Plants with medicinal properties are found both in the wild and in household plots. Many of them have been known for centuries. Some have become available in recent times as interest in traditional medicine has increased. One of them is Monarda. About the medicinal properties and contraindications of the plant in this article.
Monarda
America is considered to be the birthplace of fragrant monarda. A fragrant drink resembling mint tea was prepared from the plant by the Indians. Used it as an antipyretic, and also treated stomach pains and throat. Monarda was used as an antiseptic, applied to small wounds, and also used as a tonic and carminative. Back in the 16th century, Carl Linnaeus told what kind of plant it was - monarda (photo above). He called it a Canadian organ and a Virginian soul. And the inhabitants of Europe learned about it. They appreciated it for its light citrus aroma. A century later, the herb became known as bergamot, lemon balm, and American lemon balm. Soon we learned about the essential oils contained in it, and Monarda extractbegan to be added to oral care products.
Oblong jagged leaves (see photo) monarda are very fragrant, with a lemon scent. Small flowers of different shades - red, yellow, white, purple, speckled - are collected in inflorescences up to 7 cm in diameter. More than 15 varieties of Monarda are known. Among them there are both annual and perennial plants that grow up to one and a half meters. It grows in North America, the northwestern United States, Europe and Asia. For decorative purposes, the monarda is grown in gardens. Because of the pleasant citrus aroma, it is used in cooking as a seasoning. The spice is used in sauces, soups, salads, snacks, to flavor tea, meat dishes, and also in the production of vermouth. Monarda is harvested during flowering. Dried stems along with flowers are used for flower arrangements and medicines.
Composition
Monarda is rich in vitamins B1, B2, C. The essential oil of the plant contains 56% thymol, 20.5% linalool, 10% carvacrol. In addition, about 4% sabinene, 16% γ-terpinene, 3% n-thymol and minor amounts of myrcene, borneol, cineol, α-thujol and α-thujene. Monard contains pectins, amino acids, bioflavonoids, cellulose and tannins. The percentage of the content of certain components depends on the variety, the timing of cutting and the habitat of the plant. The beneficial properties of the monarda were studied at the NIOKh them. Vorozhtsov SB RAS. Their studies have shown that plants grown in a sharply continental climate contain 40-70% more essential oil than Crimean or Caucasian ones."brothers". In the monard of a later date, the oil cut is almost a quarter more.
Healing properties
The oil of this culture has bactericidal, anthelmintic, antibiotic activity. The antianemic, antistress and radioprotective properties of the plant are well known. Monarda has a beneficial effect on the nervous system, improves tone, and restores strength. It is used for burns and eczema, asthma, salmonellosis. The plant is effective in the fight against helminths, and has also been seen to help get rid of household parasites (bugs, etc.).
For medicinal purposes, Monarda is used for skin diseases, problems of the nervous system, diseases of the gastrointestinal tract and gynecological diseases. When fresh, the plant is successfully used in homeopathy and cooking.
Monarda essential oil is used in aromatherapy. The medicinal properties of this plant were also appreciated by official medicine. Monarda is present in a number of preparations.
In cosmetology, the plant is used in anti-aging creams and skin care products. Effectively treats seborrhea, teenage acne, foot fungus, acne. In herbal medicine, Monarda is used in the form of tinctures, decoctions, tea drinks, extracts.
Contraindications
May cause an allergic reaction. Therefore, when you first get acquainted with Monarda oil, it is not recommended to immediately apply it to the skin. You need to inhale the aroma, holding the container of oil at the level of the chin. If your eyes are watery, your head is spinning or your nose itches, it is better not to use the oil. Lactation,pregnancy, age up to 5 years - direct contraindications for taking drugs with Monarda. Not allowed during chemotherapy. For chronic diseases, it is better to consult a doctor.
Monarda oil
Studies have shown that Monarda plant oil has a strong effect on fungi and bacteria. It also has adaptogenic, antispasmodic, immunomodulatory, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-stress properties. The pronounced bactericidal effect of the oil allows it to be used for damage to the skin: cut, stab and lacerations, cracks and scratches, burns, bedsores, diaper rash.
Essential oil requires special equipment. But at home, you can prepare an oil extract of monarda: pour the plant (one part) with 10 parts of vegetable oil and keep at a temperature of 60 degrees for about three hours (you can put it in a water bath).
Application features
- To keep the damaged areas of the skin clean, it is enough to add 2-3 drops of oil under the bandage when dressing. For inflammation of the joints, you can add 2 drops of oil to the rubbing.
- With fungal skin lesions, Monarda is used as an independent remedy and in complex therapy. To treat nail fungus and feet, mix Monarda oil with any base product, rub your feet with this mixture, put on socks and leave for 2-3 hours.
- For long non-healing wounds, it is recommended to treat the edges with a mixture of medical alcohol and oilplants: 5 drops per 1 teaspoon. Rinse damaged skin with a solution: 5 drops of oil per 200 ml of boiled water.
- For colds and beriberi, plant oil is recommended. Monarda can be sprayed indoors. To do this, prepare a solution: for 0.4 liters of warm water, 10 drops of oil. Or add 3-6 drops per 16 m2 to the aroma lamp. The oil will not only fill the room with a pleasant aroma, but also help to calm down and relax, repel insect attacks.
- Relieve stress and fatigue in the power of a bath with 3-4 drops of oil. For a runny nose, mix 1 drop of Monarda oil with 1 teaspoon of the base product, and lubricate the bridge of the nose and sinuses.
In cosmetology
The oil is recommended for oily, aging and acne-prone skin. It is ideal for the treatment of pustules. It is undesirable to apply it in its pure form, but it is better to dilute it in a light base oil. When preparing homemade masks, creams and peels for the skin, plant oil can be added as a preservative: the prepared composition remains fresh for up to two weeks.
- As part of the cream, it helps to relieve inflammation, cleanse the skin, improve complexion. To do this, just add a drop of oil to the jar.
- Deodorant will help get rid of an unpleasant smell: 5 drops of oil in 5 tablespoons of water. For massage: 3 drops - per 15 grams of base cream.
- Monarda oil is also used as an antihelminthic, rubbing a mixture of 1 ml of glycerin and 2 drops into the stomach with massage movementsoils.
Monarda decoction
Decoction is recommended for colds, respiratory diseases. When coughing, high fever, dizziness, a decoction of the plant helps well. Monarda strengthens the immune system, has a positive effect on the gastrointestinal tract, liver and gallbladder, improves digestion. Its important property is the ability to stimulate cardiac activity. The substances contained in the plant strengthen capillaries, dilate blood vessels, and have a diuretic effect. Monarda decoction is an effective remedy for influenza, the fight against viruses and microorganisms.
Application features
As a cold remedy, it is recommended to add 2 tablespoons of manarda to half a liter of water and boil for half an hour. Gargle with decoction. Take 4 times a day orally ¼ cup.
For colds, 10-15-minute inhalations from the flowers and leaves of the plant are effective. Prepare the decoction according to the above recipe.
With conjunctivitis, washing the eyes with decoction of monarda helps.
From the fungus and from excessive sweating of the feet, baths with decoction and sea s alt will help.
For long healing wounds, burns, cuts, frostbite, pain in the joints, compresses are made.
As a sedative and for nervous diseases, drink a decoction of 1 teaspoon of raw materials and 250 ml of water.
In cosmetology
With oily skin, wipe the face with a napkin soaked in decoction. This helps to eliminate various inflammations.
To strengthen the hair, rinse the hair with a decoction. This will also helpget rid of dandruff.
From 2 tablespoons of monarda, 200 ml of water, blue or white clay, a decoction is prepared from which masks are made.
Infusion from the plant
The infusion has anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, tonic, immunostimulating and regenerative effects. These medicinal properties of the Monarda plant allow it to be used for depression, stress, anemia and various inflammations.
Application features
For headaches, for colds, take an infusion of 1 tablespoon of monarda and 200 ml of boiling water. Two hours to insist and drink 4 times a day for half a glass.
Infusion prepared in the above way is effective for bloating, cystitis, vaginitis, anemia, atherosclerosis and pneumonia. Recommended for disinfection of wounds, burns, eczema, as an expectorant.
Rinse with monarda infusion promote healing of wounds and sores on the mucous membranes.
Manarda baths are recommended for skin diseases. Pour 5-6 tablespoons of flowers and leaves with a liter of boiling water. Leave for half an hour, strain and add to a bath of warm water.
For lotions and compresses for quick healing of wounds 5 teaspoons of monarda pour 250 ml of hot water and leave for 15 minutes.
Monarda in cooking
Monarda tea gives strength to weakened people, strengthens the immune system, protects the body from the harmful effects of the external environment, removes toxins and poisons, and reduces inflammation. Recommended for poor digestion, stomach and liver problems. It is easy to prepare: pour 2 tablespoons of monarda with 200 ml of boiling water and insist for half an hour. Drink ¼ cup three times a day. You can add sugar or honey.
Fresh greens of the plant can be added to kissels and compotes, soups, borscht and salads, jellies and jams. A spicy note of the monard will bring to meat and fish dishes. It is combined with basil, tarragon, mint, fennel and oregano. The plant will not only give dishes a pleasant aroma, but also strengthen the immune system, improve digestion.
Do not neglect its beneficial properties - you can improve your he alth and look great. Moreover, everyone can grow this crop on their personal plot. Growing a monarda plant does not require increased attention and care.
