get rid of foot or nail fungus, for example, you need to lubricate the affected area with a small amount of Monarda essential oil, leave for 1-2 hours, and then rinse with water. Aroma lamps or a weak solution with Monarda essential oil will also help get rid of mold in the house for a long time.
This plant is often used in cosmetology as well; Monarda is part of anti-aging creams. And lovers of natural skin care products can use the essential oil of this plant for acne and oily skin care. In this case, 15–20 drops of oil must be diluted in a liter of water, and then wipe the face with this solution.
Harm of monarda and contraindications to its use
It is no coincidence that Monarda is called one of the most useful plants, but if consumed excessively, even such a miraculous remedy can cause harm to health. Contraindications to the use of monarda are pregnancy and lactation. It is also not recommended to give it to children under 5 years of age or to turn on aroma lamps with Monarda essential oil in rooms where small children or pregnant women are.
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