Most people know rhododendron as an evergreen shrub that brings joy in spring. beautiful flowers. However, not everyone realizes that it can be not only a garden decoration, but also a wonderful healer for many diseases. Caucasian rhododendron belongs to the Heather family, genus Rhododendron. The bush of the plant can reach a height of one and a half meters. The stems of rhododendron are recumbent, covered with dark brown bark. The leaves are oblong in shape, densely covered with reddish hairs below. To the touch sheet plates dense and leathery, have a dark green color. The flowers of the shrub are white, slightly greenish, up to five centimeters in diameter, collected in umbrella inflorescences. A box with oblong-shaped seeds.
This type of rhododendron is endemic to the Caucasus. The plant grows in the high mountainous regions of the Greater and Lesser Caucasus Ranges. Rhododendron is found at an altitude of one thousand six hundred to three thousand meters above sea level.
The medicinal properties of Caucasian rhododendron have been known since ancient times and are actively used in the areas where it grows. In addition, the plant is excellent honey plant, and on steep slopes this shrub stabilizes the soil well. Today it is used very widely as a remedy. In the Republic of Abkhazia, in the highlands of the Main Caucasian Range, rhododendron is grown on an industrial scale on vast plantations, which are the main supplier of medicinal raw materials from Caucasian rhododendron to the whole world.
Chemical composition of medicinal rhododendron
This evergreen shrub has a lot of medicinal properties, for which the healing substances included in its composition are responsible. Caucasian rhododendron has been studied more than once to accurately determine the healing components it contains. Based on the research results, we can confidently say that the plant contains: tannins, flavonoids, rhododendrin, glycosides, ericolin, gallic acid, tranids, ursulic acid, arbutin, essential oils, sugars, tannins, rutin and vitamin C in high concentration.
All these components, with the exception of andromedotoxin glycoside (which is a natural poison), are extremely beneficial for the human body. They contribute not only to general strengthening, but also help to cope with many ailments that greatly reduce the patient’s quality of life. Today, the medicinal properties of Caucasian rhododendron are recognized not only by folk medicine, but also by traditional medicine. Based on the plant, a number of medications are produced aimed at combating various diseases.
What does Caucasian rhododendron cure?
Since ancient times, folk healers began to use Caucasian rhododendron as an antipyretic, anticonvulsant, sedative, anti-inflammatory, sedative, diuretic, astringent, antispasmodic, analgesic, diaphoretic, disinfectant and restorative agent, which has a rapid therapeutic effect.
By helping to remove excess fluid from the body, rhododendron fights edema of cardiac and renal origin. In addition, thanks to the same non-aggressive diuretic property, the plant prevents the development urolithiasis, flushing sand out of the kidneys before it turns into stone.
Well supports Caucasian rhododendron and heart muscle. By nourishing and strengthening the heart, the plant restores the normal functioning of the organ and reduces elevated heart rate. Taking drugs from rhododendron helps prevent the occurrence of serious progressive heart pathologies and relieves shortness of breath. For many serious diseases of the organ, the plant is included in complex therapy.
The anticonvulsant effect of Caucasian rhododendron makes it a necessary addition in the treatment of epilepsy. With its help, you can significantly reduce the frequency of attacks and their severity. If the disease is not severe, rhododendron can even completely relieve attacks. Preparations from the plant are also used for limb cramps.
Colds and flu are also a reason to take products based on Caucasian rhododendron. Raising protective forces body, relieving fever and pain, as well as restoring the immune system, the plant promotes speedy recovery.
The use of rhododendron for bronchitis and asthma is useful. By clearing the lungs of phlegm and relieving inflammation, it helps in the fight against disease. The plant strengthens the blood vessels of the lungs, preventing the development of bleeding.
Insomnia and nervous system disorders can also be cured with rhododendron. It restores proper sleep and wakefulness patterns and strengthens nerve cells. Providing a calming effect, the plant relieves neuroses, depression and hysteria. For mild forms of the disease, rhododendron can be used as the main medicine, and for severe forms - as an additional medicine.
Gastritis and other inflammatory diseases of the gastrointestinal tract can be treated with the plant. Rhododendron relieves inflammation and has a disinfecting effect, destroying pathogens and bacteria.
For radiculitis, myositis and sciatica, rubbing with preparations based on this medicinal plant can relieve pain and cure inflammation in the shortest possible time.
Contraindications to the use of medicines from rhododendron
The main contraindications to the use of Caucasian rhododendron are the period of pregnancy and lactation, an allergic reaction to the plant and necrotic processes in the body. In case of severe illnesses, before starting treatment, you need to consult with your doctor, who will select the optimal dosage and determine the duration of the course of treatment.
Recipes for medicines from Caucasian rhododendron
Infusion of leaves to restore sleep and prevent epileptic seizures
Two grams of dried leaves are poured with two hundred milliliters of boiling water and infused for a quarter of an hour. After this, the drug is filtered and stored in the refrigerator. Drink a tablespoon of infusion three times a day, regardless of meal time. The duration of the course is set individually depending on the disease and its severity.
Infusion for increased pulse, shortness of breath and heart disease
Ten grams of crushed dry leaves and the same amount of dry flowers of Caucasian rhododendron are poured with two hundred milliliters of high-quality vodka. The drug is infused in the dark for two weeks. During this period, the infusion needs to be shaken periodically. After two weeks, the medicine is filtered and drunk three times a day, twenty-five drops, diluted a little with water. Duration of treatment is at least two weeks. Ideally, you should consult a doctor before use.
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 treats
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 and 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. 
Caucasian rhododendron or alpine rose (Rhododendron caucasicum) - evergreen shrubby plant, belonging to the Heather family (Ericaceae). This grass has many healing properties, therefore widely used in folk and official medicine.
Caucasian rhododendron or alpine rose is an evergreen shrub plant belonging to the Ericaceae family
The perennial has aboveground part up to one and a half meters high, represented by a recumbent stem covered with dark brown bark. The foliage is oblong-oval, covered on the underside with dense and short reddish felt hairs.
The flowers are collected in umbrella-shaped inflorescences and are yellowish-white in color with greenish or reddish specks on the throat. Corolla coloration can vary significantly from snow-white coloring in specimens growing in the Western Caucasus, to a pale cream or pale pink hue, which most often has the mountain type of perennial on the Trialeti ridge and in the Elbrus region. After flowering, rusty-felt, oblong-shaped boxes are formed.
The perennial is quite widespread in culture, and also grows en masse in natural conditions in the Caucasus and partly in Turkey, and also introduced into the Altai region. It is found in Dagestan, North Ossetia, Chechnya and Ingushetia, as well as in Kabardino-Balkaria and Karachay-Cherkessia. Besides Caucasian species, golden rhododendron has become popular and widespread.
Gallery: Caucasian rhododendron (25 photos)
Types and varieties of rhododendrons (video)
Chemical composition of Caucasian rhododendron
The very great benefits of plant raw materials are due to its various chemical components. The most basic substances that make up this medicinal plant:
- The leaves contain glucoside substances, including andromedotoxin and ericoline. Such components are toxic and have a local irritant effect, as well as a general narcotic effect, upsetting cardiac activity;
- flowers contain components represented by flavonoids, tannins, sugars, mucilages, triterpene compounds, as well as organic acids.
All parts contain essential oils that are rich in α-pinene and β-pinene, camphene, limonene, ylangene, humulene, caryophyllene and γ-selinene. The foliage contains substances in the form of arbutin, betulin, ursolic acid, ascorbic acid and tannins.
Rhodendron leaves contain glucoside substances, including andromedotoxin and ericoline.
Medicinal and beneficial properties of Caucasian rhododendron
Folk remedies based on such plant materials are a real cure for many diseases, which due to the following effects:
- antipyretic;
- anticonvulsant;
- sedative;
- anti-inflammatory;
- sedative;
- diuretic;
- astringent;
- antispasmodic;
- painkillers;
- sweatshop;
- disinfectant;
- general strengthening.
Products based on alpine roses have a quick healing effect, therefore they help to get rid of high blood pressure, cardiovascular diseases, symptoms of cardiovascular failure, fever, gout, rheumatism, gynecological diseases and gastroenteritis. High effectiveness has been noted in the treatment of edema, dropsy, migraines and headaches, epilepsy, excessive irritability and emotional instability, as well as sleep disorders. Medicines help stimulate appetite and bring relief from liver pathologies.
Products based on alpine roses have a quick healing effect
Preparation of medicinal raw materials
Rhododendron leaves are considered as the main medicinal raw material, which therapeutic purpose gather throughout summer period. However, it is generally accepted that the most best time The flowering period is the time for collecting plant materials.
Collection is carried out manually. The leaves are dried exclusively in the shade, with very good ventilation, with periodic stirring. The greatest benefit is observed when leaves from a two- or three-year-old medicinal bush are used to prepare medicinal products.
The use of Caucasian rhododendron in folk medicine
Traditional healers prepare healing remedies that are widely used for internal use and external use.
Making a healing infusion
Dry and well-crushed leaves in an amount of 2 g are poured into a glass of boiling water and infused for a quarter of an hour, and then the product must be filtered. You need to drink this infusion three times a day, a teaspoon, which allows you to normalize sleep, relieve irritability, and also get rid of migraines, cramps and PMS symptoms.
Properties of Caucasian rhododendron (video)
Making tincture
Freshly picked foliage and flowers in the amount of 20 g must be finely chopped, then pour one glass of 40% high-quality vodka and leave in a room protected from sunlight for a couple of weeks. After infusion, the healing composition must be carefully filtered. The tincture is used two or three times a day, twenty drops dissolved in half a glass of boiled water. cold water. This healing tincture should be used to treat shortness of breath and tachycardia, as well as in the treatment of venous hyperemia, edema and high blood pressure.
How to brew healing rhododendron tea
To brew tea, you need to add no more than three or five leaves of a medicinal plant per one glass of drink. Thus, to prepare tonic tea, you should add no more than 1 g of dry leaves of Caucasian rhododendron per 300 ml of boiling water, which allows you to achieve a mild tonic effect when consumed. The drink is infused for about a quarter of an hour, after which it is filtered. It is very convenient to prepare a healing tea drink in a regular thermos. Important to remember, that the maximum dose for daily consumption of such tea is no more than one glass.
To brew tea, you need to add no more than three or five leaves of Caucasian rhododendron per one glass of drink
Other medicinal types of rhododendron
Expressed medicinal properties not only has Caucasian rhododendron, but also other types of this medicinal plant:
Dahurian rhododendron, growing wild in Siberia and Far East. The height of the above-ground part reaches two meters. The species has fairly short leaves, and the flowering period occurs in May. Siberian healers use plant materials to prepare an infusion, which has a very pronounced diaphoretic, diuretic and analgesic effect. Healing infusions are also used to reduce excitability and improve cardiac activity, lower blood pressure and relieve difficulty breathing. The root of the plant is very often used in the treatment of dysentery;
Adams rhododendron It is characterized by a rather pleasant, but unobtrusive, light aroma that resembles the smell of fresh ripe strawberries. Collected plant materials, even after drying, can retain such a smell. Products based on plant raw materials have a pronounced tonic and adaptive effect, and essential oils contain a significant amount of farnesene, nerolidol and germacron. A tea drink based on the leaves of this variety allows you to lift your spirits, easily relieves fatigue, and also has a tonic effect on the human body.
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:
- The bush must be at least 2 years old.
- Plant elements are collected during the flowering period.
- 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 end up with 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
Caucasian rhododendron is an evergreen shrub with a height of 100 to 120 cm. The bark is dark brown, the stem and branches are recumbent and inclined.
The leaves of this plant are oblong-oval in shape. The leaves are dense, thick, dark green, covered with light red fluff underneath.
The root system is very sensitive, but shallow, only 30-40 cm.
Fragrant flowers are collected in inflorescences of 8-10 pieces. The diameter of the flower is about 3 cm. The color of the petals can be white, yellow-cream and soft pink. Flowering occurs at the end of May and lasts about a month. Caucasian rhododendron is an excellent honey plant.
Photo
Spreading
The habitat of this species, as the name implies, is the highlands of the Caucasus. This plant can be found in the foothills of North Ossetia, Ingushetia, Kabardino-Balkaria, and Abkhazia. It grows at an altitude of 1700-3000 meters.
Medicinal properties
Rokavkazskaya refers to medicinal plants. People have been using the beneficial properties of this plant for a long time.
Rhododendron contains tannins, essential oils(this is evidenced by strong smell leaves and flowers), vitamin C, sugar, organic acids.
Preparations made from parts of this plant have antipyretic, bactericidal, and antiseptic properties.
- Cardiovascular diseases. Preparations obtained from the leaves and flowers of this plant normalize blood pressure, increase blood flow, eliminate shortness of breath, and help cope with increased heart rate.
- Rheumatism. For this disease, an infusion of leaves is used.
- For diseases of the oral cavity. Leaf extract is used for rinsing in the treatment of gingivitis, stomatitis, and gum diseases.
- In case of mercury poisoning. A decoction of fresh leaves can help cleanse the body when exposed to mercury vapor.
- For insomnia. Flower tincture is used as a sedative and for sleep disorders.
- Joint diseases. An infusion made from leaves and flowers is recommended to be rubbed into damaged joints for polyarthritis and osteoporosis.
- Upper respiratory tract diseases. Preparations from the leaves are excellent for coughs, bronchitis, sore throats and relieve asthma attacks.
- For weight loss. The root reduces the absorption of fat by the body and promotes weight loss.
Recipes
Tea
This drink combines benefits and a delicious aroma. To prepare it you will need dried (4 pieces) or fresh (2 pieces) leaves, a glass of water and a glass of milk. The leaves are brewed with boiling water and cooked in a sealed container for 5 minutes at minimum temperature. Now the tea should stand for 5-6 minutes under the lid, after which it is combined with milk and boiled again. Tea is served hot with salt and pepper.
Procurement of medicinal raw materials
Used to make tinctures and decoctions azalea leaves and flowers. Collection occurs from bushes older than 2-3 years, in late spring and early summer. Leaves for drying are laid out in a thin layer and mixed if necessary. Drying occurs away from sunlight in a well-ventilated area or under a canopy.
