Appreciate the beneficial properties of boxwood for the body
Evergreen hedges, graceful sculptures in English gardens are admired by many. But the beneficial properties of boxwood were noticed in ancient times. Traditional healers actively used it to combat various ailments. Modern research by scientists has shown the main reason for the miraculous power of the plant. It lies in the abundance of valuable components that have been seen under a microscope. Let's take a closer look at this ancient shrub.
Unique long-liver from the plant world
The shrub tolerates pruning excellently, so it is given various shapes:
- cube;
- cone;
- ball;
- figurines of birds and animals.
In nature, boxwood grows up to 10 m. The crown of low-growing specimens per year increases by only 5 cm, and the trunk within 1 mm. However, he has a well-developed root system. The ground part consists of a “deformed” trunk and many branches that form a lush crown. All of them are strewn with leathery ovoid leaf plates. From above, they are painted in dark green. The lower part has a lighter tone. The trunk and shoots are covered with fissured bark. In young plants, it is yellowish-gray. Has a glossy character.
Boxwood evergreen blooms in mid-April. In the axils of the shoots, miniature unisexual buds of yellow-green color appear. They are compactly collected in spike-shaped inflorescences. The flowering process is repeated for 20 years. Of them, rounded boxes of a triangular character are formed, where small black seeds are hidden. When the fruit is opened, the shiny seeds are released into the environment.
Most often, the plant is propagated using cuttings.
The shrub is considered a thermophilic crop. Despite this, it miraculously tolerates the frosts that occur in the middle lane. Prefers calcareous soil. If you rub the leaves of a plant in your hands, a specific aroma will appear. It turns out that the smell of boxwood has antibacterial properties. Therefore, there is always clean air around the bush.
A treasure trove of valuable ingredients
A nondescript-looking plant contains an abundance of useful compounds. Under a microscope, scientists discovered:
- alkaloids;
- parabuksins;
- group B cyclocoreanins;
- bioflavonoids;
- phytoncides;
- essential oils;
- tannins;
- resin.
The unique composition of valuable elements explains the widespread use of culture for the treatment of various ailments. For example, bioflavonoids affect enzyme activity and cell renewal. Essential oils and resins have antimicrobial properties. The tannins found in the bark and foliage of boxwood are used as an antiseptic.
Along with valuable compounds, the plant also contains toxic substances that are dangerous to the life of people and animals.
Useful properties of boxwood for the benefit of people
Due to the abundance of chemical compounds, the culture is widely used to fight the cruel enemy - disease. Alkaloids play a key role in the treatment of hypertension. They stimulate the work of the heart in case of arrhythmia or myocardial ischemia. The antibacterial effect of tannins helps with respiratory diseases. Phytoncides, which will secrete the foliage of a plant, are used to destroy harmful viruses. The clean air around the house is a wonderful place to relax.
In addition, the beneficial properties of boxwood are used in folk medicine. Various drugs are prepared from the plant, which are used in treatment:
- biliary tract;
- high temperature;
- vessels;
- joints;
- urinary system;
- open wounds;
- seborrhea.
For the preparation of "medicines", the bark or leaf plates of an evergreen shrub are most often used. To get rid of the pain syndrome, a simple tincture is prepared. Dried boxwood foliage is poured with boiling water. Insist for about 20 minutes. Take 2 tablespoons 3 times a day after meals.
Wounds are washed and compresses are made from a decoction of boxwood leaves (buxus) according to this recipe:
- dry leaves are crushed;
- the raw material is poured with boiling water;
- insist 15 minutes;
- kept in a water bath for about 2 hours.
The minimum amount of components: 40-50 g of dry foliage per 1 liter of hot water. The solution is ready when half of the liquid has evaporated. The drug is used as an external agent, after consultation with the attending physician. Likewise, arthritis and rheumatism are treated. However, the poultice is made from fresh leaves (one serving - 15 pieces). First they are rinsed under the tap. Then it is crushed well. Pour boiling water (250 g). Insist for 2 hours, wrapped in a terry towel.
The original medicine is created from boxwood and nettles... The components (2 tablespoons each) are put into a thermos (volume 1 liter). Pour hot water (about 0.6 l). The drug is insisted for 3 hours, after which it is filtered. Drink 50 ml before each meal. The course of treatment depends on the degree of the disease. On average, 5 days.
Useful properties of boxwood for a lush crown and beauty of hair
The evergreen shrub is used not only to decorate city parks and summer cottages. It turns out that its valuable properties have a beneficial effect on hair splendor. In combination with other medicinal crops, the effect of boxwood is doubled.
The original tincture is made from the following herbs:
- nasturtium;
- nettle;
- boxwood.
All components are taken in 100 g. Raw materials are washed with water. Cut into small pieces. Place in a glass jar. Pour in pure alcohol (90%). Cover with a nylon lid. They are carried away to a dark cool place. Insist for at least 15 days. Filter the drug and add 3 tablespoons of olive oil. The resulting solution is rubbed into the scalp 2 times a week 30 minutes before washing the hair.
The miraculous properties of boxwood help stop the balding process. Traditional healers offer a simple tincture. Fresh leaves of the buxus (about 50-60 g) are cut in half. Pour in vodka (500 ml). Mix well. Insist 14 days. The resulting medicine is rubbed into the head, where there is no hair. The procedure is done every day using a small amount of tincture.
To improve the aroma, it is advisable to add rosemary or lavender essential oil to the liquid.
A similar drug for hair loss is prepared from the following set of components:
- boxwood;
- thyme;
- moonshine.
Herbs are used dry or fresh. Only moonshine of high strength is suitable. For 100 g of plant materials, 1 liter of fiery liquid is enough. The herb is poured with homemade vodka and infused for 15 days. Strain and then rub into the scalp where bald spots appear.
It is not shampoo that will help get rid of dandruff, but the juice obtained from the leaves of boxwood.Vegetable raw materials are thoroughly crushed to make a gruel. Then they put it in a gauze bag. Squeezed into a glass. The resulting juice is rubbed into the hair roots. Withstand 20-30 minutes. Wash off with hot water.
Overdose and contraindications
Regardless of the origin, all medicinal products are taken as prescribed by a doctor. Only an experienced specialist has the right to prescribe the required dose.
Violation of the rules leads to poisoning, which cause:
- nausea;
- vomiting;
- diarrhea;
- suffocation;
- muscle cramps.
In some cases, overdose is fatal. There is a group of people who are contraindicated to use boxwood decoctions. This includes asthmatics with allergies and stomach ulcers. It is undesirable to take such "medicines" for pregnant women before childbirth and during lactation.
Procurement of valuable raw materials
Usually, boxwood bark and foliage are used to prepare decoctions and tinctures. The solid component is carefully cut from plants that are 5 full years old. The procedure is performed after the flowering of the buxus. The resulting raw material is thoroughly washed. Cut into pieces. Dry thoroughly at room temperature.
The leaves are harvested in summer or spring when the shrub is in full bloom. Select plates without visible damage. Rinse under a tap and dry in a warm room away from direct sunlight. Store medicinal raw materials in tissue bags at 20 ° C.
We studied the beneficial properties of boxwood and were convinced of the value of this evergreen plant. A unique set of chemical compounds helps to fight ailments. Simple potion recipes are easy to create at home. Particular attention should be paid to contraindications and overdose.