In addition to its visual appeal during flowering (live or in photos), the shrub has medicinal and preventive properties. It is customary to brew tea from rhododendron. Its range of uses is wide, but before use it is important to remember the contraindications.

Description of Caucasian rhododendron

Rhododendrons are evergreen shrubs that belong to the heather family. The distribution area of ​​the Caucasian species is the mountains of the same name. The culture grows at a level from 1.6 to 3 thousand m above sea level. Flowering occurs in the last days of May and lasts about 1 month. At this time, the mountain meadows are covered with a pleasing carpet of light flowers. The shrub has the following characteristics:

• height - from 1 to 1.5 m;
• the stem spreads along the surface;
• bark - dark brown;
• leaves are oval, dense with a red felt covering on the back side;
• flowers - umbrellas of 8-10 corollas;

Rhododendron in the Caucasus mountains

• the diameter of one flower is about 3 cm;
• color - white, cream or light pink.

Attention! Another name for this type of rhododendron is Caucasian azalea.

Beneficial properties of Caucasian rhododendron

It is this type of shrub that is distinguished by its high content of useful substances that have a healing effect on the human body:

• essential oils;
• tannins;
• vitamin C (in high concentration);
• organic acids;
• sugar.

Preparations based on Caucasian azalea are used for the prevention and treatment of:

Advice. Additional property preparations based on rhododendron - decrease high temperature bodies. Therefore, they are also used as an antipyretic.

A decoction of fresh leaves of Caucasian rhododendron has an antitoxic effect. Therefore, it can be used for poisoning. For example, when mercury vapor enters the body. It also successfully kills staphylococci, streptococci and other pathogenic bacteria in the digestive tract.

How to brew rhododendron tea: recipe

Tea from Caucasian azalea is very aromatic. As ingredients for it, use 2 fresh or 4 dried leaves, water and a glass of milk. The recipe is simple:

• place the leaves at the bottom of a metal container;
• pour a glass of boiling water;
• place on low heat and simmer for 5 minutes;
• remove from the stove and leave to brew under a tight lid for 5-6 minutes;
• add milk room temperature and return the mixture to the fire;
• boil again.

Advice. Tea, of course, must be served hot and preferably fresh. Before using, add a little salt and hot pepper. This drink is a great tonic. First of all, it is very effective for colds, coughs, and sore throats.

Rules for harvesting rhododendron. Contraindications for use

Flowers and leaves are used in the formulation of infusions, tinctures and decoctions. It is important to collect and prepare them correctly so as not to lose them. beneficial features:

1. The bush must be at least 2 years old.
2. Plant elements are collected during the flowering period.
3. To dry leaves and flowers, spread them in a thin layer on the litter. It is undesirable to be exposed to direct sunlight, as well as excessive humidity and air stagnation.

A delicious and healthy tea is prepared from rhododendron leaves.

Contraindications to Caucasian rhododendron are mainly related to incorrect dosage. Do not deviate from the recipe of the infusions, otherwise you may get harm instead of benefit. Azaleas contain natural poisons. It is also not recommended to be treated with rhododendron:

• during pregnancy;
• nursing mothers;
• if allergic reactions occur.

Advice. In case of severe or chronic diseases of the body, before taking medications based on this plant, it is better to consult with your doctor. It will help you install optimal norms, dosage and course duration. Be especially careful if you have kidney problems.

Caucasian rhododendron is as useful as it is beautiful. It is widely used in folk medicine. The key to obtaining all the beneficial properties of the plant will be its correct preparation and proper preparation.

Caucasian rhododendron: video

In nature, Caucasian rhododendron widespread in the highlands of the Caucasus, There is especially a lot of it at an altitude of 1500-3000 meters above sea level. Found in Turkey.

Rhododendron forms thickets along the edges of snow fields. The largest plantations grow in the mountains of Abkhazia.

In our country, the shrub can be found in Chechnya, Dagestan, Karachay-Cherkessia. Suitable for him climatic conditions of the middle zone. It is also quite popular in the gardens of the Moscow and Leningrad regions.

Description and photo

Caucasian rhododendron- one of more than 1000 species of rhododendron. This is an evergreen, durable shrub of the Ericaceae family.

Its height may vary from 60 cm to 1.5 meters. The dark brown stems are raised or creeping along the surface of the soil.

The leaves are oblong, oval in shape, with pointed tips. They are painted dark green, and below are covered with a dense growth of red-brown small hairs, similar to felt.

Bloom

With its grace and beauty during flowering, rhododendron can compete with a rose.

The flowers of the plant appear in early summer, blooming on long “plush” peduncles.

The inflorescences consist of funnel-shaped, bell-shaped flowers, the number of which can be about ten.

Hybrids are mainly grown in gardens and greenhouses Caucasian rhododendron.

The varieties bred using it have the most different colors. They can be:

• absolutely white;
• white-yellow;
• white and pink;
• pink.

The inner surface of the bells, the throat, in some varieties is covered with greenish or pinkish specks. Other varieties - without colored inclusions.

Blooming Caucasian rhododendron looks very chic. Flowering lasts about three weeks. It is quite possible that in mid-October the rhododendron will bloom a second time. But this does not happen every year, depending on weather conditions. If you create all the conditions necessary for a fruitful life for a shrub, it will delight you with its exquisite beauty for several decades.

You can visually familiarize yourself with the Caucasian rhododendron in the photo below:

Medicinal properties and contraindications

Rhododendron used not only as an ornamental plant.

It has long been known medicinal properties, which are successfully used in folk medicine, as well as in the creation of various dietary supplements.

For medicinal purposes they use:

• stem;
• leaves;
• petals of a plant.

Decoctions, tinctures, and brewed like tea are prepared from them.

IN chemical composition bush leaves include:

• theanines;
• arbutin;
• various acids;
• essential oils;
• ascorbic acid;
• vitamins.

The tanning properties of the plant are successfully used in dentistry for:

• stomatitis;
• periodontal disease;
• bleeding gums.

Rhododendron will have an astringent effect in the treatment of diarrhea.

Helps healing cuts, burns and abrasions, purulent wounds on the skin.

Infusion of rhododendron corollas It is advisable to drink when you have a cold. It is a diaphoretic, and therefore an antipyretic. Also has an anti-inflammatory effect.


This shrub is well known for who wants to lose weight. A tincture of rhododendron stems and leaves is an excellent diuretic.

By removing excess water from the body, it helps reduce swelling and weight loss.

Parts of rhododendron are included in some dietary supplements for weight loss.

This tincture is also used for the treatment of cardiac diseases. When used, the tone of the heart muscle increases, the heart rate decreases and the performance of the heart increases.

Rhododendron is used to treat joint diseases. To do this, infuse the leaves: apply the infusion internally and make baths with the infusion for sore joints.

A decoction of alpine rose flowers has bactericidal effect. This is successfully used for various disorders of the digestive tract. They treat:

• staphylococcus;
• streptococcus;
• gastritis.

Some substances in the plant have sedative and hypnotic effect. Therefore, it should be taken when:

• insomnia;
• irritability.

Has an anticonvulsant effect in epilepsy.

For neuralgia, tincture of leaves treat osteochondrosis and other neurological diseases. To do this, rub it into the sore spot. The weak narcotic properties of the plant are used for headaches.

WORTH KNOWING that, along with useful substances, parts of the plant contain poisons in minimal quantities and potent drugs.

That's why treatment with rhododendron is excluded for renal and liver failure, as well as for pregnant and nursing mothers. In any case, before using rhododendron in medicinal purposes You should consult your doctor or other specialist.

Useful video

This video will tell you about such a unique plant as Caucasian rhododendron:

Conclusion

Caucasian rhododendron is an amazing plant. It is very valuable as ornamental shrub, has significant medicinal properties and is a wonderful honey plant. IN middle lane In our country, the alpine rose is very popular among flower growers.

Attention: all parts of the Caucasian rhododendron are poisonous! We recommend that you think carefully before purchasing!

Caucasian rhododendron (Rhododéndron caucásicum) is an evergreen creeping shrub that is sometimes used in ornamental gardening.

Stems up to 1 meter long, decumbent, dark brown bark. The leaves are oval, dense, leathery, with red pubescence on the underside.

Caucasian rhododendron blooms in June-July, sometimes twice a year. The inflorescence is a small umbrella. Flowers up to 4 cm in diameter, petals white or yellowish. The sepals, peduncle and ovary are covered with brown hairs. The flowers emit a faint pleasant smell.

In nature, it is endemic to the Caucasus and Transcaucasia and is not found anywhere else. In the Caucasus, rhododendron often forms continuous thickets. Used in floriculture since 1803.

Biology

Lifespan: more than 30 years. There is no more accurate data.

Winter hardiness: high.

Light requirements: shade-tolerant.

Moisture requirements: moisture-loving

Soil requirements: prefers moderately loose soils with a neutral or slightly acidic reaction.

Caucasian rhododendron has both varieties with clear names and descriptions, and simply decorative forms– it is unknown who brought them out and when, but they are popular. Below we will describe both.

Cunningham`s White is a well-known variety (obtained as a result of crossing with Rh. ponticum). The main feature is an absolutely white corolla without the slightest shade of yellow.

Pictum is a variety of Caucasian rhododendron with tall (up to 50 cm) shoots and pink flowers.

Christmas Cheer is a hybrid form, which was bred using R. caucasian. Externally very similar to the original form. The petals are white with a slightly pinkish edge.

Chevalier Felix de Sauvage is a hybrid form obtained by crossing the Caucasian rhododendron with another hybrid form. The main feature is bright pink flowers. Blooms in April-May.

Decorative forms of Caucasian rhododendron:

• f. rosea-alba - white and pink flowers;
• f. splendens – dark pink flowers, early flowering;
• f. flavidum - golden-yellow flowers with greenish spots on the inside of the petals;
• f. stramineum - golden yellow flowers with red spots on the inside of the petals.

Where to buy Caucasian rhododendron?

There are problems with buying seedlings in Russia. Some things can be bought on rhodo.ru, some on gardening forums. A specialized online store that would offer big choice there are no decorative forms in Russia. But there are in the USA, Great Britain and Germany.

Planting and care

Landing

Caucasian rhododendron grows well in light, moderately moist fertile soils with a neutral or slightly acidic reaction. Stagnation of water, prolonged drying out and liming are extremely dangerous for plants.

Most often, planting is carried out in the spring. Standard sizes landing pit– 70*50 cm. For planting, prepare a soil mixture - high-moor peat: coniferous litter: humus sand 2:2:1:1 The recipe is not strict: it can be changed depending on what is available. The main thing is to maintain acidity.

An important point when planting R. caucasian is the deepening of the root collar. It should be located slightly above ground level. After planting, the plants are watered abundantly and mulched with peat, pine bedding or sawdust. The thickness of the mulch layer is 5...6 cm. The use of mulch can significantly reduce moisture loss, reduce the number of weeds and protect the root system from late frosts (however, for most rhododendrons, frosts are not dangerous).

Care

Caring for Caucasian rhododendron comes down to removing weeds, loosening, watering and occasional fertilizing.

Loosening of tree trunk circles should be done carefully so as not to damage the surface root system of plants. It is also better to remove weeds by pulling them out rather than digging them up. However, weeds hardly get through good mulch.

R. caucasian does not tolerate prolonged droughts. In dry weather it should be watered weekly. The amount of water should be sufficient to wet a clod of earth to a depth of 50 cm.

Feeding is needed every 2..3 years. It is not enough to enter large quantity humus in trunk circle. Can be used complex fertilizers For flowering bushes in recommended doses.

Reproduction

In the practice of decorative floriculture, both seeds and vegetative propagation of Caucasian rhododendron are widely used.

At seed propagation seeds are sown in early spring in flat pots and bowls. The optimal composition of the soil mixture is acidic peat: sand: turf soil 3:2:1. To germinate, seeds need light - so they are not buried, but simply laid on the ground.

Shoots appear in about 10...15 days. After their appearance, the bowls are transferred to rooms with an air temperature of 10...15 degrees. In the first years, Caucasian rhododendron grows very slowly, growing by about 1 cm per year. Starting from the 3rd year, it is recommended to “train” the seedlings - take them out into the open air, starting in May. For summer placement of seedlings, areas protected from wind and direct sunlight, but at the same time well-lit, are suitable.

Seedlings usually bloom in 5…6 years. At this age, they can be planted in nurseries, and after a few more years - in a permanent place.

For vegetative propagation layering, green cuttings and dividing the bush are used.

When propagated by layering, full root system in new plants it forms in the second year. Around September of the second year after creating the cuttings, new bushes can be separated from the mother ones.

When propagating from green cuttings, additional treatment of the cuttings with indolylbutyric acid or other root formation stimulants is required. Even in this case, not all cuttings take root.

Diseases and pests

Diseases and pests of Caucasian rhododendron are typical for most types of rhododendrons. You can read about them in the section “Diseases and pests of rhododendrons”.

The decoration of the Caucasus Mountains is the rhododendron bush. Among the people it is valuable not only for its beautiful appearance, but also for its medicinal properties. Infusions, decoctions, and teas from the plant help overcome various ailments. We will talk in more detail about the properties of the shrub below.

What it looks like and where it grows

If you, while in the Caucasus, see a green bush 1-1.5 m high with white-yellow flowers collected in umbrella inflorescences, know: this is Caucasian rhododendron. The stem of the plant is recumbent, dark brown in color. The leaves are oval, elongated, felt-like on the back and red in color. In the middle of the white-yellow flowers there are green or red inclusions. The color of the corolla can vary from white to pale cream or soft pink.
Propagated by seeds. Caucasian rhododendron is a typical representative of endemics, i.e. it grows in a limited area. It can be found in the highlands of the Greater and Lesser Caucasus, in Turkey beyond the Arsian and Lazistan ranges, as well as in Dagestan, North Ossetia, Chechnya, Ingushetia, Kabardino-Balkaria and Karachay-Cherkessia.

Did you know? In 1803, Caucasian rhododendron began to be used as cultivated plant. But it is very difficult to cultivate.

What is useful and what cures

Rhododendron contains:

• tannins;
• flavonoids;
• rhododendrin;
• glycosides;
• ericoline;
• gallic acid;
• tranids;
• ursulic acid;
• arbutin;
• essential oils;
• Sahara;
• tannins;
• routine;
• vitamin C.

The listed components give plants the following qualities:

• bactericidal;
• antipyretic;
• calming;
• fat burning;
• diuretic and diaphoretic.

Due to these qualities, dried parts of the bush are actively used in treatment:

• cardiovascular problems;
• viral infections;
• rheumatism;
• obesity;
• colitis;
• vegetative neuroses;
• female infertility;
• inflammatory processes in the pelvic organs in women;
• to remove toxins and heavy elements;
• to strengthen the immune system.

Procurement of medicinal raw materials

The leaves of the plant are usually used for medicinal purposes. They are harvested during flowering. You can collect raw materials only from two- and three-year-old plants. The raw materials are dried indoors or under a canopy in the air so that the rays do not fall on them. Can be dried in the attic or in the oven at a temperature of + 50-60 ° C. To make the leaves dry faster, they need to be laid out in one layer and stirred from time to time. Finished raw materials are stored in tightly closed glass containers in a cool place and away from sunlight. The storage duration should not exceed two years.

Did you know? The name rhododendron comes from the merger of two Greek words: “rhodonon” (rose) and “dendron” (tree).

Traditional medicine recipes

Infusions, decoctions, teas are prepared from rhododendron leaves and used in the treatment of: fevers, epilepsy, headaches, insomnia, nervousness, rheumatism, gout, dysentery, colitis.

Recipe No. 1. 20 g of dry leaves per glass of boiling water. Stir and leave for two hours. We take 1 tbsp. l. 5 times a day. Tea helps with sore throat. You need to drink it until the pain stops bothering you. You can gargle with the same drink a couple of times a day.
Recipe No. 2. Pour 4 dry and 2 fresh rhododendron leaves with 200-250 ml of boiling water. Place on the fire and cook for 5 minutes, covering with a lid. Remove from heat for 5 minutes and add 200-250 ml of milk, then bring the mixture to a boil. We drink it like regular tea. If desired, you can add salt and pepper to the drink.

Tincture

Recipe. Pour 20 g of dry crushed leaves and flowers of rhododendron into a glass of vodka. Let it brew for 14 days in a dark place. Then we filter and take 25 drops diluted in a small amount of water three times a day. Duration of treatment: a month or two. Used for high blood pressure, heart pain.

Important! This tincture can be taken for no longer than two months, but not less than one.

Recipe. 1 tsp. dry leaves need to be boiled in a liter of water for 5 minutes. After removing from heat, leave for half an hour and put in the refrigerator. You need to drink 1/3 cup warm three times a day. Helps with nervous disorders, as a sedative, and with osteochondrosis.

Infusion

Recipe No. 1. 1 tsp. crushed dry rhododendron leaves are diluted in a glass of boiling water. Leave to cool and brew. After straining, consume 1 tbsp. l. three times a day. Used for insomnia, headaches, nervousness, and convulsions.

Recipe No. 2. 2 g of crushed dry leaves are diluted in a glass of boiling water. Leave to brew in a thermos for two hours. After straining, consume 1 tbsp. l. 2-3 times a day. Used for heart problems. For stomach problems, take this infusion in a dosage of 20-30 drops two to three times a day after meals.

Can pregnant women use it?

Andromedotoxin, which is part of the plant, is poisonous. Once in a weakened female body, it can cause a lot of harm to both the unborn child and the expectant mother. May also affect a woman's reproductive function.

Varied healing properties has a beautiful evergreen shrub Caucasian rhododendron. This plant is not easy to cultivate; it can be found in mountainous areas; large plantations of the crop grow in the Republic of Abkhazia and in the mountains of the Caucasus Range. In addition, the plant can be found in Chechnya, Dagestan, North Ossetia, Siberia and the Far East.

The beautiful, evergreen shrub Caucasian rhododendron has a variety of healing properties.

Rhododendron belongs to the heather family, an evergreen shrub that grows up to 100 cm in height. Its leaves are dense, oval in shape, with pointed ends. The leaves are dark green on top, with reverse side they have a rusty tint to them. The stem of the crop grows horizontally, its bark is brown in color. The flowers of the shrub are collected in inflorescences, which are formed in the form of an umbrella. Their color can be pure white, soft cream or pink. The flower size reaches up to 4 cm in diameter, their shape is funnel-bell-shaped. Flowering of the planting begins in June; in nature, flowering is abundant. The aroma of flowers is light and pleasant.

The fruit of the plant is formed in the form of a box, its size does not exceed 3-3.5 cm. Mountain rhododendron develops slowly, favorable places are those where moisture is retained for a long time and there is no scorching sun.

The medicinal shrub reproduces by seeds and is often used as ornamental plant, planting in flower beds. It looks beautiful in groups and single landings. It has been known as a cultivated plant since 1803. For successful development, the plant needs an acidic and moist nutrient substrate. The shrub does not tolerate stagnant soils.

Rhododendron belongs to the heather family; the evergreen shrub grows up to 100 cm in height.

The preparation of raw materials for medicinal use must be collected during the flowering of the bush. Valuable parts of the plant are flowers, stems, leaves, and sometimes rhododendron roots are used to prepare a healing potion.

The genus Rhododendron includes nine species of plants, one of them is the azalea shrub, which is deciduous and evergreen.

Gallery: Caucasian rhododendron (25 photos)

How to plant rhododendrons (video)

Beneficial and harmful properties of the plant

The healing properties of Caucasian rhododendron have been known to people for a long time. Preparations containing the mentioned plant have excellent bactericidal properties and have a diaphoretic and antipyretic effect. They can relieve pain and have a calming effect. In the leaves of a bush summer period located a large number of ascorbic acid, polysaccharides, ketones and other important components.

The plant has a positive effect on the functioning of the cardiovascular system; medical products created on the basis of this herbal product remove excess fluid from the body and eliminate shortness of breath. It is worth noting that the leaves of the bush contain the organic compound andromedotoxin. This component depresses the human central nervous system, while at the same time affecting the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract and heart. Andromedotoxin belongs to the group of neurotoxins; it interferes with the functioning of cellular receptors. Its action is two-phase, initially the drug excites and then depresses the human nervous system.

The healing properties of Caucasian rhododendron have been known to people for a long time.

Andromedotoxin can affect animals; sheep and other large-horned animals that graze in the mountains are most often poisoned. Dried rhododendron leaves do not lose the irritating and narcotic ingredient andromedotoxin. Death can occur within a few hours after a certain amount of foliage enters the animal or human body.

It is necessary to remember: the medicinal shrub is a good honey plant, but the pollen contains the dangerous component andromedotoxin. This organic compound gets into honey along with nectar.

Traditional healers They suggest using rhododendron not only during the treatment of serious diseases, but also for the prevention of various ailments. Healing tea is prepared from leaves, branches and flowers; this drink is old times Circassians drank. Currently, this delicious and aromatic product is consumed by fishermen and hunters. This tea stimulates and increases the body's ability to resist. In order for tea to be beneficial and not have a detrimental effect on the human body, it is important to know how to brew it correctly. For 200 ml of boiling water, use no more than two leaves of the plant. Rhododendron tea can be drunk with milk, cream, salt, and pepper. Additional ingredients are added to the drink to taste.

Traditional healers suggest using rhododendron not only during the treatment of serious diseases, but also for the prevention of various ailments

Not only tea can be prepared from the plant, but also infusions that can be used to treat stomatitis, sore throat and other problems with the throat or gums. The drink is taken hot. Drinks made from raw materials of medicinal shrubs are suggested to be drunk with reduced immunity to normalize blood circulation and for colds.

Regardless of which plant or herb is used to treat a disease, it is important to remember that they all have not only positive properties, but also contraindications, which you can find out about from your doctor.

Rhododendron Caucasian (video)