Today we introduce you to the family of the agave cactus, which grows naturally in the arid mountains of Mexico.It is the American agave.In a wild plant as it is found in North Africa, Southern Europe, in south-east Asia.We will talk about what the American agave.And its use in folk and traditional medicine, we also consider that (we're sure) for many will seem interesting.
Description
This plant is a perennial herb with blue-green large, thick, succulent leaves, which are collected in the rosette.At first glance, the American is very similar to the agave aloe.But looking more closely, you'll see that she leaves much wider.
American agave plant belongs to monocarpic.So we call species that bear fruit and blossom once in his long life, and then die.American Agave has a well developed quite a strong root system.As in nature, and when grown in artificial soil lives of 10-15 years.If the plant is growing in culture and kadochnoy smokers and greenhouses, the term of its life reaches twenty, and in some cases - thirty years.
In the last year of his life plant expels from the center rosette flower arrow having no leaves, up to eight meters.It is crowned by a huge inflorescence-panicle, which is several thousand flowers yellowish.They are large, 9 cm. The flower has a six-membered, venchikoobrazny perianth six stamens and pistils.
flower agave American in the Russian climate, blooms in late May.This process lasts about three weeks.
agave Propagated by seeds and root sprouts.At a temperature of 25 ° C, the seeds germinate in 7 days.The plant loves light, it must be taken into account in the home cultivation of the flower.
agave homeland - Mexico.Under natural conditions the plants reach a height of 10 meters and 4 meters in diameter.In our country the agave in the open field can be found in the Crimea and in other regions it is grown as a houseplant.The fleshy, succulent leaves of the agave American contain essential oils, resins and aloin.
Application
Today folk healers (as, indeed, and representatives of traditional medicine) is well known agave.Description, application of its therapeutic properties can be found in many phytotherapeutic and medical reference books.
Medicines agave have a laxative effect on the human body.Laxative effect usually occurs within 10-12 hours after ingestion.Furthermore, drugs that are based on agave, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antipyretic effect.Such tools are decontaminated, deduce the excess fluid from the body, accelerate metabolism, normalize the activity of the gastrointestinal tract and gallbladder.Cut the leaves of the agave can be used as poultices for boils, wounds and sciatica.
Agave American: Treatment
For indoor reception cut agave leaves are ground and insist on the water.Here's how.Cut from the middle of the agave largest leaf, crush it and pour a glass of water.After six hours, the composition of strain through cheesecloth.As a laxative drink one tablespoon (preferably before meals) three times a day.
improves appetite
Anyone who is suffering from lack of appetite, you can try the fresh juice from the leaves of agave.It should take 5-10 ml about 30 minutes before eating.
treatment of the digestive tract
agave juice successfully used as an additional tool in the treatment of gastric ulcers, chronic gastritis, accompanied by persistent constipation condition after suffering dysentery, as a means of boosting the body's resistance to various kinds of infections.It is necessary to warn our readers: Do not self-medicate!Before taking the juice, please consult your doctor.
Treatment of liver
used for this powder.Agave leaves and dry milled, dried in the air, but in a shaded place.Then his pound and sift.Serving 0.2 g (pinch) three times a day.
abscesses and inflammation
When American agave reaches the age of three years, it can be used in fresh form externally in the form of compresses for inflammation of the sciatic nerve, boils, festering wounds.To do this, cut the sheet, cut it lengthwise, attach to the sore spot inside.
It should be noted that sometimes the treatment of sciatica using agave leaves some patients with very sensitive skin suffer a high fever and even pain.The doctors say that such a reaction should not be afraid, but it is better in the case of discomfort discontinue treatment and consult a doctor.
burns, eye diseases
case of burns, inflammation of the eyes and even incipient cataract, non-healing wounds and ulcers using the juice from the leaves of agave in the form of lotions.From prepared from diluted juice with boiled water in a ratio of 1:10.
dermatological
For the prevention and treatment of lesions of the skin, anemia and radiation sickness used emulsion from the juice of the agave.To make infusion or castor eucalyptus oil, maintained it for 12 days in the dark at a temperature of 8 degrees.The composition is applied to the damaged areas of skin three times a day with a thin layer.It may be used as a compress.
Agave American: nursing home
If you decide to grow this perennial home, first pick a bright, sunny location for the flower.Agave responds well to the sun's rays.In the room where the plant will live, the temperature should be in the range of 18 ... 28 degrees.In summer, the flower can be planted in open ground.But remember that the temperature is below 10 degrees is detrimental for this plant.
Watering
This undemanding plant - agave American.Caring for it is reduced to a rather rare watering, and periodic fertilizing nutrients.
Watering agave should not very often.One, a maximum of two times a week for it to be enough.In winter, experienced growers recommend watering reduced to once a month.Water stagnant in the pot can cause root rot and death of the plant.Make sure that during the watering moisture in any case does not fall into the center of the outlet.
Disease and treatment agave
spring flower cactus can feed mixtures containing a small amount of nitrogen.In winter, the plant rid of all fertilizers.If
agave or sick she was attacked by pests, take emergency action, not delay, because your flower can die very quickly.
If he was struck by scale insects, thrips, succulent treat alcohol, vodka or beer.Such traditional treatments give good results, but only solution "aktellik" save agave if defeat was massive.To prevent rub the leaves with water and garlic and soapy water.
Contraindications
Once again: drugs based on the American agave taken without consulting a doctor is not recommended.
External application of ointments or compresses can provoke allergic reactions in some people, or inflamed skin, attached to a plant.
