There are 71 species of juniper in total. It grows in a number of countries, including Russia. Today we will talk about those types of juniper that grow in the Crimea. He was nicknamed "Crimean". Few people know that juniper has many beneficial properties. There are also some contraindications.
What is Crimean juniper? The healing properties of the tree and its contraindications will be described in this article.
Features of juniper
Juniper grows in deciduous forests where sunlight penetrates well. Low creeping species prefer rocks and slopes. Plants love the sun.
A large number of juniper species does not allow us to say exactly how resistant they are to frost. Some species grow well in the harsh climate of the Arctic. Others can only survive in the subtropics.
Common juniper propagated by seeds. The creeping species reproduces by offshoots, andrare medicinal - with the help of inoculations to a species close to them.
The buds of this plant are completely bare. Scales are completely absent. They are surrounded by leaves. The leaves of young plants look like needles. In mature, they become like scales.
Juniper berries are scales that fit tightly together. As a result, a lump is formed. They are called cones. Their maturation occurs the next year after planting.
Those varieties that grow in the Crimea are called the Crimean juniper. These relic-type plants are incredibly popular among tourists. Their truly unique healing properties have long been known.
History of the juniper
In Spain, lamb was roasted over a fire made from a special mixture of gorse and juniper. As a result, the meat acquired the finest flavor. In France, only those hams that were smoked in juniper smoke were considered the best.
Juniper was also used in folk medicine, as well as sanitation. In order to expel a bad smell from the dwelling, people fumigated the huts in a special way, using juniper for this. If there was a sick person in the family, the floors were necessarily wiped with the needles of this tree.
In order to have a he althy spirit in the hut, the housewives raked in the ashes with special brooms, all from the same juniper. At the same time, it was possible to successfully survive mosquitoes and flies.
In the Crimea, pieces of juniper wood were put into chests with things. This made it possible to save fur clothing from moths.
Ancestors were well aware that with the help of juniperdishes can be successfully disinfected. Women steamed juniper jars for milk. As a result, the product retained freshness for a long time. This tree was also used for cleaning tubs for mushrooms, cucumbers and cabbage. These techniques have survived to this day.
Crimean Junipers
The following species grow in Crimea: red, tall, smelly, hemispherical, Cossack.
Treelike or tall juniper is a tree with a broad pyramidal or ovoid roof. Its needles are greenish-gray. Fruits in a mature state are purple-black. The trees are majestic and slender. They are completely different from their northern relatives, which traditionally grow as stalks.
Smelly juniper looks like a tall one. Its cones are larger, brown-black. The smell of the plant is unpleasant.
Cossack juniper is a creeping plant. An ornamental shrub. Its needles are scaly, non-spiky.
Crimean juniper prefers light. He is not afraid of drought and low temperatures. Very unpretentious to the soil. Blooms almost in autumn. Male flowers are yellow spikelets. Women's resemble green buds. In their place, cones will then appear.
Prickly juniper
Red juniper - red cedar. This tree is 6-8 meters in height. Its branches are outstretched. The plant is covered with needles, which are very prickly. Its other name is Crimean prickly juniper.
The crown is conical. The bark is smooth. Its color is light brown. The leaves are dense. They are clearly markedtwo white longitudinal stripes. The wood is dense and durable, does not rot. Various crafts are made from it.
Crimean juniper is an excellent ornamental tree for the southern garden. Dry distillation of wood yields juniper oil. It is an excellent remedy for worms, helps with skin diseases. Also actively used in the manufacture of cosmetics.
Benefits of juniper
What benefits does Crimean juniper bring? Medicinal properties and contraindications have been studied for a long time. Now is the time to talk about it. The berries and needles of these trees contain healing essential oils. Their aroma is pungent. The detrimental effect of these substances on pathogenic microorganisms is well known. Just imagine: just one hectare of juniper is able to release as much as 30 kg of phytoncides per day, which are harmful to many bacteria. When phytoncides penetrate the lungs and bronchi, they relieve all existing inflammation. The benefits of such forests for asthmatics and people suffering from chronic bronchitis are undeniable.
Juniper forests contribute to effective air purification. When a person inhales the aroma of trees, the nervous system normalizes. It is possible to remove the excitement of a stressful nature. The mood improves significantly, the headache disappears, blood pressure returns to normal. Shortness of breath becomes less, sleep improves, immunity is strengthened. If you take a walk through the juniper grove, your appetite will improve significantly. Forexcellent digestion, you need to drink tea with the berries of this plant. Also, this drink helps the kidneys to work better.
Use of juniper
Juniper berries have been used for a long time. So, in ancient Rome they were added to wine. Such a drink was an effective diuretic.
Crimean juniper is used in cooking, vodka production and brewing. Everyone knows such an alcoholic drink as gin. This is vodka that is infused with juniper fruit. Thanks to these fruits, the drink acquires a special taste.
Jellies, syrups and kissels are prepared from juniper berries. They are also added to alcoholic tinctures. Juniper is also used in the fish canning industry. Thanks to him, the fish acquires a special aroma and unique taste. Also, the fruits of this tree are added to the dough for gingerbread and pies. They are for scent. Chefs use them as a seasoning for game, meat and fish.
Juniper beads
Today, juniper is used to make beads. It is used for this hemispherical or ordinary juniper. The height of this creeping shrub is 60 cm. The bush looks like a circle of regular shape. Beads are made from it in the Crimea.
The aroma of these wonderful wood products is truly fabulous. Seascapes, the noise of the Black Sea, the air of the mountains immediately come to mind. You are miraculously removed from the big city and its bustle.
Crimean juniper beads become the basis for various products. They are used for Christmas tree toys, rosaries,children's toys, slingo bus, car seat mats and hot pads. Traditionally, juniper beads are used for children's rodents. They are made of natural wood, there is no paint or varnish.
You can find beads from 7mm to 26mm. you can choose the preferred shape - a cube, an oval, a ring, a button.
Skin and hair care
Crimean juniper is often used for hair and skin care. The essential oils of this plant have a profound effect on the hair follicles and the epidermis (its deep layers). If you steam the branches and root with boiling water, then such a natural hair rinse will be as effective as possible.
It is enough to grind juniper berries with a blender and add it to masks to achieve perfect skin condition. This active ingredient contributes to the nutrition of the epidermis, and also provides an optimal lifting effect. After the first application, you will be able to see the result.
Contraindications
Crimean juniper, the beneficial properties of which were presented to your attention in the article, has some contraindications. These are pregnancy, acute inflammatory processes in the kidneys, gastritis in the acute phase, duodenal and stomach ulcers. Juniper is also not recommended for those who have problems with pressure. Treatment is contraindicated for them and those suffering from severe hypertension.
Possible individual intolerance to this plant. This isbanal allergy. Reactions to needles and fruits are quite rare. But in no case should you forget about them during the first treatment. If you go to an area where juniper grows, be sure to take antihistamines with you. It is necessary to use juniper fruits or collection for treatment only after consulting a doctor. He will assess the state of your body and, if necessary, can prescribe an alternative medicine.
Reception must be correct and necessarily dosed. The benefit will be only in this case, if you follow the recommendations of experts. Remember, overdose can lead to poisoning. In the end, there will be more harm than good. Do not self-medicate. Stay he althy!
