In nature, rhododendron is found in the Caucasus and the Far East, and in open ground it is grown by gardeners all over the world. Almost all types of rhododendron, including the Caucasian one, are listed in the Red Book as endangered. There are 3 varieties of the plant: yellow, Pontic and Caucasian.

Rhododendron can be more than just decoration personal plot, but also plant materials for preparing infusions and decoctions. Due to the content of useful substances, its stems, leaves and flower corollas have long been used to treat various ailments. They contain essential oil, tannins and a large number of minerals (lead, aluminum, silver and copper). Despite the obvious benefits, not everyone is allowed to use products based on this ingredient, and its leaves and corollas contain a toxin. Because of this toxic substance, rhododendron is called the Andromeda flower.

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Healing properties

The medicinal properties of Caucasian rhododendron allow it to be used as the main ingredient for the preparation of various remedies that help fight the following diseases:

• diseases of the heart and blood vessels (hypertension, tachycardia, shortness of breath);
• joint diseases (osteoporosis, polyarthritis, osteochondrosis);
• ailments of the upper respiratory tract (bronchitis, bronchial asthma, sore throat);
• insomnia;
• rheumatism;
• overweight;
• migraine;
• diseases of the stomach and intestines (gastritis, enteritis, gastroenteritis);
• kidney and bladder diseases;
• diseases of teeth and gums.

The plant also has antiseptic, soothing and antitoxic effects. It is often used for severe mercury vapor poisoning. Decoctions based on it help fight staphylococci, streptococci and other bacteria in the body. Due to its antipyretic effect, Caucasian rhododendron is used to prepare remedies that reduce body temperature.

Products based on Caucasian rhododendron are well suited for both women and men. They help eliminate the inflammatory process of the prostate gland, relieve pain during menstruation and normalize temperature during menopause.



Contraindications

The following groups of people should not use preparations based on Caucasian rhododendron for the treatment of diseases:

• women bearing and feeding a child;
• people suffering from an allergic reaction.

You should be especially careful about the dosage of the drug. Despite the fact that there are few contraindications, consulting your doctor will not hurt.



People with severe or chronic ailments of the body (especially kidney disorders) should consult a specialist before starting to take herbal remedies who will help determine the correct dosage and duration of the course.



Use of Caucasian rhododendron in folk medicine

Rhododendron leaves and flowers are used for preparation. In order for them to retain their healing properties, it is necessary to collect them from an adult bush (at least 2 years old) during flowering.

You need to dry the leaves and flowers on a mat, spreading them out in a thin layer. During drying, plant materials should not be exposed to direct sunlight, and indoors should not be exposed to direct sunlight. high humidity.



A remedy for insomnia and migraines

• 2 g dried rhododendron leaves;
• a glass of boiling water.



The plant material must be filled with water and allowed to steep for 10 minutes. After the allotted time has passed, you need to strain it and take 1 tbsp. l. 3 times a day after meals.

Tea recipe for sore throat

Tea made from rhododendron leaves will not only help get rid of sore throats, but also cure acute respiratory infections and coughs. It is prepared as follows:

• the leaves of the plant are placed on the bottom of a metal container;
• pour 200 ml of boiling water;
• place the container on the fire and cook for 5 minutes;
• the broth is removed from the heat and infused under a tight lid for 6 minutes;
• Milk at room temperature is added to tea.

When you are advised to plant Caucasian rhododendron, be careful because there is a little confusion with them. The fact is that several species growing on the mountains of the same name at altitudes of more than 1200 m above sea level are considered Caucasian. And at the same time, there is a separate species with the same name. So, there are three varieties of Caucasian rhododendrons: yellow, Caucasian and Pontic. These are what we will talk about in the article.

This is shade-loving frost-resistant plant. But in the shade, its shoots grow chaotically and vary greatly in length, so the bush may look untidy.

In the sun it forms a compact, even bush, but there it does not bloom. Or rather, the buds appear, but dry out before they have time to bloom. And if you find optimal lighting, you can get an even bush with incredibly beautiful yellow flowers.

Its wonderful and strong aroma rivals the best floral scents. It is from the flowers that azalea oil is obtained, which is used in perfumery to create perfumes.

Description

• Deciduous, medium-sized shrub up to 2 m in height, less often up to 4. The crown can grow up to 2 m. Strongly branching and developed bush.
• During the year it can grow by 5-8 cm. wild conditions The bush can live up to 100 years, in the garden it is less - about 50.
• The bark has a light brown tint.
• The oblong-elliptical leaves up to 10 cm long, ciliated along the edges, look beautiful. Young leaves, first pubescent on both sides, then bare. In autumn they turn yellow, red and orange.
• Flowering period from May to June. Flowering duration is a little less than a month.
• Flowers range from bright yellow to orange. They are small 1-2 cm and collected in inflorescences of more than 20 pieces! When the bush blooms, it is impossible to take your eyes off the abundant yellowness of the bush.

Caucasian rhododendron (Rhododendron caucasicum)

In gardening, hybrids based on it are mainly used. The most famous variety is Cunningham’sWhite, obtained by crossing with R. ponticum. Its main feature is its absolutely white flowers.

Other hybrids come in pink, golden yellow, speckled or unspeckled.

All species are quite capricious to grow and have special soil requirements. It should be acidic (pH 4-5), loose, and at the same time air and water permeable. Suitable soils, unfortunately, only the above are available middle zone Russia. The Moscow and Leningrad regions are also favorable for growing rhododendrons. But the southern regions are not suitable at all.

Description

• Evergreen low bush, reaching a height of 0.5 -1.2 m.
• With dark brown bark and creeping branches up to 1 m.
• The leaves are also elliptical in shape. Thick, short-petioled and leathery with a dark green shiny surface.
• It blooms in early summer with inflorescences of 5-10 pieces. The disadvantage of this species is that it often blooms twice and the autumn flowering does not benefit it, thereby weakening the summer one.
• The flower is in the form of a bell, measuring from 3 to 5 cm. The color of the flowers is in some places white, yellowish-cream and pink with red specks.
• The fruits are in the form of boxes with small seeds and ripen in August.

Pontian rhododendron (Rhododendron ponticum)

We have already mentioned that this type of rhododendron, when crossed with the Caucasian one, gave a very popular white-flowered hybrid - Cunningham’sWhite. On its basis, hybrids with blue flowers"Blue Ensign", "A. Bedford", "Blue Peter", "Anah Kruschke".

The Pontic species is a honey plant, and its honey contains significant doses of andromedotoxin, which can lead to poisoning. Pets that eat plants are especially often poisoned. Although this species has many healing properties. At present, they have not been studied enough to be widely used.

Description

• An evergreen shrub similar to a tree from 3 to 6 m.
• The leaves are short-petiolate, alternate up to 27 cm long, dense, oblong-elliptic, leathery, pointed, narrowed towards the base.
• Blooms from April to May, in the mountains from June to July.
• Flowers up to 6 cm wide, in umbellate inflorescences. The fruits are like five-leaf boxes.

Caucasian, Pontic and yellow rhododendrons are also united by the fact that all these species are famous for their medicinal properties, therefore they are used in folk medicine. Many gardeners would not refuse to grow these plants in their garden. Unfortunately, the species described above do not grow well in culture; their hybrids are mainly grown.

We invite you to read other materials on the topic of Rhododendrons:

Delicate white flowers Caucasian rhododendron will please the eye of any woman. However, few people know what a truly unique plant this is, and how much benefit it can bring when consumed. Being healing plant, rhododendron also goes by other names, such as alpine tea or snow rose. Whatever you call it, this is a beautiful and useful plant that can cure many ailments human body.

The benefits and harms of medicinal plants

Our ancestors also used snow roses both for the treatment and prevention of various diseases. This plant contains tannins, vitamins and microelements. Rhododendron is also famous for its high content of vitamin C, which helps fight viruses and improves human immunity.

The medicinal plant has various properties, useful for both the male and female body:

1. Increases sweating to rid the body of harmful substances by removing them through the sweat glands.
2. Treats connective tissue diseases.
3. Calms and relaxes, which has a positive effect on the human nervous system.
4. An excellent assistant during menopause, as it helps normalize body temperature and eliminate its fluctuations.
5. Helps cope with high temperature, acting as an antipyretic.
6. Removes excess cholesterol from the body.
7. An excellent assistant for those who want to lose weight, because rhododendron has the ability to burn fat.
8. This plant is also good to use as a diuretic, to rid the body of excess fluid, for example, during edema.
9. The bactericidal property that rhododendron has allows you to prevent active growth and proliferation of bacteria, as well as lead to their death.
10. Treats bone diseases.
11. Helps fight pain during menstrual periods.
12. An excellent remedy for various degrees of poisoning, as it helps remove toxins, waste, heavy metals and other substances harmful to the human body from the body.
13. It is an excellent assistant in the treatment of infertility, due to the fact that it can fight inflammation in the uterus and its appendages.
14. Treats cardiovascular diseases.
15. Helps eliminate inflammatory processes in the prostate gland.

However, despite the huge number of beneficial properties, rhododendron also contains one very harmful and dangerous compound - andromedotoxin, which is toxic and can harm the human body. Therefore, when consuming snow rose, you should adhere to the indicated dosage and not overdo it. medicinal plant. Otherwise, it has only a positive effect on well-being and health, both for men and women.

Contraindications

Despite the enormous benefits and many medicinal properties, rhododendron has some contraindications, but there are not many of them:

1. Should not be consumed this plant in any form during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
2. If you have allergic reactions, you should also refrain from consuming the miracle plant.
3. Kidney disease is a reason why you should avoid drinks and medicines made from rhododendron.
4. It is also prohibited if necrotic processes occur in the human body.

If you have not found any contraindications, then you can safely use snow rose in various types. However, in case of severe illnesses, you should consult with a specialist who will help you individually select the dose and determine the duration of use.

Recipes

Rhododendron is a medicinal plant that can be used in different types: tea, tincture, decoction or just a drink. This variety allows recipes not to become boring, which is why snow rose does not cause disgust or addiction when consumed.

Top 5 most delicious and healthy recipes from rhododendron:

Recipe No. 1
Tea made from Caucasian rhododendron has antiseptic properties, so it is good for sore throat and other cold symptoms.

Cooking method:

1. Place 20 grams of dried snow rose leaves in a special container and add 200 ml of boiling water.
2. Mix the resulting mixture thoroughly and leave to infuse for about two hours.
3. Take one teaspoon about 5 times a day until the pain in the throat stops.

For improvement taste qualities tea, you can add a little honey to it.

Recipe No. 2
Tincture from a medicinal plant helps normalize blood pressure. Only suitable for people with high blood pressure, as it lowers it. The course of taking the tincture should last at least a month and no more than two months, after which a short break should be taken.

Cooking method:

• Dried leaves and flowers of Caucasian rhododendron in the amount of 20 grams, pour 200 ml of vodka.
• Mix the resulting mixture thoroughly and leave to infuse in a dark place for about two weeks.
• After the product has infused, it must be filtered.

The finished medicine must be taken 3 times a day, diluting 25 drops of tincture in a glass of water.

Recipe No. 3
Snow rose decoction is famous for its sedative effect, therefore it is a good assistant in the treatment of problems with the nervous system. This decoction also helps treat diseases of bones, connective tissue and osteochondrosis. The course of taking the medicine lasts at least a month, during which time improvements in the general condition of the body are already felt and the symptoms of the disease disappear.

Cooking method:

• Boil 5 grams of dried rhododendron leaves in one liter of water.
• After boiling for 5-8 minutes, remove from heat and let sit for about half an hour.
• Drink warm decoction 3 times a day, 65 ml daily.

This product must be stored in the refrigerator.

Recipe No. 4
Rhododendron tea can be consumed as a good antipyretic. Everyone knows that when the body fights viruses, a rise in body temperature cannot be avoided. However, experts recommend starting to lower the temperature only at 38 degrees and above. You should not give antipyretics at low temperatures, because the body needs to fight viruses and increase immunity to them.

Cooking method:

• Pour 5 grams of dried rhododendron into 200 ml of boiling water.
• The resulting mixture must be mixed well and allowed to brew for about an hour.
• After the tea has steeped, it must be filtered.

Ready-made natural medicine consume 3 times a day, 5 grams.

Recipe No. 5
Few people know that medicinal plant rhododendron helps fight insomnia and epilepsy. This recipe Suitable for people suffering from these ailments. It is quite simple to prepare, but has a number of beneficial properties for the human body. The course of taking this infusion is selected by a specialist individually for each person:

Cooking method:

1. 2 grams of dried Caucasian rhododendron leaves should be poured into a glass of boiling water.
2. After thoroughly mixing this mixture, you should let it brew for about 15 minutes.
3. After the medicine has infused, it is necessary to filter it.
4. The infusion should be consumed 3 times a day, one tablespoon.

Cooking recipes medicinal compositions from Caucasian rhododendron are so simple and easy that their preparation does not take much time and effort. This allows you to cook and consume this plant for a long time. As practice shows, rhododendron can completely or partially cure various diseases human body. However, when consuming this medicinal plant, it is important to remember contraindications, cooking rules and consultation with a specialist. Do not rush to use synthetic drugs prescribed by your doctor; discuss with him the possibility of treatment with a natural and beneficial rhododendron plant.

Video: how to collect and dry rhododendron

Caucasian rhododendron is a plant with a complex name, sometimes also called alpine rose. Tender buds mostly white so extraordinarily good that they have the honor of being compared with the queen of flowers - the rose.

However, in addition to its purely undeniable visual appeal, rhododendron is also an excellent healer. Of all the species of this plant, it is the Caucasian one that is held in special esteem because of its universal beneficial properties. This evergreen shrub belongs to the heather family. Why is it called that? The answer lies on the surface: because it contains a substance called rhododendrin.

An alpine rose bush can grow up to one and a half meters. But the flowers in the inflorescence, which have a delicate, pleasant aroma, quite miniature, no more than 5 cm in diameter.

Rhododendron blooms in the first two months of summer: June and July. And its fruits - such peculiar boxes with small seeds - are fully ripened and ready for harvest in August. The plant tolerates sub-zero temperatures well.

Beneficial properties of Caucasian rhododendron

Alpine rose is a real storehouse of all sorts of substances beneficial to the human body. It contains tannins, essential oils, useful acids, and there is as much vitamin C in it as, perhaps, you will not find in any other plant.

Everything, absolutely everything in it is a medicine, except for the glycoside andromedotoxin - the strongest natural poison.

It just shouldn’t get into the human body; things can end badly, even leading to death. But if you harvest the plant correctly, then there is nothing to be afraid of.

To make all kinds of tinctures and teas, all parts of the plant are used, from flowers to roots. Even the stems are used, not to mention the leaves.

It seems that there is no disease that rhododendron cannot treat. Heart disease, joint disease, high blood pressure, kidney disease, sleep disorders and even epilepsy. The plant copes well with stomatitis and gingivitis, even heals trophic ulcers and other purulent skin diseases.

An infusion and decoction of the leaves will provide significant assistance for fever, gout, rheumatism, gynecological diseases, and gastroenteritis.

For severe joint pain, a bath with an infusion of rhododendron leaves is suitable. For swelling, dropsy, migraines, irritability, as well as stomach diseases, drink a tincture of stems and leaves. Use for treatment

-Heart diseases. Preparations from the leaves and flowers of rhododendron are very effective in eliminating shortness of breath and increased heart rate. That is, precisely those manifestations of the disease from which heart patients suffer so much and because of which they are deprived of a normal, fulfilling life.

-Rheumatism. An infusion of leaves based on alcohol or high-quality vodka can be used in any way you like: rub in, make compresses. It relieves pain well.

-Dental problems. If there is a lack of certain vitamins and microelements in the body, the gums begin to bleed and become inflamed. To prevent this from happening, you need to rinse your mouth with rhododendron leaf extract.

-In case of mercury poisoning. Poisoning with this dangerous metal is very dangerous, especially for young children. But if such a disaster happens, a decoction of fresh leaves will help cleanse the body. -For insomnia. with sleep, which affects general well-being, blood pressure, and performance. To sleep soundly and not worry about anything, you need to drink a tincture of alpine rose flowers.

-Diseases of the joints. For problems such as polyarthritis and osteoporosis, rub an infusion of rhododendron leaves and flowers into your joints. The main thing is to do it regularly, then there will be results.

-Diseases of the upper respiratory tract. Cough, frequent sore throats, bronchitis - our hero copes with all this “bouquet” perfectly. By the way, it also relieves asthma attacks.

-For weight loss. If you want to lose weight, rhododendron root will help you. And soon your own mother will not recognize you, much less your acquaintances and friends.

Contraindications

There are not many contraindications for the flower, but medicinal properties cannot be described in one sentence. Products based on Caucasian rhododendron are not recommended for:

• pregnancy;
• breastfeeding;
• allergic reactions;
• kidney diseases.

Teas and infusions

Infusion of leaves for healthy sleep and prevention of seizures in epilepsy

2 gr. dried leaves are poured with 200 ml of boiling water and left for 20 minutes. Strain the infusion and place in a cool place. Drink 1 tbsp. l 3 times a day at any time.

Infusion for increased heart rate, shortness of breath, heart disease

10 gr. crushed dry leaves and the same amount of dried flowers, pour 200 ml of high-quality vodka. Leave in the dark for 2 weeks. Shake the contents of the bottle periodically. Then we filter and drink 3 times a day, 25 drops, diluting a little with water.

Tea for colds

Pour boiling water over dried or fresh leaves and boil for 5 minutes. Let it brew for a while and drink with or without milk. It is customary to add a little salt and pepper to this tea.

Caucasian rhododendron is a very useful plant that you can start using right away tomorrow - no need to put it off. After all, our health depends only on us.

In the article we talk about the Adams rhododendron - what it looks like, where it grows. You will learn what medicinal products are prepared from this plant and how they are useful.

Adams' rhododendron (Latin Rhododēndron adāmsii) - evergreen perennial shrub family Heather.

Among the people there are other names for the plant: sagaan-dali, sakhandalya, sagaan-daylya, sagan-daylya, dalia, white wing, white wings, fragrant wild rosemary, Belogorsk tea, Buryat tea.

What does it look like

Appearance (photo) of Adams' rhododendron Adams' rhododendron is planted as an ornamental shrub.

The plant reaches a height of up to 0.5 meters. The branches spread out in different directions are covered with brown bark if the plant is young. When the plant is two or more years old, the color of the bark changes to dark ash. The old bark falls off, revealing a new layer underneath that is light brown.

Leaves are green all year round, oblong shape. Their length is about 1-2 centimeters, width 1 centimeter. The upper part of the leaves is shiny, green, the lower part is red or gray, which is given to it by thick scales.

The color of the flowers varies from pale pink to pink. Small in size - their diameter is no more than 15 millimeters. Collected in corymbs of 7-15 flowers. Flowering period is summer.

Adams rhododendron exudes a fruity and floral scent.

Where does it grow?

Habitat of growth of sagan-dail (Adams rhododendron) - Far East, Sakhalin, Eastern Siberia, Mongolia, northeastern foothills of Tibet.

Prefers mountain forests and rocky slopes of the highlands. The shrub can be found in lichen tundras, on rocks near the sea. Loves rocky, medium-moist soil.

Leaves and inflorescences

The leaves and flowers of rhododendron have beneficial properties. The leaves and inflorescences of the plant are used for medicinal purposes.

Currently, the plant is included in the “List of plants and their processed products, objects of animal origin, microorganisms, fungi and biologically active substances prohibited for use in biologically active food additives” of the Technical Regulations of the Customs Union 021/2011 “On food safety” .

Essential oils that are part of the plant are used in cosmetology and soap making.

Chemical composition

IN chemical composition plants include:

• essential oil;
• baghenic acid;
• linolenic acid;
• oleic acid;
• ursolic acid;
• flavonoids;
• vitamin D;
• vitamin C;
• andromethotoxin;
• ericopine;
• tannins;
• resinous substances.

Medicinal properties

In folk medicine, Adams' rhododendron is used to treat gastrointestinal and cardiovascular diseases..

It has diuretic, diaphoretic, antipyretic properties. It is used as an anti-inflammatory agent for rheumatism, fever, and bleeding of various types.

Medicines based on Adams's rhododendron have proven themselves in the treatment of colds, acute respiratory infections, and sore throats.

Indicated for nervous diseases as a sedative.

Sagan-dailya has a complex effect on the body, primarily strengthening the immune system and restoring strength after a long illness.

Rhododendron is an ancient remedy for infertility. During pregnancy, its use is stopped. Indicated for such female ailments as cervical erosion, colpitis, vaginitis, itching.

How to collect

Leaves, flowers and tops of the plant are used as medicinal raw materials. The flowers are picked fresh, not darkened. The most useful are the flowers collected in July - August. During this period they contain the most vitamins.

How to use

Tea, decoctions, infusions, tinctures are made from Adams rhododendron. In folk medicine, various remedies are prepared based on Adams rhododendron: infusions, tinctures, powders, tea. They are used externally and internally.

Tea

Rhododendron tea stimulates brain function and improves memory. Recommended for people engaged in mental work.

Ingredients:

1. Adams rhododendron - 1 leaf.
2. Black tea - 1 teaspoon.
3. Water - 200 ml.

How to cook: Brew tea, add rhododendron leaf to it. Let it sit for 15 minutes.

How to use: Drink no more than 1-2 cups per day.

Result: Increases alertness.

Tea with the addition of Rhododendron Adams, beneficial features which are described in the article, will suit coffee lovers. Quitting coffee will have a positive effect on a person’s cardiovascular system, and drinking tea with rhododendron stimulates brain activity no worse than coffee.

Powder

The powder is prepared from the dried leaves and flowers of the plant. It is ground to a fine dust.

Ingredients:

1. Rhododendron Adams powder - 1 teaspoon.
2. Honey - 1 teaspoon.

How to cook: Mix the powder with honey.

How to use: Take the mixture once a day on an empty stomach.

Result: Helps with indolent diseases, when there is a general loss of strength.

This mixture is also suitable for those who suffer from insomnia.

Infusion

Ingredients:

1. Adams rhododendron - 1 leaf.
2. Water - 200 ml.

How to cook: Pour boiling water over the leaf and leave for 30 minutes.

How to use: Take 1 tablespoon 3 times a day 10 minutes before meals.

Result: Blood pressure stabilizes.

If you decide to use rhododendron branches to combat hypertension, then instead of 1 leaf of the plant, use 0.5 teaspoon of finely chopped branches.

Tincture

Tinctures are traditionally prepared with an alcohol base. Therefore, such products are not recommended for children and adolescents.

Ingredients:

1. Adams rhododendron (flowers, leaves) - 200 grams.
2. Vodka - 200−300 ml.

How to cook: Place the raw materials in a jar, filling it halfway. Fill with vodka to the brim. Leave for 14 days.

How to use: Take 10-15 drops, mixed with 100 ml of water, 3 times a day.

Result: Tincture helps with colitis. Restores the intestinal mucosa.

Contraindications

Adams rhododendron has a number of contraindications. Among them:

• increased excitability;
• pregnancy;
• lactation period;
• age up to 18 years.

An overdose causes hallucinations, overexcitation, and urinary retention. If an overdose is observed more than once, renal dysfunction may occur.

Classification

Taxonomic position:

• Domain: Eukaryotes.
• Kingdom: Plants.
• Department: Flowers.
• Class: Dicotyledons.
• Order: Ericaceae.
• Family: Heather.
• Genus: Rhododendron.
• Species: Adams rhododendron.

Varieties

About 16 species of rhododendron grow in Russia, of which 5, including Adams' rhododendron, grow in Siberia.

Here are some of the types of this plant:

• Albrecht's rhododendron.
• Atlantic rhododendron.
• Rhododendron Vazea.
• Rhododendron holoflorous.
• Dahurian rhododendron.
• Tree rhododendron.
• Rhododendron yellow.

Adams' rhododendron is included in the Red Book of the Republic of Buryatia.

You can see how Adams' rhododendron grows in the video:

Rhododendron Adams infographics

Photo of Adams rhododendron, its beneficial properties and uses:
Adams Rhododendron Infographic

What to remember

1. Adams rhododendron, the beneficial properties and contraindications of which you have studied, is recommended to be taken only after consultation with a doctor.
2. Rhododendron for it attractive appearance used as ornamental plant in garden beds.
3. Rhododendron Adams, whose properties are often used in folk medicine, can cause hallucinations.