Kalanchoe - medicinal properties, composition, recipes and treatment of Kalanchoe

Kalanchoe (Kalanchoe, Kalanchoe) is a genus of succulent plants (Latin Succulentus) of the Fat family (Latin Crassulaceae).

As of 2019, scientists know a little more than 200 species of Kalanchoe , most of which grow in the southern part and the tropics, South and Southeast Asia, the tropics of South America, Madagascar, Galapagos, New Zealand, Polynesia, Australia.

Nevertheless, despite the large number of Kalanchoe species, only two of its species are of the greatest value in medicine - Kalanchoe pinnata (Latin Kalanchoe pinnata) and Kalanchoe Degremona (or Daigremont, Latin Kalanchoe daigremontiana) . It is these two types that will be discussed in the article today.

Kalanchoe with medicinal properties also has a number of other names - tree Kalanchoe, home Kalanchoe, Goethe tree, tree of life, home doctor, indoor ginseng and even a surgeon without a knife.

Of course, like many other plants, many types of Kalanchoe bloom beautifully, have beautiful leaves and other components, which is why they are grown for decorative purposes, like indoor crops.

Kalanchoe is a plant rich in various useful substances. Its leaves contain complex carbohydrates, polysaccharides, which are the main sources of energy, flavonoids, which are very similar in composition to human hormones. They contain many organic acids (citric, malic, oxalic, acetic) that maintain the acid-base balance in the body.

The plant also contains vitamins C and P, tannins, cardiac glycosides and a large amount of minerals, including calcium, magnesium, aluminum, iron, copper, silicon, manganese. Each of these substances is essential for the normal functioning of the body.

What does Kalanchoe look like

Often people argue among themselves about a houseplant. One points to a flower with a sharp leaf and says that it is a Kalanchoe. The second does not agree: they say, the Kalanchoe has leaves with smoothly rounded edges. Most often, both debaters are right: almost 200 plant species belong to this genus of botanists, and they are very different from each other! Some are huge trees almost 4 m high, others are very tiny bushes no more than 20 cm high.

Both their leaves and stems differ from each other: in size, shape, and color, which can be juicy green, and maybe almost blue.

Kinds

Among this variety of Kalanchoe species, only three are used for medicinal purposes - Kalanchoe Degremona, Kalanchoe pinnate and Kalanchoe Blossfeld.

1. Kalanchoe Degremona - this flower was also called a surgeon without a knife by grandmothers and was bred in order on their windowsill, because they were well aware of its medicinal abilities. And to this day, it is he who is more often than other types used for treatment at home. This plant has leathery leaves, elongated, shiny, slightly bent in half lengthwise, with a pointed tip and small denticles along the entire perimeter of the leaf. On these teeth, many tiny plants grow, which, despite their small size, have a completely finished appearance - right down to their own roots. When these plants fall off, they take root perfectly and begin to live their own lives. This non-flowering Kalanchoe species is usually kept in the house precisely because of its medicinal qualities.
2. Kalanchoe pinnate is also a contented frequent tenant of indoor window sills. It is grown for decorativeness and most often it is not even assumed that it is actually useful. And those who are aware of its healing abilities have named it homemade ginseng. This plant is flowering, although it rarely produces flowers in the apartment. They are small - slightly less than 1 cm, have a pink-yellowish color and are collected in inflorescences located in the leaf axils. The leaves themselves are large, sometimes they grow up to 20 cm in length, and up to 12 cm in width. The leaves are serrated at the edges, buds arise in the denticles, which are used for plant propagation. This type of Kalanchoe is grown on an industrial scale to obtain medicines for dentistry, surgery, and gynecology.
3. Blossfeld's Kalanchoe is the third species that is widespread in homes and is suitable for medicinal use. It blooms very decoratively with white, red or orange small flowers, collected in rather noticeable inflorescences. It usually blooms in winter and pleases with bright flowers almost until May. The leaves of the Blossfeld Kalanchoe are not very large - about 5 cm, but juicy, shiny and fleshy.

These three types practically coincide in their medicinal qualities and can be used to treat the same diseases.

Florists, who are passionate admirers of Kalanchoe, grow several more species of this plant, but they no longer have any practical application and are not used for the preparation of medicinal products.

Collection and storage

Since Kalanchoe is bred at home all year round, there is no particular need to harvest kilograms of plants for future use. At any time of the year, you can go to the windowsill and rip off the desired leaf, if an urgent need arose.

If a decision is made to prepare a healing composition for planned treatment, it is necessary to stop watering the plant a week before collecting raw materials. After this period, the leaves need to be cut off (it is best to choose those that grow from the bottom), wash, wipe with a towel and put in the refrigerator for another 5-7 days. Let them lie in a fruit box: this is how the biological mechanisms for the production and accumulation of beneficial properties are triggered. And only after that you can prepare decoctions, tinctures, infusions and other medicines, as well as squeeze out the juice.

The healing properties of Kalanchoe

Due to the large amount of vitamins, trace elements and other natural substances, Kalanchoe has an extensive list of beneficial abilities that allow the plant to be used for medicinal purposes. In particular, he knows how to destroy dangerous microorganisms, that is, it has bactericidal properties. Kalanchoe can stop the growth of bacteria, in other words, it has bacteriostatic properties.

In practice, its ability to inhibit the inflammatory process, to stop blood, to pull out dead tissue from wounds (this is where the name "surgeon without a knife" came from) and to heal damage is used. Medicine uses it in various fields. For example, otorhinolaryngologists treat sore throats, rhinitis, sinusitis, sinusitis with a plant. Influenza, acute respiratory infections and acute respiratory viral infections are also in the field of application of the plant. In dentistry, the properties of the plant are used in the fight against stomatitis, gingivitis and periodontal disease. It also helps to solve skin problems and treats eczema, acne, psoriasis.

The plant is very widely used in the treatment of all kinds of wounds, ulcers, erosions, cracks, varicose veins.

For women

Kalanchoe is also successfully used in the treatment of gynecological diseases. He is able to help heal the erosion of the cervix, relieve inflammation of the mucous membrane of the cervical canal (or cervicitis). After childbirth, the juice of a medicinal plant promotes the early healing of tears and deep cracks in the perineum. To do this, it is recommended to apply a gauze napkin moistened with juice on the wound for a few minutes, after having lubricated the skin around the crack with furacilin ointment or synthomycin emulsion. As a rule, 5 days are enough for such procedures.

Kalanchoe will also help to heal nipple cracks, which often appear in women immediately after childbirth, who are just starting to breastfeed. To do this, its juice must be dripped onto the nipples 4 to 5 times a day. The most convenient way is to use a pipette. The cracks will disappear in about 6-7 days.

The flavonoids contained in the medicinal plant will help to more easily survive the unpleasant symptoms during pre- and postmenopause. In their structure, they are similar to female sex hormones and have the ability to reduce the amount of lipids in the blood and weaken the rate of oxidative processes, which makes the process of withering of the body smoother and less painful.

For men

This natural medicine can be successfully used not only by women, but also by men. In particular, it helps to improve well-being in case of prostate adenoma and prostatitis, which is common in men who have little movement and are overweight. For these reasons, blood circulation in the pelvic organs is hampered, which becomes the cause of the disease. For treatment, either fresh Kalanchoe leaves or alcohol tincture are used. The sheet can be applied to the sore spot entirely, and compresses can be made from the tincture.

Also, due to the presence of flavonoids in the plant, it becomes a good prophylactic agent that prevents prostate cancer. The benefits of Kalanchoe are confirmed by research. Certain compounds have been shown to prevent the development of prostate cancer. The beneficial properties of flavonoids for men have been confirmed by a study that has shown that the risk of this disease is reduced by 30% if you chew a Kalanchoe leaf regularly.

During pregnancy

Every pregnant woman, trying to save her unborn baby from the negative effects of chemical drugs, tries to find folk remedies for colds with a cold. In this case, Kalanchoe will be a good helper: its juice can be used to treat a cold. In order not to burn the mucous membrane, it is better to dilute the juice in half with boiled water. The resulting drops should be instilled into the nose in the morning and evening. As a result, much less mucus is released, a woman is able to breathe freely.

Those who have high blood pressure or have a predisposition to this should use such a remedy extremely carefully. Individual plant intolerance is also possible.

For children

To treat a runny nose in children with the help of Kalanchoe is a long-term tradition, in some families this method has been used for several generations. It is important to remember that babies under one year old do not need to use Kalanchoe. For those who are older, you can only bury the decoction of the plant, but not the juice. When the child has grown up, and he has already turned 10 years old, you can start making drops from the juice, while it is imperative to dilute with boiled water in equal shares. Cotton swabs soaked in these drops also help well if you put them in each nostril for 5-6 minutes in the morning and evening. Do not add juice of other plants to the drops for children - for example, aloe or onions.

Before dripping the healing liquid into the child's nose, it is necessary to conduct a sensitivity test - drop one drop on the inner surface of the elbow and observe if redness appears. This rule applies to children of all ages, and all dosage forms - both juice and decoction. Doctors do not recommend formulations based on this plant if the child has a fever.

Parents need to understand that Kalanchoe drops help only with inflamed adenoids, colds, acute respiratory infections or acute respiratory viral infections. They cannot get rid of a rhinitis of an allergic or physiological nature, in such cases, you need to look for other means.

When losing weight

A clear effect for losing weight for Kalanchoe was not noticed, but if you use it as a strengthening and improving digestion tool, it is quite suitable for inclusion in a comprehensive weight loss program.

Kalanchoe in folk medicine

With diabetes mellitus

If a patient with diabetes mellitus consults a doctor about the benefits of Kalanchoe in diabetes, the doctor will definitely explain that in this disease the body needs a constant supply of calcium, which is in sufficient quantity in the juice squeezed from the leaves of the plant. If the patient tolerates Kalanchoe normally, you can safely take it a tablespoon a day. The main thing is not to overdo it and not try to increase the dose. This will not have a positive effect on the course of diabetes, but you can harm yourself.

You can add insulin to the juice and take this composition for a month. But first you need to consult a doctor. In addition, those with diabetes often have foot problems. Even the smallest injury, scratch or blister can provoke a large infectious process and result in a trophic ulcer. Such ulcers are also treated with kalahoe juice mixed with novocaine, lanolin and furazolidone.

Sore spots need to be lubricated up to 4 times a day. At first, after the procedure, the ulcer will burn and tingle quite noticeably, but after 7 minutes the painful sensations will pass.

You can apply lotions to ulcers using Kalanchoe juice with the addition of aloe juice. It is necessary to mix the juices equally, soak a bandage with them and apply to the wound.

With gastritis

Gastritis is treated by taking Kalanchoe juice inside. It has a beneficial effect on the gastric mucosa, reducing and then removing the inflammatory process, spurs tissue repair and reduces pain. To ease the course of gastritis, you can drink a teaspoon of juice 3 times a day.

If you mix the juice in half with an infusion of juniper berries and centaury leaves and watch, and then drink this remedy in a tablespoon, the secretory activity of the stomach will increase, and the process of digestion will be facilitated. Therefore, it is necessary to take the healing composition before eating.

For the intestines

For the treatment of intestinal problems, you need to prepare an alcoholic tincture: pour about a third of the cut leaves into an absolutely dry dark glass jar and top up the container with alcohol. In a corked form, leave for a week, after straining, store in the same container made of dark glass. Use not only for treatment, but also for the prevention of gastroduodenitis, colitis and enterocolitis: the daily intake rate is a teaspoon 15–20 minutes before each full meal (snacks are not counted). 

To alleviate the condition in acute colitis, you need to mix the tincture with a decoction of the herb yarrow. This remedy is milder and tastes less harsh. It is necessary to pour a tablespoon of the herb with a small glass of water, boil it over low heat for 10 minutes and, when it cools down, strain the broth. Dilute the tincture with a decoction in half, take 5 to 7 times a day for a tablespoon. The pain will decrease, the stool will return to normal, the appetite and the state of the body as a whole will improve.

Exacerbations of chronic colitis can be prevented by taking such a remedy: take equal parts of Kalanchoe and plantain leaves, turn them through a meat grinder and pour in a very small amount of water - so that it only covers the mixture of leaves. After 20 minutes, squeeze out the liquid and drink the healing composition in a tablespoon 3 times a day. After a course lasting 15–20 days, you need to take a break for a month.

For the liver

All problems in the functioning of the liver and the accompanying gallbladder, as a rule, are due to inflammatory processes, as a result of which the formation of bile is disrupted, various stagnant phenomena appear.

With these problems, a collection in which Kalanchoe is present will help. It is necessary to take calendula, dill seeds, Kalanchoe babies, juniper fruits (2 tablespoons each). Add chamomile, strawberries, rose hips, horsetail, corn silk (4 tablespoons each). Pour 3 tablespoons of the collection with half a liter of boiling water, leave for an hour and a half, strain and take a whole glass 15 minutes before meals 3 times a day.

Another collection: take a spoonful of St. John's wort and the same number of Kalanchoe babies in a glass of boiling water. Pour and leave for 2 hours. Add to tea in a tablespoon. Take a course from 5 to 7 days.

With hemorrhoids

The use of formulations with Kalanchoe for the treatment of hemorrhoids is based on its ability to reduce inflammation, normalize blood circulation and relieve pain. To do this, you can make compresses, lotions or baths.

Soak a gauze napkin with plant juice and gently apply it to the inflamed and enlarged hemorrhoid. Keep the healing composition on the sore spot for 15 to 20 minutes.

Baths help well with hemorrhoids. For them, half a glass of juice must be mixed with an infusion from the following set of medicinal herbs: horsetail (30 g), oak bark (50 g), valerian root (20 g). To get an infusion, one tablespoon of the mixture is enough. Pour half a glass of boiling water over it. After an hour of infusion, the healing composition is ready. Pour the infusion mixed with Kalanchoe juice into a bowl of warm water (it should not be hot!) And sit in it for 15 minutes.

An ointment made of Kalanchoe juice and petroleum jelly, taken in a ratio of 1: 3, has a good effect on hemorrhoids.

From prostatitis

Alcohol tincture is used to treat inflammation of the prostate. You need to take 100 g of leaves and pour 200 ml of alcohol into them. Filter the medicine after infusion for 10 days in a dark place. Take the medicine by mouth - before breakfast, a teaspoon, and also an hour before bedtime. As soon as an improvement is felt, it is better to reduce the dosage.

You can use another scheme for using the tincture - drink 1 time a day, on an empty stomach, but increase the volume of the product to 1.5 teaspoons. In this case, continue taking until the symptoms disappear completely. Each patient chooses a suitable treatment method - but only after consulting a doctor.

As a preventive measure, it is recommended to chew a piece of fresh Kalanchoe leaf every day.

From cough

If you suffer from a paroxysmal lingering cough, a mixture of Kalanchoe juice with melted butter in a 1: 1 ratio will help. Before having breakfast, lunch or dinner, you must drink a tablespoon of this remedy.

Another old grandfather's, but sure way: cut off the bottom of a black radish, make a depression in it and put very finely chopped Kalanchoe leaves and a spoonful of honey in it. Cover the recess with the cut bottom and put the radish in the refrigerator. When the juice comes out, drain it and drink a tablespoon before eating. The radish can be reused, and the Kalanchoe is better to grind again.

From a cold

An excellent remedy for the common cold is obtained from a mixture of Kalanchoe and aloe. It is necessary to mix the juice of these two plants in equal proportions. You can immediately prepare the daily norm and put it in the refrigerator. Drop 3 drops into each nostril.

Kalanchoe has proven itself perfectly for the treatment of a cold and in a duet with onions - the juice of both plants must also be mixed in half. However, this rather aggressive mixture is not suitable for everyone - it may well burn the mucous membrane. Therefore, before dripping into the nose, it is necessary to apply the composition to the inner fold of the elbow. If no redness appears, you can safely apply it to combat a cold.

Another option for homemade drops for the common cold is Kalanchoe juice with a decoction of St. John's wort or lemon balm. Mix the liquids in equal parts. Such a composition not only makes it possible to breathe normally, but has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects.

These products are suitable only for adults; in children under 10 years of age, they can burn the mucous membrane. It is better for children to treat a cold with Kalanchoe broth.

With sinusitis

If a cold or acute respiratory viral infection has gone too far and the patient has been diagnosed with sinusitis, it is necessary to be treated with tincture of Kalanchoe with aloe: 3 times a day, instill 2 drops. In this case, the head must be thrown back.

To make the treatment go faster, you can additionally once a day, preferably before bedtime, put cotton swabs with ointment on them for 5-6 minutes. It is also easy to prepare it at home: you need to mix a tablespoon of Kalanchoe juice with 50 g of petroleum jelly and the same amount of lanolin.

If the inflammation has spread to several sinuses and sinusitis develops, a stronger and more effective ointment is needed. To prepare it, add a teaspoon of aloe, onion and cyclamen root to the previous recipe, mix and put Vishnevsky ointment (10 g) into the resulting mixture. Treatment with this composition should be carried out 3 times a day. The general course lasts 25-30 days.

For joints

It must be remembered: compositions with Kalanchoe for the treatment of joint problems are used only externally! In this case, they will not cause complications, will be useful, improve physical activity, remove inflammation and pain.

To prepare the composition for grinding, 4 tablespoons of crushed leaves must be poured with half a liter of alcohol in a glass or enamel container. Infuse the composition under a tightly closed lid for about two weeks. Store the finished product in the refrigerator, and rub it on sore joints - once a day.

You can get rid of the pain with a compress, for which you mix alcoholic tincture with chalk and one or two tablespoons of kefir. It is necessary to ensure that the consistency of the mixture is similar to sour cream.

At night, before going to bed, you need to smear the sore joint with the prepared product, cover it with plastic wrap and wrap it with a bandage or a suitable cloth. Sleep with such a compress all night.

You can make another compound for grinding: mix in equal proportions honey, Kalanchoe juice and grated black radish. Before using this remedy, let it brew for a couple of hours.

A good effect is obtained from rubbing with a composition of juice and grated (or rolled in a meat grinder) horseradish.

From varicose veins

An alcoholic tincture of Kalanchoe has a good effect on the veins, which stimulates blood circulation in the legs. Therefore, those who suffer from varicose veins can rub Kalanchoe tincture into the legs from bottom to top - from the foot to the thighs. It improves blood microcirculation, thereby significantly reducing the number of spider veins. Easing heaviness in the legs, reducing pain, getting rid of cramps will not take long. To obtain a stable healing effect for a long time, you need to carry out procedures with tincture for at least four months.

The tincture must be prepared from 2 tablespoons of chopped Kalanchoe leaves and half a liter of vodka. Insist the composition for 10-12 days, shaking about once a day.

With a cold

To get rid of germs and viruses, chewing Kalanchoe leaves is very good. This, by the way, will help to soften the throat and ease the cough.

A cough can be treated by taking the juice diluted in half with boiled water. Enough for a day of two times a day, half a tablespoon. The same composition can be used as nasal drops. For colds, you need to drip drops - from 3 to 4 times a day. If you add a little aloe juice to the drops, then such a composition will act faster and softer.

From warts

Warts and papillomas can be treated with Kalanchoe leaves and juice. It is best to use the medicinal plant after it has been refrigerated for two weeks. There are several ways to get rid of these skin problems.

Firstly, you can simply rub Kalanchoe juice into the wart in the morning and evening. Already on the second day, it will be noticeable how the growth began to respond to treatment with a color change.

1. Secondly, as a life-saving remedy, you can take an alcoholic tincture from Kalanchoe. To prepare it, mix 100 ml of vodka with 3 tablespoons of finely chopped leaves of the plant. After a week of infusion in a dark, warm room, the remedy is ready. Rub it into the wart in the morning and evening until it is gone.
2. Thirdly, an ointment made from Kalanchoe juice is capable of defeating warts. It needs to be mixed with olive oil, and take 2 times more juice. Keep the resulting composition for half an hour with constant stirring in a water bath. When it cools down, you can rub it into the growths on the skin.

In order for the Kalanchoe to act more effectively, before any of the above procedures, you need to smear the wart with a decoction of wormwood, celandine or calendula.

With angina

Kalanchoe drops with aloe, prepared for nasal instillation with a cold, can also be used to treat tonsillitis and tonsillitis. To rinse, the drops must be diluted in equal parts with boiled water - and the solution is ready. To heal not only the throat, but also the nasopharynx, you can instill 2 drops into the nose with this diluted solution 4-5 times a day - in each nostril. This composition can also be used to treat children.

From burns

In case of frostbite, you can simply drip Kalanchoe juice onto the damaged sore spot. Repeat the procedure 3 to 4 times a day.

You can not squeeze the juice, but use a whole leaf of the plant, attaching it to the wound and securing it with a bandage. Change the leaf after 4 hours and take a fresher one.

If the wound is large enough, and one sheet is not enough, you can soak a gauze napkin with juice and attach it. This bandage should be removed after 5 hours.

For herpes

It is possible to relieve itching and burning with herpetic rashes with the help of Kalanchoe juice due to its immunostimulating and antiseptic actions. You can enhance the effect of the juice by adding a little honey. Such a composition is suitable not only for lubricating rashes, but also for oral administration.

You do not need to squeeze the juice, but use chopped leaves. To do this, you need to take an equal amount of the mass of leaves and honey, mix the components and let it brew for 10 hours. Eat a tablespoon of this delicious medicine 3 to 4 times a day.

Toothache

The action of Kalanchoe juice is very similar to novocaine, so it can be used to neutralize toothache. Shredded leaves should be applied to the cheek, covered with plastic wrap and tied with a warm scarf to speed up the pain relief process.

Alcohol tincture also relieves pain for various problems in the oral cavity - stomatitis, gingivitis and periodontitis. You can rinse with alcohol alone or dilute it with the calamus setting. Instead of rinsing, you can make applications: soak gauze napkins with plant juice and apply to the gums.

With stomatitis, tampons moistened with Kalanchoe juice have a good effect. You need to repeat this procedure up to 4 times a day, keep the tampons for 10-12 minutes. The relief will come pretty quickly.

Types of medicinal compositions with Kalanchoe

Infusion

To prepare the infusion, crushed Kalanchoe leaves should be poured with boiling water in an enamel pan. For external use, the proportions should be 1: 5, for internal use - 1:10. Then simmer the composition in a water bath for 15 to 20 minutes under a closed lid.

The infusion can be used as a lotion for the treatment of burns, festering wounds, varicose veins, and skin problems. They rinse their throat and mouth in case of inflammation.

Inside, this composition is recommended to be taken for the treatment of diseases of the digestive system, getting rid of gynecological problems. It has also proven itself in cases of hypoacid gastritis and chronic colitis. With colitis, the infusion is recommended to be taken half an hour before meals twice a day for a month.

Tincture

The alcohol tincture has a fairly long shelf life - a year. Therefore, you can prepare more of this medicine at once. You need to take the leaves lying in the refrigerator, cut them and fill a half-liter bottle with them, pour alcohol or vodka there. Close the bottle tightly and send it to a dark place for a week. During this time, it must be shaken 6-7 times. Then strain the composition, pour into another glassware and put it in the refrigerator until needed. It can be used to treat varicose veins, pustular inflammations.

Decoction

With such a decoction, popularly called the sneezer, you can treat a runny nose in children under three years old. To prepare it, 4–5 leaves of a plant need to be poured with 100 ml of water and brought to a boil over low heat. Remove and leave for another hour, then strain and pour into a glass dish. Instill one drop in each nostril. Usually, after instillation, the baby sneezes. This is a normal reaction to medication. A runny nose after such treatment disappears in two to three days.

Ointment

Kalanchoe ointment is quite popular. Bed sores are smeared with it, wounds and fistulas are treated. If you put a napkin with grease on an abscess, a frostbite area, or anoint a rash on the skin, it will cope with acute pain pretty soon. Cosmetologists use ointment to get rid of acne, lighten dark spots. This remedy is good for patients with varicose veins. Even a runny nose can be treated with an ointment: in such cases, each nostril must be treated from the inside with a medicine applied to a cotton swab. During an epidemic of influenza and SARS, this method will protect you from the virus.

To prepare the ointment, you need to take a tablespoon of Kalanchoe juice and add to it 100 g of lanolin and 0.25 g of novocaine and furazolidone each. Mix everything well so that the composition eventually has the consistency of heavy cream. The finished ointment is stored at room temperature.

Oil

Freshly squeezed Kalanchoe juice should be poured into olive oil in a 1: 1 ratio. Stir the composition and insist in a dark room for three days. The oil is ready. It can be used for cosmetic purposes (for example, on its basis to prepare masks, adding decoctions of other medicinal plants - chamomile, calendula, string) or in the complex treatment of stomach ulcers. Then you need to add a little honey to the oil, boiled in a water bath for half an hour.

The juice

To get enough juice and at the same time of good quality, with a large amount of useful substances, you need to prepare the leaves of a plant that is at least two years old. When planning the harvesting of juice, you need to stop watering in 7 days. It is better to cut off the most fleshy and large leaves - they will make more healing juice.

Wash the leaves, dry with a towel and put in the refrigerator, after they lie down for a week and accumulate useful substances, grind. You can crush the Kalanchoe with a blender, meat grinder or garlic press, and then squeeze the juice with gauze. Pour the squeezed juice into a glass dish with a well-fitted stopper and put in the refrigerator. The finished product should not be stored for more than two to three weeks.

Application in cosmetology

Kalanchoe home cosmetics are very effective and quite popular. Women have learned to use its beneficial properties to be beautiful, for which masks or lotions are prepared. It should be remembered: if a cosmetic product has caused irritation or any other negative reaction has appeared, the procedure must be stopped.

For beautiful skin

Kalanchoe is able to normalize the skin, cleanse pores, remove excess fat, get rid of rashes, lighten age spots.

To cleanse the skin and acquire a beautiful color, it is necessary to remove the skin from the sheet and rub the face with the pulp. Then lightly slap the skin and wait until the healing composition is absorbed. Without washing, immediately apply a moisturizer to your face.

If you need to dry too oily skin a little, pour the leaves of linden, chamomile and mint with a small amount of boiling water and drain the water after half an hour. Mix Kalanchoe juice with steamed herbs and apply on the face for 20-25 minutes.

Lotion for youthful skin

This product can be used not only on oily but also on dry skin. Stir a tablespoon of juice and half a glass of boiled water with a teaspoon of honey. You can use this remedy after an evening wash as a caring agent.

For beautiful hair

Useful products based on Kalanchoe - masks and decoctions - make hair stronger, thicker and softer, giving it a beautiful shine.

For the mask, mix a teaspoon of Kalanchoe, garlic and birch juices, as well as honey. Add egg yolk and stir. Apply to hair, distribute the mask over its entire length, wrap cling film around the head and a large towel over it. After 2 hours, wash off the mask with shampoo.

For hands and nails

Kalanchoe does an excellent job of softening hands. In addition, thanks to the antiseptic properties of its juice, nail fungus is treated, as a result, both the nail plate and the cuticle return to a normal, healthy state rather soon.

You can mix a drop or two of Kalanchoe juice with a regular hand cream that is used daily. Better to lubricate your hands before going to bed, and then wear special cotton gloves.

To get rid of the fungus, each nail must be wrapped with gauze dipped in juice. Then put on cotton gloves. The procedure is repeated every day, at least every other day, until the fungus disappears.

How to properly care for Kalanchoe

Kalanchoe is rather unpretentious, but does not like the very hot sun, the best place for it is the eastern window, where the sun is only until lunchtime. The room needs to be often ventilated, but drafts are not to the liking of the plant.

The temperature must be kept in the summer + 20 ... + 25 ° С, and in the winter - + 15 ° С, otherwise the Kalanchoe may die. In the summer, it would be good to take the plant out to the balcony or veranda.

Kalanchoe should not be watered very abundantly, it does not tolerate waterlogging, as the roots may begin to rot. The soil should have time to dry out between waterings. In summer you need to water every 3-4 days, in winter the break should be from 8 to 15 days. Water before watering should settle for a day.

The plant grows quickly, it needs transshipment often, but it is better to do this in the spring. The pot should be taken 3-4 cm wider than the previous one, always pouring drainage on the bottom so that the roots do not rot. The soil is best made from a mixture of leafy and turfy soil.

Kalanchoe propagates by cuttings, seeds and children.

Is it possible to eat Kalanchoe leaves fresh

At first, people noticed the medicinal abilities of Kalanchoe and only then decided to try to use it for culinary purposes. The plant is rich in vitamins and minerals, therefore, the dishes from it are really useful, but since its leaves have a harsh-bitter taste, they did not get widespread. Such dishes are more suitable for those who are interested in medical nutrition, since they contribute to the recovery of the body after an operation or a debilitating illness, help cleanse the blood, protect against colds, and remove harmful substances.

Best of all, the cucumber reduces the astringency and bitterness of Kalanchoe, therefore, in combination with it, a medicinal plant is quite possible in a salad.

A good combination of Kalanchoe with carrots or avocado, green salad, fresh peas in olive oil dressing with lemon juice.

You can try making a vinaigrette with Kalanchoe. For him, as usual for such a dish, you will need to boil 3 potatoes, one beet and one carrot. Peel and chop the vegetables, add 2 chopped pickles, a handful of sauerkraut to them. Also cut pickled mushrooms (40 g), Kalanchoe leaves (30-40 g), green onions. Salt, pour with sunflower oil - better unrefined, with the smell of seeds.

Is Kalanchoe poisonous for cats

Cats quite often try to gnaw houseplants, and not all inhabitants of the home windowsill are useful or at least harmless to them. So, for example, although Kalanchoe is considered a medicinal plant, it is dangerous for a cat, since it can seriously damage the pet's health and even cause poisoning. It irritates the gastrointestinal tract, resulting in vomiting and diarrhea. The sap of the plant can, in some cases, even provoke heart problems, up to and including an irregular heartbeat.

Contraindications for use

Any medicinal plant has contraindications, and Kalanchoe is no exception. And if as an external remedy it is practically safe, then with some diseases it is possible that the state of health may deteriorate when used internally. To avoid this, you need to remember that Kalanchoe should not be used if there is an allergy to plant components and individual intolerance.

Treatment is also contraindicated in patients with bronchial asthma and severe diabetes mellitus, when the body is severely weakened. A direct contraindication is low blood pressure, liver cirrhosis and hepatitis, joint diseases and cancer problems.

Inside, you can not use Kalanchoe products and pregnant women to avoid miscarriage. External use of the plant by expectant mothers is quite acceptable.

The healing properties of Kalanchoe

In medicine, Kalanchoe is used for many diseases, for example:

• Otorhinolaryngology: tonsillitis, sinusitis ( rhinitis , sinusitis and others), otitis media , influenza , ARVI ;
• Dentistry: stomatitis, gingivitis, periodontal disease;
• Dermatology: eczema, psoriasis, acne ( furunculosis ), wounds, burns;
• Ophthalmology: conjunctivitis, blepharitis, keratitis , burns and eye injuries;
• Others: bedsores, trophic and varicose ulcers, herpes , tuberculosis , erosion and tears of tissues after childbirth, cracked nipples (during breastfeeding).

In addition, Kalanchoe has the following beneficial properties:

• antibacterial;
• anti-inflammatory;
• wound healing;
• hemostatic;
• tonic;
• frees wounds from necrotic tissue;
• destroys pathogenic microorganisms;
• stimulates the regeneration of body tissues.

Contraindications to the use of Kalanchoe

Kalanchoe, like other medicinal plants, has contraindications.

Before using Kalanchoe, be sure to consult your doctor.

Kalanchoe treatment is contraindicated in:

allergies , individual intolerance;

• bronchial asthma ;
• hepatitis , cirrhosis and other liver diseases;
• low blood pressure ;
• rheumatism , various joint diseases;
• diabetes mellitus in the stage of decompensation;
• glomerulonephritis ;
• Whipple's disease;
• oncology ;
• during pregnancy and / or breastfeeding.

Recipes for the use of Kalanchoe for medicinal purposes

Before preparing the Kalanchoe medicine one week before harvesting the leaves, stop watering and feeding the plant. Next, cut the leaves (preferably the lower ones), rinse, dry and refrigerate for a week in the fruit and vegetable compartment. In such conditions, the necessary biological processes of the Kalanchoe will start and the drugs will have the greatest therapeutic effect. After 5-7 days, you can start making the drug.

Important! Before using Kalanchoe, be sure to consult your doctor!

Kalanchoe leaves. You can make juice, infusion, tincture and even ointment from Kalanchoe, but if you urgently need Kalanchoe, but there are no blanks, then plant leaves are suitable for treatment. Just cut the leaves, wash, dry, chop and wrap in a couple of layers of gauze. This compress can be applied to the surface of a wound, burn, boils, ulcers, pimples, bedsores and other skin lesions.

Kalanchoe juice. Grind the leaves and stems with a meat grinder or blender, squeeze through a couple of layers of gauze. Drain the juice into a glass jar and refrigerate. After 2-3 days, a sediment will appear, drain the clear juice without sediment - this is the medicinal Kalanchoe juice. It can be used like this or diluted with boiled water.

Kalanchoe tincture. Grind 5 leaves of the plant and place in a 0.5 liter glass jar, fill with vodka or medical alcohol. Place in a dark place for 10 days. Shake every day. After 10 days, squeeze the tincture, pour into a glass jar or bottle and store in the refrigerator. Kalanchoe infusion. Chop clean leaves and stems and fill with boiling water in proportion to 5 Kalanchoe leaves 1 cup boiling water. Leave for 10-15 minutes in a water bath, cool and strain.

Kalanchoe ointment. To prepare the ointment, first prepare the extract from the infusion. To do this, evaporate the infusion in a water bath to half the volume. This extract can be taken as an infusion, but diluted 1: 1 with warm boiled water. We will need it to prepare the ointment. Take 20 ml of Kalanchoe extract, 50 ml of lanolin and 50 ml of petroleum jelly. Mix well and place in a glass jar with a tight lid. Store the ointment in the refrigerator for up to 20 days.

Kalanchoe treatment - recipes

Colds (to improve immunity). Mix Kalanchoe juice with honey in a 1: 1 ratio and take 1 tbsp. spoon 2 times a day 30 minutes before meals. This remedy improves immunity, replenishes the supply of vitamins and minerals, and has a beneficial effect in the treatment of colds.

Runny nose , cold. Instill the nose several times a day, 2 drops in each nostril with Kalanchoe juice diluted with boiled water 1: 2 for children under 6 years old or 1: 1 for children over 6 years old and adults. For adults, you can drip your nose with pure Kalanchoe juice. This medicine irritates the nasal mucosa and makes you sneeze violently. You need to be careful for people who have weak blood vessels, as this can cause bleeding.

Instead of instillation, you can moisten a cotton swab with Kalanchoe juice and wipe the nasal mucosa.

Sinusitis . Take 2 tbsp. tablespoons of Kalanchoe juice and aloe juice, as well as 1 teaspoon of onion juice. Stir, instill 4-5 drops, first in the left nasal passage, while turning your head to the left and lie down for 30 minutes, then repeat on the right side. Avitaminosis , to strengthen the immune system, restore mental and physical strength, with prostatitis . Eat 1 teaspoon of Kalanchoe "kids", and you will receive a sufficient amount of vitamins and minerals.

Burns, wounds, skin rashes, dermatitis , mosquito bites , eczema , bedsores, abscesses, boils . Make a compress from fresh Kalanchoe juice or ointment, apply either juice or ointment on several layers of gauze and apply to the affected area.

Acne, blackheads, scars and acne blemishes. Remove the skin from the Kalanchoe leaf and wipe your face with it, then apply a nourishing cream.

Take 2 tbsp. tablespoons of chopped Kalanchoe leaves, pour a glass of boiling water and leave for 2 hours. Strain, wipe your face morning and evening after washing.

Psoriasis . Take 10 ml of Kalanchoe juice, 10 ml of honey and 30 ml of water. Leave to sit for 3 days. With this tool, spread the affected areas.

Angina , stomatitis , gingivitis and other inflammatory diseases of the mouth and throat. Such diseases are treated with rinsing. Dissolve 1 teaspoon of Kalanchoe tincture in 0.5 cups of water and rinse your mouth and throat. Instead of Kalanchoe tincture, you can rinse with Kalanchoe juice diluted with water 1: 1. Conjunctivitis , blepharitis . Dilute Kalanchoe juice with boiled water 1: 1, moisten a cotton pad and apply to the eyelids for 10-15 minutes up to 5 times a day.

Heartburn . Eat a small piece of Kalanchoe leaf; in 5 minutes, the heartburn should subside.

Varicose veins . Apply Kalanchoe alcohol tincture to your legs moving from foot to knee, then cover your legs with a warm blanket, such a procedure will relieve pain and swelling, and prevent the appearance of blood clots. There will be immediate relief, but if the disease is neglected, it may take at least 4 months for relief, but the result will be.

Cracked nipples (after breastfeeding), mastitis . Just lubricate the nipples and breasts with Kalanchoe juice.

I wish you health, peace and kindness!