Lofant anise Tibetan. Lofant Tibetan: useful properties and use in traditional medicine

Julia
Lofant anise and Tibetan what are the differences?

The lofant plant has more than 10 species. The most popular of them are Tibetan, as well as anise varieties. Inexperienced summer residents often confuse these two varieties, despite the fact that there are clear differences between them. Both cultures can bring both benefit and harm, and what exactly - the article will tell.

Description of the plant. Difference Between Tibetan and Anise Lofant

The botanical "name" of the lofant is a multi-grate. Its varieties can grow up to 1-1.5 m, which makes the plant a welcome guest on suburban area. The fluffy foliage creates a cozy nook in the garden, and exudes a pleasant aroma, which clearly captures notes of mint, caramel and anise. Lofant is considered an unpretentious culture; due to self-sowing, it grows in one place for many years.

The flowers of the polygon are collected in a kind of "candles" of different shades, from white and pink to blue and purple. It is thanks to the color, as well as the shape of the foliage, that two popular varieties of lofant can be distinguished. The inflorescences of the Tibetan, which is officially called wrinkled polygonum, and unofficially - Korean mint, are painted white. The leaves of this variety are rounded. Anise lofant (or fennel polygon) produces purple flowers, and its leaves are pointed.

Lofant Tibetan

There are other features that distinguish both species:

the aroma of the anise polygon is stronger than the Tibetan one;
the wrinkled variety is more resistant to frost;
anise is used in cosmetology, as well as a spice for sweet, fish, meat dishes, salads and preservation;
Tibetan lofant is preferred by supporters of traditional medicine.

From what they have in common - the composition. These are vitamins of group B, and "ascorbic acid", and essential oils, and trace elements, and much more. The difference is only in the ratio of all components.

Advice. Both varieties of lofant help fight late blight on nightshade crops.

What are useful and to whom varieties of multi-grate are harmful

Those who grow a lofant on their plot should know that all top part plants: leaves, shoots and inflorescences. Moreover, the latter must be harvested in parallel with the collection of seeds, during the flowering period - and it lasts from mid-July to September frosts. The wrinkled polygon is sometimes referred to as "Tibetan ginseng". Some believe that in terms of its qualities it even surpasses the famous healing “root of life”.

Tea and tincture of Korean mint help:

Cleanse the body of toxins.
Improve immunity.
Recover from severe chronic illnesses.
Adjust pressure.
Put away inflammatory processes.
Increase potency and treat prostatitis.
Improve female reproductive function.
Improve digestion.
Calm the nervous system, get rid of feelings of anxiety and insomnia.
cure anemia.
Remove bacteria and viruses in the nasopharynx.
Get rid of eczema and dermatitis - with external use.
Smooth out wrinkles and give the skin elasticity.
Strengthen hair.

Advice. If you suffer from sleep disorders or migraines, fill the pillow with shoots and inflorescences of the Tibetan polygon.

Anise lofant will help in the treatment of such ailments:

angina;
liver pathology;
atherosclerosis;
digestive problems;
headache.

Lofant Anise

Also, fennel multi-grate increases immunity, helps to cope with skin diseases, burns and open wounds. It is used in tonic masks for the face and hair. An aromatic bath with anise lofant soothes the nerves and restores strength.

Both types of multi-grate should be used with caution, especially during pregnancy. They are contraindicated in hypotension, thrombophlebitis (even with a tendency to it), as well as in oncology. In addition, anise lofant should not be treated for people with epilepsy and muscle cramps. Check availability allergic reactions, and before admission to medicinal purposes be sure to visit a doctor.

Lofant Tibetan: video

Lofant Tibetan - perennial herbaceous flowering plant, reaching a height of 1 m. In Europe, about its healing properties ah they know little and almost do not use in folk medicine. But the Tibetan monks, many centuries ago, revealed the secret of a plant that helps get rid of huge amount diseases. Sometimes when describing a plant, it is put on a par with ginseng. In nature, the Tibetan lofant grows in the Himalayas, on Far East, in China, Tibet and Siberia.

plant description

Tibetan lofant (Agastakhis wrinkled) belongs to the Lamiaceae family. It has tetrahedral elongated stems with ellipsoid leaves. In nature, there are two types of lofant - Tibetan and anise, and main difference between them is that only the first has healing properties. Another difference from the anise is that the Tibetan lofant blooms with white flowers collected in spikelets, while the anise has purple or lilac flowers.

Lofant oil is in great demand. It is made from the flowers of the plant. Stems and leaves also have useful properties. They are made from them various infusions and decoctions. The course of treatment with means based on the Tibetan lofant differs in duration, but, according to traditional healers, the effect of decoctions and tinctures on the human body is longer.

Beneficial features

If traditional healers are used to treat various diseases lofant Tibetan for many centuries, then scientists became interested in the composition of this plant and its properties relatively recently. As a result biochemical research it was found that wrinkled agastachis is the strongest immune stimulant and is able to enhance protective functions organism. Vitamins and minerals, alkaloids, tannins, essential oils and organic acids were found in the composition of the miracle plant.

Preparations based on the Tibetan lofant have the following properties:

soothe, relieve insomnia;
purify the blood;
normalize blood pressure;
remove toxins from the body, neutralize toxins and salts heavy metals;
fight bacteria and infections;
increase potency.

Agastahis wrinkled tinctures can help restore conduction. nerve impulses after heart attacks and strokes. They will help people with unstable blood pressure, help to remove cholesterol and strengthen the walls of blood vessels. Due a large number essential oils preparations based on Tibetan lofant are excellent remedy in diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, inflammation urinary tract, colds. They are also used as an external remedy for the treatment of eczema, dermatitis and other skin diseases.

In cosmetology, the Tibetan lofant has also found its application. Means based on it strengthen nails and hair - for this you can use baths or oils. It is able to slow down the aging process, reduce the number of wrinkles, improve the color and condition of the skin.

For the strong half of humanity, wrinkled agastahis can be useful as the strongest biostimulant. It is used to improve potency even in old age. A regular use preparations based on this plant contributes to the disappearance of prostatitis.

How to prepare raw materials?

Growing a Tibetan lofant does not require special care and attention, the main thing is to ensure timely watering. The plant is photophilous, so the bed for it is placed in an open place where the sun's rays easily fall. Seeds are sown in the spring, when the soil warms up to comfortable temperatures, slightly deepening into the soil. Agastahis grows very quickly, so 2-3 crops can be harvested per season. Harvesting is carried out from June to the end of August.

For medicinal purposes, all terrestrial parts of the plant are used. The stem is carefully cut with a knife or secateurs, and the flowers are plucked and used separately. Phytotherapists recommend using fresh raw materials, but you can prepare it for future use. The stems, leaves and flowers cleaned of impurities are left in a well-ventilated place, and when they are completely dry, they are placed in dark, dry glassware or canvas bags. It is not recommended to use the lofant after a year of storage.

Traditional medicine recipes

Most often, in the treatment of various diseases, decoctions of the Tibetan lofant are used. For its preparation, leaves and stems are used both in dried and in fresh. For half a liter of boiling water, you need 2-3 tablespoons of raw materials. The broth is boiled over low heat for several minutes, after which it is allowed to brew for 2-3 hours. Take the remedy three times a day for half a glass. A decoction of a lofant will help restore defensive forces body, overcome colds, to localize inflammatory processes.

For prevention cardiovascular disease, treatment of hypertension and atherosclerosis is used alcohol tincture agastachis wrinkled. To prepare it, take 200 g of fresh flowers and pour 0.5 liters of vodka into them. The agent is insisted in a glass dish, shaking occasionally, for about a month. You need to take an alcohol tincture of lofant for 30 days, 1 teaspoon 3 times a day. After that, you should take a week break.

Tibetan lofant tea is very useful. Traditional healers recommend it to people who have had a heart attack or stroke, as well as with a decrease in efficiency, pain, weak immunity, anemia, impaired concentration. Tea is brewed in a ceramic teapot, pouring 1-2 teaspoons of raw materials into it. Drink three times a day, one glass. It will be useful to add a spoonful of honey to it.

Lofant is called an anise, fennel, dill plant because of the strong spicy smell exuded by its long inflorescences. The plant does not belong to the list of pharmacopoeial, but is popular among traditional healers thanks to their therapeutic qualities. The healing properties of the lofant are based on the action essential oil: anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, healing. Its components normalize the work of the immune, as well as the cardiovascular system.

Full description of the species

The plant is distributed as a wild plant, and is also cultivated for the extraction of essential oil. It is possible to use a lofant in the form of a spice.

Growth area

The greatest distribution of the lofant is observed in the middle climatic zone. The plant has spread from North America. The wild lofant is found throughout the United States, as well as in adjacent regions of Canada. In Russia, the lofant can be found in the Caucasus and Siberia. Areas of plant cultivation - Astrakhan, Saratov, Moscow region. Lofant is found on the European continent in all countries with a temperate climate: in Ukraine, Poland, Moldova. Distributed in the Crimea.

The dryish soils of the steppe zone, as well as the rocky soils of the foothills, are ideal for the good growth of the lofant. Lofant loves good lighting, under sunbeams grows rapidly, forming semi-shrub thickets.

Morphological features

The plant belongs to herbaceous perennials, although in appearance it can be confused with a shrub. The fact is that the aerial part of the grass actively branches, and each individual branch of the plant ends with its own inflorescence, forming a three-dimensional likeness of a shrub crown. The plant looks like this.

Root. Rod root system lofanta has a well-developed, fleshy main root, from which numerous additional roots extend, significantly increasing the water absorption area and useful substances from the soil.
Stem. The single stem of the lofant branches many times. The surface of the stem is light green in color, most often has four edges. Stems erect, leafy.
Leaves. They have a decorative value because of their unusual appearance. Lofant leaves are different large sizes- reach a length of 10 cm. The entire leaf plate is green, and in older leaves it has a bright purple-brown tan. The shape of the leaf plate is broadly lanceolate, with a heart-shaped base. The leaves are attached with long petioles, the placement is opposite. The edge of the sheet plate is serrate.
Flowers. Flowering is observed from July to October. Each two-lipped flower in the inflorescence fades within a week after flowering, but is replaced by a new bud, which is why the plant is in the flowering phase for so long. The long term for the development of inflorescences gives rise to the decorative value of the lofant. Spike inflorescences stretch upwards, having impressive volumes. The length of the inflorescence can reach 15 cm, and the diameter is 3 cm. The flowers are purple, pink, blue-pink in color.
Fruit. They have an oblong oval shape. These are brown nuts. Many smooth seeds are concentrated inside them.

At favorable conditions several harvests of raw materials can be harvested from the same thickets in a season, since the cut plant grows very quickly. In folk medicine, the healing properties of the Tibetan lofant are also valued. It is worth saying that the medicinal properties, as well as the chemical composition of both plants, are similar. The main morphological difference between the species is the color of the flowers. In the Tibetan species, they are white.

Procurement of raw materials

IN medicinal purposes only the aerial part of the anise lofant is used - young shoots collected during the budding period or immediately after the start of flowering. The basics of the preparation are as follows.

Collection of raw materials. Shoots are cut with garden shears, retreating 10 cm from the soil. It is desirable that the length of the collected branches does not exceed 20 cm. Re-harvesting the lofant for the winter involves cutting the grass, retreating 20 cm from the soil.
Preparation. The collected branches with inflorescences are sorted for impurities, knitted into small panicles or laid out in one layer on a pallet lined with paper or cotton cloth.
Drying. Occurs when hanging raw materials on a thick thread or placing a pallet with grass in a shaded place, with good, preferably cross-ventilation. When using the dryer, observe temperature regime up to 40 °С.

Dried grass is crushed to make it easier to pack and store. Well-dried raw materials are fragile, have a characteristic spicy smell, as well as a bitter taste.

It is necessary to store the herb in compliance with the rules for essential oil raw materials - a sealed or dense container made of cardboard or glass is used. A dark place with good ventilation is suitable for storage. The shelf life of dried herbs is 1 year.

What are the medicinal properties of lofant

The main component of the chemical composition of the plant, which is 15% of the amount of all compounds, is the essential oil. The main substance - the basis of the specific anise aroma of the plant - methyl chavicol. In general, scientists have isolated about 20 aromatic compounds from the essential oil of anise lofant, which have different pharmacological, physical properties and causing different shades of aroma of the plant.

Depending on the place where the plant grows and the predominance of a certain chemical compound in the essential oil, lofant may have predominant citrus or lemon shades of smell, gently enveloping the main anise aroma. Lofant essential oil is endowed with a variety of beneficial properties.

Influence on the central nervous system. Improves the functioning of the central nervous system, activates thought processes. Shows mild sedative properties, not causing drowsiness. In general, we can say that the lofant helps to concentrate, improve memory.
Impact on immunity. Lofant improves the immune response of protective cells, prevents the development of viral and bacterial diseases, as well as speed up recovery from existing infectious ailments. Lofant essential oil is a source of antioxidants that neutralize radicals, which determines the ability of the plant to slow down the aging process of cells human body.
Influence on the glands. Lofant regulates the glands internal secretion, leading to the normalization of the ratio of hormones.
Effect on the skin. Lofant essential oil exhibits anti-inflammatory, regenerating, decongestant and anti-exudative effects.

Useful material

In addition to the essential oil, lofant is rich in other specific compounds that have pharmacological activity.

Tannin. Interacting with the proteins of the skin and mucous membranes, it forms a protective film, preventing chemical, mechanical, and bacterial irritation of the damaged epithelium. Tannin, as a tannin in the composition of the lofant, has a bacteriostatic, astringent, anti-exudative and hemostatic effect, which is actively used in the treatment of burns, wounds, scratches, and skin diseases.
Oleanic acid. It has antihypertensive properties, due to the ability to eliminate vascular spasms. Shows the ability to reduce the level of cholesterol in the blood, creating the prevention of atherosclerosis. Improves condition vascular walls– normalizes their permeability, increases elasticity. IN complex therapy with antibiotics enhances their action.
Ursolic acid. Eliminates inflammatory processes in the vascular walls, improves peripheral blood flow, stimulating skin regeneration and hair growth. Has antihypertensive properties. Stimulates the formation of urine, improves excretion salt deposits from the body. Stimulates the natural synthesis of collagen in the body.
Diosmin. A compound from the group of flavonoids that exhibits anti-varicose activity. Diosmin normalizes the condition of the vascular walls, gently thins the blood, preventing thrombophlebitis. Normalizes arterial, venous, lymphatic outflow, showing the ability to eliminate edema.
Glycosides. They have mild laxative, diuretic, irritant properties. Glycosides also have antimicrobial activity.
Ascorbic acid. The most powerful antioxidant in the composition of the lofant, necessary for the body as a preventive measure premature aging, as well as to perform other physiological processes: hematopoiesis, iron absorption, work of the nervous and immune system, support normal state veins and capillaries. Known hepatoprotective properties of ascorbic acid.
bitterness. Possess irritant on cells digestive tract. Improve the secretion of digestive juices, normalize the intestinal microflora. Contribute to the rapid recovery of the body during physical exhaustion. Activate appetite.

All chemical compounds, which are part of the lofant, improve metabolic processes in the human body.

Use for various ailments

The scientific study of the composition and pharmacological value of lofant grass began only in the 21st century, which caused a clear lack of information regarding the healing properties of the plant.

Diseases of the skin and hair

It has been scientifically proven that the composition of lofant essential oil in combination with tannins can be used externally for the treatment of:

dermatitis of fungal, bacterial, allergic origin;
burns;
frostbite;
eczematous, psoriatic, seborrheic rashes;
alopecia.

Bronchopulmonary diseases

Lofant is able to normalize the work of the ciliated epithelium of the bronchi, to ensure the purification of the lungs from sputum. The plant makes it easier paroxysmal cough. The beneficial effect of lofant oil on the condition respiratory tract, allows you to use the plant for the treatment of the following diseases:

pneumonia;
tuberculosis;
asthma;
tracheitis;
laryngitis;
hoarseness.

Vascular pathologies

The benefits of anise lofant for the human body also lie in its ability to normalize the state of blood vessels and improve blood flow, gently regulate pressure. The plant is used for therapy:

migraines with VVD;
headaches;
edema of various localization;
violation of the trophism of peripheral tissues;
varicose veins;
fragility of capillaries;
hypertension;
diabetes, to prevent complications.

Disorders of the organs of detoxification

In addition, the lofant helps to restore the functioning of the liver and pancreas even after severe intoxication. The plant is used to treat anorexia and other disorders. eating behavior, as well as in the absence of appetite that accompanies serious illness.

Among the indications for the use of the lofant there are also violations of the genitourinary system:

cystitis;
urethritis;
prostatitis;
pyelonephritis;
potency disorders;
male and female infertility hormonal nature.

The immunostimulating effect of the lofant is useful for eliminating colds, as well as for accelerating the recovery of the body after illness.

In folk medicine, the plant is used to treat inflammatory diseases of the mucous membrane. oral cavity, otitis, conjunctivitis. Lofant can be used in cosmetic purposes for the face, to improve the condition of the scalp. By activating the peripheral blood flow, the lofant improves and accelerates hair growth. Anti-cancer properties plants are appropriate for the treatment of skin cancers.

Is this plant safe?

Side effects from the use of the lofant include vasodilatation with a subsequent decrease in pressure, a bronchodilatory effect, as well as a laxative and diuretic effect inherent in the essential oil.

Lofant contraindications include childhood, the period of pregnancy and lactation, as well as epilepsy - due to excess dosages, spasms of smooth and striated muscles may occur.

People who have any manifestations of an allergy to essential oils should be wary of the lofant. If it is necessary to use the herb, it is better to do an allergy test - apply the drug to a sensitive area of \u200b\u200bthe skin, if there is no reaction, the agent can be used, strictly following the recommended dosages.

How to prepare medicines

For the treatment of a lofant at home, you can use the popular recipes below.

Decoction

Peculiarities. The tool is popular for the treatment of respiratory tract: bronchitis, pneumonia, pulmonary catarrhs, tuberculosis, asthma.

Preparation and application

It is better to brew lofant in an enamel bowl, for which 100 g of chopped grass is poured with a liter of boiling water.
Put the mixture on a slow fire, boil for five minutes.
After removing from heat, add 150 g of sugar to the product, mix well.
After cooling, the broth is filtered, take half a glass once a day.

Wine tincture

Peculiarities. The remedy obtained as a result of infusion well stimulates appetite, digestion, treats inflammatory diseases mucous membrane of the stomach and intestines. When used externally, the tincture accelerates wound healing.

Preparation and application

100 g chopped dried herb plants are poured with a liter of white wine. It is advisable to use a dry variety.
The mixture is placed in a dark, cool place for three weeks, the container with the tincture is shaken daily.
After the specified period, the agent is filtered, taken orally in a teaspoon, three times a day, or used for compresses.

Infusion

Peculiarities. It is used orally for diseases of the digestive tract, externally used for conjunctivitis, wounds, burns, herpes rashes.

Preparation and application

20 g of dried chopped grass of the plant is placed in a thermos, poured with a liter of boiling water.
After insisting for 25 minutes, the product is filtered through gauze.
Take orally 100 ml up to three times a day or use to wash the skin.

Syrup

Peculiarities. It is used internally for the treatment of colds, coughs, to strengthen the body in the field of past diseases.

Preparation and application

One and a half kilograms of sugar are added to a liter of hot broth of lofant.
Put on a slow fire and evaporate the agent until a syrup of moderate viscous consistency is obtained.
Take a tablespoon, up to five times a day.

The use of lofant seeds in folk medicine is not practiced. Moreover, inflorescences that already have fruits are not suitable for harvesting.

Other Benefits of Northern Ginseng

The long flowering of the lofant, as well as its ability to release pollen in all weather conditions, makes the plant a productive honey plant. Lofant honey has a light specific aroma and beneficial features inherent in the plant itself.

To obtain honey, you can create large thickets of lofant - the plant adapts perfectly to different conditions, it suits any soil. On the estate, the thickets will look exotic, thanks to the bright flowering and interesting color of the leaves of the plant. The only harm of the lofant noted by gardeners is its ability to form a kind of lavender thickets that are difficult to remove.

Lofant essential oil is used to create perfumes and fragrances for hygienic and cosmetics. Plant extracts are actively used to enrich hair cosmetics.

In cooking, lofant is added to:

fish dishes;
vegetable casseroles;
vegetable salads;
baking;
fruit salads;
compotes;
jams;
puddings;

According to reviews, light citrus and mint notes of lofant aroma refresh the taste of dishes and have a positive effect on digestion.

The beneficial properties of the lofant are so multifaceted that this plant will definitely not be superfluous in any garden or summer cottage. The ease of cultivation, harvesting and harvesting, the possibility of using it for cosmetic, medicinal and culinary purposes, as well as the aesthetic appearance of the plant, will make the lofant a welcome guest in every garden.

Lofant Tibetan (age 3 weeks)

So, in Latin it is called Agastache rugosa, or wrinkled polygon. A plant of the Lamiaceae family, growing in the Far Eastern regions, in China. It has white flowers collected in ears, unlike other varieties of Lofant. Several years ago we brought the seeds of this plant from Altai and now we grow Lofant Tibetan in our garden.

Useful properties of Lofant Tibetan

Lofant Tibetan is one of the main medicinal plants in Chinese folk medicine, has a lot of healing properties, and, importantly, can grow in our Ural gardens. In the people, the lofant was called "northern ginseng" and it fully corresponds to this. The aerial part of adult plants is used. The green mass of the Tibetan lofant is rich in vitamins, essential oils, flavonoids, and has a very pleasant aroma.

Thanks to his unique composition, Lofant Tibetan, with regular use, normalizes metabolism, gently stimulates a person's own immune forces, calms the nervous system, and restores sleep. Actively used for normalization blood pressure, for the treatment of diseases digestive system, kidneys and respiratory organs. External use for diseases of the skin, hair gives excellent results. I note that Lofant is not addictive and has no negative side effects. But I think it should be careful people suffering from hay fever and other types of allergies.

How to grow Lofant Tibetan

Video from Alexey Sedykh about how he grows Lofant Tibetan for bees:

Growing Lofant Tibetan in your summer cottage is very simple. To start . I must say right away that other types of Lofant do not have healing properties, and may be of interest only as aromatic and ornamental plants.

Biohumus fertilizer increases the yield of lofant raw materials

Sowing the seeds of Lofant Tibetan I spend in mid-March in peat tablets of 3-5 seeds per tablet. I cover the containers with tablets with a transparent film. After a few days, shoots appear. It is desirable to provide seedlings with good lighting and timely watering. After the appearance of the first pair of true leaves, it is advisable to feed the plant with a weak solution of complex fertilizers, such as Kemira or Fertik. This must be done to ensure seedlings necessary nutrition, because it is not enough in a peat tablet, but it contains a sterile environment for seed germination.

Seedlings of Lofant Tibetan at the age of 4 weeks

In mid-April, I transplant seedlings from tablets into 200 gr. cups with soil, after removing the shell from the tablet. Seedlings will be in them until planting in a permanent place. This can be done in the second half of May, when stable warm weather is established. I plant Lofant on ridges according to the 50 * 50 cm scheme, and water it abundantly. Sometimes Lofant seedlings stretch out at home, but it's not scary. When planting in a garden bed next to a bush, it is enough to stick a small peg 20-30 cm long, and carefully tie the young stems of Lofant to it, providing sufficient freedom for the plant. Pretty soon, young plantings will give the first growth. The stems and leaves will become noticeably larger and will look very similar to nettles. After landing in the ground, further care consists of regular loosening, watering, top dressing. If necessary, the grown bushes can be slightly spud.

In July, Lofant will begin to bloom, and this process will stretch until the end of August. It is at the end of August that you can cut the main part of Lofant, leaving small, immature plants in the garden. They will be able to stay there until the snow. And you will have the opportunity to tear off fresh Lofant leaves for a cup of tea.

We collect and dry Lofant Tibetan

Cutting stems should be carried out at a height of 10-12 cm from the ground in dry, calm weather. Then I take a few branches in a bunch and tie the bunches together in pairs. In the attic, we strengthen the crossbar, throwing over it, we hang the “parks”. From below, under the bundles of the lofant hung upside down, you can spread a clean film, because. ripened seeds will fall on it. They can also be collected next year use for sowing.

Despite the fact that Lofant Tibetan is a perennial plant, the practice of growing it has shown that the Ural frosts are detrimental to the underground part of plants. Only a few specimens survive, and it takes quite a long time to recover in the spring. While the newly planted young bushes are already growing with might and main. As a result, every year I prepare seedlings of Lofant, and do not rely on last year's plants.

How to choose a place to land?

If you are a happy owner of six acres, then there is not much to choose from, because most often there is no free land. But I think it’s possible to allocate a small garden bed for 10-20 lofant bushes. My friends, for example, plant a gazebo with Lofant, and this provides them with gentle and beneficial air while relaxing in the gazebo, pleasant evening tea parties, and in combination with shorter bright colors, very effective decorative look seating areas in the garden.

I tried to grow Lofant in different parts your garden, on different soils and with varying degrees shading. I can say that it will grow wherever you plant Lofant seedlings. But still, the most comfortable for Lofant were filled with light sandy soils in a sunny location of the site. When planting in the hole, I add a little compost, ash and a pinch of complex mineral fertilizer. I must say that in the shade Lofant grows significantly worse than in sunny or slightly shaded areas. In the shade, Lofant, of course, will also grow, but it will be low and may not even bloom. Under ideal conditions, by the end of August we have meter sprawling plants, abundantly covered with leaves and inflorescences, which are incredibly loved by bumblebees and bees. Lofant is an exceptional honey plant! Just a godsend for beekeepers. And also a godsend for those who care about their health with the help of what nature gives us, using plants grown in their garden. You can make excellent herbal preparations And medicinal teas from garden plants in composition with Lofant Tibetan. Well, isn't it a miracle: to grow your own medicine?
You just need to have the desire, patience and diligence, as well as learn how to correctly compose herbal preparations, taking into account exactly your needs.

Lofant ( Lophanthus anisatus) – This herb is very popular in oriental medicine.

She is credited with various magical properties and many consider it a panacea for almost all diseases.

Depending on the area of growth, it wears different names: aniseed hyssop, licorice mint and this is far from full list. These names are based on the characteristics of this plant. The leaves and flowers of the lofant have a mint-anise aroma.

Mint-anise aroma characterizes the plant

Appearance

It's perennial herbaceous plant which grows to a height of more than a meter. It is a representative of the Lamiaceae family (Lamiaceae), because its inflorescences are presented in the form of spikelets.

Peculiarities:

The anise lofant has tetrahedral shoots and oval leaves, the length of the sheet is up to 10 cm, and the width is up to 4 cm, they are serrated at the edges.
The plant has blue, orange or white flowers depending on the species.
Its fruit is an oblong dark brown nut.

This is what a young lofant looks like

Kinds

Lofant has more than 25 varieties, but the most popular and in demand for medical purposes and in everyday life are:

anise lofant with bluish or lilac inflorescences;
Tibetan lofant with white inflorescences;
barbera lofant has bright orange inflorescences.

The anise lofant has lilac inflorescences

The Tibetan lofant has white inflorescences, it can compete with ginseng in its qualities

The Berber lofant has orange inflorescences

Where does it grow?

The Tibetan lofant grows in some areas of India, China, the Himalayas, Tibet, as well as in Siberia and eastern Russia. The homeland of this plant is Asia Minor, namely savannas and semi-deserts. Also in the wild, this plant can be found in the United States and Canada. There are small plantations in the Crimea and Moldova.

spice making method

Cut fresh herbs during the growing season;
Plants are tied in bunches and dried under a canopy;
Store the lofant in jars, paper bags or linen bags.

Anise lofant spice is very popular, because it gives dishes a special piquancy and opens up new taste sensations. It can be used for fish, meat or vegetable snacks, and it is also added to sweet pastries.

And lofant jam has a simply amazing taste.

Characteristics

the plant has a very strong aroma that resembles the smell of mint;
photophilous and drought-resistant;
grows on light soils;
can grow in the same place up to 5 years;
young shoots of the plant appear in March;
buds begin to appear at the end of May;
begins to bloom in early July.

Chemical composition

The table shows the main minerals dry herb of anise lofant:

Beneficial features

protection and strengthening of the body's immunobiological system;
improves metabolism;
lowers and normalizes blood pressure.

Anise lofant is rich in vitamins P and C, tannins, essential oils, alkaloids and antibiotics.

Lofant is used for quick recovery after surgical operations, childbirth, to enhance immunity and to relieve chronic fatigue syndrome.

For residents of large cities with poor ecology, a lofant can become excellent tool to protect the body from harmful effects environment, and will also contribute to the removal of toxic substances and heavy metals from the body.

Lofant is rich in vitamins, tannins and essential oils

Harm

allergic reactions;
individual intolerance to the plant.

Contraindications

Although anise lofant has medicinal properties, but not everyone can use it, you must first seek the advice of a doctor.

patients with oncological diseases;
people who are prone to hypotension or thrombophlebitis;
during pregnancy;
people suffering from epilepsy;
at frequent convulsions muscles.

Oil

The plant consists of 15% essential oil, which helps to remove toxic substances from the body, because it has 80% methylchavicol. Also, this oil is characterized by bactericidal properties.

Lofant oil is able to remove toxins and has bactericidal properties.

Application

In cooking

fragrant jam is obtained from the plant;
for sweet confectionery;
cook compotes;
for preservation and pickling of vegetables;
used for liquors and home-made wines;
in the form of seasoning;
as side dishes for vegetable, meat or fish dishes.

Lofant is used as a seasoning for vegetable or fruit salads, as well as for a variety of meat dishes because it has a universal character.

When cooking compotes, fruit drinks or jams, lofant is often added to reveal the taste of berries.

When adding lofant to a drink with berries, the taste becomes more saturated

In medicine

produces a sedative effect;
has a calming effect;
relieves severe headaches;
with atherosclerosis and hypertension;
normalizes pressure;
lowers the level of cholesterol in the blood;
with vegetovascular dystonia;
helps fight gastritis;
with problems with the liver;
with colds;
slows down the aging of the body;
for outdoor use beneficial effect on the skin, and also helps speed up the healing of burns or wounds;
enhances lactation in nursing mothers.

A decoction of dried lofant leaves helps with atherosclerosis and hypertension

infusions

Lofant herb infusions are widely used:

with diseases of the pancreas;
with problems with the gastrointestinal tract;
with diseases of the kidneys and urinary tract;
after a stroke or heart attack;
at bronchial asthma and bronchitis.

The stem, inflorescences and foliage of the plant are used in the manufacture medicines. For increase male potency Leaves must be consumed fresh.

Lofant infusion will help cure many diseases

Tincture recipe:

dry lofant color (50 grams) or fresh (200 grams);
half a liter of forty-degree vodka.

It is necessary to fill the grass with vodka and let it brew in a dark place for about three weeks, shaking every day.

When the tincture is ready, you need to strain through a strainer and take orally twice a day, one teaspoon half an hour before meals. The course of treatment is one month, then you should wait a week and start the course of treatment again.

This tincture has a beneficial effect on the body:

lowers blood pressure;
strengthens the immune system;
has a beneficial effect on the work of the heart;
eliminates trembling of the limbs.

You can use lofant tea to strengthen the body, this drink will be especially useful for people after a heart attack. You should take one tablespoon of herbs in a cup of boiling water, let it brew for half an hour and you can drink it with honey. This tea should be consumed three times a day to get the desired result.

Lofant tincture can be purchased at pharmacies

At home

used for decorative purposes, because the plant has a beautiful appearance;
the plant is an excellent honey plant, because it is very popular among bees;
is indispensable in cosmetology, it is added to creams, face and hair masks.

Anise lofant is a part of medical cosmetics

Varieties

Astrakhan 100;
Summer resident;
Premier;
Snowball;
Dandy.

Premier and Frant have lilac flowers, and the rest of the varieties have white inflorescences.

The varieties "Premier" and "Frant" have lilac inflorescences

cultivation

The growth of the anise lofant begins in early March, the buds ripen in May, and flowering usually occurs in early July. Growing a plant is not difficult at all, you can even plant it on a balcony or in a room.

Lofant can propagate by seeds

Lofant can be grown from seeds or seedlings. In the spring, you need to plant in the ground to a depth of 3 mm. Between crops in a row should be left 10 cm, and between rows - up to 45 cm. When seedlings appear, only strong shoots should be left.

The plant grows well and does not need special care because it is drought tolerant. Weed the lofant several times and water occasionally. You don't have to deal with insects.