Caucasian rhododendron: medicinal properties and contraindications

Caucasian rhododendron is a capricious aristocrat who requires increased attention and care. And in his homeland he does not care at all and the bad weather, and uncomfortable rocky soil. It is ready to grow, decorating with its dense flowering bushes all the slopes of the mountains, and not only to please people with its beauty, but also to generously share its useful properties.

Chemical composition

Many rumors and legends go about this shrub plant. Some testify to it as an excellent drug, while others warn of the toxic substances contained in it. The truth, as always, is in the middle - it’s not without reason that both traditional medicine and official medicine recognize rhododendron.

When they talk about this plant in a negative way, they always always mean the andromedotoxin contained in it. This is a non-banal substance that is considered natural poisons. It belongs to the class of glycosides. If the dose is exceeded, it is able to harm the body, since it affects the work of the heart, upsetting the activity of its receptors. At first it has an exciting effect on the nervous system, then it is depressing, and this can result in death. Its effect in a certain sense is similar to narcotic. But in small doses, andromedotoxin has a calming effect, so the main thing is not to exceed the norm, and then, of course, this substance begins to work for human health.

The beneficial effect of rhododendron is also due to its tannins. The plant is valued for its anti-inflammatory and health-promoting actions. Most of them are contained in the leaves.

Flavonoids, which are also a component of the chemical composition, also have an anti-inflammatory effect. In addition, they give the plant antioxidant and anticarcinogenic properties.

Essential oils contained in all parts of the plant also contribute to the creation of an anti-inflammatory effect, inhibit the growth of bacteria and viruses.

The flowers of the plant contain a lot of vitamin C, therefore, it is recommended to collect medicinal raw materials precisely at the time of flowering. Then it turns out to be especially rich in this vitamin, without which it is very difficult for the body to resist viruses, absorb calcium and iron.

Another component of rhododendron is gallic acid, it was used in medicine in ancient China, it is characterized by antioxidant, antitumor properties. It also has a beneficial effect on the liver, protecting it from negative factors of various origins.

Ursulic acid, also a part of rhododendron, helps burn fats, gives a slim figure, at the same time stimulates muscle function and inhibits the growth of tumor cells.

How it looks and where it grows

The literal translation of the word "rhododendron" means "rosewood." And it looks no worse than a rose. Caucasian rhododendron is a representative of the heather family. Where it grows is clear from the name: its homeland and place of growth is the Caucasus. This is the endemic of the Caucasus, that is, the plant is so specific that it lives in nature in a rather limited area, representing a bright characteristic part of the flora of this natural and geographical zone. It is a typical representative of the mountain meadow subalpine landscape.

Rhododendron is an evergreen plant and not very tall (up to 1–1.5 m).The stalk is lying, that is, it grows parallel to the surface of the soil, covered with a dark brown, almost brown bark. The leaves are oval, slightly elongated along the longitudinal axis. To the touch, the leaves are roughly leathery, although not thick. On top they are shiny and smooth, green in color, bottom gray-red and densely covered, like soft felt, with short hairs.

The flowers do not differ in large size, not exceeding 3 cm in diameter. They are located with umbellate inflorescences, in which from 9 to 10 corollas are collected. Their color can be both snow-white (such can be found mainly on the slopes of the Western Caucasus), and pale cream or light pink (their place of growth is Mount Gamzachiman in Northern Armenia, Trialeti Range and Elbrus region, Mount Cheget). But it occurs, however, much less often, and rhododendron with yellow flowers.

Rhododendron begins to bloom in late May. Flowering continues for about a month. When the flowers bloom, seed boxes of an oval-oblong shape are tied in their place, reminiscent in color of the lower part of the leaves - gray-rusty, and as felt as the bottom of the sheet.

Due to its surface structure, the roots of rhododendron well strengthen the soil layer on the mountain slopes.

Rhododendron is notable for its winter hardiness and tolerates frosts down to -29 degrees in natural conditions, which is why summer residents in central Russia began to grow it.

In nature, the colonies of the Caucasian rhododendron are widespread in the foothills and mountains of the Greater and Lesser Caucasus, and spread along the Caucasus ridges to Turkey. Its main settlements are located at an altitude of 1600-3000 m. In Russia, habitual places of growth are Dagestan, Karachay-Cherkessia, North Ossetia, Ingushetia, Chechnya, Kabardino-Balkaria, Adygea and Krasnodar Territory. It is also found in Altai, but these mountain ranges are not native to the plant: rhododendron was introduced there.

And in Abkhazia, even large plantations of rhododendron were laid: thanks to the plant's ability to treat people from its leaves and flowers, medicines are made.

Collection and storage

For therapeutic purposes, the leaves and flowers of rhododendron are suitable. Leaves can be collected all three summer months, but the best period is the flowering time, along with the flowers. The most valuable medicinal raw materials will come from plants aged 2–3 years, because by this time they accumulate enough substances with a therapeutic effect.

Hands tear leaves and flowers into a basket, then lay them out for drying with a thin layer on clean paper or cloth in a warm and well-blown place, but not in the sun, as bright sunlight destroys the useful components contained in them and changes the color of the raw materials. From time to time, the leaves and flowers are mixed so that they are dried more evenly.

When the raw material is completely dry, it should break with a slight compression. It is cleaned in glass containers, closed with a lid so that the raw materials do not absorb moisture from the surrounding air. Such a medicine is stored for no more than 2 years in a dark room and at a temperature of no higher than 50 degrees.

The healing properties of the Caucasian rhododendron

Decoctions, infusions and tinctures - these are the three main dosage forms in which the raw materials of the Caucasian rhododendron are used. There are only three forms, and they are used in a large number of cases, from a wide range of diseases, and simply as a means of strengthening and giving strength. In addition, it is used if you want to tone up, restore the body after a serious illness and stimulate its immune capabilities.

In the list of therapeutic abilities of the plant - diuretic, antipyretic effects. Caucasian rhododendron has the ability to normalize body temperature, relieve fever, which is used not only in the treatment of colds, helping to stand up faster, but also in mitigating the effect of “hot flashes” in women during menopause. In addition, the plant can enhance sweating, with which toxins and other compounds and substances dangerous to humans are excreted.Including its compositions are used to improve the condition in such serious cases as mercury vapor poisoning.

Due to the diuretic effect, the plant contributes to the rapid removal of edema, having both cardiac and renal origin. In addition, this property of rhododendron does not allow deposits in the kidneys to linger, leaches sand and prevents the formation of stones.

Its ability to influence blood circulation can solve several problems at once, including stimulating the contraction of the heart muscle, increasing blood flow and lowering pressure. The plant not only makes the heart work, it also encourages it for labor, nourishing and strengthening. As part of complex therapy, rhododendron preparations are used not only for treatment, but also for preventing the occurrence and development of severe cardiac pathologies, as well as relieving shortness of breath.

The ability of a plant to put in order the nervous system is well known. It is used in the treatment of various kinds of neuralgia, depressive states, it helps to improve a person’s condition and normalize behavior during emotional instability, restores normal sleep and wakefulness.

To ease the course of the disease and improve the condition of a patient suffering from epilepsy, the anticonvulsant effect of the plant is used. Rhododendron Caucasian, as an adjunct to the main therapy, can seriously reduce the number of seizures and reduce their strength. Cases of complete disposal of seizures are described when rhododendron is also added to the list of accepted drugs, but with the mild nature of the disease. The anticonvulsant effect is also used to relieve cramps in the arms and legs.

Wound healing and disinfecting effects, as well as the ability to create barriers to the propagation of harmful bacteria, are also used in rhododendron-based preparations. This property of the plant is indispensable in the treatment of tonsillitis, stomatitis, and also the solution of dental problems: in particular, mouth rinses are used for periodontal disease, periodontitis, gingivitis. Gynecologists also use rhododendron-based drugs when it is necessary to relieve inflammation of the uterus and appendages.

Due to the effect on the metabolism, rhododendron products stimulate fat burning, which helps to lose weight and lower blood cholesterol.

The list of diseases in which the compositions and preparations with rhododendron are indicated is extensive: these are diseases of the gastrointestinal tract such as colitis, gastritis and gastroenteritis, insufficiency of the cardiovascular system, rheumatism, osteochondrosis, myositis, bronchitis, asthma, fever and others. It strengthens blood vessels and relieves headaches, improves appetite and normalizes the liver. There are many useful healing properties, but one should not forget about the need to consult a doctor before taking a remedy with rhododendron.

For women

In anticipation of menopause, when bone tissue begins to slowly lose strength, women can pay attention to rhododendron, because its beneficial effect has been proven in the treatment of not only radiculitis or osteochondrosis, but also other pathologies of bone and connective tissue.

Means made on the basis of rhododendron leaves are used in the treatment of infertility. A positive result can be achieved, because decoctions and tinctures help eliminate inflammatory processes in the uterus and appendages. A female problem such as cervical erosion is also treatable.

In addition, decoctions of medicinal raw materials relieve pain in the lower abdomen during menstruation. With menopause, the plant helps to relieve unpleasant conditions during temperature jumps and the so-called hot flashes characteristic of this period.

For men

Caucasian rhododendron also serves men well. Thanks to the improvement of the work of all body systems, including blood circulation, it helps to relieve inflammatory processes in the prostate gland. Also in his power to increase male power - it is not for nothing that the Caucasian centenarians in areas where rhododendron grows retain energy for a long time and lead an active life in every sense.

Caucasian rhododendron in folk medicine

Traditional medicine has learned to use both leaves and dried shrub flowers. Drugs in various forms are prepared from this raw material. Rhododendron is brewed and drunk both as tea and as a decoction of dried raw materials, and alcohol tinctures are also prepared. With their help they treat fever, epilepsy, headaches and insomnia, soothe increased irritability and nervousness, relieve the condition of rheumatism sufferers, use it for gout, and also restore intestinal function in dysentery and acute and chronic colitis. It is also used as a cardiac and diuretic.

For each problem, healers with the help of rhododendron find their solution: for example, tea is recommended as a means of relieving colds and strengthening the body. For the same purpose, honey from rhododendron is advised. Alcohol tincture in small quantities is prescribed for tachycardia and shortness of breath, a decoction of the leaves reduces high blood pressure, it is used for douching for female problems - in particular, for cervical erosion, as well as for male diseases such as prostatitis.

Trusting the recipes of traditional healers, we must not forget: before prescribing a remedy from rhododendron, you need to consult a doctor.

Tea for the common cold

To make medicinal tea, half a teaspoon of chopped dry leaves of the Caucasian rhododendron needs to be filled with 250 ml (about one glass) of boiling water and set aside for 10 minutes to settle. Pour a glass of milk into tea and heat to a boil, but do not boil. Drink the same way as regular tea, adding sugar or honey to taste. Such tea will quickly put on its feet with a cold or restore strength after a serious illness.

With insomnia

Boil 250 ml of water, add chopped dried rhododendron leaves (1 teaspoon) with water, insist. After cooling and straining, drink 20 ml 3 times a day. It has a sedative effect if convulsions, insomnia or increased irritability are exhausted. At the same time, the composition will help with a headache.

From shortness of breath and palpitations

Grind the dry leaves of rhododendron. Pour a teaspoon of the healing plant into a small thermos. Pour 250 ml of freshly boiled water there. Strain after two hours of infusion and drink 2-3 times a day, 20 ml. This infusion is used by those who suffer from cardiovascular insufficiency, it reduces shortness of breath, normalizes the heartbeat, and removes swelling.

With intestinal problems

Pour a teaspoon of medicinal raw materials into a mug, pour a glass of freshly boiled water, insist 2 hours. After straining, take 20 ml 2-3 times a day, after meals. This infusion is well established to reduce the symptoms of chronic intestinal inflammation - both thin and thick, and the treatment of dysentery.

Broth in milk

To do this, you will need 4 whole dry leaves of the plant and 2 fresh, just plucked. Put them in an enameled saucepan or ladle with a capacity of at least 0.7 l, pour 200-250 ml of boiled water. Put on a small fire and boil for 5 minutes under a covered lid. Then turn off the fire for 5 minutes, then add 200–250 ml of milk and heat again. Once it boils, you can remove it from the stove. Drinking this broth with cups is like ordinary tea, but not sweet: the drink acquires an interesting taste if you pour pepper and salt into it. The drink is good at the first sign of a cold, tickling in the nose and throat, as well as to calm in a stressful situation.

From sore throat

Prepare 20 g of dried medicinal raw material, pour it into a clay mug with thick walls.Pour a glass of freshly boiled water, mix quickly, cover and wrap with a thick terry towel. Wait 2 hours and take. Drink a little, but quite often - 5 times a day for 1 tablespoon. Such a drink will help with angina. Gargling with a sore throat will speed recovery. Continue drinking the medicine and rinse until the pain stops. Such rinses also help relieve inflammation in stomatitis, gum disease and eliminate bad breath.

From pressure

You can treat high blood pressure with infusion from one dry leaf of a plant, filled with boiling water (250 ml). Brewing time - 30 minutes, after the expiration of which you need to filter the infusion and drink. Norm - 1 tablespoon 3 times a day before meals.

Alcohol tincture for oral administration

To prepare such a tincture, dried raw materials are not suitable, necessarily fresh, freshly picked leaves and flowers of rhododendron are required. They need to be cut as finely as possible - then nutrients will be released faster and more fully into the finished product. 20 g of raw materials put in a dark glass dish, pour a glass of good vodka and close. In a dark, non-hot place, the mixture is infused for at least two weeks.

After this period, it is better to strain, clog and store better in the refrigerator. To use 2-3 times a day, for which dilute in a half glass of water 15-20 drops of tincture. It has a positive effect to get rid of tachycardia and shortness of breath. It is also recommended to reduce edema and with high blood pressure. If you insist only one plant flowers, the finished composition can be used as a sedative before bedtime.

Grinding tincture

To prepare tincture for grinding, dried medicinal raw materials are also suitable. To do this, take 2 tablespoons of dry leaves and the same amount of flowers that need to be chopped - you can simply partially break it with your hands and crush it with your fingers into powder. Then add 200 ml of vodka and put in a dark room for settling. While insisting, occasionally shake the vessel with the mixture. After two weeks, the composition is ready. You can rub their sore spots with radiculitis, myositis, polyarthritis, etc.

Flask for women

To solve a whole range of women's problems, reception of an infusion made from leaves will help. Infertility and inflammation in the uterus are treated using 2–3 times a day, 1 tablespoon of the product, which is prepared by brewing 1 teaspoon in a glass of boiling water. This composition is also used for cervical erosion, diluting the infusion with boiled water to make 1 liter of liquid, then douching is done with the resulting product.

From cervical erosion

Another broth for women. It is necessary to take equally dried crushed raw materials of rhododendron and calendula - 1 teaspoon each. Pour the dry mixture with a glass of boiling water and leave under the lid for half an hour. Apply for douching twice a day until recovery occurs.

Is rhododendron honey beneficial

There are many legends about honey collected from rhododendron. They say that they can even be poisoned - until the appearance of delirium and hallucinations. The ancient Greek commander and writer Xenophon described a case that occurred in one of his campaigns when the army stopped for the night in a place famous for its magnificent beekeepers and their honey. The warriors did not restrain themselves and pounced on honey - ate as much as anyone could. But soon one after another it became ill, and all in turn they lost consciousness. They began to recover only the next day, but were still in twilight consciousness. And only by the end of the fourth day absolutely everything - alive and healthy - were able to continue their campaign. It turned out that honey, which knocked out an entire army from the saddle, was collected by bees from rhododendrons, which grew splendidly around.

In the Batumi valley, not far from the place described by Xenophon, a similar honey was discovered again, but only later - in 1877.

Today it has been established that such extravagant honey bees collect from the flowers of yellow rhododendron, since the percentage of andromedotoxin is increased in it. It can provoke unpleasant symptoms, a person who has had enough of it is not safe from headaches, vomiting, darkening in the eyes.

But at the beginning of the last century, the Russian botanist Robert Regel found that in fact honey is not toxic at all and is completely suitable for use. It tastes a little unusual because it is not very sweet and slightly tart, and its color is special - beige. Some indigenous Caucasian peoples living in the mountains heat honey to 46 degrees, while the toxic substances decay, and the taste and beneficial properties remain unchanged.

Rhododendron honey is good for treating colds, alleviating cough with bronchitis, and alleviating the course of acute respiratory infections. Choosing honey for treatment, you should not get carried away with its excessive use. The maximum dose is 2 tablespoons per day. Otherwise, allergic reactions and problems with the nervous system are possible.

Contraindications

The first and most important condition for taking funds based on the Caucasian rhododendron is to remember that this plant is toxic. With an overdose, the consequences are unpredictable, insomnia or diarrhea are the most harmless of them. Possible tachycardia, impaired renal function with urinary retention and even hallucinations. You can not exceed the norms for the use of broths and the proportions when preparing medicinal drinks. Better to take a slightly lower dose than take risks.

In no case should you give drugs from rhododendron to children, especially small ones. And during pregnancy and lactation, rhododendron decoctions, infusions and tinctures are taboo! They should not be tried under any circumstances. Moreover, honey collected by bees from this plant is not forbidden to pregnant women. A spoonful of honey before bedtime will not be harmful.

For people with serious kidney diseases, rhododendron formulations are also contraindicated - as well as those who have necrotic tissue changes.

And the last significant ban: if you are allergic to any component of the rhododendron, you can not take funds prepared on the basis of this plant.

Photo of Caucasian Rhododendron