The golden sunflower flower delights us with its very appearance. It is appropriate both in the field and in a bouquet, and on the farm there is no way without it... The homeland of our sunflower (or, as botanists officially call it, annual sunflower) is Mexico. In this sun-drenched region, large bright baskets were considered the earthly embodiment of the divine luminary and were worshiped.
Cast from gold, they once bloomed unfadingly in temples dedicated to the Sun. Fascinated by the giant inflorescence of the “golden daisy,” the Spaniards brought sunflower to Europe, where it first became the decoration of Madrid, and then, falling in love with the public, it began to “travel” around the country and beyond.
Peter I brought the strange giant “daisy” to Russia from Holland. On the fertile soil, the wonderful baskets and the seeds ripening in them became completely gigantic. The Russian village quickly “cracked” the fragrant black seeds and became acquainted with medicinal properties sunny flower.
True, since the serf of Count Sheremetyev and the passionate botanist Bokarev first received sunflower oil in 1842, grateful humanity has somewhat forgotten about them.
But the golden daisy was not offended, and did not lose a single one of them. And we will only become richer if we rediscover the secrets of the sunflower.
The power is in the basket!
Gone are the days when the beneficial properties of a plant were judged by its appearance, color, smell. Today the most significant word remains with chemical analysis.
The sunflower doesn’t have to be ashamed of scientists! For example, its yellow marginal petals contain flavone glycosides and anthocyanoglycosides, choline, betaine, sapogenin and organic acids.
The seeds are rich in oil containing invaluable fatty acids, vitamin E, necessary for preserving youth and procreation, as well as a fair amount of magnesium, carotenoids and lecithin.
The baskets contain a huge amount of pectin - a natural sorbent, and the leaves contain carotene, rubber, saponins and resins. In a word, not a plant, but a small pharmaceutical factory! It is no wonder that golden sunflowers, pleasing to the eye, can help in the treatment of many ailments.
Delicious treatment
Sunflower preparations have an expectorant effect on coughs and colds, relax the smooth muscles of internal organs, lower body temperature and stimulate appetite.
However, experienced doctors say that the abundance of ready-made tablets and mixtures interferes with the use medicinal plants in full force. Therefore official medicine uses an infusion of sunflower leaves and marginal petals mainly only as a bitterness, promoting the secretion of digestive juices and stimulating the appetite.
Other recipes have been preserved in folk medicine. Thus, tea made from yellow marginal petals (sometimes mixed with linden blossom) is used as a reliable and safe antipyretic for any infections. Moreover, it is so effective that even malaria is treated with its help!
Tea from sunflower petals is drunk for flu and catarrh of the upper respiratory tract, jaundice, heart disease, bronchial spasms and gastrointestinal colic, as well as urticaria and neuralgia, especially of a cold nature. It is also prescribed as a diuretic and antidiarrheal drug.
Want to know how to make sunflower tea? Yes please! 1 tablespoon of dried flowers is poured into 1/4 liter of boiling water and left for ten minutes. After straining, the tea is ready to drink.
If desired, it is sweetened with honey and drunk as an antipyretic, 100-150 ml 2-3 times a day. An alcoholic infusion of golden petals and baskets is also used. And not only internally, but also externally, as a local anti-inflammatory and analgesic for pain of any origin, articular rheumatism and gout.
Interesting!
They undeservedly tried to outlaw sunflower seeds, calling them a product that clogs the stomach, and even considering them to be the cause of... appendicitis. The gift that the sun flower gave us not only does not harm humans, but, on the contrary, is a complete protein food. Also very healthy! After all, aromatic nucleoli prevent the development of atherosclerosis and help strengthen nervous system.
And German scientists from the University of Bonn pin their hopes on sunflowers for the treatment of AIDS. They appeared in the process of studying the composition of individual flowers that survived after infection with the fungus sclerotinia sclerotiorum - the “plague” of sunflowers. The substance that saved golden flowers from death, as it turned out, is also destructive for the human immunodeficiency virus. That's it!
So we talked on www.site about the flower of the sun, sunflower, useful, medicinal properties They remembered the sunflower. In conclusion, it is also worth saying that 100 grams of seeds contain 578 kcal. That’s why they are very high in calories – don’t overdo it! 100 grams of sunflower oil are even higher in calories, it contains 930 kcal.
Hello. Today's meeting involves making new acquaintances. Let's talk about unusual colors. This is a decorative sunflower; growing it from seeds will undoubtedly be a pleasant pastime for you.
You may have seen fields sown with sunflowers, but if not, look at the photo: the spectacle is vibrant and impressive. Few people know that the usual technical culture has more than one and a half hundred decorative species.
The plant, brought from America to Europe in the 16th century, was named helianthus - sunny flower - for its unusual flower. At first, the crop was grown for its beauty, only then it began to be sown for Agriculture. Later, breeders developed decorative varieties.
Helianthus are grown all over the world. Bouquets are made from them, they become decorations for landscape design, and are cultivated as indoor plant. Many varieties of decorative sunflowers look so unusual that it is difficult to correlate them with their progenitor -. They differ:
- different colors, flowers are white, cream, apricot, orange, burgundy, brown, yellow;
- the shape of the flowers, which can be simple, semi-double and double;
- flower size from 5 to 30 centimeters;
- height. There are giant varieties that grow up to three meters, medium-sized - a meter and a half high, compact - grow up to 60 cm.
Please check out some popular helianthus varieties:
- The most favorite variety of domestic gardeners is “Bear Cub”. Its height is no more than one meter and has large double flowers of bright yellow color. Blooms from mid-summer to autumn.
- “Krasno Solnyshko” is a domestic variety known throughout the world. It blooms for a long time, the petals are red-brown, the height is up to two meters.
- "Vanilla Ice" - a variety with vanilla-colored flowers grown for bouquets.
- "Moulin Rouge" has two-color petals: red inside, yellow outside. The core of this variety is black.
- "Kong" - these sunflowers up to five meters high are often used to form a hedge.
- 'Pacino' has attractive bright yellow flowers and is a very low growing plant.
- "Big Smile" grows up to 30 cm, the flowers are yellow, the middle is black.
- "Sunspot" is a dwarf variety with huge flowers.
- "Music Box" has a whole inflorescence on one stem.
Flowerbed planting and care
For planting choose sunny place. Fertile soil will eliminate the need. Sharp gusts of wind can break fragile stems, choose a protected place. Ornamental annuals are propagated by seeds. Their preparation is very simple:
- make an aqueous solution of wood ash;
- saturate the fabric with it;
- wrap the seeds in it;
- leave for a day, moisturizing the fabric if necessary
Sowed directly into open ground or in boxes for seedlings. Growing seedlings makes sense only in regions with a cold climate and short summers.
In most areas, sunflowers are successfully bred by sowing seeds directly into open ground. Sow no deeper than 3 centimeters. The distance between plants depends on the variety: large sunflowers are placed 70 cm or more apart from each other, smaller ones - 30-40 cm apart.
Planting time begins in early May. Shoots appear in a week. The culture begins to bloom in July and continues until October. To ensure that helianthus bloom for as long as possible, some gardeners sow them at intervals of two weeks.
The sunny flower is unpretentious and requires simple care:
- weekly watering if the soil dries out;
- removal of weeds with simultaneous loosening.
It can be maintained longer by cutting flower heads before seeds form. The sunflower will produce new buds and the flowering cycle will resume.
Sunny flower on the windowsill
In a warm apartment, culture will delight all year round. Caring for it is very simple, you can even entrust it to children. The first step is to choose a dwarf variety that is more suitable for growing on a windowsill.
Take the container taking into account the size of the sunflower, so that you don’t have to replant it later - it doesn’t like this procedure. You can buy a long container and plant several plants at once, or you can use a flower pot. For dwarf varieties Suitable for diameter 40 centimeters. For the sunflower medium height You need a box with a volume of 20 liters.
Before planting, the pot must be disinfected to prevent diseases. At the bottom, make drainage from pebbles. Fill in the universal soil mixture for flowers, not reaching the top of the container 2 centimeters.
It is possible to add humus to the soil 1:1 to increase its digestibility. There are also special crystals to support optimal moisture balance. Don't forget about a stand under the bottom to collect excess water.
Sow the seeds 2-3 cm deep and water well. Planting is carried out with two seeds in one hole, so that later the weaker plant can be removed. Continue watering every three days, observing the soil moisture. In 3-8 days sprouts will appear. Move the sunflowers to their permanent sunniest location.
Protection from diseases and pests
Particularly dangerous are insects that eat away the inside of the stem and lead to the death of the plant. Don't forget to inspect your sunflowers from time to time and treat them with insecticides as soon as you notice pests. One treatment will destroy uninvited guests.
Plants can be susceptible to bacterial diseases:
- false powdery mildew;
- rust;
- brown spot.
The causative agent of dew is carried by insects, its occurrence is facilitated by high humidity, both air and soil.
The inside of the leaves becomes covered with a white coating, while dark spots appear on the outside.
To do without chemicals, you can use a folk remedy: 3 grams copper sulfate and 25 grams of soap per liter of water. The solution is sprayed on the plants until the signs of the disease disappear.
Decorative sunflower often suffers from brown spot. It can affect plants in the garden and... Heat air and high humidity contribute to rapid development. Infection can occur from water or soil.
Signs: the appearance of round or oval spots on the leaves and stems, which then become dry. As soon as noticed, remove the affected areas. If a houseplant gets sick, isolate it from others.
After you finish cutting the affected areas, wipe the tool and hands with alcohol. The cut wounds should be sprinkled with activated carbon powder. Noticed in time, these measures will be enough to prevent further development of the disease.
If it is not possible to extinguish the source of infection, the disease progresses, and you will have to resort to antifungal chemicals.
Diseases can be prevented by following: loosening the soil, removing weeds.
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August 13, 2015
It is impossible to imagine our ordinary Russian garden without sunflowers! Yellow flowers along a fence or near a fence look very elegant. But the sunflower is in it classic form Not all gardeners and summer residents accept it: some consider it too simple a plant with agricultural specialization, others are not satisfied with its tall, rigid stems, which is why the sunflower only looks good near a hedge. And yet they say that this flower must grow on summer cottage– its bright petals make the garden more cheerful, and solar energy cleanses the overall atmosphere. If you are not a fan of the classic “favorite of the sun,” then this article is for you – we will talk about decorative sunflowers.
There are tall, short and even miniature types of decorative sunflowers. These flowers are highly respected by florists, since cut plants can stand beautifully for half a month.
Not all plants have the standard yellow color of the petals: sunflowers are currently bred in red, crimson, white, cream, orange, and apricot colors. Some plants have flower baskets that combine several colors: reddish with yellow, orange with brown... Petals can be long or short, curved, double. Depending on the variety, the shape of the flowers and their number on the stem may vary.
It is curious that seeds appear on decorative sunflowers after flowering. Small, but quite pleasant to the taste!
Sunflowers are grown all over the world. These sun-loving flowers can be found on both hemispheres of our planet, while the sunflower is a very Russian plant, which is also recognized abroad. Yellow flowers with black tasty seeds are an integral part of village landscapes. The German amusement park Europa-Park (by the way, it is the largest in Germany, and the second in Europe in terms of the number of visitors) has a Russian part, and this is where sunflowers bloom. For several years in a row, in one of the districts of Berlin in the summer they organize a “Sunflower Labyrinth”: a field of sunflowers with intricate paths. The labyrinth is small, but the locals love it very much, especially since you can enter it and walk around completely free of charge. And in Austria there is a whole “Sunflower Park”, where “flowers of the sun” of various varieties and types are presented.
Propagation and planting of decorative sunflowers
Annual species of decorative sunflowers are easily propagated by seeds. No one forbids simply throwing a dry seed into the ground - if the seed material is good, the flower will grow. However, a careful gardener will wrap the seeds ornamental plants into a cloth soaked in infusion from warm water with ash (a tablespoon of ash per half a liter of water), and only after a day will it start sowing.
Depending on the variety of decorative sunflower, seeds should be sown to a depth of 3 centimeters. The distance between plants depends on their height: there should be about 30 centimeters between low-growing plants, and tall ones require more space - at least 70 centimeters. You can plant sunflowers all summer, starting in May, then bright flowers will delight you all season long.
Perennial sunflowers can be propagated by division every two to three years. The bush is divided during a period of relative dormancy of the plant - early spring or late autumn. This procedure rejuvenates the sunflower. Typically, more flowers appear after division.
Decorative sunflowers love the sun very much (which is not surprising!), so they need to be planted in open places. If you plant flowers in the shade, then expect trouble - they will begin to seek sunlight, bending and stretching the stems. It is advisable that the area with plants be protected from the wind, otherwise in strong gusts the thin stems will not be able to hold the heavy flower heads. Sunflowers need fertile and well-drained soil.
Caring for decorative sunflowers
Ornamental sunflowers are quite unpretentious plants to care for. They will not need much of your attention; it is enough to weed them, sometimes loosen the soil and periodically water them. Be careful with watering - sunflowers do not like stagnant moisture.
If the soil on your site is poor, then you cannot do without fertilizing, otherwise you will not get lush flowers like in the picture with the seeds. It's better to feed organic fertilizers after the plants have grown stronger and began to prepare buds.
It is imperative to feed tall varieties of sunflower; if this is not done, the plants will draw all the nutrients from the soil, and next year It’s unlikely that anything worthy will grow here.
In areas with cold winters, perennial ornamental sunflowers must be covered to prevent them from freezing.
Fight against sunflower pests!
Ornamental sunflowers have their enemies both among insects and among plants. If the leaves and petals begin to curl and turn yellow, check to see if aphids have settled on the plants. If the flowers are not severely affected, then wash off the insect colonies with soap and water, and in case of severe damage, use a special preparation (for example, “Antitlin”, “Commander”, “Iskra”, “Fas”).
The sunflower moth (also known as the sunflower moth) lays eggs in flower baskets; caterpillars emerge from the eggs and begin to gnaw on flowers and even seeds. In the three weeks before the caterpillars pupate, they can significantly damage the plant. They will help against these scoundrels (as well as against the caterpillars of the meadow moth, which eat not flowers, but sunflower leaves, sometimes even the stems). chemicals, and folk remedies from leaf eaters.
Varieties of decorative sunflowers with photos
It seems that summer residents and gardeners of Russia have the most tender love for decorative sunflowers with fluffy yellow flowers, in which the seeds are practically invisible. The packages with seeds have similar images and even similar names: ‘Teddy Bear’, ‘Teddy Bear’, ‘Teddy Bear’ And 'Teddy Bear'... There are a lot of variations, but the idea is the same - a neat golden ball that looks like a soft pom-pom made of fur.
Almost all “cubs” are short (up to 1 meter) with flowers that are quite large for their size (from 10 to 20 cm). Bear sunflowers bloom for a long time and look spectacular in groups in flower beds.
There are many varieties of decorative sunflowers with red and burgundy inflorescences. It’s difficult to call such a flower a sunflower, it’s more like a gerbera or even a dahlia... But no. This is a real sunny flower! You can choose the variety ‘Red Sun’. The plant with dark red flowers grows up to one and a half meters in height. Loves warmth and sunshine, fertile soil, tolerates lack of moisture. Looks great when cut, suitable for creating bouquets with dried flowers.
Another red variety of sunflower has the name ‘Moulin Rouge’. This is a variety of foreign selection. Its velvety burgundy (even with a slight transition to brown) flowers look noble and stylish. Moulin Rouge is a tall sunflower, it can reach 2 meters. Each such sunflower can be considered a full-fledged bouquet, because dark red flowers grow and bloom both at the crown and along the entire stem.
A compact and low sunflower, which is suitable for growing in containers, on the balcony, in the foreground of flower beds and garden beds - sunflower 'Sunspot'. On a small bush, disproportionately large and bright baskets with a diameter of up to 20 cm bloom.
However, be careful with the names and be sure to read the description on the seed package. Another manufacturer may offer you sunflower 'Sunspot', however, it will turn out to be a rather tall, branchy friend with a large number of medium-sized inflorescences.
A low (up to 40 cm in height) variety of decorative sunflower is simply called - 'Summer resident'. It is suitable for planting in flower beds, and groups of golden “summer residents” look great on the lawn. Varied ‘Dwarves’, ‘Sunny bunnies’, ‘Topolino’, ‘Pacino’ and other varieties of dwarf ornamental sunflowers similar to 'Summer resident', will also be able to decorate flower beds and will look cute in flowerpots. Just don’t get confused by the assortment! Sunflower good for small gardens 'Elves Blend'– however, it still needs to be found on sale, since it is not very common here.
There are many varieties of sunflowers with light petals. pay attention to 'Moonlight' And 'Moon light'. The first one can reach a height of up to 180 centimeters; the large inflorescence on the crown is complemented by lateral flowers - all lemon color. On the package with seeds, the color of the petals is exactly lemon, although a sunflower can grow with petals the color of real moonlight: light, almost silver.
A similar metamorphosis can occur with a similar variety 'Moon light': Large lemon blossoms may be lighter or darker than intended. The petals of a decorative sunflower will be moon-pale with a lemon tint. 'Vanilla Ice'.
Tall varieties of sunflowers look good with heathers, cloves, and tuberose. Sometimes it is recommended to combine “ solar giants"with climbing ones that will entwine a powerful stem - clematis, morning glory, thunbergia.
Experienced gardeners say that often tall varieties of ornamental sunflowers grow much taller than stated on the packaging. For example, instead of a two-meter handsome man, there was a four-meter giant on the site... On good soil and with proper care, this can easily happen. Just keep in mind that this can happen and if size matters to you, it is better to pay attention to dwarf forms.
What can be concluded? It is very easy to get lost and confused among the numerous varieties of decorative sunflowers. Therefore, first of all, decide on the height - this will significantly narrow the breadth of choice, then choose a color that suits the design of the garden, and only after that decide on the variety. Whatever decorative sunflower you choose, it will definitely decorate your garden and add a little more sun to it!
Thank you
Everybody knows sunflower How beautiful plant, resembling the sun and giving tasty and useful product- seeds that almost fully satisfy the needs of an adult, both in polyunsaturated acids and vitamin E. Thus, sunflower preparations can quickly relax the smooth muscles of internal organs, lower body temperature, and stimulate appetite. At the same time, not only the kernels (or seeds) of sunflower are useful, but also its other parts, namely inflorescences, leaves, roots, stems. About the use of sunflower in medicine and its the most useful properties We'll talk in more detail later.
Description of the plant
Sunflower name ( Helianthus) is translated from Latin as “flower of the sun” (or solar flower). And it is not by chance that this name was given to it, because large sunflower inflorescences, which are bordered by bright yellow petals, really resemble the sun. In addition, the sunflower has a unique ability, which consists in the fact that the plant turns its head behind the sun, thereby traveling with it from sunrise to sunset.It should be noted that most sunflower species are annual plants, although there are also perennials, which are mainly herbaceous plants.
Sunflower is distinguished by a thick and strong root, rough and pointed leaves at the top, of which there can be from 15 to 35. The top of the stem has a large inflorescence-basket, surrounded below by green leaves, but outside the basket there are golden flowers.
The sunflower fruit is an achene with a kernel. Depending on the type of plant, the skin of the achene is white or black.
Where do sunflowers grow?
The homeland of sunflower is Peru and Mexico (it was from here that this plant was brought to Russia). Sunflower prefers a warm climate and fertile soil, so it is grown in the southern part of Russia. In intense sunlight, as well as providing moisture and nutrients directly in the soil this plant develops powerful root system, It has large leaves and gives enough good harvest seedsSunflower varieties
The sunflower genus has about 108 species, with two rightfully considered the most famous:1. Oilseed (annual).
2. Jerusalem artichoke (perennial).
Annual sunflower (oilseed or ordinary)
The annual sunflower, which is also called oilseed or ordinary, has a stem reaching a height of two to three meters, heart-shaped triangular leaves, placed alternately on the stem. The powerful stem is topped with a large inflorescence-basket, the diameter of which varies from 10 to 35 cm. The lower part of the inflorescence is surrounded by green, tiled-like leaves, while the flowers in the central part of the basket are smaller in size and bright yellow in color. It must be said that by the time flowering begins, the baskets droop. The thick stem of the plant is covered with stiff hairs. The fruits of annual sunflowers are oblong and slightly flattened achenes of white, gray or black color (the achenes can also be striped). This type of sunflower blooms from July to October. As an oilseed crop, it is grown in fields, vegetable gardens and orchards.
Perennial sunflower (Jerusalem artichoke)
This is a tuberous plant, which in Russia is better known as “earthen pear,” but in Europe, perennial sunflower is called “Jerusalem artichoke.” The homeland of the earthen pear is Brazil, it was from here that this plant was brought to Europe along with the American Indians from the Tupinambus tribe (hence another name for the plant - “Jerusalem artichoke”).
It is photophilous and drought-resistant plant used as decorative element, food product And medicinal plant. Thus, Jerusalem artichoke tubers contain inulin, macro- and microelements, pectins, vitamins C and B, and iron salts. But Jerusalem artichoke does not accumulate harmful substances and nitrates.
Inulin is a polysaccharide, the hydrolysis of which produces fructose, a sugar that is harmless to diabetics.
Jerusalem artichoke contains a large number of iron, manganese, calcium, as well as magnesium, potassium and sodium. In addition, this type of sunflower actively accumulates silicon directly from the soil. It is impossible not to say that Jerusalem artichoke contains proteins, pectin, amino acids, beneficial organic and fatty acids.
Important! Jerusalem artichoke contains 8 amino acids that are synthesized exclusively by plants (that is, not synthesized in the human body). We are talking about histidine, arginine, valine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, tryptophan.
Thus, biologically active substances are the basis healing properties Jerusalem artichoke.
Jerusalem artichoke is similar to an ordinary sunflower, but at the same time it has underground shoots (so-called stolons), on which potato tubers are formed. Perennial sunflower grows in one place for 30 (or even 40) years, although it produces a high yield only in the first three to four years.
Jerusalem artichoke tubers have medicinal properties, which normalize metabolism, which has a positive effect on treatment:
- cardiovascular diseases;
Sunflower collection and storage
The medicinal raw materials of sunflower are:
- marginal flowers;
- leaves;
- seeds;
- stem;
- roots.
In medicine, reed flowers of bright yellow sunflower are used, which are cut off in such a way as not to damage the baskets themselves. The collected flowers are immediately dried in a well-ventilated area, which allows them to preserve their natural color. The smell of dried raw materials during the soaking process should be faint and honey-like, but the taste should be a little bitter.
Sunflower leaves are torn from the petioles, and very large leaves should not be collected, especially if they are damaged by rust or eaten by insects. The leaves are dried in the air, but always in the shade (you can use special dryers). Properly dried leaves should be rough and have prominent and heavily pubescent veins. The dried raw material has a dark green color and a bitter taste, while the dried leaves have no odor.
Sunflower roots are collected (pulled out) in the fall (more precisely, at the end of September), that is, after ripening, as well as after collecting the seeds. It is at this time that the roots of the plant have healing properties.
Sunflower seeds ripen by September.
Flowers and leaves are stored in fabric bags for no more than two years.
Composition and properties of sunflower
Carotene
This is an immunostimulant of plant origin, which greatly increases the body's defenses by neutralizing the negative effects of free radicals.Betaine
Action:- activation of lipid metabolism;
- normalization of triglyceride levels in the blood;
- promoting energy production;
- normalization of the acidity of gastric contents;
- improving the functioning of the digestive system;
- preventing fat deposition.
Kholin
Action:- promoting fat absorption;
- lowering cholesterol levels;
- stimulation of cardiac activity;
- strengthening the central nervous system;
- prevention of premature aging.
Resins
Properties:- bactericidal;
- bacteriostatic;
- astringent;
- antiputrefactive.
Fixed oils
Action:- regeneration of tissues and cells of the body;
- elimination of inflammation;
- accelerating the wound healing process;
- protecting the body from negative impact carcinogenic substances.
Flavonoids
Action:- strengthening and improving the elasticity of both capillaries and vascular walls;
- neutralization of free radicals;
- regulation of the central nervous system;
- lowering blood pressure.
Organic acids
Action:- increased appetite;
- activation of metabolic processes, which promotes the breakdown of fats;
- increasing immunity;
- removal of toxins;
- normalization of digestion.
Tannins
By modifying cell proteins, they form protective film, accelerating the healing process of wounds and neutralizing the harmful effects of bacteria. Tannins are used as anti-inflammatory, bactericidal, bacteriostatic and astringent agents.Calcium
Action of calcium: - forms teeth and skeleton;
- normalizes metabolism;
- strengthens heart vessels;
- increases immunity;
- regulates the functioning of the central nervous system.
Zinc
Action:- renews skin cells;
- reduces allergic manifestations;
- accelerates wound healing;
- relieves inflammation;
- increases immunity.
Glycosides
Properties:- diuretic;
- sedative;
- vasodilator;
- expectorant;
- antimicrobial;
- disinfectant.
Anthocyanins
Action:- reducing the fragility of capillaries and blood vessels;
- slowing down the aging process;
- stopping bleeding;
- strengthening the heart muscle;
- normalization of metabolism;
- relieving inflammation;
- normalization of the central nervous system.
Bitterness
Action:- appetite stimulation;
- normalization of digestion;
- restoration of the body in case of exhaustion, weakness, loss of strength, neurasthenia;
- strengthening the immune system.
Protein
This excellent source of energy provides the body with hormones, antibodies, as well as other enzymes that are necessary for the full functioning of the body.Carbohydrates
This is the main source of energy for humans, ensuring a complete metabolic process.Fitin
Action:- stimulating liver function;
- prevention of the development of fatty liver;
- lowering cholesterol levels;
- strengthening blood vessels;
- normalization of the nervous system;
- activation of fat metabolism.
Lecithin
Action:- acceleration of oxidative processes;
- ensuring normal fat metabolism;
- improving brain function;
- normalization of the cardiovascular system;
- increasing the body's resistance to toxic substances;
- stimulation of bile secretion;
- participation in the process of formation of red blood cells and hemoglobin.
Vitamin A
Action:- participation in oxidative as well as reduction processes;
- regulation of the process of protein synthesis;
- normalization of metabolism;
- participation in the formation of bones and teeth;
- slowing down the aging process.
Vitamin E
Action: - inhibition of membrane destruction and calcium leakage from cells;
- optimization of metabolic processes inside the cell;
- removal of toxins;
- normalization of reproductive function;
- regulation of RNA and protein biosynthesis.
Pectin
Action:- removal of radionuclides, salts of heavy metals;
- suppression of putrefactive intestinal flora.
Saponins
Action:- thinning of sputum;
- removal of mucus from the bronchopulmonary system;
- preventing DNA synthesis in tumor cells.
Properties of sunflower
- choleretic;
- antipyretic;
- laxative;
- antispasmodic;
- antitussive;
- emollient;
- immunomodulatory;
- enveloping;
- astringent;
- antirheumatic;
- antisclerotic;
- expectorant.
Treatment with common sunflower
Sunflower is widely used for health purposes due to the presence in the plant of many biologically active substances that are vital for normal operation the whole body.The following parts of the plant are used in medicine:
- seeds;
- root;
- flowers;
- inflorescences;
- petals;
- stem.
Seeds
Raw seeds have the following properties:
- help normalize blood pressure;
- facilitate the removal of sputum;
- prevent sclerotic changes directly in blood vessels;
- normalize the functioning of the nervous system;
- reduce the manifestations of allergies.
Sunflower oil is obtained from sunflower seeds, which is a component of ointments, plasters, and effective oil solutions.
Root
This part of the plant helps dissolve and remove salts from the body, therefore preparations from sunflower roots are used in the treatment of:- arthrosis;
- stones and sand both in the kidneys and in the gall bladder.
Flowers
Annual sunflower flowers are included in products intended for the treatment of the following diseases: - heart disease;
- cold;
- neurasthenia;
- bronchitis;
- bronchial asthma;
- malaria;
- gout;
Inflorescence
Sunflower inflorescence is indicated for the treatment of diseases of the liver, stomach, as well as the duodenum, intestines and pancreas, and articular rheumatism.Sunflower leaves
Preparations from sunflower leaves are used for:- fever;
- neuralgia;
- psoriasis;
- gastrointestinal colic;
- diseases of the spinal cord and brain;
- bronchial asthma;
- cold.
Petals
An infusion of yellow sunflower petals is used internally for cancer as a diuretic. Externally, products containing sunflower petals are used to treat pemphigus vulgaris and old ulcers in diabetes mellitus.Stem
This part of the plant is used to treat diseases of the genitourinary system, kidneys, and thyroid gland. In the process of using sunflower stem, which has a pronounced diuretic effect, joint pain may be observed, indicating the cleansing of the joint capsules from harmful deposits.Application of sunflower
Sunflower preparations are used in the form of decoctions, infusions, and tinctures. Decoction
A decoction of sunflower flowers is prepared as follows: 2 tbsp. the raw materials are crushed and poured with a glass of boiling water, then the mixture is put on low heat for 10 minutes, after which the product is infused for an hour, filtered and brought boiled water to the original volume. Take a decoction of three tablespoons no more than four times a day, 20 minutes before eating.Infusion
Sunflower infusion helps cure colds and relieve fever. To prepare the infusion, 2 tbsp. pour a glass of boiling water over sunflower petals, leave for 10 minutes and drink at night.Tincture
Sunflower tincture, prepared from leaves and flowers, is prescribed to improve appetite and enhance gastrointestinal activity. In addition, the tincture is used for malaria, pulmonary diseases and neuralgia.To prepare the tincture, 3 tbsp. flowers are poured into a glass of vodka and left to infuse for a week dark place. After the specified time, the tincture is filtered and drunk 40 drops, twice a day.
Contraindications to the use of sunflower
When taking sunflower preparations in therapeutic doses, no side effects occur. But still, experts do not recommend taking sunflower seeds to people who suffer from gastritis or peptic ulcers. It is also undesirable to consume sunflower seeds in large quantities for overweight people, since the seeds of the plant belong to the class of high-calorie foods.A contraindication to the use of sunflower is individual intolerance to the plant.
Important! Before taking sunflower preparations, it is necessary to determine whether you are allergic to this plant in order to avoid possible complications.
Sunflower allergy
An allergy to sunflower is most often triggered by the human body’s sensitivity to the plant’s pollen, which, penetrating into the bronchi, causes a negative reaction of the immune system. In the worst case, hay fever (or an allergic reaction to pollen) can cause the development of bronchial asthma, a disease that is accompanied by shortness of breath and cough. Therefore, it is important to determine the presence or absence of an allergy to this plant before starting to use sunflower preparations. And an allergist will help with this, who will collect an anamnesis and prescribe tests to clarify the allergen or rule out allergies.In general, hay fever is often accompanied by allergic rhinitis, which can be recognized by the following signs:
- severe itching in the nose;
- paroxysmal sneezing;
- nasal congestion;
- decreased sense of smell;
- itching in the eyes;
- redness of the eyelids;
- lacrimation.
Sunflower honey is distinguished by a fairly high content of carotene, vitamin A, as well as aromatic substances that have bactericidal properties, therefore it is used to accelerate wound healing.
This type of honey is recommended to be used simultaneously with apple cider vinegar, for which you should mix a glass of water room temperature, a tablespoon of sunflower honey and a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar. This mixture is drunk in the morning on an empty stomach for at least a month.
Important! Sunflower honey contains a high percentage of pollen, so it is not recommended for people who are prone to allergies.
Beneficial properties of sunflower honey
Unfortunately, in our country, sunflower honey is not always in demand, which cannot be said about European countries, where this honey is in mandatory included in the school and kindergarten diet. Our compatriots do not prefer sunflower honey for the reason that it quickly crystallizes (in liquid form this honey is kept for no more than 20 days, and sometimes crystallizes in the hive itself). Moreover, after crystallization, honey acquires a bitter taste.But rapid crystallization does not detract from the medicinal properties of this honey, which contains an amount of glucose one and a half times higher than in other types of honey.
Glucose does not need additional processing directly in the stomach, since it is instantly absorbed into the blood, spreading throughout the body.
Properties of glucose:
- strengthening the walls of the heart muscle;
- increasing the strength of blood vessels;
- promoting the normalization of heart function.
- normalization of arterial and venous circulation;
- removing toxins from the body;
- improvement of liver function;
- preventing the appearance of edema;
- strengthening the myocardial muscle;
- promoting the process of hematopoiesis, which accelerates the renewal of the body.
Sunflower Lecithin
Lecithin is an integral component of the growth and development of the body. It is lecithin that is a component of all cell membranes of the human body, serving as the main component containment not only the brain, but also all nerve fibers without exception. Simply put, without lecithin the normal functioning of the heart, liver, kidneys and other organs is impossible. Lecithin is responsible for the “repair” and regular renewal of body cells, since it is part of the so-called “good” cholesterol, which removes “bad” cholesterol from the atherosclerotic plaque located in the vessel, thereby helping to restore its lumen.
In general, lecithin has three main functions:
1.
Conservation of energy transported throughout the body.
2.
Ensuring the construction of cell membranes.
3.
Providing adaptive properties of the body.
It is in such a plant as the common sunflower that contains a large amount of lecithin, which affects the body in the following way:
- prevents the development of diseases caused by dysfunction of the nervous system;
- has a beneficial effect on mental development;
- produces acetylcholine, which ensures normal metabolism of both fats and cholesterol;
- strengthens memory;
- normalizes reproductive function (without lecithin, women cannot conceive, bear and give birth to a healthy child);
- increases the body's resistance to the influence of toxic substances;
- stimulates bile secretion;
- prevents the development of multiple sclerosis;
- improves attention;
- increases physical endurance;
- promotes the absorption of vitamins A, D, E and K;
- protects the liver from the negative effects of preservatives, insecticides, toxins, as well as drugs and alcohol.
Recipes with annual sunflower
Tincture for gout
Young sunflower flower and its green small ones lower leaves are crushed well, after which they fill the third part of the bottle, into which vodka is poured to the top. The product is infused for a month in a warm place, shaking regularly. The strained tincture is taken daily in half a glass, diluted with boiled water. The same tincture can be used as warming compresses.Compresses for the treatment of joints
One glass of crushed sunflower roots is poured with a liter of hot water, after which the mixture is simmered over low heat for one hour (the product should boil down by almost half). The finished decoction has a dark, rich color. In the resulting decoction, gauze (or cloth) folded in several layers is moistened and applied to the sore joint. Cellophane is placed on top of the compress, then cotton wool, and then the compress is secured with a warm scarf. This procedure is carried out at night, which will provide rest to the sore joint.Infusion for stomach cancer
3 tbsp. fresh crushed flowers of the plant are poured with one liter of fresh milk, after which the mixture is simmered in a steam bath until the product has evaporated to half the original volume. The infusion is cooled, filtered and consumed three times a day, a tablespoon, 30 minutes before meals. The treatment course is two liters of infusion. Then there is a break for three weeks.Decoction for whooping cough
Ripe sunflower seeds are dried in the oven and kneaded in a mortar. 3 tbsp. crushed seeds are poured with half a liter of sweetened water and simmered over fire until the volume of water is reduced by one fourth. The strained decoction is taken for 10 – 12 days.Decoction for prostate adenoma
Dried sunflower roots (a little less than one glass) are boiled in three liters of water (exclusively enamel dishes are used to prepare the decoction). The decoction is infused for three hours and taken one liter per day.In addition, for prostate adenoma, enemas from the sediment of sunflower oil, which must be unrefined, are indicated. Enemas are done for 10 days, for which 100 - 150 g of oil with sediment should be poured into a heated enema and inserted into the anus.
Tincture for pneumonia
A half-liter bottle is filled with sunflower flowers, filled with vodka and infused for two weeks. The strained tincture is drunk a teaspoon three times a day. Before use, you should consult a specialist.A plant called decorative sunflower (see photo), or Helianthus, has been known in our area for a very long time. It can often be found at country houses and suburban areas. This flower fits perfectly into group compositions and its bright flowering decorates any garden bed.
Description.
Decorative sunflower is herbaceous plant, which is widespread today. It is grown on almost all continents as a cultivated garden plant. Helianthus is used as a component for landscape compositions and is grown in pots, greenhouses and in open ground. It is often included in floral arrangements when creating bouquets.
The name Helianthus in Russian means sunny flower. The height of such a plant can vary from 60 cm to 4 meters. There are many varieties of decorative sunflowers, which are divided into 3 subspecies:
- short;
- Tall;
- Medium height.
Helianthus belongs to the Asteraceae, or Asteraceae, family. This flower can be either annual or perennial. It was brought to our latitudes from America. The plant consists of a branched, strong stem, with wide serrated leaves on long petioles. There can be up to 15 inflorescences on the stem, the diameter of which ranges from 6 to 12 cm, depending on the variety. There are about 50 varieties.
The inflorescence of Helianthus is a basket, the middle of which is formed from small tubular flowers, and along the edges there are large flowers reed shape. There are also varieties of decorative sunflowers with velvety inflorescences. The color of the petals depends on the variety. Today there are about 10 color options, and some of them are the result of breeding work.
Landing.
There will be no difficulties in planting a decorative sunflower - this flower grows in almost any soil, but if you create ideal conditions for it, it will bloom more beautifully and longer. The name of the flower, sunflower, gives a hint on choosing a site for planting - it needs a sunny, open place.
Planting time depends on the climate in which it will grow. It is important that the soil is already well warmed up and there is no risk of frost. Helianthus is a heat-loving flower, so it is best to plant it in early or mid-May.
Most often, seeds are planted in prepared holes - directly into open ground. But, you can pre-prepare the seedlings - this way you can get more early flowering. But this method has a drawback - the plant does not adapt well after transplantation.
Care.
look after sunny flower very simple. All this plant requires is timely, moderate watering, after which it is necessary to loosen the soil around the bushes. In addition, it is necessary to regularly remove sleepy plants, as well as periodically apply mineral fertilizers - no more than once a month, that is, about 3 times during the entire season.
When the plant begins to bloom, around July-August (depending on the time and method of planting), you can also add organic fertilizer. After flowering is completed, the seeds are collected and stored for planting next year. In late autumn, decorative sunflowers are destroyed by the roots, the ground is dug up and fertilizers are applied. After 2-3 years, it is recommended to change the site for planting Helianthus.
Reproduction.
Perennial varieties can be propagated vegetatively - by cuttings or dividing the rhizome. But, in our climatic conditions, Helianthus is grown as an annual plant, therefore it is propagated mainly by seed. This propagation option is simpler and more effective, because the seeds remain viable for 5 years.
Diseases.
Helianthus is not disease resistant. It is often affected by downy mildew, as well as brown spot and rust. These problems can be dealt with with a fungicide solution and the affected areas can be removed.
Prevention of such diseases consists of moderate watering, control of soil moisture and timely destruction of pests that are carriers of infections. As for pests, sunflowers are most often attacked by pinworms, longhorned beetles and moths. You can cope with them using chemical insecticides.
Decorative sunflower looks very cozy in any area, and with its bright flowering complements various compositions. By following the minimum rules of care, you can grow healthy and beautiful plants.
Decorative sunflower photo
