Plants with medicinal properties are found in the wild, and in personal plots. Many of them are known for more than one century. Some became available recently when interest in traditional medicine increased. One of them is monarda. About the medicinal properties and contraindications of the plant in this article.
Monarda
America is considered the birthplace of fragrant monarda. A sweet drink reminiscent of mint tea was made from the plant by the Indians. Used it as an antipyretic, and also treated stomach pains and throat. Applying monarda as an antiseptic, they applied to small wounds, and also used as a restorative and carminative. Back in the 16th century, Karl Linney told what kind of plant it is - monarda (photo above). He called her Origan Canadian and the Virgin soulman. And the inhabitants of Europe learned about it. They appreciated her for the light citrus scent. A century later, the herb became known as bergamot, lemon mint, American lemon balm. Soon they learned about the essential oils contained in it, and the monarda extract began to be added to the oral care products.
Oblong jagged leaves (see photo) monards are very fragrant, with a lemon aroma. 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 annual and perennial plants that grow up to one and a half meters. It grows in North America, in the northwestern United States, in Europe and Asia. For decorative purposes, monarda is grown in gardens. Due to the pleasant citrus aroma, it is used in cooking as a seasoning. Spice is used in sauces, soups, salads, snacks, for flavoring tea, meat dishes, as well as in the production of vermouth. Collect monarda 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% of sabinene, 16% of Ξ³-terpinene, 3% of n-thymol and in small amounts myrcene, borneol, cineole, Ξ±-thuyene and Ξ±-thuyene. The monard contains pectins, amino acids, bioflavonoids, cellulose and tannins. The percentage of content of certain components depends on the variety, the timing of the cut and the habitat of the plant. The beneficial properties of monards were studied at the NIOKh im. Vorozhtsova SB RAS. Their research showed that plants grown in sharply continental climates contain 40-70% more essential oil than Crimean or Caucasian "brothers." In the monard of a later date, oil cuts are almost a quarter more.
Healing properties
The oil of this culture has bactericidal, anthelmintic, antibiotic activity. The antianemic, anti-stress and radioprotective properties of the plant are well known. Monarda favorably affects the nervous system, increases tone, restores strength. It is used for burns and eczema, asthma, salmonellosis. The plant is effective in combating helminths, and it has also been noticed that it helps to get rid of domestic parasites (bugs, etc.).
For medicinal purposes, monarda is used for skin diseases, nervous system problems, gastrointestinal diseases and gynecological diseases. Fresh plant is successfully used in homeopathy, cooking.
In aromatherapy, monarda essential oil is used . The healing properties of this plant were also evaluated by official medicine. Monarda is present in a number of drugs.
In cosmetology, the plant is used in anti-aging creams, in 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
A manifestation of an allergic reaction is possible. Therefore, at the first acquaintance with monarda oil, it is not recommended to immediately apply it to the skin. You need to inhale the aroma, holding the container with oil at the level of the chin. If watery eyes, dizzy or itchy nose, it is better not to use oil. Breastfeeding, pregnancy, age up to 5 years are direct contraindications for taking monarda drugs. It is forbidden during chemotherapy. In 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, immunomodulating, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-stress properties. The pronounced bactericidal effect of the oil allows it to be used for damage to the skin: cut, punctured and lacerated wounds, cracks and scratches, burns, bedsores, diaper rash.
To obtain the essential oil requires special equipment. But at home, you can cook monarda oil extract: plant (one part) pour 10 parts of vegetable oil and maintain at a temperature of 60 degrees for about three hours (you can put in a water bath).
Application features
- To maintain the cleanliness of damaged skin areas, 2-3 drops of oil are enough under the bandage when dressing. With joint inflammation, 2 drops of oil can be added to rubbing agents.
- With fungal skin lesions, monarda is used as an independent tool and in complex therapy. To treat nail and foot fungus, mix the monarda oil with any basic agent, rub the 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 plant oil: 5 drops per 1 teaspoon. Rinse the damaged skin with a solution: 5 drops of oil per 200 ml of boiled water.
- For colds and vitamin deficiencies, 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 not only fills the room with a pleasant aroma, but also helps to calm down and relax, and repels insect attacks.
- Relieve stress and fatigue in the strength of a bath with 3-4 drops of oil. With a cold, mix 1 drop of monarda oil with 1 teaspoon of the base product, and lubricate the nose and sinuses.
In cosmetology
Oil is recommended for oily skin, age and prone to acne. It is ideal for the treatment of pustules. In its pure form, it is undesirable to apply, and 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 relieve inflammation, cleanse the skin, and improve complexion. To do this, just add a drop of oil to the jar.
- Deodorant will help get rid of unpleasant odor: 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 anthelmintic, rubbing a mixture of 1 ml of glycerol and 2 drops of oil into the stomach with massage movements.
Monarda broth
A decoction is recommended for colds, respiratory diseases. With cough, fever, dizziness, a decoction of the plant helps well. Monarda strengthens the immune system, positively affects the digestive tract, liver and gall bladder, 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 broth 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 manard to half a liter of water and boil for half an hour. Gargle with a decoction. Take 4 times a day inside ΒΌ cup.
With a cold, 10-15 minute inhalations from the flowers and leaves of a plant are effective. Prepare the broth according to the above recipe.
With conjunctivitis, washing the eyes with a decoction of the monarda helps.
From the fungus and from excessive sweating of the feet, baths with broth and sea salt will help.
With long healing wounds, burns, cuts, frostbite, pain in the joints make compresses.
As a sedative and for nervous diseases, drink a decoction of 1 teaspoon of raw materials and 250 ml of water.
In cosmetology
For oily skin moistened with a decoction cloth, wipe the face. This helps to eliminate various inflammations.
To strengthen the hair, rinse the hair with a decoction. It will also help get 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, restorative, immunostimulating and regenerative effects. The indicated medicinal properties of the monarda plant allow its use in depression, stress, anemia and various inflammations.
Application features
For headaches, with a cold, 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.
The infusion prepared by the above method is effective for bloating, cystitis, vaginitis, anemia, atherosclerosis and pneumonia. It is recommended for disinfection of wounds, burns, with eczema, as an expectorant.
Gargling with infusion of monarda promotes the healing of wounds and sores on the mucous membranes.
For skin diseases, baths with manard are recommended. 5-6 tablespoons of flowers and leaves pour a liter of boiling water. Insist half an hour, strain and add to the bath with 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
Tea with monarda 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 prepared easily: 2 tablespoons of monarda pour 200 ml of boiling water and insist for half an hour. Drink ΒΌ cup three times a day. You can add sugar or honey.
Fresh herbs of the plant can be added to jelly and stewed fruit, soups, borscht and salads, jelly and jam. Monard will add a piquant note to meat and fish dishes. It is combined with basil, tarragon, mint, fennel and oregano. The plant not only gives the dishes a pleasant aroma, but also strengthens the immune system, improves digestion.
Do not neglect its beneficial properties - you can improve your health and look great. Moreover, everyone can grow this culture on their personal plot. Growing a monarda plant does not require increased attention and care.