Contraindications for pine needles. The importance of conifers in nature and human life Phytoncides of coniferous trees

Since ancient times, people have widely used the richness of the forest storehouse - inflorescences, leaves, roots, buds, plant branches, tree bark and wood - in the treatment of various diseases. After all, trees are a living laboratory that synthesizes many substances, and in combinations that can treat many ailments and restore both mental and physical health.

The most powerful consumers of energy are aspen and poplar. They can be used to clean energy channels and relieve irritation. Inflammatory processes, treatment of various diseases. In the old days, thin branches of aspen with leaves were placed under the pillow: from conspiracy, from damage and the evil eye, so that children could sleep soundly and peacefully. And church domes, as you know, were made of aspen. Many people come there with the hope of healing and remission of sins. Many repent, wanting to throw off the heavy burden of suffering: the aspen dome helps draw out the energy that oppresses the soul from the temple. Over time, aspen coverings become like silver, aesthetically complementing the beauty of temples. Aspen is reputed to be a tree that saves from evil spirits. Some people like to keep aspen logs in the hallway, believing that they cleanse incoming visitors to the apartment, but it is still advisable to keep aspen logs overhead, in the attic.

Poplar has approximately the same energy exchange effect, but the functions performed by poplar are more difficult.

Aspen grows in the forest, and the poplar rejects the forest. Poplars are planted in cities and along roads, and they courageously recycle human dirt, leveling out the energy of cities, shaken by crowds of people. But at the same time, poplar creates an unfavorable energy environment, because it is a potent allergen and must be used with extreme caution.

Rowan in the old days it was called the “amulet tree.” There is no gentler and more effective remedy for relieving depression and “combing” the psyche than rowan.

In the old days, swelling, pain from a bruise and its consequences were removed with dies bird cherry, applying the butt to the sore spot. Spruce has unique protective properties. Spruce paws relieve irritation and fatigue, and spruce cones help to get out of stressful conditions: by holding a spruce cone between your palms for several minutes, you will free yourself from the negative energy accumulated in the body. After a bath, it is useful to apply fir cones to sore spots - the cones will instantly relieve the pain. The more fir cones in your home, the more effectively they will cleanse your home of negative energies. If you plant Christmas trees around the perimeter of your summer cottage, they will become a kind of protective belt for it, preventing the penetration of negative charges concentrated in the unkind glances, thoughts and words of your neighbors or random passers-by. As for the wooden frame, they say: “A spruce house is healthy at heart.”

Linden Gives a gentle charge of vivacity, enhances the body's potential.

Birch has a good effect on the skin, softens various hardenings. White birch has always been a symbol of femininity, which means it is suitable for most women and children.

Maple cleanses the body of dirty energies.

Pine promotes the metabolic process, treats diseases of the respiratory tract, therefore respiratory diseases are treated with the air of pine forests. The pine forest fills the lungs with a healing infusion, but it is not recommended to walk in the pine forest for those with heart problems and people with headaches.

Oak it is a symbol of endurance and strength. The indestructible oak is a masculine tree. Oak wood is used as a heart beat stabilizer. At I.P. Neumyvakin wrote that in case of heart rhythm disturbances, oak should be used. Oak has a strengthening and invigorating effect, giving strength and clarity of thought.

About the impact ash They say: “I took a walk in the ash grove, as if I was talking to someone.”

Acacia– a universal donor, its bioenergy brings freshness, vigor and good mood.

Bathhouse and trees are healers

It is impossible to imagine the life of a Russian person without a good Russian bathhouse. How to finish a bathhouse, what brooms and decoctions to use?

The log houses of bathhouses and houses are made from logs, oriented along the annual rings of the cut with the north side facing outwards (on the northern side of the tree the annual rings are located more densely than on the southern side). Based on the properties of wood and in accordance with the energy of the trees, it is better to decorate the steam room with aspen, the relaxation room with linden, and it is recommended to make furniture and benches from pine or oak.

Everyone knows that the broom is a symbol of the Russian bathhouse, and Russians prefer the birch broom to all others. In the bathhouse it is not just a fan used to build up heat, but a medicinal massage device that has a beneficial effect on the skin. Scientists have found that birch leaves emit volatile substances - phytoncides, which purify the air by killing pathogenic microbes. Birch leaves during a bath procedure are good for relieving muscle pain and aching joints, especially after hard physical work. Oak broom leaves calm the nervous system, lower blood pressure, relieve headaches, and heal oily skin. Linden broom has a diaphoretic and diuretic effect, lowers body temperature. Relieves bronchospasm, “calms” cough, and eliminates headaches. An alder broom, like a linden one, is good to use at the first signs of a cold; in addition, it reduces muscle pain and relieves aches in joints and bones. Blackcurrant brooms are rarely used, since not a single gardener would dare to destroy fruit-bearing bushes even for the sake of a bath. However, they are unusually fragrant and improve your mood: when you are steaming, it is especially pleasant to put them under your head. Less common are brooms made from juniper and fir, but they perfectly freshen the air and destroy germs. Eucalyptus leaves contain forty components of beneficial and essential oils that have bactericidal properties. A decoction of eucalyptus leaves is used to wash wounds, gargle, and treat skin diseases.

Another interesting detail: it is believed that real steamers do not whip with brooms, but very skillfully, like a fan, barely touching the skin, they pump hot heat into the body. Bath ritual is an art, mastering which is considered a matter of honor for every steam room lover.

Phytoncides - natural medicine

Vitality and health are brought to people by phytoncides secreted by trees. Phytoncides are present in the air we breathe in the forest. Phytoncides ionize oxygen in the air, remove dust and particles, and disinfect the microorganisms present in it, increasing its biological activity and, thus, the energy efficiency of the cell. One cubic meter of forest air contains 150-300 times fewer microbes than the same volume of urban air. Being physiologically active substances for people, phytoncides play an important role in metabolism and stimulation of defenses. It has long been noted that people who permanently live in forested areas suffer significantly less from respiratory diseases.

At the same time, phytoncides of some plants are poisonous. For example, a high concentration of volatile substances in wild rosemary causes dizziness. The aroma of a coniferous forest is created by volatile particles of resin evaporating through the needles and small wounds on the trees: aromatic thorn compounds and essential oils. Coniferous trees emit 2 - 2.5 times more phytoncides than deciduous trees: a hectare of deciduous forest releases 2 - 3 kg of volatile phytoncides per day, coniferous - 5 kg, juniper - up to 30 kg. In terms of the amount of phytoncides released, the Siberian pine pine takes the lead; in addition, its phytoncides kill all microbes. This is followed by Scots pine, Siberian larch, and weeping birch. The air in a coniferous forest, especially in a juniper forest, is practically sterile. It is useful for patients with tuberculosis and other pulmonary diseases. However, it must be remembered that people with cardiovascular diseases in a dense coniferous forest on hot, dry and windless days may worsen their well-being and mood, and they may find it difficult to breathe.

Phytoncides fir, cedar and spruce have a stimulating effect on the nervous, cardiovascular and other systems of the body, have a positive effect on blood circulation in the brain, the condition of the liver, the bactericidal activity of the skin and the immune system as a whole, have an anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic effect, and stimulate metabolic processes.

People with symptoms of nervous disorders and mental illnesses benefit from phytoncides pine needles: inhaling them relieves stress. Highlanders are less likely to experience diseases of the nervous system, perhaps due to the calming effect of volatile phytoncides, which prevents overstrain of the nervous system: it wears out less, and this is one of the conditions for longevity.

Phytoncides lilac, poplar, hawthorn and eucalyptus increase the tone of the cardiovascular system, and birch trees and linden trees– respiratory. For hypertensive patients, staying near oak trees is beneficial, because volatile phytoncides oak lower blood pressure. People with low blood pressure can breathe well with lilac and pyramidal poplar phytoncides. Nature seemed to know about future diseases of people and prepared plants whose phytoncides heal, for example, for neurasthenics - geranium, mint and lavender, for those suffering from cardiovascular diseases - hawthorn, poplar, lilac, eucalyptus and laurel, and for those susceptible to respiratory diseases - oregano and linden.

Under the influence of non-volatile phytoncides contained in fresh juice grapes, currants, plums and apples, pathogenic microorganisms and protozoa for the human body die. Birch juice has phytoncidal properties and contains 0.5 - 2% sugars, calcium salts, potassium, phosphorus, iron, copper, as well as other substances of great physiological value. From time immemorial, phytoncidal plants have been used as antiseptics. The folk custom of going to the bathhouse with brooms of birch, oak, fir, and eucalyptus is also a way of using phytoncides. To disinfect premises, fir and eucalyptus branches are used - this is also a way to use phytoncides. To disinfect premises, fir, juniper or thuja branches are used, and freshly crushed oak leaves kill microorganisms from a distance.

Thus, phytoncides have an analgesic effect, have a positive effect on the central nervous, cardiovascular, respiratory, immune and other systems, increasing the hemoglobin content in the blood. Increases the body's resistance to cold, toxins and infections.

Problems that tree energy can solve

Spend one day in the forest and you will see that it is easier to breathe there, and the greenery and color contrasts do not tire you. You will enjoy the aroma of flowers and trees, feel pleasure and peace. Currently, there is a violation of the natural connections between man and his environment that have developed during evolution. This increases the number of cardiovascular, nervous, cancer and other diseases. The more people are removed from nature, the more they need communication with it: we inhale less and less the health-giving smells of flowers, trees, snow, and earth. Use the entire gamut, the entire spectrum of action of the forest available to you, keep flowers, pine needles, resin and other plants that produce odorous substances in every house.

Previously, there were more forests around a person’s home, and the energy of the air surrounding the home was cleaner. And inside the houses it was purified by the fire of burning splinters used for lighting: in the open flame of splinters all evil spirits were burned, negative energy was destroyed. When lighting a torch, in Rus' they said: “Holy light, give it to us.”

Nowadays something similar is done in churches, only the torches there are replaced with candles.

A symbol of spiritual purity, fire does not tolerate anything unclean. According to the ancient Slavs, Truth (Right Cause) in the world has the nature of fire. Images of Truth: fire and water are pure, holy and healing for the soul and body.

Every person has negative aspects in his character that he himself would like to get rid of, but cannot say about it and keeps it in his soul. However, there is an opinion that trees, with their energy, appearance, aromas and other effects, can help remove undesirable character traits. These are the trees.

Beech

Authoritarian behavior. Reckless courage. Tactlessness. Arrogance. Gullibility. Selfishness. Criticism. Hypocrisy. Mania of eternal youth. Commercialism. Intractability. Intolerance. Touchiness. Lack of observation. Servility. Patronage. Pretense. Disappointment. Absent-mindedness. Self-deception. Arrogance. Stubbornness. Utopian thoughts. Pharisaism. Hypocrisy. Boasting. Self-centeredness. Elite thinking.

Heather

Morbid ambition. Talkativeness. Curiosity. Verbosity. Need for attention. Consumer attitude towards others. Lust. Absent-mindedness. Boredom. Fear of loneliness, separation. The desire to attract attention to oneself. Humiliation. Boasting. Selfishness.

Vine

Authoritarian behavior. Anger. Uncompromising. Morbid ambition. Talkativeness. Lust for power. Arrogance. Thirst for power, glory. Inflated opinion of yourself. Criticism. Intolerance. Limitation. Patronage. Pretense. Irritability. Grumpiness. Skepticism. Tendency to read moral lectures. Arrogance. desire to dominate. Desire for missionary work. Craving for violence. Narrow-mindedness. Stubbornness. Pharisaism. Callousness. Excessive severity. Feeling of protest. Elite thinking.

Cherry, plum

Irresponsibility. Recklessness. Incontinence. Fear of insanity.

Elm

Depression. Melancholy. Thoughts about suicide. Separation from the homeland and familiar conditions. Lack of cheerfulness and energy. Depressed mood. Sorrow. Weakness. Yearning. Dejection. Loss of self-confidence.

Hornbeam

Fear of failure. Exhaustion. Inertia. Overwork. Weakness. Stress. Fatigue.

Walnut

Recklessness. Explosive character. Internal struggle with temptations. Impressionability. Hypocrisy. Compliance. Susceptibility to influence. Servility. Sycophancy. Submission to an authoritarian personality. Submission. Adaptation. Drunkenness. Consumer attitude towards others. Vulnerability agreement. Compliance. Hypocrisy.

Oak

Excitement. Anger at others. Drug abuse. Selfishness. Dissatisfaction. Consumer attitude towards others. Irritability. Roaching. The desire to capture something. Craving for distant travels.

Honeysuckle

Grudge. Vengefulness. Inflexibility. Inability to forget. Intransigence. Sadness. Tearfulness. Addiction. Roaching. The desire to capture something. Longing for the Motherland, for home.

Willow

Insensitivity. Disharmony. Irony. Inability to love. Inability to navigate. Nihilism. Bitterness. Disappointment. Weak emotionality. Sullenness. Misanthropy.

Noble chestnut

A painful passion for something. Explosive character. Thoughts about suicide. Sloppiness. Inability to navigate. Nihilism. Separation from the homeland and familiar conditions. Despair. A feeling of being deprived of something. Loss of hope. Fear of death.

Horse chestnut

Indifference. Carelessness. Insomnia. Irony. Hysteria. Laziness. Curiosity. Verbosity. inability to forget. Lack of imagination and observation. Decreased ability to concentrate. Disappointment. Rotozeyism. Weak emotionality. Self-centeredness.

Horse chestnut buds

Reckless courage. Gullibility. Forgetfulness. Frivolity. Inability to forget. Lack of imagination, new ideas. Addiction. Resistance to other people's influence. Anxiety about one's own safety.

Red chestnut

Slowness. Fear for others. Homesickness, homesickness. Excessive kindness.

Larch

Helplessness. Fear of criticism, failure. Low self-esteem. Lethargy. Laziness. Cowardice. Uncertainty. The feeling of losing. Servility. Sycophancy. Submission. Pre-launch fever. Sentimentality. Drowsiness cowardice. Dejection. Feelings of guilt, inferiority, uselessness.

Olive

Apathy. Impotence. Exhaustion. Exhaustion. Inertia. Lethargy. Impressionability. Lack of energy. Overwork. Boredom. Weakness. Fatigue.

Aspen

Fear of the dark. Slow reaction. Nightmares. Vague fears. Shyness. Superstition. Shyness, complex. Comfortable state.

Holly

Aggressiveness. Greed. Insensitivity. Hostility. Hot temper. Anger. Greed. Envy. Malice. Grudge. Commercialism. Vengefulness. Hostility. Inability to love. Misanthropy. Touchiness. Suspicion. Roaching. Jealousy. Irritation, anger at others. Willfulness, whims. Skepticism. Passionate desire. The desire for destruction, attracting attention to oneself. Misanthropy. Feeling hopeless. Craving for violence. Selfishness. Egocentrism. Fury.

Scots pine

Insomnia. Fear of criticism. Masochism. Instability. A state when a person is not at peace with himself. Self-reproaches. Guilt.

Apple tree

Morbid passion for washing. Fear of illness. Mania of eternal youth. Superstition. Health anxiety. Feeling of disgust.

Infusions of aspen, cherry, plum, and red chestnut flowers help overcome fear and allow inner light to shine. Infusions of holly flowers and walnuts promote the development of creative abilities and the ability to protect yourself from outside influences.

Infusions of wild apple, elm, larch, oak, Scots pine, chestnut and willow flowers relieve despondency and despair and awaken the energy of love.

Communication with nature is an indispensable condition for the normal functioning of people. People, increasingly moving away from nature, are looking for a panacea for all diseases, without even suspecting that this medicine is nature itself. The body should not lag behind nature. In nature there is nothing superfluous or unnecessary - everything has its own meaning, its own life task. And the plants of the planet serve to maintain the harmony of nature and man in it, with their perfection of forms, brightness of colors, beauty, they delight our eyes and already by this improve our mood, psychological and physical state.

1. What is a spore?
2. What role do spores play in plant life?
3. What plants are classified as lower? How do they differ from the higher ones? Which plants produce seeds?

The presence of seeds gives these plants a huge advantage over spore plants. Unlike spores, seeds have a supply of nutrients, and the embryo of the future plant, located inside the seed, is well protected from unfavorable conditions.

Rice. 75. Cypress

The leaves of most conifers are narrow, needle-shaped - the so-called needles. Some species, such as cypress, have scaly leaves.

The needles have a dense skin covered with a waxy substance, so the plants evaporate little water and are well adapted to unfavorable conditions.

Coniferous plants are widespread throughout our country.

Pine photophilous (Fig. 76). It is always light in dry pine forests (pine forests). There are tall, slender trees like columns, the branches of which remain only near the tops, so they let in a lot of light. And in open areas the pine trees are spreading.

Rice. 76. Pines

Pines are unpretentious. They can be found on sands, in swamps, in chalk mountains and even on bare rocks, in the cracks of which they take root.

In pine trees growing on dense soils, the main root is well developed and goes deep. In pines growing on sandy soils, in addition to the main root, lateral roots develop near the soil surface. They spread far to the sides of the tree trunk. On swampy soils, the main root of pine trees develops poorly.

In spring, small cones of two types can be seen on young branches. Some of them, greenish-yellow, are collected in close groups at the base of young shoots. These are the so-called male cones.

Others, reddish, single, are female cones. They are found on the tops of young branches. The female cones grow and become woody. First they turn green, then brown.

After two years, seeds fall out of the cones. In most species of pine they have membranous wings, thanks to which they can be spread by the wind.

Young pine branches bear small scaly brown leaves, in the axils of which very short shoots sit. On each of these shoots, Scots pine develops two bluish-green needle-shaped leaves, that is, two needles. The needles live for 2-3 years and then fall off along with a short shoot. Therefore, the fallen needles are connected in twos.

Under favorable conditions, pines reach 30-40 m in height and live up to 350-400 years.

Spruce differs from pine not only in appearance (Fig. 77). Spruce is a shade-tolerant species; in a dense forest, even the lowest branches are preserved.

Rice. 77. Coniferous plants

Spruce forests in our country occupy vast areas. Twilight reigns in them, the dense crowns of trees close together here. There is no undergrowth under the trees and very few grasses. Only green mosses or a solid litter of fallen pine needles cover the soil.

Spruce grows well only in nutrient-rich, well-moistened soil. The main root of spruce is poorly developed. Lateral roots are located in the surface layers of the soil, so the wind sometimes knocks down spruce trees, uprooting them. The spruce tree has a pyramidal crown. The short and pointed needles of spruce sit alone, remaining on the branches for 5-7 years.

Spruce also produces two types of cones - male and female. Purple-red or greenish young female cones, appearing at the ends of last year's shoots, stick out vertically. Mature cones hang down and ripen late in the fall in the first year of life. After sowing the seeds, they fall off. The spruce seed is winged. Male cones, located below the female ones, have a yellowish-brown color.

Spruce lives up to 250 years, reaching a height of 40 meters.

Larch widespread in our country, especially in Siberia (Fig. 77).

This is a very light-loving and cold-resistant breed. It can grow on dry sand, rocky and marshy soils. Larch needles are light green, soft, and do not have a dense skin. Among the coniferous trees of our country, only larch sheds its needles every year. It lives up to 400-500 years, reaching 30 m in height and 2 m in diameter.

Juniper- a small tree or shrub (see Fig. 77). Grows in spruce and pine forests. The leaves are needle-shaped. The scales of female cones are fleshy, juicy, and grow together to form a cone berry that ripens for two years. Juniper grows slowly, but is very durable, living up to 2 thousand years. Currently, it has become a rarity in our forests and needs protection.

The structure of needles and conifer cones

Coniferous plants emit special volatile substances - phytoncides (from the Greek words “phyton” - plant and “cido” - I kill), which suppress the development of many harmful bacteria not only in the forest, but also in its surroundings.

In the taiga of our country, the largest area is occupied by larch forests, followed by pine and spruce.

Larch wood is particularly strong and durable, it is resistant to rotting.

Pine and spruce wood is used as a valuable construction and ornamental material. Using chemical treatment, artificial fibers similar to silk threads are obtained from pine wood. Paper is made from spruce wood. Gymnosperm wood is a valuable raw material for many industries.

Siberian pine is called cedar in Siberia, although real cedars grow only in the mountains of North Africa, the eastern Mediterranean and the Himalayas. Good edible cedar oil is obtained from the seeds of Siberian pine.

New concepts

Questions

1. Why did gymnosperms get this name?
2. What are the main characteristics of gymnosperms? How does their structure differ from the structure of ferns?
3. What gymnosperms do you know?
4. Compare the external structure of pine and spruce. In what conditions do pine and spruce trees grow?
5. Why do the lower branches of a pine tree die off in the forest, while those of a spruce tree are covered with needles?
6. What is the significance of gymnosperms?

Think

Why are many sanatoriums and holiday homes located in pine forests, and coniferous plants are planted on the territory of medical institutions?

Quests for the curious

1. Determine in what months of the year the ripening and dispersal of pine and spruce seeds occurs in your area.
2. In May-June, observe the development of young shoots of pine or spruce from the buds.

   Pay attention to the location of the cones on the shoots.

   Collect pine and spruce seeds. Sow them in the school plot.

   Take care of the seedlings. Use the grown plants for landscaping.

Do you know that...

Rice. 78. Ginkgo biloba

This plant is called a living fossil, since its closest relatives became extinct tens of millions of years ago. Ginkgo biloba is a tall (up to 30 m) deciduous tree, currently growing wild only in the mountains of Western China.

Ginkgo is used for landscaping in southern cities, including in our country. Residents of Eastern countries have long consumed roasted ginkgo seeds as food. In folk medicine, a decoction of ginkgo leaves was widely used for cerebrovascular diseases. Currently, the medicinal properties of ginkgo are recognized by official medicine; preparations from it can be bought in pharmacies.

Tasks

In 1928, thanks to the research of Alexander Fleming, the world became aware of antibiotics. At the same time, Boris Petrovich Tokin made the discovery of natural substances that suppress the growth of many pathogenic organisms, which were later called “phytoncides.”

The role of natural antibiotics in nature

The role of plants in the formation of oxygen and the absorption of carbon dioxide is well known. A lesser known fact is that any representatives of the kingdom of Flora secrete volatile or non-volatile phytoncides, but the effect on one or another type of microorganism is different.

The immunity of trees and shrubs to a particular disease is ensured by the formation of these substances.

Biologists have noticed the influence of substances secreted by some representatives on stimulating or inhibiting the vital activity of others, even those located at some distance. Vegetable growers will never plant tomatoes and potatoes or melons and cucumbers next to each other, but melons will get along well with radishes, and potatoes with beans. An apple tree gets along well with a pear, but it won’t be a good neighbor with a cherry.

When they enter a person’s lungs along with inhaled air, natural antibiotics neutralize viruses, bacteria and fungi.

Oxygen ionization is also ensured, as a result of which its biological activity increases.

Classification

Among volatile and non-volatile compounds, several types can be distinguished:

1. Bactericidal - suppression of the growth of pathogenic cells;
2. Fungicidal - fight against fungal diseases;
3. Protistocidal - destruction of protozoan single-celled organisms that cause malaria, dysentery and other ailments;
4. Compounds toxic to ticks and insects;
5. Substances that stimulate or inhibit the development of other plants and bacteria.

Factors influencing the activity of phytoncides

During the daytime, several times more volatile esters are released than in the early morning or evening. In homogeneous forests (pine, birch) their activity is higher than in mixed ones; in the shade and in conditions of high humidity it is lower than in the sun on a hot day, and in the summer forest the content is much higher than in the winter.

It is not at all necessary that volatile substances be emitted by crops with a strong odor. Their production is possible without the presence of essential oils (for example, crushed oak leaves, plantain and nettle).

Properties of coniferous trees

The most popular types of trees that release beneficial esters include conifers, the leader of which is juniper. People suffering from asthma will feel improvement due to the anti-allergic effect of this plant.

Spruce, pine, fir, cedar - these coniferous trees help cure ARVI, and also have a beneficial effect on the nervous system. Probably for this reason, residents of mountainous areas are less likely to suffer from nervous and mental disorders, which is directly related to longevity.

It must be remembered that pine effectively fights Koch's bacillus, which causes tuberculosis, but at the same time increases blood pressure, so it is better for hypertensive patients to avoid prolonged stay in the pine forest. The bacilli of diphtheria, whooping cough and even Staphylococcus aureus die near the presence of thuja and fir. Any coniferous trees increase antibacterial protection of the skin and immunity.

Properties of deciduous trees

Deciduous trees also release biologically active substances, but in smaller quantities. For example, oak has the ability to lower blood pressure, but poplar, on the contrary, constricts blood vessels, which causes blood pressure to increase.

Stimulation with birch and linden phytoncides, which dilate the bronchi and have a calming effect on the nervous system, has an extremely positive effect on the respiratory system. Linden blossom is an excellent remedy against headaches, colds, and fever. Bird cherry phytoncides contain hydrocyanic acid, under the influence of which protozoa die within 5 minutes, and mites - 15 minutes. It has even been noticed that if you leave a bouquet of bird cherry in the bedroom, you can get mild poisoning and wake up with a headache the next morning.

Properties of shrubs

One of the most well-known expectorants are herbal preparations based on wild rosemary, used even against the most severe suffocating cough in whooping cough. Bronchitis and bronchial asthma can also be treated with an infusion of this plant.

Lingonberries and cranberries are widely used to treat diseases of the genitourinary system. Fruit drinks made from these berries have a diuretic effect and create an acidic environment in the bladder and kidneys, which prevents the growth of bacteria. Lingonberries and cranberries are rich in vitamins; their regular consumption helps strengthen the immune system.

To strengthen the heart and blood vessels, the properties of hawthorn are used, which has a vasodilating effect and can have a calming effect on the nervous system without a sedative effect.

When treating with natural remedies, infusions of elderberry bark, leaves, fruits and inflorescences are actively used. Sore throats and colds are treated with elderberry decoctions; lotions and baths are used against rheumatism, arthritis, burns, and boils. Elderberry jelly has a good laxative effect.

Barberry is considered a plant that prolongs youth. The juice from its berries can stop bleeding and reduce fever. Barberry is useful for liver diseases (gallstones, cholecystitis, hepatitis).

Decoctions and infusions of lilac help fight diseases of the respiratory system (pneumonia, tuberculosis, bronchial asthma), diabetes, and stomach ulcers. Lilac baths and lotions are useful for bruises, rheumatism, and purulent ulcers.

Properties of herbs

Infusions of phytoncidal herbs are used not only externally, but also for oral administration.

The most famous herbs used in the treatment of colds are calendula, thyme, sage, oregano and elecampane. All of them are used as antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory agents. Calendula also has a wound-healing and analgesic effect, oregano and thyme have an expectorant effect, sage has an anticonvulsant and vasodilator effect, and elecampane has an anthelmintic effect.

For problems with the urinary system, herbs are used whose phytoncides are not destroyed before being eliminated from the body: St. John's wort, kidney tea, cornflower, bearberry.

Chamomile, wormwood, plantain, cumin, and sage are used in the treatment of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.

Skin ailments are cured by external use of string, calendula, and celandine.

Properties of indoor plants

A person usually spends more than half of the day at home, including sleeping at night. It is important that the microclimate in the apartment is as harmless as possible, which can be achieved by growing indoor plants.

Perhaps the most recognizable houseplant is the geranium. The air in the premises in which it is grown contains almost 50% less protozoan microorganisms. Ficus and begonia also successfully fight microbes.

Chlorophytum, dracaena and dieffenbachia absorb harmful substances from the air that enter through windows from the street.

Any indoor greenery improves the air quality in apartments and even the most unpretentious ones decorate the surrounding interior.

Phytoncides on a personal plot

In your garden or dacha, you can successfully grow natural healers, famous for their medicinal properties.

Onions, horseradish, garlic - they are all used not only in cooking as seasonings, but also in folk medicine. They are effective in the treatment of colds, diabetes, and are also useful for cardiovascular diseases, thanks to their vasodilating properties, and strengthen the immune system.

Red pepper helps digestion, improves the condition of bronchial asthma and bronchitis, and accelerates hair growth.

Melissa and mint help with stress, calm the nervous system, and relieve headaches.

Harm from phytoncidal plants

The popular saying “Everything is good in moderation” also applies to the treatment of diseases using traditional medicine. It is always possible that there may be an individual intolerance to certain substances, the occurrence of allergic reactions, and with excessive consumption, a deterioration in well-being.

Thousands of people go to the forest on weekends in the summer, pick mushrooms, berries, flowers, just relax and breathe air. In winter, ski trips are organized. The benefits of such a vacation for healthy people can hardly be overestimated.

In the coniferous forests of the middle zone, north and south, there are usually sanatoriums where those who no longer need bed rest receive further treatment and restore their health. Staying patients in a coniferous forest, as a rule, gives a good effect and contributes to a faster restoration of strength, health and performance.

However, practical experience shows that coniferous forests can be harmful to health.

Who is harmed by pine needles?

Some people suffering from cardiosclerosis, angina pectoris, hypertension, heart disease, bronchial asthma feel worse in a coniferous forest (especially in a young pine forest) in the warm season. They experience shortness of breath, rapid heartbeat, heaviness and pain in the heart and behind the sternum. Often headaches, dizziness occur, sleep deteriorates, and the person becomes irritable. Moreover, as observations have shown, the more severe the heart disease, the more pronounced the oxygen deficiency and the worse the patient feels in the forest.

For some, a deterioration in well-being is noted already from the first minutes of being in a coniferous forest, for others - after 10-15 days. What caused this?

It is known that coniferous trees constantly emit turpentine and other aromatic substances. The needles also produce phytoncides (special volatile substances that kill microbes) and large amounts of ozone. Studies have shown that it is on hot and windless days that the content of aromatic substances (especially turpentine) and ozone in the air increases significantly. At the same time, in the air of fields adjacent to the forest, where the same patients feel well, as a rule, it was not possible to detect the presence of turpentine. This is the “catch” of walking through a coniferous forest.

During the cold season (from September to April), the release of aromatic substances by coniferous trees is significantly reduced. Therefore, for those who are harmed by pine needles, it is better to relax in it in autumn, winter or early spring.

The purity of the forest air, oxygen saturation, and silence of the forest make it possible to recommend health-improving walks, especially in winter, to almost everyone.

Phytoncides are volatile, biologically active substances produced by higher plants that kill or suppress the vital activity of microorganisms. He discovered phytoncides in the 30s of the XX century. Soviet biologist B.P. Tokin. Phytoncides are contained in essential oils, resins, tannins and other compounds. Many of them are formed in plants only when tissues are damaged. At the same time, the amount of phytoncides quickly increases to that necessary to protect exposed tissues. Coniferous trees emit phytoncides throughout the year, and deciduous trees mainly in the summer. The greatest number of them is released from May to October.

According to the degree of phytoncidity, tree and shrub species are divided into:

highly phytoncidal - balsam fir, common juniper, bird cherry, pedunculate oak, Norway maple, silver birch, downy birch, Scots pine, Norway spruce, aspen, common hazel;

medium phytoncidal - Siberian larch, common ash, small-leaved linden, black alder, Siberian pine, rowan, yellow acacia, common lilac, Tatarian honeysuckle;

weakly phytoncidal - common elm, warty euonymus, red elderberry, laxative buckthorn.

Among the shrubs and herbal plants, wild rosemary, stinging nettle, lily of the valley, etc. have high phytoncidal properties.

Impact of air pollution on forests

As a result of the activities of industrial enterprises and factories, the atmosphere contains foreign impurities in suspension: flue and oil gases, sulfur dioxide, sulfuric anhydride, hydrogen fluoride, fluorine, hydrogen chloride, hydrogen sulfide, ammonia, oxides of nitrogen, carbon, heavy metals, dust emissions and other connections. There are about 140 harmful substances in industrial dust emissions alone.

Harmful chemicals (pollutants) reduce the growth and fruiting of trees and cause them to become dry. They destroy the integumentary tissues of leaves and needles, inhibit the intensity of photosynthesis, change the acidity of cell sap, and disrupt the action of enzymes and the water regime of plants. Pollutants are especially destructive for evergreen species, which do not shed their foliage (needles) for the winter and, along with it, are not freed from a significant part of harmful substances.

The degree of resistance of tree and shrub species to harmful gases varies and depends on the type and phase of plant development, gas concentration, weather and soil conditions, plant density, distance from the forest edge and sources of pollution. The sensitivity of a plant to harmful gases also varies and depends on the type and concentration of the gas, soil fertility, intensity of photosynthesis and respiration, total water content in the leaves, age of the plant, season of the year and the condition of the tree species.

According to gas resistance, tree and shrub species are divided into five classes: to 1st grade include breeds most stable, to 5 – least. For conifers, class 1 is excluded; for deciduous trees - 5th. The same breed has unequal sensitivity at different ages - at young and old ages the resistance is weaker.

1 class gas resistance: no conifers; deciduous: elm, red oak, black and gray alder, holly willow, spirea, angustifolia.

2nd grade gas resistance: larches: European, Sukacheva, Siberian, Japanese; Cossack juniper, western thuja, yew berry, pedunculate oak, deltoid poplar, lanceolate ash; common elm, gray and goat willows; forest apple tree, common pear tree, caragana tree, evergreen boxwood.

Gas resistance class 3: prickly spruce, Douglas fir, common juniper; common ash, Tatarian and Norway maples, balsam poplar, small-leaved linden.

Gas resistance class 4: Weymouth, Crimean, Siberian pine; horse chestnut, oriental beech, rowan, white and black poplars, bird cherry, silver and downy birch, field maple, white acacia.

Gas resistance class 5: Siberian fir, European spruce, Scots pine; There are no hardwoods.

The forest greatly contributes to the purification of dust from the air and prevents its spread. Dust settled on the needles and leaves of trees is washed off by rain onto the ground. A dense forest covering an area of ​​1 hectare can “filter” up to 70 tons of dust per year from the air.