2024 Author: Jasmine Walkman | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 08:29
Plants are one of the greatest treasures of nature, and each one is a strictly individual species, with its own color, shape and aroma. Their chemical composition includes numerous compounds that are important not only for their vital functions, but also for the surrounding world.
We must recognize that everything in nature is so invented that there is perfect harmony and complementarity between species. One of the goals of this harmony is the greatest possible variety. Nature has created many mechanisms for each organism to survive in its environment.
Phytoncides are highly active plant substances that have the ability to inhibit the growth of fungi, bacteria and some viruses. They were discovered in 1928 by Russian biologist Boris Tokin, who discovered antibacterial substances in some organs of higher plants. Tokin calls his discovery phytoncides, which means phyton plant (phyton - plant, caedo - killer).
Nowadays phytoncides have been found in over 3000 plant species. They are very unstable and in their pure state are crystals or liquid. It is assumed that the phytoncide properties of an individual plant depend on a group of chemicals or only one substance - essential oils, balms, resins, organic acids, alkaloids, tannins, glycosides and many others.
Phytoncides have been known since ancient times, and in Egypt they were used for mummification. Their chemical composition is not fully understood, but their functions are well studied. The individual parts of the plants contain different amounts of phytoncides. Their pronounced antibacterial activity is the stronger, the more direct the contact of the plant with the bacteria.
Sources of phytoncides
Flowering is the period of the most intensive release of phytoncides, but some plants release them constantly. These are legumes, birch, lavender, mint, birch, garlic, juniper and others.
Garlic <- a typical example of a plant that secretes phytoncides continuous, but the strongest separation is during the ripening of the bulbs. This is the most appropriate period to use as a remedy. Garlic is one of the most popular folk remedies for the treatment of serious diseases hypertension and atherosclerosis. Garlic has been shown to lower triglycerides and cholesterol, lower blood pressure and act as an antidote to lead poisoning. Recent studies show that it also has a positive effect on the thyroid gland. Keep in mind that the degree of release of phytoncides from garlic decreases with drying.
St. John's Wort - phytoncides, which are part of it have a wide range of antibacterial. It is used to treat duodenal ulcers because it stimulates the regenerative processes in the mucosa.
Rosemary - contains phytoncides that stimulate the overall strengthening and defenses of the body. It is especially useful after a long illness. Improves appetite, stimulates gastric and bile secretion. It has a very wide range of antimicrobial activity against staphylococci, salmonella and streptococci.
Horseradish - a classic example of the presence of highly active phytoncides. The volatile substances released from it have an even wider spectrum of action than garlic. It has extremely powerful antimicrobial properties.
Salvia - has an antiseptic effect against a number of pathogenic bacteria. At the same time it has secretolytic, choleretic and anti-inflammatory action. It is widely used in lung and gastrointestinal diseases.
Pine - pine tips / especially during flowering / are extremely rich in phytoncides, which have pronounced antimicrobial properties. Syrups with honey extract and pine needles are extremely valuable in lung diseases, especially pulmonary tuberculosis.
Other species that are extremely rich in phytoncides are leeks, onions, potatoes, nettles, tomatoes, carrots, paprika, apples, strawberries, turnips, grapes, citrus fruits. Phytoncides they also release walnut leaves, lavender, linden, pine and cedar trees, wormwood, lilac, horse chestnut, thistle, sorrel, eucalyptus and many others.
Benefits of phytoncides
Inhalation of phytoncides emitted by plants has a positive effect on the lungs, in addition, they have a strong anti-allergic and anti-inflammatory character. Phytoncides have the ability to stop the growth and development of microorganisms, similar to the not so harmless synthetic antibiotics.
Some phytoncides have a beneficial effect on the skin and therefore become an indispensable ingredient in a number of cosmetic products. They have a beneficial effect on the digestive system. In recent years, cinnamon oil has been found to possess phytoncideswhich destroy toxins produced by mold on bread, salami and meat products, which is carcinogenic.
