Euonymus European. Legends, myths, symbolism, description, cultivation, methods of application

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Euonymus European. Legends, myths, symbolism, description, cultivation, methods of application

cultivated and wild plants. Legends, myths, symbolism, description, cultivation, methods of application

Content

Photos, basic scientific information, legends, myths, symbolism
Genus, family, origin, range, chemical composition, economic importance
Botanical description, reference data, useful information, illustrations
Recipes for use in traditional medicine and cosmetology
Tips for growing, harvesting and storing

European spindle tree, Euonymus europaeus. Photos of the plant, basic scientific information, legends, myths, symbolism

European spindle tree

Basic scientific information, legends, myths, symbolism

Sort by: Euonymus (euonymus)

Family: yellowish (Celastraceae)

Origin: The European euonymus comes from Europe and Western Asia.

Area: European euonymus is common in Europe, Western and Central Asia.

Chemical composition: European spindle tree contains cardioglycosides, alkaloids, flavonoids, coumarins, tannins and other useful substances.

Economic value: European spindle tree is used as an ornamental plant for creating hedges and fences, as well as for decorating gardens and parks. It is also used in traditional medicine to treat certain ailments such as headache, arthritis, rheumatism, and others. However, the European spindle tree contains poisonous substances, so eating it can be dangerous.

Legends and myths: In Celtic culture, the euonymus was considered a sacred tree, which represented the link between the world of the living and the world of the dead. Its branches were used in ceremonies of commemoration of the dead. It was also believed that the euonymus had magical powers and could protect against evil spirits and sorcerers. In folk medicine, the bark and fruits of the spindle tree have been used to treat a variety of ailments, including hemorrhoids, headaches, and heart disease. The symbolism of the euonymus is considered to be good luck and prosperity, as well as protection from evil spirits and misfortunes. In the culture of a number of peoples, there is a belief that if you plant an euonymus stick in the ground in the spring, then it will definitely begin to grow and bring good luck to the house.

European spindle tree, Euonymus europaeus. Description, illustrations of the plant

European spindle tree, Euonymus europaeus. Botanical description of the plant, area, methods of application, cultivation

European spindle tree

The scientific name of the genus Euonymus comes from the Greek eu (good) and onyma (name), i.e. a plant with a good (famous) name. The name is ironic, since euonymos among the Greeks is an oleander with poisonous leaves, and among the Romans it is an euonymus, the seeds of which are poisonous and were previously used to fight lice.

Deciduous shrub or tree up to 6-8 m high. The branches are tetrahedral or round, green, with brownish corky ribs, later grayish-brown. The wood is yellowish, usually whitening in air, unpleasantly smelling when fresh, light (average specific gravity 0,68), loose.

The kidneys are small, ovoid-conical. Leaves petiolate (petiole 2-15 mm long), oblong, ovate-elliptic or obovate, rarely broadly ovate, 2-11 cm long, widest in the middle and slightly higher, 1-6 cm wide, cuneate at the base, evenly serrated along the edges -serrate, with hook-shaped teeth, rounded at the apex, except for the lower leaves, with a short pointed point (shorter than 110 blades), slightly leathery, glabrous above, dull, below only shortly pubescent along the veins.

Inflorescence - semi-umbrella with one underdeveloped middle flower, once or twice splayed-forked, 2-5-flowered, shorter or less often longer than the lower reduced covering leaves of the branch, only the lower pair of flowers of the inflorescence comes directly from the scales. Pedicels 2-3,5 cm long. Bracts subulate; the bracts close to them are scaly, often remaining at the base of the pedicels.

Flowers four-dimensional, small, 10-12 mm in diameter, two to three times shorter than the pedicels; calyx with broadly ovate, obtuse lobes, half as long as petals; petals are spatulate-oblong, yellowish-greenish, obtuse, ciliated along the curved edge, serrated; stamens with filaments 1,5-2 mm long, with yellowish anthers; ovary obtuse, naked; style almost cylindrical, shorter than stamens, with obtuse, slightly four-lobed stigma. Blooms in April-June.

The fruit is a four-lobed, drooping berry-like capsule 1,5 cm in diameter, broadly pear-shaped from a narrowed base, depressed at the end, 7-13 mm long, with obtusely keeled lobes, smooth, glabrous, first green, then pink-red. When the ripe fruit is opened, the seeds hang in the form of earrings.

Seeds, one per nest, obovate, whitish, entirely dressed in a red-orange roof, together with which they are up to 10 mm long, ripen in June-October.

It is found in Turkey, the Caucasus, throughout Europe.

It grows in light forests, mainly oak and pine, along the edges and in groves; in shady ravines, alder and coastal bushes; sometimes in wetlands.

Euonymus leaves contain triterpenoids, phytosteroids, some alkaloids and bioflavonoids. Evolin, belonging to the group of alkaloids, was found in the branches. In fruits, in addition to glucose, there are carotenoids, cyclitols, triacetin. The seeds contain sesquiterpenoids, steroids, polysaccharides, higher fatty acids, and glycosides. Gutta-percha is found in all parts of the plant, but in different concentrations - the bark of the roots, for example, contains gutta at a concentration of up to 4%.

Inedible, poisonous.

European spindle tree

Due to the high toxicity of Euonymus preparations, they are currently used very limitedly. Official medicine does not use them at all. It is known that euonymus seeds copy the pharmacological effect of cardiac glycosides, and fruit triacetin increases blood pressure.

Earlier in folk medicine, an infusion of poisonous euonymus fruits was given for malaria, cardiovascular insufficiency, edema, and liver diseases. Some herbalists claim that such an infusion is also applicable to stimulate sexual desire. European spindle tree has an anthelmintic and laxative effect. Fruit powder is used for scabies and other skin parasites, infusion of leaves is used to treat skin and hair with scab and pediculosis. Fresh leaves are applied to the places of fungal infections.

European euonymus is poisonous, therefore, its use requires great care and constant medical supervision. Overdose develops enteritis with hemorrhagic syndrome.

All parts of the plant are poisonous. However, it is the fruits of the euonymus that bring the greatest harm to the human body. The euonymus can cause frustration, vomiting, loss of strength and even convulsions. First aid in case of poisoning is to immediately rinse the stomach and take activated charcoal, as, in fact, with ordinary poisoning.

It is used as an ornamental shrub in landscaping, decorative leaf color and bright fruits in autumn. Has five decorative forms. It is often planted along fences and hedges, and also as a plant that strengthens the sands.

It has a hard, durable wood that holds metal fasteners well. It lends itself well to turning, polishing. Previously used on shoe nails, spindles, keys, knitting needles and other small items. Goes to various types of engraving and carving work. Among the spindle trees, the wood of the European spindle tree is of the greatest importance.

A decoction of seed pods gives an unstable paint with alum of yellow-straw color, and with iron salts - brown. The orange substance of the seed roof is used for coloring morocco leather, as well as in the folk cosmetics of the eastern peoples.

It gives a loose and delicate charcoal, which was used in France for the manufacture of gunpowder, but it is especially valued in drawing, as it is erased without a trace, it is used to make ink pencils.

Due to its medium guttivity, it is of particular interest as gutta-perchenos.

In veterinary medicine, infusion of euonymus fruit in vinegar is used to treat skin diseases in livestock. In folk medicine, the entire aerial part of the European euonymus is used.

European spindle tree is winter-hardy, moderately shade-tolerant, tolerates drought well. Life expectancy is high. There are 62-year-old specimens with a height of 4 m and a crown diameter of 6 m.

European spindle tree, Euonymus europaeus. Recipes for use in traditional medicine and cosmetology

cultivated and wild plants. Legends, myths, symbolism, description, cultivation, methods of application

Ethnoscience:

Rheumatism treatment: tincture from the bark of the euonymus is used. Pour boiling water over the bark and leave for 1 hour, then strain and drink 1 glass 2-3 times a day.
Treatment of gastrointestinal diseases: a tincture of euonymus fruit is used. Pour boiling water over the fruits and leave for 30 minutes, then strain and drink 1 glass 3 times a day.
Cold treatment: tincture of euonymus leaves is used. Leaves pour boiling water and leave for 30 minutes, then strain and drink 1 cup 2-3 times a day.
Treatment for hemorrhoids: a tincture of euonymus roots is used. Pour boiling water over the roots and leave for 2 hours, then strain and drink 1 cup 3 times a day.
Treatment of diseases of the urinary tract: a tincture of euonymus roots is used. Pour boiling water over the roots and leave for 2 hours, then strain and drink 1 cup 3 times a day.

Cosmetology:

Mask for the face: grind the euonymus leaves and add them to the clay face mask. Apply to face and leave on for 15-20 minutes, then rinse with warm water. This mask will help reduce skin inflammation and improve skin texture.
Face tonic: chop the euonymus leaves and add them to a bottle of rose water. Shake well and use as a facial toner. This tonic will help refresh the skin and reduce inflammation.
Body cream: grind euonymus leaves and add them to your regular body cream. This cream will help hydrate the skin and improve its texture.
Massage oil: chop the euonymus leaves and mix them with jojoba oil. Use as a massage oil. This oil will help improve skin texture and reduce inflammation.
Hair care product: grind the euonymus leaves and add them to your regular shampoo. This remedy will help strengthen the hair and reduce hair loss.

Attention! Before use, consult with a specialist!

European spindle tree, Euonymus europaeus. Detailed advice on growing, choosing soil and lighting, planting depth and distance between seeds, caring for the plant; preparation tips; storage tips

cultivated and wild plants. Legends, myths, symbolism, description, cultivation, methods of application

The European spindle tree (Euonymus europaeus) is a shrub or small tree native to Europe and Asia.

Tips for growing, harvesting and storing European euonymus:

Cultivation:

Euonymus European prefers to grow in sunny or partial shade places.
The soil should be well-drained, fertile and neutral to slightly acidic in pH.
The plant is cold tolerant and can withstand frost down to -30°C.
European spindle tree can be planted as a separate plant or create hedges.
Planting should be done in spring or autumn.
Planting depth should be such that the root neck is at the level of the soil surface.
The distance between plants should be at least 1-1,5 meters.
Water the plant regularly, especially during periods of drought.
Pruning is not required, but you can remove damaged or old branches to form a crown.
Regularly remove weeds that compete with the plant for nutrients and water.

Workpiece:

The fruits of the European euonymus contain the toxic alkaloid europein, therefore, before using it in cooking or in traditional medicine, it is necessary to carefully process and remove all seeds and mucous membranes.
The fruits can be used to make jelly, jam, as well as seasoning for meat dishes.

Storage:

Fresh fruits can be stored in a cool and dry place for up to several days.
Cooked products from the fruits of the European spindle tree are recommended to be stored in the refrigerator or in a cool and dry place for no more than 2-3 months.

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