Rhododendron - application

Rhododendron is quite famous and popular among gardeners. However, even if you are experienced and know thousands of plants, you may well not have heard of this wonderful flower. The fact is that it is often called by other names, such as kashkara, black mane, kashkarnik, pandavra or ulugkaskara.

Rhododendron description

From itself, this plant is a rather attractive shrub that remains green all year round. In height, it usually reaches from a meter to eighty centimeters. At the same time, not only the flowers of Rhododendron are decorative, but also almost all of its parts: from the leaves to the trunk, which is painted in a rather attractive brownish-burgundy color. The leaves of this plant are quite thick and leathery, which makes them pleasant not only to look, but also to the touch. From above, they are painted in a dark green shade with even darker veins forming an interesting pattern. But below the leaves of Rhododendron are much paler. Their shape can be described as ovoid, but at the same time inverted, so that the narrowest part of the leaf is at its base, and the widest, respectively, at its tip. Also, the shape of the leaves differs in that their tips look exclusively downward. Their dimensions, however, are not very impressive. In length, the leaves of Rhododendron reach no more than seven centimeters, and in width - from two to two and a half. The flowers of this plant, on the other hand, are relatively large and very beautiful. In appearance, they are somewhat reminiscent of very large bells, and their color is light yellow with snow-white tints. Flowers are combined into quite numerous inflorescences, containing from five to ten buds, which reach from three to five centimeters in diameter. In addition, this plant also has fruits. They are five-celled oblong boxes, which have a red color and a somewhat woolly texture. Soon, however, they become completely smooth. The seeds are small, but there are just a lot of them in one flower. The most turbulent flowering period for Rhododendron begins in May-June, and the fruits ripen only by August. Sometimes they, however, appear earlier, ripening in July. The native home of Rhododendron is the Eastern Arctic. In addition, it grows well in Eastern Siberia and the Tao'n East. Basically, this flower grows in small meadows and glades. Very often it forms quite extensive thickets.

Rhododendron application in medicine

Rhododendron has become quite famous due to its use in folk medicine. So it is a fairly common and widely used tool. By the way, almost all of its parts are used as medicine: from flowers to stems. Leaves can be harvested for further use both in June and August, or, more simply, during the entire summer period. In order to use the leaves in the future, they are exposed to the sun's rays. It is also very important that the area where you dry the Rhododendron is well ventilated. This is the only way to achieve good results. However, there is a very important rule that you need to know. Rhododendron is a perennial plant, and only the leaves of the second or third year can be used as a medicine. Of course, we do not want to say that the leaves of the first year are poisonous, however, only in the second year of life they finally acquire their healing qualities, and therefore harvesting the leaves of the current year will be a simple waste of time that will not bring the desired results.What exactly determines the healing properties of this plant? The fact is that in these leaves, of course, if they have lived for at least a year, a whole fountain of useful elements, vitamins and minerals accumulates. First of all, it is, of course, essential oil, sitosterol, vitamin C and various trace elements such as copper, barium, manganese, aluminum and even silver.

Of course, it is equally important to find out exactly what healing effects this plant has on the human body. The same question was asked by scientists from Irkutsk, because, after all, Rhododendron has become one of the most used flowers in all folk medicine for a reason. They came to the conclusion that the preparations made from this plant, first of all, have a very positive effect on the cardiovascular system. Also, Rhododendron will be useful for those who have high blood pressure. Medicines made from it accelerate blood flow and promote the disappearance of edema and normalize the functioning of many organs. In addition, do not forget about the very powerful bactericidal effect of these drugs. However, in addition to diseases associated with the heart and blood vessels, Rhododendron can cure all kinds of diseases associated with the microflora of the oral cavity. Of course, all these medicinal effects have been proven long ago, and a huge number of experiments were carried out on the plant. Therefore, one should not be afraid that all these are just tales of self-proclaimed healers. The most important thing is to know how to prepare drugs that will really have healing powers. The most popular forms in which rhododendron is used are tincture or extract, and no one should have any problems with preparing them.

Homeopathic remedies from Rhododendron

However, there is another side to Rhododendron. Of course, since it has such a huge cascade of beneficial properties, many pseudo-doctors and scientists like to embellish its effect on the body and attribute truly magical properties to it. Of course, all this is just a hoax, and therefore you should never believe in overly embellished stories. First of all, of course, we are talking about homeopathy. Unfortunately, many still take it seriously and really think that such methods are super-effective. Unfortunately for them, this is not true, and therefore the statements that the homeopathic remedy from Rhododendron can not only perfectly cope with headaches and migraines, but also saves in case of mercury poisoning, of course, are a lie. Homeopathic infusion from Rhododendron is credited with many other, no less amazing features. Some say that it helps heal arthritis, some say that it is an excellent pain reliever, and some even claim that Rhododendron is so magical that it cures cancer.

Other medicinal uses

However, not all claims related to the treatment of various diseases with Rhododendron decoction are false. In the end, do not forget that the tincture of this plant is a real fountain of useful minerals and vitamins, and therefore, of course, it will be very useful for your body. The most important thing is not to expect real miraculous effects from this little flower, but, for example, he is really able to defeat the flu, fatigue or replenish the supply of nutrients in your body, not to mention his incredible powers in the fight against cardiovascular diseases.

By the way, not only people can be treated with preparations made from Rhododendron. In fact, it is an excellent remedy for the treatment of diseases in many animals, but it is especially effective in rescuing various livestock from adversity, viruses and bacteria. Most often, cows, sheep, goats and pigs are treated with gastric diseases with the help of Rhododendron.And, of course, do not forget how well this drug fills the body with vitamin C and copper, which makes animals much more active, healthy and strengthens their immunity.

We have already talked a lot about the use of Rhododendron in the form of tinctures and decoctions, but it has another equally useful and wonderful use, namely, its use as a tool that is added to the water for the bathroom. The fact is that Rhododendron is useful not only when the drug is taken directly through the mouth, but also when it is absorbed through the patient's skin. Thus, it not only rejuvenates it and makes it softer, but also has a very good effect on the bones. Therefore, baths with the addition of a decoction of this plant to the water will be incredibly useful for those who suffer from various bone diseases and their excessive fragility.

Toxicity

However, despite all the beneficial effects you've read about, Rhododendron is still quite a toxic plant due to the huge amount of various highly concentrated substances it contains. Therefore, self-medication with this plant is an incredibly stupid and arrogant idea. If you are going to use decoctions or tinctures from Rhododendron, it is very important to consult a doctor who will know much better than you which dosage will not only be beneficial for your body, but also will not harm you in any way.

Decorativeness

And, of course, do not forget that Rhododendron is not only a medicinal plant, but also a very beautiful plant. Its flowers really attract and fascinate, and therefore, even if you are not going to heal your veins or bones, Rhododendron will wear a worthy place on your balcony or in your garden.

How to prepare a preparation from Rhododendron?

1. The first method of using this medicinal flower and, in addition, the most popular is tincture. In order to prepare it, it is necessary to grind the leaves of Rhododendron and keep them in a glass of boiling water for a whole hour. After that, the resulting solution is filtered and taken in a tablespoon once a day. Of course, the tincture must be warmed up before use.

2. There is another way to prepare a tincture based on this plant. To do this, it is prepared in forty percent alcohol in a ratio of one to ten. Such a solution is used in a volume of twenty to thirty drops. Reception is done after meals two to three times a day.

And, of course, do not forget that when taking any of these drugs by mouth, you must be careful and the dosage. Otherwise, there is a rather big chance of poisoning, which, of course, you do not need at all. If you do get poisoned, then the first signs will be an abundant flow of saliva, vomiting, as well as pain in the abdomen and a weak state of intoxication. Of course, you will not die, but no one will definitely want to experience this on themselves, and therefore we urge you to consult your doctor before carrying out any procedures with this plant.

Conclusion

Rhododendron is an incredibly unique plant. This is not only a very beautiful flower, but, in addition, an incredibly useful medicine, preparations made from which contain a whole mineral complex. However, in case of an overdose, this medicine will surely punish the sloppy healer, and therefore, never forget to be careful and tidy. Well, all we have to do is wish you good luck.