Kalanchoe medicinal: main types and options for use

Kalanchoe is a medicinal plant, unpretentious and easy to care for. It came to European latitudes from Africa and the Canary Islands. Tends to accumulate water, which contributes to survival in conditions of water deficiency. The stem can reach a height of more than one meter. Reproduces through leaves. It begins to bloom in winter with bright pink flowers. Kalanchoe does not like excess moisture, despite its tropical origin. It is watered so that the soil is moist, but not wet, and so that there is no water left in the pot.

Family doctor, or Kalanchoe doctor, as the flower is often called, is a very useful indoor plant. It does not require special care, and its benefits are more than enough.

What does it look like

What does medicinal Kalanchoe look like?

The most common indoor types:

• Kalanchoe Degremona. Reaches a height of 100 cm. It has triangular leaves, loves the sun;
• Kalanchoe Blossfeld. This species produces flowers. A more decorative variety than described above. The stem length is up to 30 cm. The leaves are round, the flowers are collected in a bunch. The variety prefers a shady place.

Degremona

Description

Kalanchoe grows in the tropics, namely in Africa, America and finally in Southeast Asia. Belongs to the Crassulaceae family. These are a variety of shrubs, subshrubs, herbaceous perennials, and succulents.

The Degremona and Kalanchoe pinnate varieties contain more medicinal properties than others. They contain a lot of organic acids, polysaccharides and flavonoids. Moreover, they are sources of useful microelements and vitamins.

Degremona is a herbaceous perennial with a straight, non-branching stem and thick leaves in the form of a triangle, along the edges of which brood buds are formed. Mini plants already have small roots, so after they fall off, they immediately sprout roots.

Pinnate is also a herbaceous perennial with succulent leathery leaves with jagged edges. Unlike Degremon, it is not viviparous.

Healing properties of Kalanchoe

Kalanchoe: home care and main family species

The plant has watery leaves rich in juice. They contain the active substances for which Kalanchoe is so valued. The juice is used for medicinal purposes. In particular, the leaves of the plant contain enzymes and organic acids, as well as flavonoids - special substances that affect the tone of the heart muscle.

Leaves of Kalanchoe Blossfeld

One leaf of the plant contains:

• vitamin C and P;
• tannins;
• flavonoids;
• mineral salts;
• a variety of macro and microelements (copper, manganese, calcium, aluminum, potassium);
• organic acids, etc.;
• polysaccharides;
• silicon;
• iron;
• magnesium.

These microelements promote healing, soothe irritation and inflammation. Thanks to them, burns, wounds and frostbite can be treated.

For your information! In ancient times, the Kalanchoe plant was used as a medicine by many peoples. The famous poet I. Goethe once wrote to his friends: “Starting with one leaf, the Kalanchoe grows many new shoots, so with one true love you can draw new happiness.”

Also, Kalanchoe medicinal purifies the air and disinfects. That is why it is useful to keep it in homes where allergy sufferers live. In addition, it fights the flu virus and other infections.

Kalanchoe is used in gynecology (during childbirth, during reconstructive operations). In dentistry, it helps cure putrefactive bleeding.

In cosmetology, its juice is used to remove dark circles under the eyes, heal minor wounds after operations, and cracks. For problem skin, rubbing a few drops of juice into irritated areas (acne, inflammation, eczema) helps.

Kalanchoe juice is used in many areas. In particular, in:

• surgery, including plastic surgery. From the juice of the plant, there is an acceleration of the regeneration of skin properties, cleansing wounds of pathogenic organisms, as well as a local anesthetic effect;
• ophthalmology. In this area, Kalanchoe is used for diseases of the cornea, keratitis, etc.;
• dentistry. This plant is good for treating stomatitis, gingivitis, periodontal diseases, etc.

Kalanchoe has the following properties:

• antiseptic;
• anti-inflammatory;
• healing;
• bactericidal.

For your information! If the flower is cared for correctly at home, the healing properties of its juice are preserved.
If the flower lacked something or the plant was damaged, the properties become less pronounced.

Appearance

Varieties of Kalanchoe share several main external characteristics:

• the root system is fibrous, with a short and branched rhizome; the roots are located in the upper part of the soil;
• dense, succulent stems are abundantly covered with foliage;
• the shape of the leaves varies depending on the type of succulent: oval, jagged, heart-shaped, narrow or lobed;
• the leaves are fleshy, rich green, less often dark purple;
• flowers are united in paniculate inflorescences, about 10 specimens in each inflorescence;
• the tree of life blooms with buds of yellow, red, white, purple or orange; flowers four-membered, erect or drooping;
• bears fruit with multi-seeded leaflets.

Most varieties of Kalanchoe grow and develop well under the supervision of plant growers.

What does Kalanchoe treat?

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What Kalanchoe cures is a common question on the Internet. Here is a short list of diseases for which this representative of the flora helps:

• rhinitis;
• colds;
• inflammation of the mucous membrane of the nose and sinuses;
• healing of wounds and burns, the juice has restorative properties;
• bleeding;
• diseases of the digestive system.

Ointment

How to treat Kalanchoe for adults

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The Kalanchoe plant is actively used in folk medicine as a cure for many diseases. It can be compared to aloe, but the medicinal properties of Kalanchoe are the best way to combat viral diseases. The disease goes away much faster.

Based on Kalanchoe, the popular medicine Kalankhin was created, which is used in the treatment of gastroenteritis, burns, frostbite and cracked nipples of nursing mothers.

Reviews from real people

What do people who grew it and used it for medicinal purposes say about Kalanchoe?

Feedback on the forum

Feedback on the forum

Feedback on the forum

There are a lot of reviews and mostly they are all positive.

How to use Kalanchoe

The juice and leaves of the plant are used in different ways.

Kalanchoe for treating colds

To treat a runny nose, a decoction or juice of the leaves is used. Sometimes aloe and onion are added to it. In the latter case, it is very important to maintain the correct proportions.

Note! The therapeutic effect occurs when the nasal mucosa is slightly irritated, which leads to intense sneezing. In this way, a person gets rid of accumulated pathogenic mucus. For this reason, this plant is sometimes called "sneezer".

Before use, it is necessary to check whether a person is allergic to this plant. This is a very important point when using Kalanchoe juice. The plant can unnecessarily irritate the mucous membrane, thereby causing a deterioration in the patient's condition. But, if everything is done correctly and carefully, then a positive result is guaranteed. The mucus will come out of the sinuses, and the person will breathe easier.

Kalanchoe decoction

The uniqueness of the product lies in the fact that Kalanchoe officinalis is suitable for treating people of all ages.

You can get a medicinal decoction from Kalanchoe, for which you will need several leaves. They should be filled with 100 ml of water. Boil this mixture and cool completely. It is very important to use the decoction in small doses.

Plant juice

The easiest way is to simply squeeze the juice out of the leaves by squeezing them between your fingers. If the leaves are dry, they are first crushed and then carefully filtered through a bandage or gauze. You don't need a lot of juice, just 1-2 drops. For children under 2 years old, Kalanchoe juice is diluted with water. Sometimes you can even simply wipe the nasal cavity with a cotton swab dipped in juice.

Juice

Using nasal drops from Kalanchoe and aloe juice is very useful and effective. They are mixed in equal proportions in the amount of 1-2 drops of each plant. This medicine is the most gentle and gives a mild effect.

Important! If there is no allergy to Kalanchoe, the plant juice can be used as a preventative measure. During various epidemics, it is recommended to instill drops into the nose several times a day.

Treatment of runny nose and sinusitis

Be sure to look at what Kalanchoe for the common cold looks like in the photo. The Cirrus species is best suited for these purposes. During an illness, it is useful to drip the juice of the plant into the nose, and you can get it in the following way:

1. Wash the leaves and chop them finely.
2. Place the plate with the leaves in the refrigerator for several days, only then can they be put through a meat grinder and the juice extracted.
3. The medicine needs to be renewed every two days.

For a slight runny nose, it is enough to wipe the nostrils with a cotton swab dipped in healing liquid. Children under two years old need to reduce the concentration of juice by diluting it with boiled water.

Dosage for sinusitis and common runny nose: three times a day, a couple of drops in each nostril.

In case of complications, it is permissible to consume the plant juice orally, but such treatment must be prescribed by a doctor. One large leaf or several small leaves yield up to 100 grams of juice. This amount is most often the daily dose. But before you start therapy, be sure to ask your doctor for a photo of Kalanchoe medicinal, so as not to be mistaken with the type of ingredient. You should not abuse the drink, as its excessive accumulation in the body can be toxic. The optimal dosage is no more than five grams per kilogram of human weight.

Contraindications to the use of Kalanchoe

People with diseases of the liver, kidneys and joints should be more careful when treating Kalanchoe. There may be allergic reactions in nursing and pregnant women (during pregnancy it is generally advisable to refrain from treatment with this method).

Before use, it is better to consult a doctor, especially for people prone to allergies. Also, you should not use the plant juice for low blood pressure, tumors, or hepatitis.

Note! In its pure form, Kalanchoe is not suitable for children, because the child may have a burn to the nasal mucosa. It is best to test for allergic reactions before use to avoid unwanted effects.

All medications, even if they are natural, should be used after consultation with a doctor; this is a prerequisite for treatment.

Superstitions for women

The presence of Kalanchoe in the house promises happiness for women. It has a beneficial effect on the nervous system, general health, and reproductive organs.

• For an unmarried girl, the plant predicts a meeting with a worthy life partner. It will protect her from gossip and unwanted suitors;
• Soon she will have a marriage proposal and the birth of a child;
• For a married woman, it promises protection of the family hearth and preservation of the marriage for many years;
• For a family that has lived together for a long time, the plant will help bring back lost passion and strengthen their union.

The plant gives a good mood and brings harmony to the family. It can become a reliable talisman for all family members.

A plant in the house affects not only a good mood, but also the energy of the room as a whole.

Traditional medicine recipes

The leaves located as close as possible to the stem of the plant are best suited for preparing medicinal tinctures.

• Tincture. This is the first folk remedy. To prepare, you need to finely chop the leaves, pour vodka or alcohol into them, and leave them in a dark place for two weeks. Then the finished tincture should be stored in the refrigerator. Use for varicose veins, brittle nails, inflammation and wounds. You can rinse your mouth.

Drops

• Ointment. Mix fresh juice with Vaseline or fat. Mix thoroughly and keep in a water bath for half an hour. Store the resulting mixture in the refrigerator. It is a good remedy for treating wounds, inflammation, reducing swelling (such as varicose veins or dark circles under the eyes), and when used for cosmetic purposes. Useful for skin diseases, does not cause itching or burning.
• Fresh Juice. Used for ENT diseases; in the early stages, use a few drops 5 times a day. In this way, you can still treat warts and wounds by fixing the tampon on the problem area with a bandage.

For ear pain

The plant helps with many ailments. The following recipe will help people suffering from ear pain. The product will relieve severe pain. It is even used for moderate otitis media. You will need 2 tbsp. spoons of Kalanchoe juice and 200 g of 40% alcohol. Infuse for 10 days in the room. For treatment, 1-2 drops of tincture are instilled into the ear.

Using Kalanchoe for cosmetic purposes

In cosmetology, the houseplant Kalanchoe has healing properties and is primarily used to care for problem skin. At home, you can prepare a mask or balm from the juice of the plant.

Mask

First, you need to remove the skin from the leaves and lightly rub your face so that the medicinal juice is absorbed into it. After cleansing, apply nourishing cream. The toning effect will be noticeable after the first sessions.

This method can also be used to combat freckles or spots on the skin.

Important! It is worth remembering that the juice should not be applied to the area around the eyes, and it is better to cleanse before bed.

If we talk about Kalanchoe, there are a great many traditional medicine recipes.

• The juice treats stomach ulcers. To do this, you need to take 1 teaspoon three times a day for a month.
• If you have the flu, lubricate the nasal mucosa with juice three times a day.
• For ear pain, instill the juice 3-4 times a day, 1-2 drops.
• If eyelids become irritated, wipe 3-4 times a day.
• Rinse the mouth for various inflammations and gum diseases.
• For mastitis, apply compresses 2-3 times a day.
• The juice is used for kidney inflammation, tuberculosis, psoriasis, warts and even mental and physical fatigue.

Do not forget that the mechanism of action of herbal preparations has not yet been fully studied.

Note! If Kalanchoe tinctures are made at home, you need to store them in dark places at low temperatures. This way, the concentration of elements that give a therapeutic effect will be maximum, and every beneficial property of the juice will be preserved.

Major pests

In addition to diseases, Kalanchoe can be attacked by insect pests.

Aphid

It settles on the leaves of the tree of life and feeds on their juice. It can get on the plant from other crops, clothes and shoes of household members, or even fly out the window.

Small accumulations of harmful insects are removed with a solution of soapy water (combine laundry soap with water in a ratio of 1:6). A large number of aphids are destroyed with special preparations: Actarofit, Actellik, etc.

Shchitovka

Mobile small insects whose body is covered with a waxy shield. Kalanchoe affected by cabbage cannot develop normally - it misses flowering and sheds yellowed leaves. Like aphids, scale insects settle on the lower part of the leaf.

Brown bugs can be seen when examining a succulent. You can remove pests from the leaves with your hands or wipe the green plates with alcohol. Next, the Kalanchoe is washed with soapy water and treated with an insecticide.

Kalanchoe: home care

To grow a miracle flower at home, it is important to take into account some rules.

Basic lighting requirements

Kalanchoe needs good lighting. From morning until two o'clock in the afternoon, you need to maintain bright light (for example, keep a flower on the windowsill). After lunch, there is no need for such intense lighting, so you can move the flower to a darker place. In winter, Kalanchoe needs more light, so the plant is best placed on a windowsill on the south side of the house.

Temperature

Kalanchoe itself feels best at 17-19 °C, but even if the temperature in the room drops to 5-6 °C, this will not affect the condition of the flower.

Important! What you definitely need to protect it from is heat. At high temperatures, it tries to absorb more moisture, which can cause various diseases or rotting.

How to water an indoor flower

As already mentioned, excess moisture is detrimental to the flower. It's best to just water it with cool water. When watering, you need to avoid getting water on the surface of the stems and leaves, this leads to their rotting. Water sparingly to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.

The watering procedure should be repeated on average once a week. Use cool, settled water.

Due to the fact that the plant accumulates a lot of moisture in its leaves, it can easily tolerate short periods of drought. At the same time, Kalanchoe categorically does not tolerate high humidity. In winter and autumn, watering is carried out half as often.

Important! Dusty leaves should simply be wiped with a slightly damp cloth. It is also necessary to remove wilted inflorescences and diseased leaves that begin to curl, turn yellow and dry out, otherwise the flowers may begin to fall off.

Kalanchoe can be propagated. To do this, in May or June, the tops of the shoots are transplanted into a mixture of sand and clay. Young shoots that appear after removing old inflorescences are well suited for seedlings.

Kalanchoe medicinal flower is a very useful plant that will help with many diseases and their prevention. In addition, some of its species produce beautiful flowering and will be a good decoration for the home. Medicinal Kalanchoe, care for which at home is easy and simple, unpretentious. In response to care, the flower will purify the air in the room, and its juice will be rich in various microelements. What does Kalanchoe treat? Almost everything, this is its uniqueness.

Flower meaning

The name Kalanchoe literally translates from Chinese as “what falls, grows.” It is also called the “tree of life”, “room doctor”, “homemade ginseng” due to its high content of nutrients, vitamins, trace elements and minerals.

Kalanchoe is unpretentious, consumes little water, and can grow in any conditions. Therefore, “Kalanchoe” means endurance, durability and strength. It is given to purposeful and persistent people who achieve success in any business.

In China, it is customary to give Kalanchoe in pots as gifts for Chinese New Year. This means that you wish the person prosperity, well-being and wealth.

According to signs, Kalanchoe absorbs negative energy and protects the family from gossip, quarrels and evil spirits. It charges the home atmosphere with calm, harmony, and comfort.

It is recommended to keep the flower in places where household members spend more time together.

Cut flowers mean affection. In a bouquet, their meaning depends on the color:

• Reds represent love, a strong and strong feeling;
• White and pink - innocence, sympathy, romance;
• Yellow and orange represent good humor and friendship;
• Purple and blue - quite rare - are universal. Using them in a wedding composition, they can highlight the color of the bride’s dress. They can be given as a compliment on the first date.