Fields with sunflowers look amazingly beautiful - plants whose inflorescences look like the sun from children's pictures. This golden yellow wonder is not only gorgeous in appearance, it is also very useful.

In this article we will talk about what sunflower is. Whether this plant is annual or perennial, in what conditions it grows, what types and varieties there are, you will find out by reading it.

Production history sunflower oil began in England at the end of the eighteenth century. Since then, various varieties of sunflower have been developed, which are united by high resistance to various pests and diseases.

General information

The annual sunflower is the most important plant in the world. Responsive and grateful to the agronomic technologies used, it is very useful and fertile. It is not for nothing that in heraldry the sunflower flower symbolizes prosperity and fertility. In addition, the plant, surprisingly similar to the sun, creates a bright and warm atmosphere in any weather in any area.

Sunflower is grown in almost all fertile agricultural zones as a raw material for the production of high-quality vegetable oil. It is also used as a melliferous, medicinal and ornamental plant.

It turns out that there is another unusual variety of it - tuberous sunflower. It is considered a vegetable crop.

Description

The annual sunflower (family Asteraceae) is a plant with a good root system, relatively quickly developing deep into the soil up to 140 cm (and in special conditions - up to 5 meters), and in width - up to 120 cm. The woody stem of the plant is tall (in places reaches and 4 meters), covered with hairs. The oval, heart-shaped leaves are large, with pointed tips.

The inflorescence of a sunflower is a multi-flowered basket (in oilseed forms with a diameter of 15-20 cm) with a slightly convex or flat disk. Large flowers are located at the edges - asexual, reed, yellow-orange in color, and the middle ones completely cover the receptacle - bisexual, tubular, much smaller in size.

Ripe sunflowers also have a huge variety of seeds. The annual has an achene-fruit consisting of a core and a shell. contain an average of 22-27% oil, and the most the best varieties- 46% or more. One basket, depending on the variety and nature of sunflower care, has from 200 to 7000 seeds.

Annual sunflower has excellent medicinal properties (astringent, anti-inflammatory, etc.). Flower formula: *L(5)T(5)P1.

Sunflower in Russia

Sunflower - typical plant steppe and forest-steppe zones with any climatic conditions. Approximately 70% of all crops in the world are concentrated throughout Russia. This plant is the main oilseed plant culture, cultivated in Russia. Edible and industrial oils are produced from its seeds in the country.

Processing residues are also not lost: the cake is used in the preparation of feed for farm animals; potash is obtained from the ash from the stems, as well as fertilizer; the most tall varieties(up to 3-4 m) with huge green mass are cultivated as a silage crop.

Cultural history

The plant's homeland is the southern territory of North America. Annual sunflower was brought to Russia in the 18th century from Western European countries. Initially, it was grown as an ornamental plant, but subsequently sunflower seeds began to be used as a delicacy, and therefore they began to grow it more and more in gardens and vegetable gardens.

It is known that the cultivation of sunflower specifically as an oilseed plant in field culture is associated with the name of the peasant serf Bokarev, who first produced oil from it in 1835.

The sunflower culture was initially especially widespread in the Voronezh and Saratov regions, and then appeared in other Russian regions.

The forms of annual cultivated sunflower are divided into 3 groups:

• rodents that have large achenes with a small kernel, and therefore they have a reduced oil content. In the pericarp of such a sunflower there is no armor layer, therefore this plant relatively easily damaged by sunflower moth caterpillars;

• oilseeds have smaller achenes with an armored layer in the pericarp;

• mezheumki, representing transitional forms between oilseed and gnawing varieties.

In Russia, oilseed sunflower varieties are of greatest production interest.

About sunflower varieties

Annual sunflower has a wide variety of varieties cultivated in our time, fully meeting the requirements of existing production.

There are early-ripening and mid-ripening varieties. There are also decorative ones, widely used to decorate garden and park areas. Below we briefly present some of the most common varieties of sunflowers in cultivation.

Early ripening varieties

The Albatross sunflower is distinguished by its rather high oil content. The variety is drought-resistant, resistant to diseases and damage from pests. It responds well to extensive cultivation methods. grows up this variety up to 195 cm in height.

Buzuluk contains 54% oil in the seeds. It is a fairly drought-resistant variety and has stable yields in different climatic conditions. Requires fertilizing with fertilizers and high-quality agricultural technology. Its height reaches 168 cm.

Mid-season varieties

The Flagman variety is distinguished by large harvest volumes. The oil content in it is 55%. Quite a tall plant, reaching 206 cm.

The favorite is also distinguished by its high oil content - 53%. The variety is also resistant to hydrolytic decomposition of oil, and therefore the resulting raw material has a low acid number. The plant grows up to 200 cm in height.

The highly productive Master variety contains 54% oil in the achenes. It responds gratefully to the application of appropriate mineral fertilizers.

All listed varieties are highly tolerant to Phomopsis, resistant to broomrape, sunflower moth and powdery downy mildew.

A little about tuberous sunflower (Jerusalem artichoke)

This species is grown as fodder, technical or ornamental culture. The plant grows well in more southern climate zones. This is due to the fact that its ripening occurs only from September to November, depending on the variety. The yield of Jerusalem artichoke is up to 35 tons of ripened tubers per hectare.

There is another plant obtained by crossing - Jerusalem artichoke. This sunflower has large oval-shaped tubers.

Growing sunflowers: conditions

The plant is demanding on soils, the best of which are sandy loamy chernozems, loamy soils, and rich in various nutrients. Sandy soils are unsuitable. Excellent precursors for sunflower are spring barley, corn and legumes. Sunflowers are sown again in the same place no earlier than after 7-9 years. It is not at all worth sowing it in the place where root crops, Jerusalem artichoke, were grown last year, perennial herbs, namely after crops that have common diseases.

Sunflower responds well to fertilization. The most dangerous pests for the plant are wireworms, red beetles, thorn beetles, and sunflower longhorned beetles. Used against pests and diseases (white rot and rust) different ways: agrotechnical, chemical, mechanical.

Sowing

How is annual sunflower cultivated? Growing from seeds directly in open ground is the main method. You can also plant pre-prepared seedlings.

For sowing, seeds of zoned varieties with fairly high germination and good quality are used, as a rule, they must be calibrated, because it is the same size that germinates evenly and amicably, and this increases the yield.

It is imperative to sow sunflowers after warming the soil to +10... +12 °C, otherwise a decrease in seed yield will be observed.

This is interesting

Annual sunflower is grown all over the world. But the sunflower is a truly Russian plant, and this is recognized abroad. An integral part of rural landscapes are these yellow flowers with black seeds located in the center.

The German amusement park Europa-Park (the largest in Germany and the second in Europe in terms of the number of visitors) has a Russian zone where sunflowers grow. And in Berlin, in one of its districts, in the summer there is a “Sunflower Labyrinth”: a sunflower field with intricate paths. In Austria there is a sunflower park with these plants, and the most different types and varieties.

Conclusion

Vast fields covered with blooming golden sunflowers look picturesque, bright and cheerful even in inclement weather. Those who want to decorate their garden plot and create the same bright, cozy and cheerful environment can use beautiful decorative annual sunflowers.

They have surprisingly fluffy yellow flowers with almost no seeds visible. Even their varieties have pleasant soft names: Teddy Bear, Teddy Bear, Teddy Bear, Bear, Teddy Bear. Indeed, the flower is a neat golden ball, more like a fur pompom. These sunflower bears look quite impressive in flower beds and bloom for a long time.

This one is cute unpretentious flower with bright yellow petals will bring more light, freshness and a lot of solar energy to the garden.

Oilseed (or common) sunflower in Latin is called Helianthus Annus (original name - Helianthus annuus). He belongs to the Astrov family. It's high herbaceous plant, reaching about 3 meters with a strong stem. The number of oval-heart-shaped leaves, 49 cm long, varies from 15 to 35 depending on the size of the sunflower. The species is famous for its large flowers, the middle of which is framed by yellow-orange petals and leaves below.

The historical homeland of the common sunflower is Mexico and Peru. It was from there that they were brought to Russia, as well as to other countries. Today the sunflower grows like cultivated plant in many regions with a suitable climate.

Active ingredients of sunflower

Therefore, they are easily absorbed by the human body. What is contained in oilseed sunflower?

• beatine;
• vitamins;
• glycosides;
• bitterness;
• tannins;
• lecithin;
• carotene;
• fatty oils;
• minerals;
• sapanoids;
• flavonoids and many others. etc.

Each of these substances has beneficial properties, which gives the plant its healing power.

Healing properties of sunflower (video)

Medicinal and beneficial properties of sunflower

How exactly folk remedies, prepared from sunflower, affect the body? When used regularly they:

• lower the temperature;
• reduce spasmodic pain;
• strengthen the immune system;
• relieve inflammation;
• destroy bacteria;
• prevent the formation of cholesterol plaques;
• produce a choleretic, astringent and laxative effect.

The healing power of wheatgrass

Therefore, sunflower is used to treat an extensive list of ailments or for their prevention.

Preparation of medicinal raw materials

To harvest sunflowers, you should choose plants that grow away from noisy roads. Optimal time for the preparation of medicinal raw materials from the ground part - flowering time. IN folk medicine use:

• yellow petals;
• small leaves without petioles;
• cut stems that are crushed.

Roots and seeds are harvested in September.

After collection, the raw materials must be washed, crushed if necessary and dried in a dark, ventilated area. These ingredients for traditional medicine are stored in fabric bags. The blanks retain their beneficial features for two years.

The use of sunflower in folk medicine

Since various parts of the sunflower (seeds, flowers, leaves, stems and roots) contain biologically active substances that affect the functioning human body, traditional medicine specialists consider the plant to be universal: everything is useful. It is difficult to list all the recipes made from sunflower parts - here are some of them.

Recipes with sunflower seeds

If a person suffers from whooping cough, a disease caused by bacteria, then he is recommended to take a decoction of sunflower seeds.

The drug will also help with exacerbation of tonsillitis and other diseases of the nasopharynx, if their causative agent is bacteria. To prepare the decoction you will need 3 tbsp. spoons of sunflower seeds, previously crushed. This powder is poured into 500 ml of clean water and kept at a boil over low heat until the volume of the liquid is reduced by a quarter. To make the drink taste more pleasant, the water can be sweetened with sugar, its substitute or jam. Take the medicine for 10–14 days. If relief does not occur, the course is repeated after 5 days.

Another decoction is also useful for the symptoms of colds, but it is also effective in reducing bad cholesterol in the blood. This is useful for people suffering from or prone to atherosclerosis. To prepare a decoction, take 500 g of seeds per 2 liters of water and boil for 2 hours. The product must be taken for at least 2 months: half a glass twice a day.

What are the benefits of sunflower seeds (video)

Healing remedies with sunflower leaves and stems Alcohol tincture of sunflower leaves,

where you can add petals, it is traditionally used in folk medicine to stimulate the gastrointestinal tract and increase appetite. She also helps patients with neuralgia and lung diseases. To prepare the medicine 3 tbsp. spoons of plant material are infused in a dark place in a glass of high-quality vodka for a week. Take this remedy 2 times every day, 40 drops. The course of treatment is 30 days.

Creeping thyme in folk medicine, cooking and landscape design Those who suffer from diseases of the genitourinary system and disorders of the thyroid gland will find it useful decoction of plant stems.

They are crushed, and 2 handfuls of raw materials are placed in a 3 liter jar of cool water for a day. After this, the liquid is decanted and brought to a boil. All that remains is to cover the jar with gauze or breathable fabric and let it sit for another 24 hours. The medicine is drunk half a glass 3 times a day for a month, and then take a break for a week.

A decoction is prepared from the sunflower root, which brings relief from diseases of the musculoskeletal system such as arthritis, osteochondrosis and salt deposition in the joints. You will need 1 tbsp. a spoonful of crushed and pre-dried sunflower roots, which is poured with 3 liters of boiling water and simmered over low heat for about 10 minutes. After straining, this medicine must be taken 2/3 glass three times a day for a month. It is recommended to adhere to a salt-free diet during the treatment period.

The decoction can also be used to treat prostate adenoma, using it as an enema liquid. To prepare this medicine, boil 1 cup of chopped roots in 3 liters of water in an enamel bowl. Then the broth should brew for another 3 hours. The optimal amount of liquid for an enema session is 1 liter. It is also recommended to use 150 g of sunflower oil for illness.

Application of flowers, inflorescences and petals of sunflower

A universal flower decoction made from flowers or individual sunflower petals will help in the treatment of diseases, for prevention, and for promoting health in general. It is prepared like this: 2 tablespoons of crushed raw materials are boiled in a glass of water for no more than 10 minutes. The liquid is infused for another hour, after which it is added plain water to the original volume. Drink 3 tbsp of decoction. spoons 3-4 times a day. It is better to do this half an hour before eating.

For colds and other inflammatory diseases associated with the activity of pathogenic bacteria, an infusion of sunflower petals will help relieve fever and destroy pathogens. You will need 2 tbsp. spoons of raw materials infused in a glass hot water 10–12 minutes. It is especially useful to drink this remedy before bed.

It is crushed and placed in a 1 liter jar so that the plant fills a third of the container. The rest of the space is occupied by vodka. Infusion time is 2 weeks. You need to take the medicine 1 tbsp. spoon twice a day 15–20 minutes before meals. The tincture is also used externally as a rubbing agent.

Medicinal properties and medicinal use of tartaria prickly

About the benefits and harms of sunflower seeds for children

The child's body is constantly developing, so it is very susceptible to any influences from the outside. Food plays a special role. How will sunflower seeds benefit and harm a child?

Benefit:

1. Contains antioxidants that eliminate toxins from the body, vegetable fats and vitamins. All these substances have a beneficial effect on children's health.
2. The seeds normalize the acid-base balance and have an optimal ratio of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates.
3. Sunflower seeds contain many useful micro- and macroelements. First of all, we are talking about calcium and iron, which are essential for growth and well-being.
4. According to psychologists, the process of cracking seeds calms the nervous system.

Harm:

1. If you constantly chew seeds with your teeth, this will destroy their soft enamel.
2. Seeds negatively affect the vocal cords - this must be taken into account during puberty.
3. Cadmium contained in the product in excess amounts can lead to problems with the kidneys.

Therefore, parents should control the number of seeds that a child gnaws.

Inconspicuous clearweed: cultivation, beneficial properties, types

The harm from ingesting sunflowers is primarily associated with its seeds.. If you chew them in excessive quantities, you can even gain weight due to the high calorie content of the product. Also, seeds irritate the gastrointestinal mucosa, so they are harmful for gastritis, ulcers, colitis and other inflammatory phenomena of this part of the body. Occasionally they cause swelling due to destabilization of the kidneys if you chew too many seeds.

How to prepare a decoction of sunflower root (video)

Sunflower is bright flowers, a source of oil and seeds, as well as a plant that is successfully used in folk medicine. Products made from it have wide range actions. Their recipes are quite simple, so anyone can use them if they wish.

Hello, dear readers!

Today we will continue our story about sunflowers. The sunflower is a symbol of the sun, joy and optimism. A little sun that turns its head behind the big sun.

Sunflowers bloom from July to August. When you see a field with sunflowers, it is impossible to pass by such beauty. The children and I also went for a walk and admired the sunflowers.

If you have such an opportunity, go with the children to the field and admire the sunny flowers, tell them riddles and just tell them about it amazing flower. I think that from such a walk you will be charged with optimism and your mood will lift.

1. Interesting facts about sunflowers for children.
2. Legends about the sunflower.
3. What is made from sunflower.
4. Riddles for children about sunflowers.

Many people have been familiar with this amazing plant since childhood. Both children and adults love to indulge in seeds. Previously, in villages and hamlets in the evenings, people cracked seeds on benches and had conversations.

Children love to eat sunflower seeds, delicious halva and kazinaki. Do they know what they are made from, what do they even know about sunflowers?

People call the flower a sunflower, but the correct name is sunflower.

The name of this amazing plant comes from the Greek words “sun” and “flower”. The huge flower really resembles the sun in miniature.

In fact, the yellow circle is not one flower, but an inflorescence - a basket in which there are many flowers. This is an annual plant with a thick stem and large leaves Green colour. The stem reaches a height of 2 m and above.

Why is a sunflower called sunny flower? Because it constantly grows and the stem becomes longer on the side facing the sun. The stem contains the phytohormone auxin, which regulates plant growth. It is located in that part of the stem that is not illuminated by the sun and the plant is forced to reach for the sun.

The sunflower has its own interesting story. Its homeland is North America. The Indians considered him sacred plant and was used in medical practice for fever, chest pain and the treatment of snake bites.

The flower came to Russia under Peter the Great, who brought sunflower seeds from Holland. It was cultivated as an ornamental flower. But later they tried the seeds and began to grow them in gardens to obtain a tasty treat.

Sunflower oil was first obtained by the peasant Bochkarev, who invented a press and squeezed the oily liquid out of the seeds.

Legends about the sunflower

According to one of the ancient legends, the gods sent a sunflower to people so that the sun would never leave them. Indeed, no matter the weather, its flower is always facing the sun. The sunflower is considered the flower of the sun, joy, and optimism.

One of the legends about the appearance of the sunflower comes from Mexico.

Once upon a time there lived a little girl named Xochitl, which means “flower.” She loved the sun very much and admired it from dawn to dusk. The sun appeared every day and did not hide behind the clouds. For the girl it was happiness. But plants died without moisture. There was a drought and people began to die of hunger. The Aztecs prayed to the gods to send them rain.

The girl went to the temple and asked the sun to hide behind the clouds. The girl’s prayer reached the Sun God Tonetiu. The long-awaited rain began to fall. And Xochitl began to fade away without the sun. And then a divine voice commanded her to go to the sacred village, where flowers always bloom and the sun shines. And there they will call her Xochitl-Tonatiu - “flower of the sun.” So the girl turned into sunny flower, which opens towards the sun and turns its head towards it.

What is made from sunflower

Tell the children that sunflower is a very useful plant.

Sunflowers are grown all over the world. It is used in Food Industry. Sunflower oil is made from its seeds, which is rich in vitamin E. You can make halva and delicious kazinaki from sunflower seeds.

Sunflower is a honey plant.

Sunflower is also used for technical needs, in cosmetology (production paint and varnish products, paper, in soap making, making creams).

Sunflowers are grown as an ornamental plant and made into bouquets.

Sunflower is used in medicine, tinctures and tea are prepared from it. The oil is rich in vitamin E and contains unsaturated acids. It is used to treat burns, wounds and other skin diseases.

Seeds, roots and leaves are used in folk medicine to treat bronchitis, headaches, and intestinal colic. Decoctions from the roots help with rheumatism and osteochondrosis.

But despite their positive qualities, seeds in large quantities are harmful: they can lead to stomach ulcers, inflammation of the appendix, and tooth decay.

Experiments with sunflower

You can conduct experiments with children with sunflowers and their seeds to find out the properties of the oil and how oil is obtained from the seeds.

Take raw seeds, peel and pass them through a garlic press or simply place them on paper and press. Will remain on paper greasy spots that don't disappear. These are droplets of oil.

You can learn the properties of oil from experiments. Take a glass of water and drop sunflower oil with a pipette. What will we see? The oil remains on the surface of the water. We conclude: it does not sink in water, but floats in a large drop, which means that oil is lighter than water.

If you stir a drop of oil, small droplets will form. The oil particles are divided. And the oil is transparent. If you throw coins into a glass of oil, they will be visible.

Let's do with children conclusion about the properties of oil: oil is lighter than water, it is transparent, viscous, aromatic.

Food is fried in oil, and vegetable salads are seasoned with it.

In the spring, you and your children can try growing sunflowers in the garden. To do this, take raw seeds and plant them in the ground. Shoots will appear that need to be looked after, watered, loosened, and weeded. And the plant will grow and delight you with large baskets of black seeds. When they are ripe, you can collect and fry the seeds. Or prepare delicious halva at home.

Today we told the children about sunflowers and learned what can be made from them. and also read the legend about the sunflower.

I also suggest asking children riddles to consolidate their knowledge about sunflowers.

Sunflower riddles for children

On a winding path

The sun grows on a leg.

As the sun ripens,

There will be a handful of grains.

(Sunflower)

The golden sieve of black houses is full.

How many little black houses,

So many little white residents.

(Sunflower)

In the middle of the courtyard is a golden head.

(Sunflower)

I look like the sun

And I love the sun.

I always turn to him

Your little head.

(Sunflower)

And finally, our photos with sunflowers. We walked with Yulia and Ksyusha, went to a field with sunflowers.

This is how we had a conversation today about sunflowers, the flowers of the sun.

Best regards, Olga.

Thank you

Everybody knows sunflower How beautiful plant, reminiscent of the sun and produces a tasty and healthy product - seeds, which satisfy almost fully the needs of an adult, both in polyunsaturated acids and vitamin E. Thus, sunflower preparations can quickly relax the smooth muscles of internal organs and lower body temperature , whet your appetite. At the same time, not only the kernels (or seeds) of sunflower are useful, but also its other parts, namely inflorescences, leaves, roots, stems. We’ll talk more about the use of sunflower in medicine and its beneficial properties later.

Description of the plant

Sunflower name ( Helianthus) is translated from Latin as “flower of the sun” (or solar flower). And it is not by chance that this name was given to it, because large sunflower inflorescences, which are bordered by bright yellow petals, really resemble the sun. In addition, the sunflower has a unique ability, which consists in the fact that the plant turns its head behind the sun, thereby traveling with it from sunrise to sunset.

It should be noted that most sunflower species are annual plants, although there are also perennials, which are mainly herbaceous plants.

Sunflower is distinguished by a thick and strong root, rough and pointed leaves at the top, of which there can be from 15 to 35. The top of the stem has a large inflorescence-basket, surrounded below by green leaves, but outside the basket there are golden flowers.

The sunflower fruit is an achene with a kernel. Depending on the type of plant, the skin of the achene is white or black.

Where do sunflowers grow?

The homeland of sunflower is Peru and Mexico (it was from here that this plant was brought to Russia). Sunflower prefers a warm climate and fertile soil, so it is grown in the southern part of Russia. In intense sunlight, as well as providing moisture and nutrients directly in the soil this plant develops powerful root system, has large leaves and gives enough good harvest seeds

Sunflower varieties

The sunflower genus has about 108 species, with two rightfully considered the most famous:
1. Oilseed (annual).
2. Jerusalem artichoke (perennial).

Annual sunflower (oilseed or ordinary)

The annual sunflower, which is also called oilseed or ordinary, has a stem reaching a height of two to three meters, heart-shaped triangular leaves, placed alternately on the stem. The powerful stem is topped with a large inflorescence-basket, the diameter of which varies from 10 to 35 cm. The lower part of the inflorescence is surrounded by green, tiled-like leaves, while the flowers in the central part of the basket are smaller in size and bright yellow in color. It must be said that by the time flowering begins, the baskets droop.

The thick stem of the plant is covered with stiff hairs. The fruits of annual sunflowers are oblong and slightly flattened achenes of white, gray or black color (the achenes can also be striped). This type of sunflower blooms from July to October. As an oilseed crop, it is grown in fields, vegetable gardens and orchards.

Perennial sunflower (Jerusalem artichoke)

This is a tuberous plant, which in Russia is better known as “earthen pear,” but in Europe, perennial sunflower is called “Jerusalem artichoke.”

The homeland of the earthen pear is Brazil, it was from here that this plant was brought to Europe along with the American Indians from the Tupinambus tribe (hence another name for the plant - “Jerusalem artichoke”).

This light-loving and drought-resistant plant is used as decorative element, food product and medicinal plant. Thus, Jerusalem artichoke tubers contain inulin, macro- and microelements, pectins, vitamins C and B, and iron salts. But Jerusalem artichoke does not accumulate harmful substances and nitrates.

Inulin is a polysaccharide, the hydrolysis of which produces fructose, a sugar that is harmless to diabetics.

Jerusalem artichoke contains a large number of iron, manganese, calcium, as well as magnesium, potassium and sodium. In addition, this type of sunflower actively accumulates silicon directly from the soil. It is impossible not to say that Jerusalem artichoke contains proteins, pectin, amino acids, beneficial organic and fatty acids.

Important! Jerusalem artichoke contains 8 amino acids that are synthesized exclusively by plants (that is, not synthesized in the human body). We are talking about histidine, arginine, valine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, tryptophan.

Thus, biologically active substances are the basis healing properties Jerusalem artichoke.

Jerusalem artichoke is similar to an ordinary sunflower, but it has underground shoots(the so-called stolons), on which potato tubers are formed. Perennial sunflower grows in one place for 30 (or even 40) years, although it produces a high yield only in the first three to four years.

Jerusalem artichoke tubers have medicinal properties, which normalize metabolism, which has a positive effect on treatment:

• cardiovascular diseases;

Preparations from Jerusalem artichoke are used in the treatment of urolithiasis and cholelithiasis, and in the prevention of heart attack. Jerusalem artichoke perfectly removes toxins and all kinds of waste from the body, and also calms the nervous system.

Sunflower collection and storage

The medicinal raw materials of sunflower are:

• marginal flowers;
• leaves;
• seeds;
• stem;
• roots.

The collection of raw materials is carried out during the flowering period, and it is important to collect flowers and leaves separately: for example, it is recommended to pick off the edge flowers of the baskets at the beginning of flowering, and the leaves at the end.

In medicine, reed flowers of bright yellow sunflower are used, which are cut off in such a way as not to damage the baskets themselves. collected flowers Dry immediately in a well-ventilated area, which allows you to preserve their natural color. The smell of dried raw materials during the soaking process should be faint and honey-like, but the taste should be a little bitter.

Sunflower leaves are torn from the petioles, and very large leaves should not be collected, especially if they are damaged by rust or eaten by insects. The leaves are dried in the air, but always in the shade (you can use special dryers). Properly dried leaves should be rough and have prominent and heavily pubescent veins. The dried raw material has a dark green color and a bitter taste, while the dried leaves have no odor.

Sunflower roots are collected (pulled out) in the fall (more precisely, at the end of September), that is, after ripening, as well as after collecting the seeds. It is at this time that the roots of the plant have healing properties.

Sunflower seeds ripen by September.

Flowers and leaves are stored in fabric bags for no more than two years.

Composition and properties of sunflower

Carotene

This is an immunostimulant of plant origin, which significantly increases protective forces the body by neutralizing the negative effects of free radicals.

Betaine

Action:

• activation of lipid metabolism;
• normalization of triglyceride levels in the blood;
• promoting energy production;
• normalization of the acidity of gastric contents;
• improving the functioning of the digestive system;
• preventing fat deposition.

Kholin

Action:

• promoting fat absorption;
• lowering cholesterol levels;
• stimulation of cardiac activity;
• strengthening the central nervous system;
• prevention of premature aging.

Resins

Properties:

• bactericidal;
• bacteriostatic;
• astringent;
• antiputrefactive.

Fixed oils

Action:

• regeneration of tissues and cells of the body;
• elimination of inflammation;
• accelerating the wound healing process;
• protecting the body from negative impact carcinogenic substances.

Flavonoids

Action:

• strengthening and improving the elasticity of both capillaries and vascular walls;
• neutralization of free radicals;
• regulation of the central nervous system;
• lowering blood pressure.

Organic acids

Action:

• increased appetite;
• activation of metabolic processes, which promotes the breakdown of fats;
• increasing immunity;
• removal of toxins;
• normalization of digestion.

Tannins

By modifying cell proteins, they form protective film, accelerating the healing process of wounds and neutralizing the harmful effects of bacteria. Tannins are used as anti-inflammatory, bactericidal, bacteriostatic and astringent agents.

Calcium

Action of calcium:

• forms teeth and skeleton;
• normalizes metabolism;
• strengthens heart vessels;
• increases immunity;
• regulates the functioning of the central nervous system.

Zinc

Action:

• renews skin cells;
• reduces allergic manifestations;
• accelerates wound healing;
• relieves inflammation;
• increases immunity.

Glycosides

Properties:

• diuretic;
• sedative;
• vasodilator;
• expectorant;
• antimicrobial;
• disinfectant.

Anthocyanins

Action:

• reducing the fragility of capillaries and blood vessels;
• slowing down the aging process;
• stopping bleeding;
• strengthening the heart muscle;
• normalization of metabolism;
• relieving inflammation;
• normalization of the central nervous system.

Bitterness

Action:

• appetite stimulation;
• normalization of digestion;
• restoration of the body in case of exhaustion, weakness, loss of strength, neurasthenia;
• strengthening the immune system.

Protein

This excellent source of energy provides the body with hormones, antibodies, as well as other enzymes that are necessary for the full functioning of the body.

Carbohydrates

This is the main source of energy for humans, ensuring a complete metabolic process.

Fitin

Action:

• stimulating liver function;
• prevention of the development of fatty liver;
• lowering cholesterol levels;
• strengthening blood vessels;
• normalization of the nervous system;
• activation of fat metabolism.

Lecithin

Action:

• acceleration of oxidative processes;
• ensuring normal fat metabolism;
• improving brain function;
• normalization of the cardiovascular system;
• increasing the body's resistance to toxic substances;
• stimulation of bile secretion;
• participation in the process of formation of red blood cells and hemoglobin.

Vitamin A

Action:

• participation in oxidative as well as reduction processes;
• regulation of the process of protein synthesis;
• normalization of metabolism;
• participation in the formation of bones and teeth;
• slowing down the aging process.

Vitamin E

Action:

• inhibition of membrane destruction and calcium leakage from cells;
• optimization of metabolic processes inside the cell;
• removal of toxins;
• normalization of reproductive function;
• regulation of RNA and protein biosynthesis.

Pectin

Action:

• removal of radionuclides, salts of heavy metals;
• suppression of putrefactive intestinal flora.

Saponins

Action:

• thinning of sputum;
• removal of mucus from the bronchopulmonary system;
• preventing DNA synthesis in tumor cells.

Properties of sunflower

• choleretic;
• antipyretic;
• laxative;
• antispasmodic;
• antitussive;
• emollient;
• immunomodulatory;
• enveloping;
• astringent;
• antirheumatic;
• antisclerotic;
• expectorant.

Treatment with common sunflower

Sunflower is widely used for health purposes due to the presence in the plant of many biologically active substances that are vital for the normal functioning of the entire body.

The following parts of the plant are used in medicine:

• seeds;
• root;
• flowers;
• inflorescences;
• petals;
• stem.

Seeds

Raw seeds have the following properties:

• help normalize blood pressure;
• facilitate the removal of sputum;
• prevent sclerotic changes directly in blood vessels;
• normalize the functioning of the nervous system;
• reduce the manifestations of allergies.

In addition, sunflower seeds have expectorant, softening and diuretic effects, therefore they are widely used in the treatment of laryngeal, bronchial, and pulmonary diseases.

Sunflower oil is obtained from sunflower seeds, which is a component of ointments, plasters, and effective oil solutions.

Root

This part of the plant helps dissolve and remove salts from the body, therefore preparations from sunflower roots are used in the treatment of:

• arthrosis;
• stones and sand both in the kidneys and in the gall bladder.

Flowers

Annual sunflower flowers are included in products intended for the treatment of the following diseases:

• heart disease;
• cold;
• neurasthenia;
• bronchitis;
• bronchial asthma;
• malaria;
• gout;

Inflorescence

Sunflower inflorescence is indicated for the treatment of diseases of the liver, stomach, as well as the duodenum, intestines and pancreas, and articular rheumatism.

Sunflower leaves

Preparations from sunflower leaves are used for:

• fever;
• neuralgia;
• psoriasis;
• gastrointestinal colic;
• diseases of the spinal cord and brain;
• bronchial asthma;
• cold.

Petals

An infusion of yellow sunflower petals is used internally for cancer as a diuretic. Externally, products containing sunflower petals are used to treat pemphigus vulgaris and old ulcers in diabetes mellitus.

Stem

This part of the plant is used to treat diseases of the genitourinary system, kidneys, and thyroid gland. In the process of using sunflower stem, which has a pronounced diuretic effect, joint pain may be observed, indicating the cleansing of the joint capsules from harmful deposits.

Application of sunflower

Sunflower preparations are used in the form of decoctions, infusions, and tinctures.

Decoction

A decoction of sunflower flowers is prepared as follows: 2 tbsp. the raw materials are crushed and poured with a glass of boiling water, then the mixture is put on low heat for 10 minutes, after which the product is infused for an hour, filtered and brought boiled water to the original volume. Take a decoction of three tablespoons no more than four times a day, 20 minutes before eating.

Infusion

Sunflower infusion helps cure colds and relieve fever. To prepare the infusion, 2 tbsp. pour a glass of boiling water over sunflower petals, leave for 10 minutes and drink at night.

Tincture

Sunflower tincture, prepared from leaves and flowers, is prescribed to improve appetite and enhance gastrointestinal activity. In addition, the tincture is used for malaria, pulmonary diseases and neuralgia.

To prepare the tincture, 3 tbsp. The flowers are poured into a glass of vodka and left to infuse for a week in a dark place. After the specified time, the tincture is filtered and drunk 40 drops, twice a day.

Contraindications to the use of sunflower

When taking sunflower preparations in therapeutic doses, no side effects occur. But still, experts do not recommend taking sunflower seeds to people who suffer from gastritis or peptic ulcers. It is also undesirable to consume sunflower seeds in large quantities for overweight people, since the seeds of the plant belong to the class of high-calorie foods.

A contraindication to the use of sunflower is individual intolerance to the plant.

Important! Before taking sunflower preparations, it is necessary to determine whether you are allergic to this plant in order to avoid possible complications.

Sunflower allergy

An allergy to sunflower is most often triggered by the human body’s sensitivity to the plant’s pollen, which, penetrating into the bronchi, causes a negative reaction of the immune system. In the worst case, hay fever (or an allergic reaction to pollen) can cause the development of bronchial asthma, a disease that is accompanied by shortness of breath and cough. Therefore, it is important to determine the presence or absence of an allergy to this plant before starting to use sunflower preparations. And an allergist will help with this, who will collect an anamnesis and prescribe tests to clarify the allergen or rule out allergies.

In general, hay fever is often accompanied by allergic rhinitis, which can be recognized by the following signs:

• severe itching in the nose;
• paroxysmal sneezing;
• nasal congestion;
• decreased sense of smell;

In addition, against the background of hay fever, allergic conjunctivitis may develop, which is accompanied by the following symptoms:

• itching in the eyes;
• redness of the eyelids;
• lacrimation.

The most obvious sign of sensitization to sunflower is the seasonality of the allergy: thus, with the end of the flowering time of the plant, the ailment goes away on its own.

Sunflower honey has a fairly high content of carotene, vitamin A, as well as aromatic substances that have bactericidal properties, therefore it is used to accelerate wound healing.

This type of honey is recommended to be used simultaneously with apple cider vinegar, for which you should mix a glass of water room temperature, a tablespoon of sunflower honey and a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar. This mixture is drunk in the morning on an empty stomach for at least a month.

Important! Sunflower honey contains a high percentage of pollen, so it is not recommended for people who are prone to allergies.

Beneficial properties of sunflower honey

Unfortunately, in our country, sunflower honey is not always in demand, which cannot be said about European countries, where this honey is compulsorily included in the school and kindergarten diet. Our compatriots do not prefer sunflower honey for the reason that it quickly crystallizes (in liquid form this honey is kept for no more than 20 days, and sometimes crystallizes in the hive itself). Moreover, after crystallization, honey acquires a bitter taste.

But rapid crystallization does not detract from the medicinal properties of this honey, which contains an amount of glucose one and a half times higher than in other types of honey.

Glucose does not need additional processing directly in the stomach, since it is instantly absorbed into the blood, spreading throughout the body.

Properties of glucose:

• strengthening the walls of the heart muscle;
• increasing the strength of blood vessels;
• promoting the normalization of heart function.

Properties of sunflower honey:

• normalization of arterial and venous circulation;
• removing toxins from the body;
• improvement of liver function;
• preventing the appearance of edema;
• strengthening the myocardial muscle;
• promoting the process of hematopoiesis, which accelerates the renewal of the body.

Sunflower Lecithin

Lecithin is an integral component of the growth and development of the body. It is lecithin that is a component of all cell membranes of the human body, serving as the main component of the protective shell not only of the brain, but of all nerve fibers without exception. Simply put, without lecithin the normal functioning of the heart, liver, kidneys and other organs is impossible.

Lecithin is responsible for the “repair” and regular renewal of body cells, since it is part of the so-called “good” cholesterol, which removes “bad” cholesterol from the atherosclerotic plaque located in the vessel, thereby helping to restore its lumen.

In general, lecithin has three main functions:
1. Conservation of energy transported throughout the body.
2. Ensuring the construction of cell membranes.
3. Providing adaptive properties of the body.

It is in such a plant as the common sunflower that contains a large amount of lecithin, which affects the body in the following way:

• prevents the development of diseases caused by dysfunction of the nervous system;
• has a beneficial effect on mental development;
• produces acetylcholine, which ensures normal metabolism of both fats and cholesterol;
• strengthens memory;
• normalizes reproductive function (without lecithin, women cannot conceive, bear and give birth to a healthy child);
• increases the body's resistance to the influence of toxic substances;
• stimulates bile secretion;
• prevents the development of multiple sclerosis;
• improves attention;
• increases physical endurance;
• promotes the absorption of vitamins A, D, E and K;
• protects the liver from the negative effects of preservatives, insecticides, toxins, as well as drugs and alcohol.

Recipes with annual sunflower

Tincture for gout

Young sunflower flower and its green small ones lower leaves are crushed well, after which they fill the third part of the bottle, into which vodka is poured to the top. The product is infused for a month in a warm place, shaking regularly. The strained tincture is taken daily in half a glass, diluted with boiled water. The same tincture can be used as warming compresses.

Compresses for the treatment of joints

One glass of crushed sunflower roots is poured with a liter of hot water, after which the mixture is simmered over low heat for one hour (the product should boil down by almost half). The finished decoction has a dark, rich color. In the resulting decoction, gauze (or cloth) folded in several layers is moistened and applied to the sore joint. Cellophane is placed on top of the compress, then cotton wool, and then the compress is secured with a warm scarf. This procedure is carried out at night, which will provide rest to the sore joint.

Infusion for stomach cancer

3 tbsp. fresh crushed flowers of the plant are poured with one liter of fresh milk, after which the mixture is simmered in a steam bath until the product has evaporated to half the original volume. The infusion is cooled, filtered and consumed three times a day, a tablespoon, 30 minutes before meals. The treatment course is two liters of infusion. Then there is a break for three weeks.

Decoction for whooping cough

Ripe sunflower seeds are dried in the oven and kneaded in a mortar. 3 tbsp. crushed seeds are poured with half a liter of sweetened water and simmered over fire until the volume of water is reduced by one fourth. The strained decoction is taken for 10 – 12 days.

Decoction for prostate adenoma

Dried sunflower roots (a little less than one glass) are boiled in three liters of water (exclusively used for preparing the decoction). enamel cookware). The decoction is infused for three hours and taken one liter per day.

In addition, for prostate adenoma, enemas from the sediment of sunflower oil, which must be unrefined, are indicated. Enemas are done for 10 days, for which 100 - 150 g of oil with sediment should be poured into a heated enema and inserted into the anus.

Tincture for pneumonia

A half-liter bottle is filled with sunflower flowers, filled with vodka and infused for two weeks. The strained tincture is drunk a teaspoon three times a day. Before use, you should consult a specialist.

Sunflower, in English - sunflower, sunny flower. In Latin - helianthus - the meaning is the same. The Germans, French, Portuguese, Ukrainians, and other peoples also see a miniature sun in a bright large inflorescence. I hope you have already guessed, we will talk about sunflowers, their benefits and beneficial properties.

Kuban sunflowers

From a botanical point of view, a sunflower is not a flower. Its “head” is an inflorescence, scientifically called a basket. Each seed comes from one flower. And what’s even more amazing is that each “ray of sun” is a reed flower with a large petal. It bears no fruit.

In almost all languages, the name - sunflower - is associated with the sun.

There are two reasons: appearance and the manner of turning after the heavenly body.
And sunflower seeds are a real storehouse of sun vitamins!

Sunflower – unpretentious plant. Once in the ground, the seeds quickly germinate, sprout and grow together. You only need to take care of the sunflower for the first time. Basic care is thinning and weeding. And then the roots penetrate deep into the ground, from where they receive the necessary nutrition and water.

Be sure to grow sunflowers in your dacha or garden if you have children! Then you won’t have to buy seeds—you’ll have your own—healthy, healthy ones. Show your child how a bright “flower” turns after the sun. To the question - why? - you can answer: “And so that the seeds ripen faster.” At night, the sunflower lowers its head down - “goes to sleep.”

Growing sunflowers in open ground

IN open ground Sunflower seeds are usually sown in Kuban in the second half of March.

The seeds are buried in holes to a depth of 3-6 cm. If you want to get a good harvest, then when the seeds begin to sprout, get rid of frail and weak plants. That is, the seedlings should be thinned out, leaving only the strongest.

To ensure that sunflowers grow well, loosen the soil to a depth of 20-25 cm, destroying weeds until the plants get stronger.

Yields can be increased through fertilizers. But be careful not to overdo it! Sunflower will easily tolerate a slight deficiency of nutrients, but an excess can lead to the accumulation of nitrates in the seeds. You, as a consumer, don’t need this at all. When fertilizing a sunflower, it is better to use mature humus or compost.

Sunflower care is simple. He only needs weeding between the rows 2-3 times during the summer.

And further. As soon as the seeds begin to ripen, birds will begin to claim them.
If you have few plants, you can cover each inflorescence with gauze or some kind of fabric. You can, of course, wrap all the sunflower baskets for yourself. But it’s better to leave a couple of small heads for your feathered guests. They will get used to visiting your garden, where they will eat not only sunflower seeds, but also garden pests.

Please note that sunflowers ripen, depending on the climate, in 2-3 months. Late landings They won’t have time to ripen, but they will delight you with sunny inflorescences.

Sunflowers can also be grown in an apartment. Seeds are sown in flower boxes or pots in early spring. Place 2-3 seeds in a pot with a diameter of 15 cm filled with a universal compost mixture.

When the sunflowers sprout, thin them out, leaving one, the strongest sprout in each pot.

If necessary, feed the plants with nitrogen. Place young flowers in a sunny place.

It is best to transplant them into larger pots in late spring or early summer. And if you want to get the earliest sunflowers on your street, grow seedlings in your apartment, and when it gets warmer, plant them in the ground!

Sunflower root beneficial properties and contraindications

And the roots of a sunflower are nothing at all! They are very good at removing stones from the kidneys and gall bladder, dissolving salt deposits in joints, reducing blood pressure (which often happens with unhealthy kidneys), improving hearing and vision, and relieving dizziness, heart pain and headaches. All these symptoms are usually present with high blood pressure.

The roots are harvested in late autumn, when the caps are removed. The matter, I tell you, is very, very troublesome.

Dig up the roots, clear the small side roots, since they are unsuitable for treatment, chop the central thick root, which in its raw form is not inferior in strength to oak, into 4-6 parts, dry (and this is a problem, since wet autumn is already approaching ), break into pieces of 1-1.5 cm with tongs or wire cutters and only then can they be used for their intended purpose.

1 cup of crushed roots is boiled in 3 liters of water for 3 minutes from the moment of boiling. The decoction is drunk 3 days in advance, that is, 1 liter per day, no matter before or after meals, you can drink it instead of water, as the drink tastes good. Then the same roots are boiled again in 3 liters of water, but for 5 minutes, the decoction is drunk according to the same scheme, and finally, the same glass of roots is boiled in the same amount of water for 10 minutes, and drunk in the same way. The roots are thrown away. Thus, from one glass of roots, 9 liters of healing decoction are obtained for 9 days of use. The next portion of the decoction is prepared from new roots.

A decoction of the roots is drunk in this way for 2 months (7 glasses of roots). After a couple of weeks, the urine will turn rust-colored, but don’t be afraid of this, this is a normal phenomenon when stones dissolve and salts are deposited. By the end of the course, the urine will become clean and transparent, like water.

During treatment, you should not eat spicy or highly salty foods; food should mainly be plant-based (but this is optional).

And the contraindications are as follows: a decoction of sunflower roots should not be taken by patients if they have been diagnosed with insolubility of kidney stones. The decoction is also contraindicated for pregnant and lactating women.

The benefits of sunflower seeds

Sometimes sunflower seeds are called food waste because rude people scatter the husks on the street and in the entrance.

But inside the seeds is not garbage, but a delicacy that is healthy for humans. The content of valuable elements in it is very high. For example, there is more vitamin D (it is called solar vitamin) than in cod liver, which is known as a great protector against rickets. This nutraceutical plays a vital role in healing the skin, mucous membranes, and helps the growth of the child’s body.

The seeds also contain a lot of vitamins A and E. They have antioxidant properties, protect us from atherosclerosis and tumors, have a positive effect on vision, and promote the natural beauty of hair and nails.

Fatty acids are important for metabolism in the human body; they burn fat cells, preventing their deposition in unnecessary places.

They also contain phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, manganese, silicon, sodium, and we need all of them for health and beauty.

...but know when to stop!

Sunflower seeds are so delicious that you can’t stop eating them. At the same time, they are very high in calories, which can lead to weight gain. extra pounds, and this is no longer desirable. The risk is especially high for people who do not exercise. A girl who often gnaws sunflower seeds while watching TV risks losing her slim waist.

In addition, there is a danger of damaging tooth enamel by cracking the seeds. Dentists advise cleaning them with your hands, rather than peeling them with your teeth. However, this method seems very inconvenient to me. So chew more carefully.

Raw, sun-dried seeds are much healthier than roasted ones. After a tough heat treatment they lose some of their vitamins, and upon contact with the fat in which they are most often fried, they noticeably increase in calorie content.

Unfortunately, some unscrupulous manufacturers food products Sunflowers are grown on soil that is over-fertilized. The yields are higher, but the usefulness of the product is reduced to zero. So the most healthy sunflowers- those that grew on the clean soil of your dacha.

Doctors believe that eating sunflower seeds can prevent a number of health problems. Including such serious ones as heart attack, skin diseases, bone fractures.

Decorative sunflowers

They are very popular among flower growers and florists. decorative varieties sunflower. They are not poisonous, but their seeds are small, and husking them is not much fun. But how much joy their cheerful faces will bring in the flowerbed! Moreover, they will also turn after the sun.

Decorative sunflowers are very diverse. You can choose varieties of any height - from 3-meter giants to 30-centimeter dwarfs, with different types branching or single-stemmed. You can even create a composition of little ones in pots, which can easily be replaced with a new one depending on your mood.

Rich color palette decorative sunflowers. Modern varieties In addition to the well-known yellow and orange ones, they bear inflorescences of other shades. For example, white, the color of baked milk, Ivory, lemon, apricot, orange and so on.

The diameter of the inflorescences of decorative sunflowers is from 5-6 to 17-20 cm. There is also a series terry varieties! Some are like chrysanthemums, others are like gerberas, others are like dahlias, and the rest are like only themselves.

The shape of the petals is impressive in their variety: round, long, with all sorts of curves, etc.

If you are confused by the abundance of pollen in decorative sunflowers, and you are afraid of getting dirty in it, look for a sterile hybrid on sale. You won't get any seeds from it, but its inflorescences look neater.

With multiple sowings it is easy to achieve continuous flowering decorative sunflowers from the beginning of summer until the first frost.

Edible sunflower varieties can also be used for decorative purposes. Just remember that, as a rule, these are large plants.