2024 Author: Gavin MacAdam | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 13:38
European heliotrope (Latin Heliotropium europaeum) - treatment plant; a representative of the large genus Heliotrope, consisting of 300 species. Belongs to the Borage family. Another name is lichaeva grass. In nature, the plant is found in Central Asia, European countries and the European part of Russia. It can also be captured in the Caucasus, including Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia.
Characteristics of culture
European heliotrope is represented by perennial herbaceous plants, reaching a height of 30 cm. They, in turn, are crowned with obovate, pubescent, wavy, whole-edged, obtuse, regular foliage having an oblong-elliptical shape. The foliage sits on shortened stalks. The flowers of the species under consideration are small, white, fragrant, collected in apical inflorescences. The calyx of flowers is blue or purple, endowed with a short tube.
The fruits are represented by lumpy wrinkled coenobium, which, as it ripens, breaks down into 4 small nuts bearing small seeds. Blooming of European heliotrope is observed during the summer. As a rule, it begins in June and comes to an end in the third decade of August. This species, for example, in contrast to the closest "brother" - the Peruvian heliotrope, cannot boast of a pronounced aroma, but it is also actively cultivated on personal household plots.
Growing features
European heliotrope is propagated by seed and vegetatively, that is, by cuttings. The second method is considered the most relevant and simple. But for this, for the winter, the plants are placed in a room with a temperature of 8-15C. Cuttings are carried out in the third decade of February. Cuttings are treated with growth stimulants, for example, heteroauxin, and planted in a moist nutrient substrate under a film coating, which, in turn, is periodically removed for ventilation and watering.
The temperature in the room is maintained within the range of 20-25C. Such conditions ensure rapid rooting, which occurs after 3 weeks. Rooted cuttings are transplanted into a greenhouse or into a pot filled with peat, garden soil and well-washed river sand, taken in a ratio of 4: 2: 1. The introduction of complex mineral fertilizers into the prepared substrate is encouraged. The planting of grown plants in open ground is carried out not earlier than the beginning of June, otherwise they may die from possible night frosts.
Usage
As already mentioned, European heliotrope is a medicinal plant. It is actively used in alternative medicine. For medicinal purposes, the aerial part of the plant is used, the collection of which is carried out at the time of mass flowering, that is, in July - August. A decoction of heliotrope is used in small doses and concentrations as an antihelminthic agent, as well as to eliminate lichen. By the way, it is for this reason that the plant is popularly called lichen grass. It should be noted the antitumor properties of the infusion.
Before including European heliotrope in the complex treatment of the listed problems, it is very important to consult a doctor. The fact is that the aerial part contains poisonous substances, which, if ingested in large quantities, can cause poisoning and subsequent damage to the liver. If, after taking the infusion, nausea, vomiting and general malaise appear, an urgent need to consult a doctor and rinse the stomach. In no case should the tincture of European heliotrope be used for pregnant women, children and people suffering from liver ailments.
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