Foxglove properties: harm and benefit
The healing properties of foxglove
Since ancient times, digitalis has been used by healers for the treatment of chest and abdominal dropsy, epilepsy, with the help of it they eliminated pain in skin diseases, and it was also used to cleanse the body and for constipation. But if the dosage was calculated incorrectly, then the person had diarrhea and vomiting, and deaths were very often observed. In this regard, for a century, everyone has forgotten about this plant.
Since the 18th century, digitalis has been used in traditional medicine. At this time, extremely unusual properties were found in him. The leaf plates collected in the first year are the main medicinal raw material. They include 62 glycosides, for example: gitoxin and digitoxin, lanatosides A, B, C, D, E, etc. Data biologically active substances are widely used in the fight against a large number of cardiovascular diseases.
Digitalis is used to:
- make the vascular walls stronger;
- improve blood supply to tissues and muscles;
- normalize hemodynamics;
- get rid of cardiosclerosis;
- get rid of tachycardia, hypertension, myocardial dystrophy, mitral defects;
- get rid of atrial fibrillation.
Often, it is woolly digitalis that is used to obtain medicinal raw materials. Organic acids, cardiotonic and steroidal glycosides are extracted from such a plant. Much less useful substances are found in digitalis ciliated, purple and rusty, but they are still used in traditional medicine. The foliage is used to make the powder found in tablets and suppositories. In alternative medicine, an infusion from this plant is used.
DIGITALIS
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Contraindications
Absolutely all types of digitalis in their composition contain poisons dangerous to humans, therefore, self-medication with this plant should be completely excluded. Means made on the basis of digitalis cannot be taken by people with sick lungs, angina pectoris, pericarditis, myocarditis, myocardial infarction, gastric tachycardia, as well as children and pregnant women. If poisoning occurs, vomiting, skin rashes, respiratory failure, nausea, severe pain in the abdomen, cramps, and heart failure will appear. If at least one of these symptoms appears, an ambulance should be called urgently. If you use funds made on the basis of digitalis for a long time, then toxic substances will accumulate in the body, which will cause the development of anorexia, loss of appetite and hallucinations.
Varieties of an elegant flower
Biologists count about 100 types of scabiosa. Each of them has its own unique shape, color and aroma. Therefore, any option is suitable for decorating a summer cottage. Let's consider the most popular varieties.
Caucasian scabiosa
The flower belongs to the mountain species. It is found in group or single plantings on mountain slopes, along the banks of rivers and lakes. The maximum crop height is 1 m. It has large inflorescences of various lilac shades.
Hybrid options are:
- red;
- blue;
- white;
- pink.
The buds bloom in early July, and this continues until the onset of autumn.
Popular subspecies of Caucasian scabiosa:
- Fama;
- Compliment;
- Perfect;
- Nachtfalter.
The culture is grown along the garden paths. Used in the design of alpine slides and mixborders. Salt compositions are grown in pots.
Japanese
The homeland of the culture is the country of the same name, where it is grown in city flower beds. Perennial Japanese scabiosa grows up to 60 cm.Some variants reach only 20 cm.The flower miraculously tolerates cold and winter cold. The buds are colored in various shades of pink and red. The maximum diameter of the inflorescence is about 5 cm. The variety is used to create stylish landscapes in the backyard.
Yellow scabiosa
Wild scabiosa with bright sun-colored buds is listed in the Red Book. The cultivated perennial is distinguished by erect stems that rapidly reach the sky. Some specimens reach a height of one meter. The first buds bloom in mid-summer, the last in early autumn. The crop is planted around the edges of the flower bed to create a stylish backdrop for the brighter plants.
Purple
The species is often grown as an annual crop. It is distinguished by pubescent shoots up to 110 cm high.
They are crowned with large buds up to 8 cm in diameter, painted in the following colors:
- maroon;
- pink;
- blue.
Some specimens have an almost black appearance. For this, the Europeans called the purple scabiosa "the flower of mourning." Popular varieties include Blue Moon, Monarch Cockade, Rose.
Terry scabiosa
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This species can rightfully be called collective.
It includes varieties popular for landscape design:
- Fruit ice;
- Crystal;
- Lavender lady.
The color scheme is very diverse, from white to dark tones of purple and red. The culture is used for making bouquets and decorating personal plots.
Types of white flowers, photo
In nature, there are several types of white flowers:
- spring;
- summer;
- autumn.
Based on the names, it is clear that they differ in the period of planting on the site and the timing of flowering.
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Spring white flower
It grows on the edges of forests, including on the territory of the Carpathians. Leaves up to 25 cm long, peduncle - 30 cm. Inflorescences are single or paired, with a strong aroma. The flowering period is 3-4 weeks in April. The best variety among spring white flowers is Carpathicum.
Landing dates
Planting material (seeds) quickly lose their germination, so they are sown immediately after collection. The first flowers appear at 6 or 7 years of age. Regarding the bulbs, it is also not worth delaying storage, they must be planted immediately after purchase. If the bulbs are from the garden, they are divided and transplanted to a new place immediately after the leaves have dried. The most favorable period is from mid-July to early autumn. Shop planting material is planted no later than the second half of October, so that the plant has time to take root.
Summer white flower
Under natural conditions, the plant is found in meadows and on the banks of rivers in the Transcaucasus, Southern and Western Europe.
In contrast to the spring species, the summer white flower is slightly larger - the leaves and peduncles reach a height of 40 cm. The first inflorescences appear in the second half of May, the flowers form umbellate brushes of a maximum of 10 pieces. The most famous variety of the summer white flower is Graveti Giant.
Landing dates
The optimal period for disembarkation is July-September. In warm regions, planting work is carried out until November.
For planting, choose heavy bulbs with a dense structure and covered with scales. It's good if roots or small shoots have already appeared
It is important that there are no mechanical damages or traces of mold on the surface of the rhizome. If the planting material is not planted immediately after purchase, it can be stored in a plastic container filled with sawdust.
Autumn white flower
Blooms in the second half of summer. First, stems with inflorescences appear and only at the end of flowering leaves grow back.
The height of the bush is only 12 cm. The difficulty lies in the fact that this variety is not resistant to frost, therefore, such varieties are not popular. However, some gardeners store the flower in special containers during the winter.Along with frosts for the autumn white flower, destructive excess moisture, since under natural conditions the plant can be found only on sandy and rocky areas.
Growing digitalis from seeds
Sowing
Seedlings are sown in the second half of March. The seeds need to be pre-soaked, for this they need to be filled with water, which should be replaced every six hours. Duration of soaking is 7 days. The prepared seeds should be spread over the surface of the substrate, then they are covered with a thin layer of sand. The container must be covered with foil or glass and removed to a warm place in which the consecration should be soft and diffused. Seedlings may appear half a month after sowing.
Growing seedlings
Seedling development is very slow at first. When the formation of the first true leaf plates is over, the plant must be pricked. You can plant them in individual cups or in a container that is larger and more voluminous than the previous one, keeping a distance of 7-10 centimeters between the seedlings. It is quite simple to care for such seedlings. It is necessary to water it as the soil mixture dries, regularly gently loosen the surface of the substrate, protect it from drafts and from direct sunlight.
When 15 days remain before the foxglove planting in open soil, you should start hardening procedures, they will help the seedlings adapt to unusual conditions in the garden. To do this, the seedlings are taken out every day to the balcony or to the street, while the duration of this procedure should be increased gradually. Planting plants in open ground can be carried out after they can be outdoors for days.
Foxglove perennial cultivation from seeds
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How to get rid of bindweed
Bindweed, which is a weed, annoys gardeners quite strongly. This perennial plant is distinguished by the fact that it is very hardy and tenacious. Twisting around other plants, the bindweed simply "strangles" them. In this regard, if such a field bindweed was seen on your site, then the fight against it should be started as soon as possible. To do this, take a rake and try extract from soil all its roots. But if scraps of roots remain in the ground, then the bindweed will begin to spread at a rapid speed throughout your garden or garden. In this case, it is recommended to use herbicides to combat it, for example: Roundup, Tornado or Lintur. The drug should be applied pointwise, and several treatments will be required.
If the site is completely filled with bindweed, then at the very beginning of spring, it should be completely dug up and with the help of a rake try to select most of the roots. Then the surface of the site must be covered with a dark-colored material that should not transmit light (black film or roofing material). In the absence of light and oxygen, as well as with a strong increase in temperature, almost all bindweed should die. But in order to eradicate this weed completely, only white mustard should be planted on the treated area in the current season. You can also sow bluegrass or fescue. If such a weed was noticed in an already planted garden, then it will have to be pulled out every day. In this case, shoots and roots, together with seeds, must be destroyed. It is recommended to apply herbicides after harvest or pointwise. In autumn, the site will require deep digging, while all the roots of this weed should be pulled out of the ground and destroyed. They should not be put into compost, as there is a high probability that they will germinate again.
Bindweed: how to get rid of a tenacious weed
Types of white flowers, photo
In nature, there are several types of white flowers:
- spring;
- summer;
- autumn.
Based on the names, it is clear that they differ in the period of planting on the site and the timing of flowering.
Spring white flower
It grows on the edges of forests, including on the territory of the Carpathians. Leaves up to 25 cm long, peduncle - 30 cm. Inflorescences are single or paired, with a strong aroma. The flowering period is 3-4 weeks in April. The best variety among spring white flowers is Carpathicum.
Landing dates
Planting material (seeds) quickly lose their germination, so they are sown immediately after collection. The first flowers appear at 6 or 7 years of age. Regarding the bulbs, it is also not worth delaying storage, they must be planted immediately after purchase. If the bulbs are from the garden, they are divided and transplanted to a new place immediately after the leaves have dried. The most favorable period is from mid-July to early autumn. Shop planting material is planted no later than the second half of October, so that the plant has time to take root.
Summer white flower
Under natural conditions, the plant is found in meadows and on the banks of rivers in the Transcaucasus, Southern and Western Europe.
In contrast to the spring species, the summer white flower is slightly larger - the leaves and peduncles reach a height of 40 cm. The first inflorescences appear in the second half of May, the flowers form umbellate brushes of a maximum of 10 pieces. The most famous variety of the summer white flower is Graveti Giant.
Landing dates
The optimal period for disembarkation is July-September. In warm regions, planting work is carried out until November.
For planting, choose heavy bulbs with a dense structure and covered with scales. It's good if roots or small shoots have already appeared
It is important that there are no mechanical damages or traces of mold on the surface of the rhizome. If the planting material is not planted immediately after purchase, it can be stored in a plastic container filled with sawdust.
Autumn white flower
Blooms in the second half of summer. First, stems with inflorescences appear and only at the end of flowering leaves grow back.
The height of the bush is only 12 cm. The difficulty lies in the fact that this variety is not resistant to frost, therefore, such varieties are not popular. However, some gardeners store the flower in special containers during the winter. Along with frosts for the autumn white flower, destructive excess moisture, since under natural conditions the plant can be found only on sandy and rocky areas.
Poultry care in the garden
There is nothing difficult in caring for ornithogalum. It just needs to be watered regularly and moderately. In the event that water stagnates in the soil, rot will appear on the bush, the inflorescences will die off, while the leaf plates will turn yellow. Watering should be reduced during flowering and seed bolls. Such a plant begins to bloom, depending on the species, from the first to the last days of May, the duration of flowering is about 20 days.
In autumn, it is recommended to feed this flower using organic fertilizers. However, if the soil in the area where it grows is saturated with nutrients, then feeding can be omitted.
In some cases, a spider mite appears on the bushes. Insectoacaricides are used to destroy it. Also, aphids sometimes settle on this plant, from which you can get rid of such means as Antitlin and Biotlin. However, do not be intimidated, it is relatively easy to care for this flower.
How to transplant
In order for the plant to develop normally, it needs to ensure a timely transplant. If the plant is not transplanted for a long time, then many children appear in the bulb, and this negatively affects the appearance of the plant. A poultry farm can do without transplants for no more than 6 years, but experts advise to carry out this procedure once every 4 years. During transplantation, children must be torn from the bulb and planted in a new permanent place, which can be sunny or shaded. It is recommended to carry out this procedure in the last days of the summer period or in the spring.
Reproduction of the poultry farm
It has already been said that such a flower can be propagated both by children and by a generative (seed) method. It should be remembered that the seeds need stratification, which should last 3 or 4 months, in this regard, they are sown in open soil before winter in prepared grooves of shallow depth. Seedlings should appear in the spring. If there is a desire, then the poultry farm can be grown through seedlings. Sowing seedlings should be done in early spring. For this, you can use plastic glasses or a container. Light and loose soil is used to fill the container. After 3 or 4 true leaf plates appear, you need to start hardening the seedlings. To do this, for 16-18 days, they must be taken out into the fresh air every day, while the time spent on the outside of the seedlings should be increased gradually. Planting is carried out only when the plants can be in the fresh air around the clock.
Application
Catnip is used not only as an ornamental plant, but also as a honey plant, in herbal medicine and on the farm.
In landscape design, honey plant
Often, the catnip is planted in rock gardens and gardens in the English style, and they are also framed by lawns. It is also planted in poorly treated, uneven areas where it can replace the lawn. It is also used to decorate steep slopes.
Catnip is also used to attract butterflies and bees to the site. It is recommended to plant it next to the apiary, as it is an excellent honey plant (from one hectare from 150 to 200 kg of honey).
In cooking
Young stems of such a plant are placed in sauces, soups or vegetable salads. Chopped dried foliage is added to meat dishes. Not so long ago, tea made from catnip foliage, which is very high in vitamin C, was very popular.
The collection of foliage and stems is carried out after flowering. They are collected in bunches and hung in a well-ventilated dry place, protected from direct sunlight.
Healing properties
Dried catnip flowers are used in herbal medicine for the preparation of tincture or tea. This plant has several beneficial properties:
- improves the functioning of the digestive system, is often used for flatulence;
- used for upper respiratory tract infections to thin phlegm;
- tonic and diaphoretic effect.
To get a healing tea, simply pour freshly boiled water over the raw materials and let the mixture brew.
On the farm
The catnip hood is used by summer residents to destroy aphids, and also to scare off cockroaches, mosquitoes and termites. The smell of catnip scares away rats.
Effects on cats and flies
Approximately 2/3 of all cats are susceptible to catnip scent. Moreover, this feature is inherited. Animals are attracted by the substance nepetalactone. A cat can lie in the bushes for ten minutes, lick them and meow loudly, after which she loses interest in him for about a couple of hours. Kittens begin to show interest in him only at the age of 5 or 6 months. At the same time, old cats are practically not interested in catnip.
The cattleman is able to scare off house flies, as well as the autumn fly (Stomoxys calcitrans) and cockroaches.
How to distinguish the KATHOTNIK from MELISSA?