Cedar - Useful Properties And Application Of Cedar, Cedar Resin And Resin, Cedar Essential Oil, Siberian Cedar, Himalayan, Fir, Atlas, Gold

2024 Author: Josephine Shorter | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 21:43

Cedar

Useful properties and uses of cedar

Botanical characteristics of Siberian cedar

Siberian cedar is a coniferous evergreen plant famous for its incredible height. Its average height is about 25 m, however, there are often representatives whose height reaches 40-50 meters.

Cedar is a beautiful, slender tree that loves sunlight. The plant belongs to the pine family and is the oldest representative of its kind (about 100 million years).

Cedar is a pine long-liver: it is believed that its age can reach 400 years, but on average, cedars live from 200 to 250 years. It is worth noting that in extremely favorable conditions a tree can live for 800 years.

The trunk of the tree is slender, bare at the bottom; it begins to branch at about 1.5–2 m above ground level. A young tree has a smooth, brownish-gray bark. In adult representatives, the bark is cracked, brown-red or grayish in color.

The bark is very thin, it does not protect the trunk from various types of damage, as well as from the penetration of infections caused by fungi.

The needles are acicular, long, triangular, soft, in one bunch there are 5 needles. The needles have a lifespan of 9–11 years. The special structure of the needles allows the tree to retain moisture as much as possible due to the possibility of its minimum evaporation.

Cedar pine is a tree on which both females and males develop simultaneously.

For female cones, a violet hue is characteristic; they appear in 2–5 pieces on the end shoots of well-lit branches (at the very top).

Male spikelets are formed on the lateral shoots of the branches located in the middle of the crown.

Under conditions of good penetration of sunlight, male spikelets and female cones can form on the same branch.

In June, pollination occurs, after 11-12 months (from the moment of pollination) - fertilization.

Seed ripening occurs in September of the following year after pollination. Pollen due to the presence of special air sacs easily scatters over long distances. It should be noted that the vegetative and reproductive organs of the cedar are not afraid of low temperatures. However, "flowers" and female cones, on the contrary, are very sensitive to temperature changes. They are hard to endure frosts, are afraid of drought and prolonged rains, after the end of which a significant drop in air temperature follows. In addition, constant moisture is important for buds.

Cedar begins to bear fruit relatively late: from 15–40 years old, subject to the presence of a large amount of sunlight, and only at 50–60 years old, if it grows in a dense forest. The maximum number of fruits ripens in an adult tree at the age of 160–260 years, after which fruiting begins to gradually decline.

Pine cedar is widespread in Russia, especially in the European part and on the territory of Western and Eastern Siberia.

Useful properties of cedar

Cedar is recognized as a medicinal plant. It contains biologically active substances, thanks to the positive effects of which it is possible to recover from a number of diseases.

Healing raw materials are pine needles, resin (sap), seeds (nuts), as well as their shells, branch buds and young tops.

The needles contain essential oils (more than 2%) and carotene (provitamin A). The needles also contain useful trace elements (phosphorus, iron, manganese, copper, etc.) and ascorbic acid (from 250 to 350 mg).

Cedar resin (oleoresin) in its composition contains gum turpentine (about 20%), resin, which contains up to 77% of resin acids and about 0.3% of higher fatty acids.

Fats (up to 63.38%), which are well absorbed by the human body, proteins (16.82%), carbohydrates (13.26%), glucose (2.03%), lecithin (1.63%) are found in the kernels of pine nuts.), ash (2.57%).

Seed protein is rich in amino acids (especially linoleic), most of which are essential acids. The acid arginine, which is part of the protein, is indispensable for the child's body.

The seeds contain vitamin D, vitamin E (about 40-60 mg) and B vitamins. Vitamin A, which promotes the growth and development of the body, is of particular value.

Nuts contain useful trace elements, including copper, manganese, zinc and iodine (the latter element is important for the inhabitants of Siberia).

Cedar nut shells are also useful for their composition. It contains macro- and microelements, lingin (52.8%), cellulose (32.4%), fats and resins (5%).

All parts of the cedar - wood, pine needles, resin - have the ability to release special volatile substances that perform a protective function and have a detrimental effect on microbes (phytoncidity).

Application of cedar

Due to their amazing composition, preparations made on the basis of cedar have a number of medicinal properties.

When used correctly, they are capable of exerting anti-inflammatory, bactericidal, antimicrobial, expectorant, anti-asthmatic, hemostatic, blood-purifying, wound-healing, sedative, anti-scurvy, diuretic action on the human body.

In addition, cedar preparations help to increase immunity, strengthen the nervous system and significantly improve the functioning of the cardiovascular system.

Fresh cedar bark is used as an effective diuretic, antihelminthic and laxative agent, which must be scraped off in the spring.

Due to the high content of essential oil, cedar needles have a pronounced antimicrobial effect. In places where cedars grow, ordinary air has a healing effect on the body, having a positive effect on the cardiovascular, respiratory and nervous systems of a person.

Cedar needles are used as an effective diuretic and are highly recommended for bronchial asthma.

Traditional healers prepare a vitamin drink from the needles of cedar pine, with the help of resin (sap) they treat abscesses, wounds, and from nuts (kernels and shells) they get vegetable oil, known for its beneficial properties.

"Lean milk" is prepared from the kernels of pine nuts. This remedy has long been recognized as an effective remedy for the treatment of pulmonary tuberculosis, nervous system disorders, and kidney disorders.

As scientific research has shown, 100 grams of pine nut kernels satisfy the daily human need for amino acids and major trace elements such as manganese, zinc, copper, cobalt.

Pine nuts are good for men suffering from impotence. Daily consumption of nuts significantly increases the immune system, cleans blood vessels, prevents sclerosis, and normalizes blood pressure.

Activated carbon is obtained from the pine nut shells.

An infusion made from pine nut shells is prescribed for the effective treatment of neuroses, liver and kidney diseases, as well as for hemorrhoids.

For colds, joint pains, rheumatism and gout, rubbing with shell infusion is recommended.

A decoction from the shell is prescribed for osteochondrosis, arthritis. It is an effective means for the absorption of salts. Lotions and wraps have a positive effect on various skin diseases and burns.

Zhivitsa (cedar resin)

Zhivitsa is the resin of cedar pine. This name arose for a reason, because the resin is one of the most effective means for healing wounds. The resin has excellent antiseptic and bactericidal properties.

Traditional medicine especially appreciates the resin. Doctors use it to treat purulent wounds, abscesses, burns and cuts of any severity.

It is possible to use resin internally to heal stomach ulcers.

The action of the resin is scientifically proven. Scientists have found that resin is a powerful antiseptic, it inhibits the bacterial growth of diphtheria, hay bacillus, staphylococcus white.

Recipes for making balms and tinctures

Recipe number 1

The balm is prepared in a 1:10 ratio. One part of cedar resin must be diluted in vegetable oil, preheating the oil in a water bath. The balm should be applied externally. If you dilute the resin in a ratio of 1:20, then both external and internal use is possible.

Recipe number 2

It is required to take 200 ml of alcohol, 600 grams of chopped cedar needles and 50 grams of cedar resin, mix and put in a cool dark place., Where to infuse for 10 days. Dosing regimen: for rinsing - 10 drops of tincture should be diluted in 100 ml of water. The product is effective for the treatment and prevention of periodontal disease and gingivitis, it is recommended for disinfection of wounds.

Planting a cedar

The presence of cedar pines in a residential (park) zone is not just a beautiful landscape, but also a natural disinfection of the air. By planting cedar, people create a special, healthy atmosphere.

To plant a cedar was not in vain, a number of prerequisites must be observed.

For planting, it is recommended to buy specially grown, selected seedlings, since they are well developed, their root system is reliable and not damaged.

It should be remembered that when planting cedar seedlings from containers, it is imperative to straighten all the roots, since in containers they tend to get tangled and twisted.

For the seedling, it is recommended to prepare a spacious hole and make sure that the roots are placed freely. The cedar root system is characterized by a superficial location, therefore it is important that the hole is exactly wide, and not too deep. If clay soil is chosen for planting, it is appropriate to add sand to make the soil lighter.

All kinds of additives to increase soil fertility are not recommended, since this can lead to the appearance of a large number of earthworms.

Cedarwood essential oil

Cedar essential oil has a positive healing and rejuvenating effect on the human body.

The essential oil is recommended for diseases of the nasopharynx and respiratory tract, as an expectorant and antitussive agent, for diseases of the digestive system, for the treatment of wounds, burns, skin diseases.

The oil enhances blood circulation, thereby increasing the quality of tissue oxygenation. The use of oil helps to eliminate unpleasant odor from the oral cavity, cleanses mucous membranes.

Cedarwood essential oil also affects the emotional sphere. When applied, there is a surge of strength, getting rid of fatigue. People become more confident in themselves and their strengths, they get rid of the feeling of constraint.

Cedarwood oil is widely used in cosmetology. It gives an unsurpassed anti-aging effect, significantly increases skin elasticity, effectively fights skin rashes, stress spots, strengthens hair, prevents dandruff, and strengthens nails.

Siberian cedar

Siberian cedar is a coniferous, vigorous, evergreen, beautiful, light-loving tree. It grows on the territory of Russia, mainly in the European part and, of course, in Siberia.

In addition to its visual appeal, the plant is interesting for its healing properties.

The healing raw materials of cedar are needles, nuts (seeds), shells, branch buds, young tops, resin (sap).

Preparations from Siberian cedar raw materials have amazing healing properties. They are prescribed for the treatment of many diseases, including diseases of the respiratory tract, digestive system, genitourinary system, kidney, liver, and cardiovascular diseases.

Siberian cedar is also recommended as an effective immuno-strengthening, tonic, expectorant, antitussive, anti-asthmatic, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic agent. The plant is also used for impotence in men.

Himalayan cedar

Himalayan cedar is a luxurious tree, the height of which can reach 50 m and more. Its homeland is the northwestern Himalayas, Pakistan, India, Afghanistan, the plant is successfully cultivated for the purpose of greening streets and purifying the air in Georgia. The Himalayan cedar differs from other Mediterranean cedars in a number of characteristic features.

The plant has a broad-cone-shaped crown, which eventually becomes flat with hanging branches on the branches. Hairy shoots. The needles are characterized by a light green color. The length of the needles reaches 5 cm, it is collected in bunches. The cones are ovoid, up to 10 cm long. Young cones are bluish in color, which changes over time to reddish brown.

The Himalayan cedar tolerates shade well, unlike many of its congeners.

Due to its unique composition, Himalayan cedar is widely used in medicine. Cedar preparations are recommended as an effective antibacterial, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, antifungal, tonic, soothing, astringent, general tonic; they are prescribed to increase immunity, to treat respiratory diseases, pulmonary tuberculosis, rheumatism, various skin diseases, ulcers.

The Himalayan cedar is widely used in cosmetology.

Atlas cedar

Atlas cedar is a monoecious slender tree, the height of which can reach 50 m. The plant has a loose pyramidal crown. The needles are tough, collected in bunches of 25–40 needles, three-tetrahedral, green with a bluish tint. Cones are dense, barrel-shaped, shiny, light brown in color. Their size reaches 10 cm. Cones ripen in the third year.

The peak of plant growth is observed in youth, it easily tolerates frost, loves light, does not tolerate excess moisture, lime in the soil.

This species is native to North Africa.

Essential oil is obtained from the needles and young shoots of cedar. This extract is a valuable remedy, for a long time traditional healers have used it as an unsurpassed disinfectant, anti-inflammatory, wound healing, bactericidal, antirheumatic, sedative.

Cedar oil is used for burns, bruises, cuts, colds, and infectious diseases. In dentistry, oil is recommended for toothache, as well as for all kinds of diseases of the oral cavity and gums, including periodontal disease.

The essential oil has a high biological activity, due to which it is especially appreciated in cosmetology.

Recipes for making baths and compresses with oil:

In the treatment of respiratory diseases, 2-3 drops of essential oil are diluted per liter of water and used as inhalations.

For the treatment of bruises (except for severe bruises with an acute inflammatory course) and joint pain, it is necessary to moisten gauze and drip 3–6 drops of oil on it, then apply a compress to the sore spot.

Foot and sitz baths are recommended as an effective analgesic, anti-cold, rheumatic, diaphoretic remedy, where 10-12 drops of oil are added, which should first be diluted in a glass of kefir to achieve a greater effect.

General baths are recommended as a tonic and soothing agent, where 6-7 drops of oil are added.

Golden Cedar

Cedar resin and propolis are natural broad-spectrum antibiotics. The substances included in their composition not only actively fight the causative agents of tuberculosis, hepatitis, herpes, typhoid, etc., but also mobilize the defenses of the human body, strengthen the functioning of the nervous system, increase blood circulation, activate the defenses of the body, strengthen and stabilize the state and work of the nervous system, stimulate blood circulation.

"Golden Cedar" is an oil created on a natural plant basis. Produced from a healing tree, this oil is able to have a positive effect on the body, preventing various diseases.

The oil contains healthy fats, vitamins B1, B2, B3, PP, D, E, provitamin A, unsaturated fatty acids.

Cedar leaves

Scientists have discovered a powerful antibiotic in cedar needles that can even act on staphylococcus aureus. Researchers were able to identify 17 bioactive compounds that are able to cope with the bacteria.

In addition to antibacterial properties, anticancer substances are found in cedar leaves, which speaks of the unique healing properties of the plant.

Cedar needles are used as an effective diuretic, recommended for bronchial asthma, tuberculosis, inflammatory diseases of the respiratory organs, genitourinary system, prostatitis, uterine bleeding, arthritis, rheumatism, gout.

Needles are an excellent means for cleansing blood vessels, it helps to increase their elasticity, as well as improve blood composition. It is also an irreplaceable remedy for relieving fatigue, increasing immunity, restoring the nervous system.

Traditional healers prepare a vitamin drink from the needles of a cedar pine.

Cedar fruit

Pine nuts, as well as their shells, have medicinal properties and are widely used in medicine.

Preparations from nuts are prescribed for mastitis, gastritis, ulcers. Tinctures and decoctions are recommended for abscesses, boils, wounds.

Pine nut recipes:

Recipe number 1 for stomach ulcers: you need to take in equal proportions the kernels of crushed pine nuts and honey and mix. Reception scheme: 1 tablespoon before meals 3 times a day.

Recipe number 2 for abscesses, boils: grind nuts, put the resulting mass on the place of the abscess, cover with a plastic bag (oilcloth), secure with a bandage.

Pine nut shells are an effective remedy for disorders of mineral metabolism in the body, urolithiasis, rheumatism, arthritis, joint pain, and diseases of the oral cavity.

Preparations based on pine nut shells help to cope with herpes, osteochondrosis, mastopathy, fibroids, cysts. They are recommended as an effective immune-boosting agent.

Pine nut shell recipes

Recipe No. 1 (recommended for low immunity, hearing impairment, tumors): take 0.5 liters of vodka and 1.5 cups of pine nut shells, combine in a container and leave for 10-12 days in a warm, dark place. After the expiration of the period, the composition must be filtered. Reception scheme: 1 tablespoon 20-30 minutes before meals 3 times a day with water. The course of treatment is about two months, after which a break of 1 month is required. The course should be repeated 2-4 times a year.

Recipe number 2 (recommended for diseases of the joints): you need to take 1 glass of cedar shells and pour 1 liter of boiling water, then put on low heat and cook for 3-4 minutes. The broth should be infused for 3-4 hours, after which it must be thoroughly filtered. Reception scheme: 0.5 glass before meals 3 times a day.

Contraindications to the use of cedar

Cedar has practically no contraindications for use. The exception is individual intolerance.

The author of the article: Sokolova Nina Vladimirovna | Phytotherapist

Education: Diploma in "General Medicine" and "Therapy" received at the Pirogov University (2005 and 2006). Advanced training at the Department of Phytotherapy at the Peoples' Friendship University of Moscow (2008).