Siberian cedar is the king of the taiga. Cedar (cedrus): coniferous plant

It's evergreen conifer tree, which is a species of the genus Pine. Its botanical name is Siberian. To grow this evergreen coniferous tree, you will need seeds (pine nuts). It is common in Western and Eastern Siberia, and can also be found in the Urals.

Siberian cedar: description, photo

It has a rather dense and most often multi-peaked crown with massive branches. Siberian cedar is distinguished by a brown-gray trunk, which is covered with fissured scaly bark (mainly in old trees). The peculiarity of this evergreen coniferous tree is whorled branching. It has a very short growing season (40 - 45 days a year), so Siberian cedar is one of the slow-growing and shade-tolerant species.

Shoots and needles of Siberian cedar

They Brown and are covered with long reddish hairs. And the needles are brown in color and covered with long reddish hairs. And the needles have a dark green color with a bluish coating. Its length is 6 - 14 cm. In the section you can see that it is triangular and slightly jagged. The needles are quite soft to the touch. It grows in bunches containing five needles.

Features of the root system of Siberian cedar

It is represented by one short tap root (up to 40 - 50 cm), from which smaller lateral ones grow, and root hairs with developing mycorrhizae at the tips already extend from them. If the bud is light in mechanical composition and sufficiently well drained, then the taproot will develop massive anchor roots that penetrate to a depth of three meters. They, together with the root paws, are designed to ensure the stability of the crown and trunk of the tree.

Micro- and megastrobiles of Siberian pine

The evergreen in question is a monoecious heterosexual plant (both female and male cones grow on the same tree). Siberian cedar, a photo of which was shown earlier, is considered (pollination occurs through the wind).

Female cones (megastrobiles) appear near the apical bud at the tips of growth shoots during the period when their growth has already stopped, and male cones (microstrobiles) - near the base of the shoot.

The buds have a conical shape. They are 6 - 10 mm long, not resinous. Their scales are quite long and lanceolate (tapering upward). Anther strobili have microsporophylls on their axis, which are larger at the base than at the apex, and female cones- covering scales, which are located in the axils and consist of two ovules.

Pharmacological properties of Siberian cedar oil

Firstly, it normalizes the lipid spectrum of the blood. Secondly, Siberian cedar oil reduces cholesterol levels. Thirdly, it helps to get rid of extra pounds. This positive physiological effect is due to the presence of terpenes in the oil.

Siberian cedar: planting and growing

Drop him off on permanent place recommended at approximately six years of age, when it is already a two-meter seedling. If you take a younger specimen, then the tree will most likely take root very painfully, and a more mature one may die.

The optimal solution is to take Siberian pine seedlings from a special nursery in which they were grown in compliance with all the necessary requirements. Preference is best given to young trees in containers where the root system is closed.

It is worth buying Siberian cedar seedlings with an earthen lump, which must be moistened and must not have bare roots. To prevent them from drying out, it is necessary to transport the trees as quickly as possible to immediate place permanent landing.

Siberian cedar is planted taking into account the appropriate distance between trees (8 m). The size of the holes should always exceed (by 1/3) the volume of the existing root system, and it is recommended to fill their bottom with a substrate (a mixture of ash, peat, base soil and humus). The substrate should not be made much more fertile than the soil, since the root system young tree will not leave the boundaries of its hole for a very long time. This will lead to earthworms attracting moles, which can cause significant damage to the cedar root system.

If the seedlings were purchased in a container, then it is worth remembering that their root system is strongly twisted. In this regard, it is impossible to plant Siberian cedar with an earthen clod. In this case, it is necessary to properly straighten and position the roots in the hole as freely as possible.

The seedlings must be fixed at the bottom of the planting holes so that the root collars are level with the surface of the earth. Next, you will need to fill the holes with a substrate prepared in advance. Then planting the Siberian cedar ends with the procedure of compacting the soil and thoroughly watering it (about 4 liters of water for each seedling).

Features of agricultural technology of Siberian pine

The specifics of its cultivation are expressed by the need to satisfy the need for a substance such as potassium, and control over the nitrogen content in the soil, the excess of which can significantly slow down the development of the tree’s root system.

Siberian cedar, the description of which was indicated in detail earlier, is capable of fully realizing its existing biological potential, but only under the condition of normal lighting of the crown. Only young trees can tolerate shade without harm, since in natural conditions During growth in the taiga, mature cedars are constantly in the sun, and young ones are in their shade. In this regard, all other trees located in the same area with them should always be lower than mature cedars.

Siberian pine is characterized by an aerobic root system (for its development it is necessary permanent access to oxygen), therefore it is necessary to ensure significant aeration of its soil through mulching (coating the soil with a protective layer). For this, leaf litter (leaf humus) is used, which helps improve the mineral nutrition of the roots and protect them from this type of basidiomycete fungi, such as root sponge.

Abundant watering of Siberian cedars in dry times is mandatory. You should also ensure constant spraying of the crowns of young trees in the evenings to improve the gas exchange process.

What are the benefits of Siberian cedar seeds?

You can often hear their non-scientific name, especially in cooking - pine nuts. It is considered a very valuable food product. Pine nuts are usually consumed both raw and after heat treatment.

Their benefit lies in their valuable composition. Pine nuts contain a significant amount of phosphatidic phosphorus, which is not found in any other nut or oilseed.

They are also a very rich source of lecithin (their content is similar to soy).

What beneficial substances are included in pine nuts?

Siberian cedar seeds in small quantities (100 g) contain daily requirement human body in such deficient microelements as zinc, cobalt, manganese and copper, as well as a significant amount of iodine.

Pine nuts contain the following beneficial substances:

• starch (5.8%);
• dextrins (2.26%);
• glucose (2.83%);
• fiber (2.21%);
• sucrose (0.44%);
• fructose (0.25%);
• tocopherol (33%).

Protein is saturated with such deficient and essential amino acids that limit its biological value, such as tryptophan, methionine and lysine.

And its core includes:

• fats (55 - 66%);
• proteins, starch, sugar and vitamins (13.5 - 20%).

What is cedar resin?

Her official name- Siberian cedar resin. The phytoncides contained in it in significant quantities are widely used in folk medicine. But official science did not stand aside in the process of studying its action. So, during the Great Patriotic War all doctors used cedar resin as a quick healing agent. Even gangrene could be stopped with its help. Subsequently, Siberian pine resin acquired the status of an effective medicine.

It contains turpentine (30%) and rosin (70%). Siberian cedar resin, the use of which is still relevant today, is highly effective remedy, since turpentine, cedar oil, camphor, and turpentine balsam are obtained from it.

Diseases that can be treated with the resin of the coniferous tree in question

Healers use resin to treat:

• skin damage;
• teeth and entire oral cavity;
• bronchi and lungs;
• some types of cancer;
• musculoskeletal system;
• of cardio-vascular system;
• endocrine system;
• nervous system;
• gastrointestinal tract.

Applications of Siberian cedar resin in folk medicine

Resin is indispensable in the treatment of:

1. Various wounds. To do this, they are filled with Siberian cedar resin or resin is applied to the damaged area.
2. Fractures. In this case, oleoresin is rubbed onto the damaged area; it promotes rapid fusion of bones.
3. Boils, ulcers and burns. First, the resin is softened and then mixed with neutral oil or petroleum jelly. The resulting mixture is applied to a tampon and applied to the sore spot.
4. Herpes (at its early stage). A cotton swab is moistened with a mixture of Siberian cedar resin and any vegetable oil in a 1:1 ratio and applied to the sore spot for 20 - 25 minutes. The procedure should be repeated after four hours.
5. Toothache. In this case, it is the resin of Siberian cedar that helps very quickly. Its use as a pain reliever is very popular nowadays. To do this, you just need to apply the resin to the sore tooth or gum.
6. Impotence. Cedar resin(1 teaspoon) mixed with 0.5 liters of vodka. Then the resulting mixture must be infused for five days, always in a dark, cool place. The tincture must be shaken periodically. After the required period, three tablespoons are used exclusively with meals and preferably twice a day.

So, we can say that Siberian cedar resin, the use of which is very versatile, is effective as an analgesic, antibacterial, and healing agent. Her medicinal properties unique and diverse. It has found its application in both folk and scientific medicine. The list presented above is far from complete.

What other parts of Siberian cedar have healing properties?

Not only the resin of this coniferous tree is widely used in medicinal purposes, but also its needles, oil and shells of fresh pine nuts.

So, scurvy is treated with pine needles, and deafness, nervous disorders, kidney and liver diseases, hemorrhoids are treated with an infusion of fresh pine nut shells, and this decoction also relieves excess hair.

And nuts are a complete source of essential polyunsaturated fatty acids. For these purposes, its daily dose should be 20 ml. The oil helps reduce cholesterol and systolic blood pressure, normalization of blood lipids and reduction of excess body weight.

If pine nuts are crushed, they can be used to suppress gastric secretion (reduce gastric juice, reduce its acidity). Their a small amount(100 g) can satisfy the daily requirement of the human body for essential vitamin E.

Confirmation of the preventive effect of cedar nut oil regarding cardiovascular pathology was also received, provided it is added to dietary food relevant patients.

Siberian cedar as a unique building material

This tree is unpretentious in processing and has excellent thermal and waterproofing. In the construction aspect, Siberian cedar, a photo of which was demonstrated earlier, is similar to pine. It is a natural antiseptic, so it does not rot. Houses built from cedar are durable (hundreds of years), and interior spaces enriched with phytoncides. Its resin and essential oil have a beneficial effect on the health of the home owner.

Mechanical and physical properties of Siberian cedar

The coniferous tree in question is a sound tree and has resin passages. As mentioned earlier, in terms of strength and physical properties it is close to pine. Siberian cedar is easily processed and soft wood. It has a pleasant smell and has resonant properties, which makes it used as a material for making guitars, harps and pianos.

He was and remains the embodiment of courage and bravery. The shamans of Siberia believed in him magical power and decorated ritual staffs with a Cedar branch.

In Russia Cedar has always been a symbol of the endless harsh Siberia.

Cedar names

The giant we used to call Cedar- one of the types Pines, namely cedar Pine or Siberian Cedar. Its Latin name is "Pinus Sibrica". It is this name that appears in ancient chronicles.

Unfortunately, accurate information about the origin of the word “Cedar” has not survived to this day. There are several theories.

It is quite possible that the Russian Cedar owes its name to its Lebanese counterpart. In the past, when making icons, the base was taken from Lebanese Cedar, which had to be exported.

IN northern regions In Russia, the most popular species for making bases for icons were conifers. Being very soft for carving and not brittle, Siberian Cedar wood was well suited for such purposes.

Another theory of origin suggests that the name "Cedrus" is originally European and originates in ancient Rome.

Where does Cedar grow?

Under natural conditions, Siberian Cedar grows only in Altai, Siberia and the Urals. There are many varieties of it, growing in the Crimea and the Caucasus. This is mainly Lebanese Cedar.

Siberian Cedar has great value V national economy And Food Industry. Nutritious cedar seeds are an irreplaceable source of microelements and vitamins.

Thanks to its nut-bearing reputation, Cedar and its brothers have earned Special attention biologists and breeders. Industrial nut plantations have existed in our country for decades. These plantations are designed to stop the barbaric methods of extracting cedar seeds from natural sources without restoring forest productivity.

There are a considerable number of representatives of Cedar. Let's focus on the Siberian Cedar.

Despite the fact that this species belongs to the “pine” species, the diameter of the Cedar trunk can reach 2 meters.

Cedar lives up to 3-5 centuries. Between the ages of 20 and 70, it begins to bear fruit. The tree is distinguished by a dense green crown and brown-gray bark.

Famous pine cones have a bluish-purple hue when unripe and turn dark brown when ripe. Cedar cones are different large size and can reach a width of 8 cm and a length of 13 cm.

When the Cedar blooms

Siberian cedar blooms in June. It takes 12-14 months for the cones to ripen.

Under natural conditions, Cedar begins to bear fruit on average at the age of 40-50 years. Modern breeders have achieved results in which cedar bears fruit at 15 years of age.

Medicinal properties of Cedar

Cedar seed kernels contain great amount vitamins and fats, which is why they are widely used in medicine and the food industry. Microelements contained in Cedar seeds help improve memory and are a valuable source of vegetable proteins and fats.

Moderate consumption of seeds improves immunity and restores nervous system, strengthening the heart and blood vessels.

It is known that Cedar wood kills microbes, so they tried to make the bottom of the famous birch bark tues from Cedar.

Cedar milk from ground seeds is used in the treatment of tuberculosis diseases.

Cedar resin, like pine resin, promotes wound healing and is used in the fight against colds and lung diseases. Cedar needles are recommended as a means of combating asthma.

Since ancient times in Siberia, cedar needles were considered an excellent remedy against scurvy, and was also the basis for healing tinctures.

Application of Cedar

Cedar seeds are used in the production of high-calorie cream, butter and cedar milk. In addition, table oil is obtained from the seeds, and halva is obtained from the cake.

Science has also found applications for this. magnificent tree. When cutting Cedar, resin is extracted, from which immersion oil is obtained. A drop of immersion oil is placed between the microscope objective and the object of study. Oil improves the quality and clarity of images of objects by directing and concentrating light at the required point.

Moderately soft and dense, Cedar wood is used in making pencils.

Cedar wood is a favorite material for carvers, cabinetmakers and joiners. Skillfully crafted chests and cabinets also have a practical purpose. Insects, including moths, will never live in such a product.

In parks and garden plots Cedar plantings help purify and disinfect the air.

In Siberia, when laying the foundation for a house, carpenters planted a young Cedar tree in the corner of the yard so that the hut would be strong and durable.

In Russia, cedar fishing still exists, which is a rather dangerous and barbaric occupation. The fact is that “cone pounding” is carried out using a large wooden hammer, which is used to hit a tree trunk to extract cones. This method is a relic, which is gradually being replaced by modern methods selection and cultivation of nut crops.

Mentions of Cedar can be found in the Bible. For example, the material for Noah’s Ark was the wood of this mighty tree.

Cedar does not obey biological rhythms. Depending on the weather and conditions, the tree itself regulates the movement of juices and biological processes, adapts to external conditions. This confirms the hypothesis that Cedar has a Soul.

Photo credits: LesTa-10, bakamushi , kaikups , Borodyaga , Nick Vasiliev

Siberian cedar, or Siberian pine, is certainly the king of all trees taiga zone. It's powerful and majestic tree even in fairy tales he was represented in the form of an old man, a sage. This is understandable, cedar pines sometimes reach majestic sizes and shapes, and against the background of neighboring spruce and fir trees they seem like giants, giants with huge paw-branches and mighty crowns. In size, cedar is second only to its other coniferous relative - sequoia. Siberian Cedar reaches a height of up to 45 meters and sometimes lives for 800 years, or even more. The trunk diameter can be up to 2 meters. In appearance, cedar is a cross between spruce and pine. Sometimes it can be confused with both spruce and pine. It has long soft needles that are difficult to prick. Siberian cedar resin has a pleasant aromatic smell and is actively used in folk medicine.

The Siberian cedar is the king of the taiga also because it is a valuable commercial object, as well as a food source for many taiga animals and birds. Pine nuts are very nutritious and contain a large number of useful substances, necessary for the body of both animals and humans. In particular, essential amino acids, vitamins and microelements, which makes them a valuable food product recommended by many nutritionists.

As can be seen from the diagram, the distribution area of ​​Siberian pine begins from Northern Urals and extends across all of Siberia to Far East. There are no cedar pine trees in the European part of the country. The growing season of cedar is very short, only 40-45 days a year. The rest of the time the cedar is in a state of hibernation. Hence the enormous age of these trees.

Pine nut

Pine nuts are a storehouse of useful substances. The pine nut kernel contains 55-66% fat, 13.5-20% protein, starch, sugar, and vitamins. Pine nut kernels are rich in B vitamins, vitamins E (in the form of alpha-tocopherol) and K, as well as iron, phosphorus, zinc, magnesium, copper and especially manganese. They are high in fat, like all nuts. The kernel of the Siberian cedar nut is used for food and serves as a raw material for the production of cedar (nut) oil.

Chemical composition of the pine nut kernel

Calorie content: 875 Kcal;

Proteins: 13.7 g.

• tryptophan: 3.4 mg
• lecin
• valine
• lysine: 12.4 mg
• methionine: 5.6 mg
• glutamic acid
• histidine
• proline
• serine
• glycine
• threonine
• alanine
• aspartic acid
• phenylalanine
• cystine
• arginine: 21 mg
• tyrosine

Fat: 68.4 g.

• saturated: 4.9 g.
• monosaturated: 18.7 g.
• polyunsaturated 34.1 g.

Carbohydrates: 13.1 g.

• starch
• glucose
• sucrose
• fructose
• dextrins
• pentosans
• cellulose

Vitamins:

• Vitamin A (retinol): 1 mcg
• b-carotene: 17 mcg
• vitamin B1 (thiamine): 0.4 mcg
• vitamin B2 (riboflavin): 0.2 mcg
• vitamin B3 (niacin): 4.4 mcg
• Vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid): 0.3 mcg
• vitamin B6 (pyridoxine): 0.1 mcg
• Vitamin B9 (folacin): 34 mcg
• Vitamin C (ascorbic acid): 0.8 mcg
• Vitamin E (tocopherol): 9.3 mcg
• vitamin K: 53.9 mcg

Microelements

• calcium: 16 mg
• iron: 5.5 mg
• magnesium: 251 mg
• phosphorus: 575 mg
• potassium: 597 mg
• zinc: 6.4

Pine nut shell

Pine nut shells are a component for some balms and tinctures. An infusion of pine nut shells has an astringent, analgesic, and anti-inflammatory effect. In folk medicine, an infusion of pine nut shells is drunk for deafness, hemorrhoids, neuroses, kidney diseases (for example, urolithiasis), and liver; used externally as a depilatory agent.

The shell contains tannins, sugars, amino acids and trace elements.

• Fat: 1.2 - 1.9%
• Resin: 3.5 - 4%
• Proteins: 1.6 - 1.9%
• Fiber: 68 - 69%
• Pentosans: 21.5 - 22.7%
• Ash: 0.6 - 0.9%
• Macro- and Microelements: 0.15 - 0.19%

Cedar oil

Cedar oil is obtained by two methods: extraction and pressing. The oil contains many substances: vitamins A, B1, B2, B3 (PP), B6, D, E, F. Used in treatment various diseases: for laryngitis, acute respiratory infections, flu, colds, psoriasis and others skin diseases, also for the treatment of various gastrointestinal ulcers and has a beneficial effect on various allergic disorders. In addition, the oil has a general strengthening effect and helps eliminate the syndrome. chronic fatigue, increases physical and mental performance.

Siberian cedar needles

The needles of the Siberian cedar, like its other parts, are medicine. In folk medicine, decoctions and infusions are used. In addition to vitamins, it is rich in tannins, alkaloids, and terpenes. Infusions and decoctions of pine needles are drunk as a diuretic. Siberian cedar needles in the form of decoctions, Russian infusions ethnoscience uses for bronchial asthma as an anti-asthmatic agent. A decoction of Siberian cedar needles is an excellent remedy for gargling with sore throats, the oral cavity with stomatitis, and the nasal passages with a runny nose. Essential oil, chlorophyll, vitamin concentrates, produce vitamin flour, which is rich in phytoncides, vitamins C, E, carotene, microelements (copper, cobalt, iron, manganese, phosphorus).

Fresh needles contain more than 300 mg of vitamin C. The maximum content of ascorbic acid in needles occurs in winter period. If the covered branches are stored in the snow, then the vitamin C content in them does not decrease within 2-3 months. But in a heated room (or in summer), the C-vitamin activity of needles decreases to 42% of the original within 8-10 days.

Botanical description of Siberian pine

Few people know that Canadian or Siberian cedar, which we have long been accustomed to consider cedars, are not this type of tree and belong to the genera of thuja and pine. And this name was assigned to them because they belong to the same Pine family.

True cedar is a coniferous tree of the Pine family, the genus of which contains only four species. The height of the trees ranges from 25 to 50 meters, they have a spreading, pyramidal or umbrella-shaped and superficial root system. The needles are collected in bunches, each of which consists of thirty to forty needles, having a three or tetrahedral shape.

The bark is dark gray, the wood is aromatic, and therefore the essential oil of cedar is of extremely high quality, yellowish or reddish in color, resistant to rotting, and due to its strong resin content, insects avoid it.

The cones are single, erect, ovoid or barrel-shaped, have a length of 5 to 10 cm, and a width of about six. They ripen in the second or third year after their appearance, and it is interesting that they do not crumble immediately, but throughout autumn-winter period. Cedar seeds are triangular in shape, thin-skinned, resinous, 12 to 18 mm long and inedible.

All cedars are heat-loving plants, common in subtropical latitudes, and in temperate zones do not take root (therefore, the cedars of Russia are actually pine trees). They prefer to grow in loamy soils, mountainous area, at an altitude of 1.3 to 4 km from sea level next to spruce, fir, pine and other coniferous plants. But strong sea ​​wind does not tolerate well and almost does not take root on dry calcareous slopes.

In total, the genus of cedars has four species:

• Atlas - has a pyramidal crown, needles of bluish-green or gray color, grows in northwestern Africa, in the Atlas Mountains;
• Lebanese - is a symbol of Libya, depicted on national flag, currently only a few trees remain in the country, which was previously considered the main exporter of timber;
• Himalayan - has a pyramidal shape and thin bluish-green needles, grows in the territory south asia, from it, like from other trees of the genus, aromatic cedar essential oil is obtained;
• Short-coniferous - has pubescent or bare shoots and shorter dark green needles than other species, can be seen in Cyprus.

Representatives of the pine family

On the territory of Russia, real cedars can only be seen in botanical gardens Caucasus. But cedar pine grows here: the trees known as cedars of Russia are actually pine trees and are represented in the country by three species: Siberian cedar, Korean cedar and cedar.

It is no coincidence that pines are called cedars. According to one legend, Peter I, having returned to Russia from Holland, ordered to find a tree that would not be inferior in properties to cedar, from which the highest quality and strongest ships were built. A similar plant was found in Siberia. It turned out to be pine, which from that moment received a new name - Siberian cedar.

IN natural conditions cedar pine grows in Siberia, the Urals and Altai; in addition, the plant is artificially bred in all corners of Russia: it is very hardy and takes root well in temperate latitudes.

Cedar pine is a coniferous tree with a height of about 40 m and a trunk diameter of about 2 m. Young plants have a pyramidal crown, while in older ones it is wide-spreading and even often has several peaks. The bark is grayish in color and changes color with age: at first young pines are ash-silver in color, then gradually become gray-brown.

The length of the needles is from 5 to 12 cm, they are triangular in pine, dark green in color with a bluish tint, collected in small bunches - from 2 to 5 needles. Ripe cones, from 6 to 13 cm long and about 8 cm wide, are ovoid, light brown in color and contain from 80 to 140 seeds, known to us as pine nuts. The seeds of these cones are edible, very tasty and nutritious.

How different real cedars and Siberian pine are from each other is also evidenced by the fact that it is almost impossible to cross them with each other. And even if a tree sprouts, it does not live long and is quickly broken by the wind. This happens primarily at different growth rates: in the first few years, Russian cedars grow in height, while real species grow in thickness. Therefore, at the age of thirty years, the diameter of cedar is 20 cm, pine - 14, which cannot but affect the hybrid tree.

Canadian thujas

Also trees that have nothing to do with real cedars are thujas growing in Canada (many sellers building material Buyers are often deceived in this matter):

Canadian red cedar is actually a arborvitae from the cypress family. The tree has become popular thanks to its wood, which is characterized by durable properties in use. Canadian red cedar is also ornamental plant: taller plants are used to make alleys, dwarf plants are planted in rocky areas.

White Canadian cedar - it is more correct to call the plant thuja occidentalis. The height ranges from 12 to 20 meters, has a compact ovoid or pyramidal shape and is similar in appearance to other members of the cypress family. The wood of the tree is reddish in color, it is characterized by such properties as strength, pleasant aroma, and since it is not subject to rotting, people have found use for it in different areas activities.

Usage

People have long noticed beneficial features cedar wood and have found its use in all spheres of human activity: houses, furniture and other wooden crafts are made from wood. Russian cedars are also used in medicine and cooking: food is prepared from the seeds, cedar vegetable oil is used, pine bark and resin are used to prepare medicinal decoctions, cedar essential oil.

Oil

Cedar oil is so unique that there is no oil equal to it in terms of its properties. Pine nut oil is made by pressing the seeds of Siberian pine, and it contains all the beneficial properties inherent in olive, coconut, sea buckthorn and burdock oils. For example, pine nut oil contains five times more vitamin E than olive oil.

Cedar essential oil is obtained both from real wood and from Siberian pine, thuja and other coniferous plants (the properties differ little from each other and the main difference is in the ratio of components).

Unlike vegetable oil, cedar essential oil is made from crushed bark, wood, and young shoots. Cedar essential oil has excellent antiseptic, soothing, and antiviral properties; it is successfully used in cosmetology. The only thing is that cedar essential oil is not taken internally: it is inhaled, applied to the skin, and used for healing baths and other procedures.

Sap

Also successfully used in treatment is cedar resin (tree resin), which undergoes pre-treatment: pure form it cannot be used because it hardens quickly.

Basically, cedar resin is also successfully used in solutions that you can either prepare yourself or purchase in a store. It’s easy to make: cedar resin dissolves well in any vegetable oil at a temperature of 50 degrees and since the components do not overheat, healing properties it does not lose and, when used correctly, cures.

Cedar resin is also sold in stores, but the person purchasing the solution should take into account that, most likely, they will buy a fake. For example, a solution called “Turpentine oil” is made from corn and nut oils, and “Turpentine oil” is turpentine turpentine, since it is obtained when cedar oleoresin is distilled with water or steam (in its beneficial properties, such a solution is very different from dissolved in oleoresin oil).

Seeds

If you figure out what a pine nut is, it turns out that cedar seeds have nothing to do with real nuts, which are the fruits of shrubs and trees of the nut family. The seeds of true cedar are inedible, but the nuts known to us are the seeds of the cedar pine.

However, this does not at all reduce the beneficial properties of the seeds: they, as well as pine nut oil and tincture made from them, are used in medicine, dietetics, cosmetology, and aromatherapy sessions. For example, pine nuts are often used to improve immunity, vision, and prevent cardiovascular diseases, atherosclerosis, diabetes, anemia.

Pine nuts are rich in vitamins A, B, C, D, E, P, and contain a huge amount of minerals, including manganese, copper, magnesium, zinc, iron, phosphorus, iodine. Despite the fact that the pine nut kernel contains a lot of fat, protein and amino acids such as tryptophan, methionine, lysine, it is actively used for weight loss: pine nuts are not only nutritious, but stimulate the activity of the hormone cholecystokinin, which signals the brain about satiety. Pine nut oil made from seeds brings particular benefits to the body.

Pine nut tincture is used not only as alcoholic drink, but also as a treatment for diseases of the musculoskeletal system. Interestingly, in addition to the kernel, pine nut shells are often used to prepare tinctures and balms: the resulting product is an excellent anti-inflammatory medicine.

We must not forget that when talking about pine nuts: benefits and harm go hand in hand. Firstly, if you eat more than 50 g per day, it can harm the body. Also, they should not be consumed together with meat and dairy products, the protein of which interferes with the absorption of food. Pine nuts are not recommended for young children, as they can clog the respiratory tract.

It is necessary to purchase only unpeeled kernels, since when they come into contact with light and oxygen, they go rancid and absorb harmful substances. This means that if the nuts and the dishes that were made from them are bitter, such food should be thrown away, since rancid oil is a strong poison and can take from two days to two weeks to restore the body.

Cedar is a tree from the Pine family. Our message will tell you about it in detail.

Description of appearance

Cedar is a giant evergreen coniferous tree that grows up to 60 meters in height. The plant has a wide spreading crown, a slender trunk, and dark gray bark, which is smooth on young trees and cracked on old ones. The wood is very aromatic and resinous, strong and does not rot. The needles are short, hard and prickly, dark green or silver-gray. Needles live from 3 to 6 years. The roots are located close to the soil surface, so strong wind Even a powerful tree can be knocked down.

Cedars live for a very long time - up to 3000 years!

Where does cedar grow? His doubles

In fact, there are only 4 species that are truly cedars:

• Atlas - grows in the mountains in northwestern Africa;
• Lebanese - found in Asia, most often in Libya and Syria;
• Cypriot - inhabits the island of Cyprus;
• Himalayan - grows in the Western Himalayas.

Siberian cedar is widespread in Russia, which is actually a cedar pine.

Other trees are also often confused with cedar:

• European and Korean - are actually European and Korean pine;
• Canadian red is Thuja plica;
• Canadian white - thuja occidentalis;
• eastern red - correctly called juniper virginiana;
• Alaskan yellow is actually Nootka cypress.

There are also other plants in the world that are called cedars, but in fact they are not.

Russian Siberian cedar ( cedar pine) grows in Siberia, the Urals, Altai, even in the Arctic.

Real cedar and, for example, Siberian cedar have the following differences:

• the seeds of real cedar are inedible, but pine nuts are tasty and very healthy;
• cedar lives up to 3000 years, cedar pine - 600-800 years;
• True cedar is a heat-loving plant, it does not grow in Russia at all, but cedar pine is widespread in our country and tolerates cold well.

How does it reproduce

Cedar - monoecious plant, that is, male and female cones are on the same tree. The cones look like barrels, are scattered throughout the crown, are 6-10 cm long, and up to 6 cm wide.

Cedar blooms in autumn. Fertilized female cones remain on the mother tree to mature. After 2 years they will ripen and crumble. Resinous seeds 12-17 mm long have one wing, with the help of which they are carried over long distances by the wind.

Cedar in nature reproduces only by seeds, although botanists can breed them vegetatively.

The forest in which they mainly grow Siberian cedars, called cedar or cedar. Most often these forests are mixed. Pine and aspen grow nearby.

There are no true cedar forests left on the planet. There are only cedar groves, which are also very few. The Lebanese cedar grove of only 8 trees is the largest on Earth.

Why is it useful?

Cedars are very durable and valuable wood, from which houses and ships are built, expensive furniture is made. The ancient Egyptians buried their pharaohs only in cedar sarcophagi.

These trees are very decorative, therefore, they are planted in parks and gardens and used for landscape design.

Fragrant cedar resin (resin) used in perfumery and in the creation of cosmetics, in aromatherapy for calming, relieving anxiety.

The beneficial properties of cedar oil have long been known. This strong antiseptic, active fat breaker.

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