Benefits of cedar, recipes for health and longevity

Cedar (lat. Cedrus) is a tree of the Pine family, genus Oligotopic.

Needles, nuts, bark and resin are excellent for healing various diseases. They can also be used to create healing medicines.

In nature, Siberian cedar has become widespread in the eastern and southern regions. In particular, it can often be found in the Himalayas. This species was naturalized on the southern coast of Crimea, as well as in Odessa.

Wood, bark

The wood of an evergreen coniferous plant has bactericidal properties and includes a huge amount of valuable natural substances:

oxalic, malic, citric, quinic, and other organic acids;
arachidic, octadeic higher fatty acids;
aromadendrin, aligenin, chrysin, other flavonoids;
phytoncides that kill pathogenic microflora, bacteria, viruses;
nonane, octane, decane, heptane, other higher order carbohydrates.

The environmental friendliness and antibacterial properties of wood allow it to be used for aromatherapy, making incense sticks, aroma pendants, aromatic balls, etc.

The bark and bast of an evergreen tree is rich in vitamins and microelements. Used to prepare diuretic and laxative decoctions, it is considered a powerful anthelmintic.

Use for baby food

Nuts will have the most beneficial effect on a child’s body. They can be given as a healthy snack.

Similar lunches:

Will cope perfectly with the feeling of hunger;
Promote the growth and maintenance of body tissues;
Organize rapid metabolism;
Promote the absorption of fatty acids;
Improves visual acuity.

A healthy treat can help you concentrate on a task and come out of any competition with honor.

What are the benefits of pine needles?

Cedar needles are rich in ascorbic acid, beta-carotene, phytoncides, and provitamin A. The maximum amount of vitamin C accumulates in young needles, especially in winter. What other useful elements does the green mass of the plant contain:

chlorophyll;
essential oils;
vitamin concentrates;
microelements: phosphorus, iron, copper, cobalt, manganese, etc.

The needles have powerful anti-scorbutic properties; their potency is equal to that of lemons, oranges, and other citrus fruits. It is better to use fresh needles for infusions and decoctions, since when stored, especially in a warm room, the healing properties are reduced by 40-45% in 5-7 days.

Benefits of cedar needles for the body:

increases elasticity and strength of blood vessels, helps cleanse toxins and cholesterol plaques;
improves the composition and quality of blood, improves the structure, saturates with energy;
stops uterine and internal bleeding;
It is considered a powerful immunomodulator, indispensable for weakened, disease-depleted people;
strengthens the cardiovascular, endocrine, and nervous systems, relieves fatigue and nervous tension.

Infusions and decoctions of raw materials are useful for diseases of the respiratory system of a cold, viral, or fungal nature. They help with bronchial asthma, pneumonia, bronchitis, tracheitis, pneumonia, and any pulmonary ailments. It is recommended to gargle with a decoction for sore throats and mouth mucous membranes for stomatitis. Slightly heated, it is used to rinse the nasal and maxillary sinuses for a runny nose, sinusitis, sinusitis, or any inflammation of the nasopharynx.

Coniferous baths are considered useful and restorative. They are indicated for children with scrofula, rickets, for adults - with fatigue, exhaustion, loss of strength after a debilitating illness. Steamed raw materials have long been used to treat radiculitis, muscle pain, and spasms.

Alcohol tincture of pine needles is an effective wound healing agent. Recommended for joint rheumatism, arthritis, arthrosis, gout. To prepare, take 100 g of crushed raw materials, add 200 ml of alcohol, leave for 7-8 days in a cool place, protected from light.

The decoction is useful for washing abscesses, wounds, and using as a lotion for pustular skin formations. If you suffer from migraines, it is useful to apply a towel soaked in a strong decoction of needles to your temples and forehead. At the same time, medicinal tinctures are taken orally. With constant use, health improves, the functioning of the nervous and cardiovascular systems is normalized, immunity and the body's protective functions are increased.

Chlorophyllocarotene paste is produced from pine needles, which is indispensable in dentistry and surgery. It is useful to take it orally for peptic ulcers, and to use it externally for various skin diseases, burns, and soft tissue injuries.

Rare pollen

Cedar pollen is considered a completely unique and natural product. It is collected during the flowering period of the tree. Possessing powerful antioxidant properties, the product prevents aging and increases the elasticity of the skin.

Another benefit of cedar pollen is that it reduces the risk of allergies and cancer. When pollen is consumed internally with milk or tea, blood sugar levels decrease, neoplasms resolve and the internal walls of small capillaries are strengthened.

Pollen breaks down cholesterol plaques and fatty deposits. Continuous consumption of pollen as a food supplement promotes weight loss.

This product is useful for the stronger sex, as it increases male strength. However, the preparation of this natural product is extremely difficult and requires special skills.

Sap

Resin is the resin of a plant, which is extracted during active sap flow. Known for its powerful antibacterial and wound-healing properties, it creates a natural barrier to viruses, fungi, and microbes. The composition of resin is unique and contains:

resin components – resinols, ether resins, resinous compounds;
volatile carbohydrates monoterpenes - phellandrene, pinene, camphrene, limonene, used for the production of turpentine;
sesquiterpenes, diterpenes - neutral components, the basis of the resinous secretions of the plant;
higher fatty acids, including linoleic acid.

Cedar resin restores, heals, is considered a natural immunomodulator, and relieves neuroses and depression. Resin is actively used in aromatherapy for the common cold, flu, acute respiratory infections, to facilitate the removal of sputum, and improve respiratory function. Cedar essential oil is used with aroma lamps, aroma pendants, and added to inhalers for a speedy recovery from colds.

Its properties and power of influence are extensive. Resin based products are considered:

antioxidants that normalize metabolism, remove toxins, carcinogens, waste;
anti-ulcers, normalizing microflora and activity of the gastrointestinal tract;
anti-sclerotic, activating brain activity;
wound-healing, removing inflammation, swelling, quickly relieving any abscesses, wounds, acne, any problems of the epidermis.

Cedar resin is effective when the following problems occur:

blindness, glaucoma, intraocular pressure, any eye diseases;
inflammatory processes of any etiology, duration;
diseases of the oral cavity, including periodontal disease, stomatitis, caries;
muscle spasms, joint pain;
loss of strength, anemia, weakened immunity after surgery, illness;
thrombosis, arrhythmia, atherosclerosis, angina pectoris, other vascular and heart problems;
gastrointestinal diseases: stomach and intestinal ulcers, gastritis, inflammation, obstruction of the bile ducts;
bone fractures, chronic, severe damage to soft and hard tissues, up to gangrene;
prevention, treatment of cancer of various origins and duration.

Kernels (seeds)

The nuts of an evergreen tree are a depot of useful microelements and vitamins; they are useful for adults, children, and women during pregnancy and lactation. Cedar seeds are healthy and high in calories, 100 g contains 673 Kcal. Contents of useful elements:

65-70% natural oil, completely absorbed by the body;
carbohydrates, proteins, 19% nitrogen compounds;
4% fiber, 2% ash, pentosans;
amino acids, minerals;
potassium, sodium, cobalt, iodine;
manganese, phosphorus, potassium, molybdenum;
iron, copper, zinc;
lecithin, vitamin complex.

What are the benefits of cedar kernels? They are considered to be a depot of nutrients beneficial to the body. Regular use improves the composition and quality of blood, stimulates the functions of the thyroid gland, normalizes the functioning of internal organs and endocrine glands. They have a beneficial effect on the heart muscle, increase elasticity and strength of blood vessels, and strengthen the immune system. Nuts are good for children, teenagers, and adults; they promote quick satiety, normalize metabolism, and have a beneficial effect on the intestinal microflora and digestive system.

relieve symptoms and the course of colds, help with vitamin deficiency, loss of strength;
strengthen joints, ligaments, connective and bone tissues, regulate the processes of salt deposition;
activate regeneration processes, promote rapid healing of ulcers and wounds;
will help with hormonal imbalance, uterine bleeding, menstrual irregularities, impotence;
ease the course of allergies, asthma, have a beneficial effect on the body in case of anemia, diabetes;
improve the functioning of the organs of vision, will be a good prevention and treatment for ailments of the hearing aid;
improve the condition of the nervous system, have a calming, relaxing effect, and help normalize sleep.

The milk of cedar kernels is an indispensable medicine for tuberculosis and genitourinary diseases. You can use it to make butter that tastes just like butter, but has great nutritional value.

Use for weight loss

In small quantities, nuts help you lose weight.

Firstly, they perfectly remove excess water,
Secondly, they quickly give you a feeling of fullness,
Thirdly, they fill the body with slow-burning protein, which fills the body with energy for quite a long time.

But a large amount of treats can have the exact opposite effect.

Cedar oil

Cedar essential oil is a viscous amber-colored substance with a pleasant woody aroma. It is obtained from the needles, shoots, and wood of the plant using a cold or hot method.

For medicinal, cosmetic purposes, and use in cooking, the oil is obtained using cold-pressed technology. The product is especially valuable, with a high content of fatty acids, protein, and arginine.
Oils obtained by hot method are suitable for the perfume industry, technical purposes, and the production of paints and varnishes.

The chemical composition of cedar oil contains:

Fatty acids: Omega 3, 6, 9, stearic, linoleic, palmitic, oleic, etc.
Microelements - sodium, iron, zinc, phosphorus, nickel, magnesium, silver, cobalt, etc.
Proteins – prolamine, glutelin, albumin, globulin.
Vitamins A, B, D, E, F, etc.

This valuable oily ingredient is useful for respiratory diseases, treats skin problems, and improves cerebral circulation. Indispensable for the prevention and treatment of atherosclerosis, liver and kidney diseases. Effectively fights gastritis, heartburn, ulcers, and other gastrointestinal problems. Helps with stress, depression, nervous exhaustion, improves the structure of skin, nails, and hair. It has a pronounced antiseptic, antifungal, antibacterial effect. Fights viral infections, inflammation, has an expectorant, restorative, regenerating effect.

Cedar essential oil is effective in its pure form and is often used in composition with other aromatic oils. Ideally combined with esters of pine, calamus, sandalwood, combined with oils of rosewood, vetiver, sage, grapefruit, ylang-ylang.

Collection and storage

Siberian Cedar blooms in July, and the seeds ripen in August - early September, when the cones are collected. To extract seeds from a cone, the latter is heated in a special drying machine, where, under the influence of temperature, the scales bend and the seeds themselves fall.

In case of poor separation of seeds from the cone, mechanical treatment is used. After the seeds are removed, they are laid out in the sun to dry. It is very important not to miss the moment when the peel has already dried, but the seed inside is still soft. It is during this period that the seeds must be removed from the sun.

Seeds can be stored for no more than 6 months. After this period, their composition begins to change dramatically: toxic products appear. The seed changes shape, color, taste. Seeds are also susceptible to moisture. Accordingly, they need to be stored in a ventilated place, in a fabric bag, periodically pouring them into a container and allowing the accumulated moisture to evaporate.

How to use nuts for medicinal purposes

Cedar kernels have the unique property of regulating appetite and suppressing acute hunger. Regular intake normalizes metabolism, oxidative processes, saturates the body with calories and a complex of nutrients. If you eat a handful of kernels every day half an hour before eating, a person will feel full even before eating, which means that less food will be eaten.

Nuts are used for impotence, decreased libido, and frigidity.

Take 100 g of raw material, peel it, grind it, add 100 ml of water.
Take daily, once a day.

To eliminate inflammation of internal organs and generally strengthen the body, the following is recommended:

Take ½ cup of peeled kernels, add a little water, leave for 1.5-2 hours to soak.
Grind the swollen raw material with a blender, adding 300 ml of water in small portions. Beat until smooth.
Strain the resulting infusion, take 3-4 times a day, add to tea, juice, water.

To strengthen the immune system and increase the tone of the body, it is recommended to prepare an alcohol tincture of kernels:

Mix a glass of shelled nuts with the resinous coating of cedar.
Add 0.5 liters of vodka and leave to steep for 14-15 days.
Strain the finished infusion, take no more than 50 g per day.

The remaining raw material after straining can be refilled with vodka, but this time 1 liter, leave for 20-21 days. Rub the resulting mixture onto your legs for varicose veins, swelling, and a feeling of heaviness. At the same time, take 50 g per day orally. If you have problems with your legs, it is recommended to do a light massage of the veins with cedar oil and eat peeled kernels daily.

Treatment with resin (resin)

Resin is useful for burns of varying severity. Take a gauze bandage, soak it in resin, and place it on the area of the damaged epithelium. If sunburn or boiling water burns, lubrication of the affected areas is sufficient. This will reduce pain, remove swelling and blisters, and promote rapid regeneration of the dermis.

For dry eczema and dermatitis, it is recommended to prepare an ointment from medical grease and resin, taken in a 1:1 ratio. Lubricate the affected areas with the prepared composition twice a day for 15-20 days, until complete recovery. At the same time, take the resin orally at the rate of 15-30 drops 2-3 times a day.

Cedar resin quickly relieves sore throat. For treatment you need:

Rub the resin into the areas of the neck where the diseased tonsils are located. If rubbing is painful, just lubricate the skin and wrap your neck. The procedure is repeated every 5-6 hours until complete recovery.
Take a ready-made cotton swab or wrap a little cotton wool around the stick. Soak the swab generously with resin, carefully coat the tonsils and affected pharyngeal mucosa. Lubricate every 4-5 hours until the disease subsides.

For colds, flu, diseases of the lungs and respiratory system, rub the resin into areas on the chest and back. If the skin is delicate and prone to allergies or dermatitis, the resin is first applied to a gauze pad, then applied to the chest and back. Additionally, in case of illness, for preventive purposes, it is recommended to take the valuable resinous ingredient orally. The dosage is calculated individually, preferably by the attending physician. The average dose of oleoresin for oral administration is 3-5 drops 3-4 times a day.

Botanical characteristics

Appearance . Siberian cedar is a vigorous tree (up to 50 m) with a dense evergreen crown. On young trunks, the bark is smooth, brownish-gray; on adult cedars, the bark is cracked, scaly, and darker in color.

The needles are needle-shaped, triangular, hard, dark green or blue-green. The needles on the shoots are collected in whorls of 5 pieces (unlike ordinary pine, which has only 2 needles in a bunch). The lifespan of needles is up to 6 years.

Seeds . Cedar pine is a monoecious plant. Each tree develops both male and female flowers in the form of spikelets. Pollination occurs in June, after which the entire female spikelet is transformed into a cone, consisting of an axis and hard scales attached to it. There are 2 seeds in the axils of the scales. The seeds develop over 2 years and ripen only the following September. Mature cones grow up to 13 cm in length and have a diameter of up to 8 cm. Mature seeds - pine nuts - are dark brown, about 1 cm long.

Cedar pine grows slowly. Trees begin to produce their first seeds at the age of 30 years. Siberian cedar is a long-liver. The average lifespan of a tree is up to 500 years (specimens up to 850 years old are known).

Spreading . Siberian pine forests in Russia occupy vast areas on the plains and mountains of the northeastern region of the European part, as well as in Eastern and Western Siberia.

A closely related species of cedar pine is dwarf pine, another name is dwarf cedar.

In Russia, it is distributed in the Far East and Eastern Siberia. Elfin wood is found in Japan, Korea, China and Mongolia. This is a coniferous evergreen shrub with a curved trunk and creeping branches that rise above ground level to a height of no more than 1–2 meters. Dwarf dwarf has hard bluish-green needles 4–8 cm. Dwarf dwarf cones are similar to the cones of Siberian pine, but smaller. They also ripen in 2 years, and dwarf seeds are called “pine nuts.”