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Osmanthus (Osmanthus) in translation from Greek is a fragrant flower. In China, it has a different name - kinmokusei, tea or fragrant olive. With this decorative, exotic shrub, beauty connoisseurs decorate their homes both inside and in gardens near the house. When it blooms, everything around is filled with a very delicate, delicate aroma. In addition, the plant has not only decorative use. Its bark, leaves and flowers are used for health promotion, culinary, cosmetic and perfume purposes.

Osmanthus is loved in different countries. Each country has its own traditions and legends associated with kimonkusei. The bush has long been a symbol of love in Taiwan. According to custom, after the wedding, the bride brings home grown osmanthus and pomegranate. The fragrant shrub is a symbol of faithful and long love, and the fruit plant is a symbol of peace and fertility. This gift of the bride means that she will love, respect her husband, and give birth to beautiful children for him. No less traditional and ancient holiday in China and Vietnam is the national holiday of the full moon. Osmanthus is a symbol of eternal life. The holiday is celebrated in September, when the bush begins to bloom. On this holiday, families traditionally gather together. People walk all night long, admire the moon, enjoy yuebin mooncakes, in which bush flower petals are added.

A bush or tree of kinmokuseya in its natural environment reaches up to 18 meters in height. The flowers are collected in small inflorescences, bisexual, have both male and female characters. May be yellowish, reddish, reddish shades. Corollas of flowers are tubular, quadripartite. Fruits 10–14 mm - similar to small olives. Leaves on a short stalk, pointed at the top. In the conditions of city apartments, the bush can grow up to two meters in height.

Osmanthus is widespread in Asia and the Caucasus. It was brought to Europe in the 19th century by the French botanist Jean Marie Delaway. This is a plant from the evergreen genus of the olive family. The genus includes about thirty species. Some of the varieties:

• Osmanthus Berkwood, characterized by an abundance of fragrant flowers, appear in the second half of spring.
• Delaway osmanthus, white flowers grow on arched branches that bloom all summer.
• Osmanthus fortuna, flowers are collected in small clusters, small teeth on the leaves.
• Fragrant Osmanthus, cream, yellow and golden flowers, broad leaves, blooms all spring and autumn.
• Osmanthus is variegated, it has inconspicuous white flowers, leaves with edges of different colors.
• Osmanthus is small-serrated, has straight branches, oval leaves.

The use of osmanthus in various fields

• Application in medicine. For the treatment of carbuncles and furunculosis, a decoction of kinmokusei bark is used in medicine. A tincture from the roots of the plant is used to treat dysmenorrhea, rheumatism, bruises, etc. Essential oils are made from flowers. This oil is added to improve the taste in herbal medicines. Osmanthus buds are used to make medicines that help with coughs and whooping cough. It is a natural antiseptic that relieves sore throat with sore throat. It is widely used in the form of lotions and tinctures for various diseases.
• Cosmetic use. Essential oil of osmanthus is widely used in cosmetology. The oil has nourishing, moisturizing, soothing, generating, anti-inflammatory properties, it can activate the skin to natural self-healing. It is very concentrated and penetrates into the deepest layers of the epidermis, so it smoothes out even deep wrinkles. Kinmokusei oil is used in the production of expensive face and body creams, masks and hair shampoos. Means is applied to the aging, withering, skin. The oil also treats skin prone to acne and inflammation. Shampoos and masks are very effective for dry, brittle hair.
• Osmanthus in perfumery. Kinmokusei essential oil is a favorite of perfumers. It has a complex chemical formula. The smell is pleasantly sweet with subtle hints of fruit and leather aromas. It is included in very expensive perfumes of various brands, which are in great demand among perfume connoisseurs. Osmanthus oil is used as a clothing repellant. It can also be poured into aroma lamps during aromatherapy sessions.
• Application in cooking. The flowers of the plant are used to flavor black and green teas. Tea not only acquires a delicate and delicate aroma, but also has beneficial properties. The use of such tea has a tonic and invigorating effect on the body, normalizes the work of the pancreas, and improves digestion. Osmanthus fruits taste like olives, only smaller in size. They are pickled and eaten. Shrub flowers are added to various fillings and creams for cakes, pies, muffins. They make sauces and soups. Cook jams and jams. Used in the manufacture of alcoholic beverages: liquor and wine.

Growing kinmokusei in household plots

For outdoor cultivation, osmanthus is suitable for countries with warmer winter climates. In colder winters, the plant dies.

The composition of the soil can be varied, both sandy and alkaline soils are excellent. At the time of planting, several kilograms of compost must be put into the recess.

Both after planting and every spring, you need to water the soil with liquid fertilizers. Watering should be plentiful, for the formation of a good root system. To form a beautiful, green crown, after flowering, the bush is pruned.

Growing osmanthus indoors

Kimonkusei is grown indoors as a miniature ornamental tree. Rarely blooms indoors. Basically, its crown is trimmed for a beautiful decorative look.

For planting and better development, a small capacity is needed. The container is filled with a mixture of turf, humus and sand.

Kimonkusei is placed in a bright place in the room. In summer, it must be taken out to the balcony. In winter, it is kept at a temperature of 10–12 degrees Celsius.

In summer, the tree is watered abundantly, in winter watering is reduced. During the growing season, be sure to fertilize with universal top dressing.

The plant can be propagated by both seeds and cuttings.

The prepared seed material is sown in a moistened substrate. The soil is prepared in equal proportions of turf, humus and sand. Seeds germinate for quite a long time, from six to twelve or more months. A year later, at the beginning of summer, young seedlings are transplanted into open ground.

When cutting from a strengthened bush, during the vegetative period of September-October, young apical cuttings are cut off at a distance of 8–13 centimeters in length. The branches are deepened into the prepared soil mixture of turf, peat and sand. Pots with cuttings are placed in the room, and kept at a temperature of up to twenty degrees Celsius. After about a month, new roots begin to appear. When the sprouts take root, in the spring, after a year and a half, they need to be transplanted into separate containers.

Possible osmanthus diseases, pests and control methods

The most common disease seen on the kinmokusei is viral spotting. Honey mushroom causes rotting of the root system of the plant. Insect pests that most often annoy the kinmokusei are scale insects and mealybugs.
The most common shrub disease is viral spotting. Asymmetric, dark spots appear on the leaf plates, the edges of the leaves can curl, the osmanthus stops developing. Basically, the carriers of the disease are insects. It is extremely difficult to fight with the help of chemicals, therefore, they fight against insects - vectors of viruses. Sick leaves are cut and destroyed. Cuttings from diseased plants are not taken for propagation. Disinfection of inventory, steaming of planting material, or its replacement in containers.

A pest that affects the root system of a plant is honey agaric. It causes rotting of osmanthus roots. The difficulty lies in the fact that the disease cannot be diagnosed in the early stages, and it develops imperceptibly, as it begins underground. Mostly infected bushes die. Immediate measures must be taken to disinfect the land to prevent infection of other plants in the garden.

The most common types of osmanthus

• Berkwood Osmanthus. Grows in China and the Caucasus. Reaches a height of up to 2 meters. Considered a rare species. It is distinguished by an abundance of fragrant flowers that appear in the second half of spring. The leaves of the shrub are glossy, dark emerald in color.
• Osmanthus delaway. Reaches a height of up to 1.8 meters. On arcuate branches grow elongated dark, green leaves. The shrub blooms profusely all summer, with white tubular flowers.
• Stretches to a height of up to 7 meters. The leaves of the shrub are elongated, have small teeth along the edges. Flowers are collected in small clusters. Likes cooler climates. Blooms at intervals of 9 months to a year.
• It can grow up to 6 meters in height. It blooms almost all spring and autumn. Different hybrids of scented osmanthus have cream, yellow, and golden orange flowers. The leaf plate is wide, with teeth on the edges. The rich smell of kimonkusei flowers spreads throughout the area.
• Grows in Japan and Taiwan. Measured 8 meters high. The shrub has inconspicuous white flowers, fruits with an olive tint. The highlight of the plant is in its leaves. The main leaf plate is painted light green, but framed along the edge with a border. When the leaves are young, it is pink, with the growth of the leaf plate it becomes beige or yellow.
• Osmanthus is small serrated. Grows in western China. Branches can stretch up to 3 meters in height. The shrub has straight branches, and oval leaves with very small teeth, often located along the edges. It blooms with small, white, fragrant flowers.

How osmanthus blooms, see this video:

This evergreen subtropical shrub produces inflorescences of small, usually fragrant, tubular, four-lobed flowers in spring or autumn. All the species described below have white flowers, in inflorescences 1.5-4 cm wide. Although the flowers are not very showy, they have a strong aroma, and the plants themselves are also valued for their attractive leathery foliage. The flowers are occasionally used to flavor tea. The small, olive-like fruits, usually black or purple, are inedible.

Native to Asia, the southeastern United States, and some Pacific Islands, these shrubs thrive in both sunny and shady locations and almost any fertile soil, including calcareous. Some of them can be used in unusual and spectacular hedges. The species described below tolerate frosts down to -15°C.

O. armatus (O. armed)

In early autumn, this dense bushy plant produces fragrant flowers about 6 mm across. On its light gray branches sit hard dark green shiny elongated sharply serrated leaves 8-15 cm long. Egg-shaped dark blackish-purple fruits about 2 cm long appear in late autumn. Crown height and diameter - 1x0.6 m (5 years). Maximum dimensions - 4x4 m.

O. burkwoodii (syn. Osmarea burkwoodii) (O. Burkwood)

In mid-spring, small groups of fragrant flowers bloom with a short tube about 1 cm across. This plant is a hybrid of O. decorus (O. decorated) and O. delavayi (O. Delavaya). It grows slowly, turning into a dense shrub with beautiful finely serrated shiny dark green oval leaves 2.5-5 cm long. Crown height and diameter - 1x0.6 m (5 years). The maximum dimensions are -3x3 m.

O. decorus (syn. Phulyrea decora) (O. decorated)

In mid-spring, fragrant flowers appear on this almost globular shrub with dense foliage. Shiny dark green narrow elliptical leaves yellowish-green below, 5-12 cm long. Blackish-purple oval fruits that appear in summer are about 1.5 cm long. The height and diameter of the crown are 1x1 m (5 years). The maximum dimensions are 3x4 m.

O. delavayi (O. Delavaya)

The plant is compact, bushy. The flowers are fragrant, about 1.5 cm long, with recurved lobes; flowering in mid to late spring. The fruits are broadly ovoid, 1 cm long, blue-black, ripen in autumn. The leaves are graceful, rounded or broadly oval, dark green, hard, shiny, up to 2.5 cm long, with a small number of small sharp teeth. Crown height and diameter - 60x60 cm (5 years). The maximum dimensions are 1.8x2.4 m.

O. forrestii

The flowers are fragrant, 6 mm wide, with a short tube and recurved lobes; flowering in early and mid-autumn. In late autumn, usually a few elongated purple-black fruits about 1.5 cm long ripen. This holly-like species has hard oval shiny dark green leaves 4-6 cm long. From below they are paler, usually with a few large prickly teeth. Crown height and diameter - 1x1 m (5 years). Maximum dimensions - 3-6x3-6 m.

"Argenteomarginatus"

Leaves with golden yellow margins.

"Argenteomarginatus"

Aureus

It produces bronze young shoots and very spiky speckled leaves with creamy yellow and green spots.

Aureus

"Gulfide"

Compact plant up to 2.4 m tall, with very prickly dark green leaves.

"Gulfide"

Purpureus

Shiny dark blackish-purple young leaves. Shoots turn green with a purple tint in summer.

Tricolor

A popular compact cultivar up to 3 m high and 3 m wide, leaves with a wide creamy white border.

Tricolor

O. hicifolius

Creamy white flowers about 1 cm across with recurved corolla lobes bloom in mid to late spring. Leaves 8-15 cm long, dull olive green, narrowly elongated or lanceolate. Young leaves with a bronze tint, entire or with a wavy edge and many spiny teeth. The fruits are beautiful, dark purple, tied in summer in small quantities. More thermophilic and capricious compared to other species. The height and diameter of the crown is 1.2x1 m (5 years). Maximum dimensions - 10x10 m.

cultivation

In Russia, osmanthus are usually grown on the Black Sea coast. Plants are planted in autumn in any fertile soil in the sun or in the shade.

reproduction

Semi-lignified cuttings in summer and sowing seeds in spring.

pruning

Usually not required, but in the second half of spring, you can cut off excess shoots.

Pests and diseases

Usually not affected.

Initially, the healing properties of osmanthus were used in traditional Chinese folk medicine. But time passed, and the flowers of the plant, as, in fact, its essential oil, were able to gain well-deserved fame as very effective means of medicinal action. At the present time, there are about thirty different types of osmanthus that grow everywhere in the tropical climate of Asian countries. In addition, this plant grows in the Caucasus and the Americas. But the true homeland of this plant is considered to be China, the Himalayas and Japan. This plant is a shrub that rarely manages to exceed ten meters in height. The flowers of this plant, due to their distinctive aromatic qualities, are often used as flavors of natural origin for various drinks. Predominantly, it is tea that is drunk with such a flavoring. In the food industry, in principle, the flowers of this plant are very often used as an aromatic and flavoring additive.

Useful properties of osmanthus:

The unique benefit of this medicinal plant for the human body is expressed in the properties of osmanthus of a general tonic type. In addition, beneficial properties are hidden in the general chemical composition of this plant. After all, osmanthus is rich in a huge amount of priceless essential oil, the general composition of which is complex, but includes many compounds that are undoubtedly beneficial to the human body. And the pleasant aroma of this plant, comparable to ripe apricots or peaches, can instantly cheer up and noticeably cheer up any person. Very often you can hear that osmanthus is endowed with special properties that can charge the human body with unprecedented energy. In the field of aromatherapy, the essential oil of this plant is very often used. As an excellent cosmetic product, osmanthus also brings invaluable benefits.

Medicinal properties of osmanthus:

The essential oil of this plant is actively used in folk medicine in Asian countries. This oil, as well as decoctions from the rhizome, stems and flowers of osmanthus, is used in the treatment of certain diseases of the skin of the human body. This plant is able to have a beneficial effect on human skin, actively moisturizing and nourishing all its deep layers. Thus, the plant prevents the process of premature aging of the skin. In the case of stable use of the essential oil of the plant, there is a restoration of the healthy appearance and beauty of human skin. Osmanthus is also endowed with sedative properties. And also the ability to carry out pressure stabilization. Due to its distinctive biological parameters, this plant is used in the pharmacological industry. The calorie content of the plant is 0.1 calorie.

Contraindications to the use of osmanthus:

How much does osmanthus tea cost (average price for 1 pack)?

Moscow and Moscow region

Osmanthus or Osmanthus is a genus of evergreen plants that are scientifically classified as belonging to the extensive Olive family. Currently, about thirty varieties of the plant are known, which grow mainly in the tropical regions of Asia. Some species of osmanthus grow in the Caucasus, as well as in the southeastern regions of the United States.

It is worth noting that for a long time the constituent parts of the osmanthus plant have been used for culinary and also medical purposes. China is considered the birthplace of osmanthus, which is why the plant occupies an important place in the traditional folk medicine of the Celestial Empire. Often, osmanthus is called "brown tree" or "Devilwood", which literally means "devil's tree".

In appearance, osmanthus is a shrub or low tree with opposite foliage, which stands out with jagged edges and a smooth glossy surface. The flowers of Osmanthus fragrant or Osmanthus fragrans Lour are eaten. Often this type of plant is called fragrant olive or tea olive, because the flowers are used to make tea with osmanthus.

Fragrant osmanthus is a unique plant whose flowers have an unsurpassed aroma, which in China is respectfully called "a miracle of nature." Most often, fragrant osmanthus flowers are used as a flavoring agent for various types of Chinese teas. It is believed that osmanthus tea not only tastes great, but is also incredibly beneficial for the human body.

Since ancient times, in China, osmanus tea has been used not only as a refreshing and invigorating drink, but also as a therapeutic and prophylactic agent. However, the flowers of the plant are used not only for making tea with osmanthus, but also for other drinks, as well as decoctions. It is noteworthy that osmanthus tea may not contain the leaves of the tea bush.

Often, osmanthus tea is pre-dried inflorescences of the plant, which are brewed as a tea drink at a temperature of 90-95C. The result is an infusion of the flowers of the plant or tea with osmanthus. Osmanthus flowers are added to large-leaf black or green tea as a flavoring agent. In any case, a decoction of the inflorescences of a plant or tea with osmanthus has a beneficial effect on the human body.

Tea with osmanthus uplifts the mood and tone, and also invigorates. In addition, a drink made from osmanthus inflorescences has unique antiseptic and anti-sclerotic abilities. In addition, osmanthus tea acts as a natural antioxidant. In addition, osmanthus tea stands out for its rich palette of flavors and aromas that will give true pleasure to everyone without exception.

Calorie content of tea with osmanthus 16 kcal

The energy value of tea with osmanthus (The ratio of proteins, fats, carbohydrates - bzhu).

Synonym: osmanth, fragrant olive, tea olive, fragrant olive, sweet olive.

Osmanthus is a genus of low evergreen shrubs or trees with shiny leaves and fragrant inflorescences. Osmanthus is a versatile and useful plant used in cooking, perfumery, cosmetology and traditional medicine in some countries. Osmanthus flowers are a world famous natural tea flavoring. The essential oil of the plant is widely used in perfumery and cosmetology.

Ask the experts

In medicine

Due to a wide range of useful properties, osmanthus is used in oriental medicine. The essential oil of the plant is widely used in aromatherapy, as well as in folk medicine as an expectorant, anti-inflammatory, sedative. For medicinal purposes, flowers, bark and roots of the shrub are used. The benefits of osmanthus in oriental medicine are enormous. Osmanthus flowers in the form of decoctions and infusions are used for colds as an effective cough remedy. Decoctions from the stems are effective in the treatment of boils, carbuncles, rhinitis and whooping cough. Decoctions of the roots of the plant are used for bruises, hematomas, dysmenorrhea. The use of osmanthus is advisable for obesity, atherosclerosis, hypertension, since the active substances of the plant have an anti-sclerotic effect, lower blood cholesterol levels, and blood pressure.

Contraindications and side effects

Using osmanthus for medicinal or cosmetic purposes, you need to know some of its contraindications. Plant-based medicines are not used for high blood pressure, epilepsy. Osmanthus tea during pregnancy and lactation is also not recommended. Contraindications to the use of osmanthus are also individual intolerance, a tendency to allergic reactions, and children's age. The essential oil of fragrant osmanthus is not consumed internally, only externally.

In horticulture

Osmanthus is an evergreen ornamental plant that attracts gardeners with its small size, interesting leaf shape, strong aroma during flowering, which lasts almost a whole year, and moderate growth rate. The plant is ideal for growing in indoor and greenhouse conditions and for use in interior landscaping. Some species delight with their flowering in winter. Outdoor cultivation of osmanthus is possible only in the south of the Black Sea coast of the Krasnodar Territory.

Osmanthus is an unpretentious culture, prefers the sunny side of lighting. For normal development and growth, nutritious, sandy soil is suitable. The plant can be given any shape, it is not afraid of pruning.

Watering is necessary moderate, throughout the year, but the plant does not tolerate excessive drying of an earthen coma. Osmanthus needs a bright, cool wintering, tolerates a drop in temperature to -7 ° C. Osmanthus lovers are attracted by their bright flowering. There are many hybrids with white flowers (Osmanthus fragrans variety), golden apricot (Apricot Gold), cream (Butter Yellow), pale orange (Osmanthus fragrans f. Aurantiacus), bright orange flowers (Orange Supreme).

In perfumery

Osmanthus is a universal plant used not only in cooking, cosmetology or oriental medicine. The delicate aroma of flowers of the plant with an unusual admixture of fruity peach-apricot notes is widely used in the perfume industry. Osmanthus is used in perfumery as an absolute, the yield of which is up to 75%, and concrete - up to 0.2%. This is a rather expensive raw material on the international market, it is a seasonal product. Absolute or absolute oil (highly concentrated liquid) is obtained from the fragrant golden yellow flowers of osmanthus by a solvent extraction process. The concrete is also obtained by the extraction of fresh flowers with petroleum ether. Osmanthus oil is considered the most valuable among the known essential oils. The subtle aroma of osmanthus in perfumery is called "the memory of a Chinese garden." The aroma of osmanthus goes well with rose, geranium, mandarin, neroli and sandalwood.

In other areas

In cooking

Osmanthus is a plant popular in oriental cuisine, the flowers and fruits of which are used in the food industry. Dried osmanthus flowers are a popular aromatic addition to black or green tea in the world. In China, gui hua cha is a traditional aromatic infusion made from osmanthus flowers. Dried osmanthus flowers are added not only to teas, but also to sweet wines, juices, sweet sauces, cakes, pastries, pies and many other desserts. Osmanthus fruits are also edible, and unripe fruits are cooked and preserved in brine (similar to olives).

The famous Chinese infusion of osmanthus petals called "gui hua cha" is a delicate drink with a floral-fruity aroma reminiscent of the taste of peaches and apricots. An infusion from the flowers of the plant is consumed on its own, or used as an aromatic additive in black (red) or green tea. Fragrant tea with the addition of dried osmanthus and jasmine flowers has a special taste. The Chinese know that you can get a tea drink with an exquisite aroma of osmanthus if you know which tea is ideally combined with notes of dried osmanthus. For this purpose, black tea Puerh or green tea is used, but white and other types of tea are not combined with the fruity taste of osmanthus.

Chatang, a traditional Chinese dish, is a kind of sweet porridge made from sorghum or millet with the addition of osmanthus flower jam.

In cosmetology

Due to its pleasant sweetish aroma and valuable medicinal properties, osmanthus is actively used in cosmetology. Providing anti-inflammatory, rejuvenating, regenerating effects on the skin, osmanthus is widely used in the manufacture of cosmetic products designed to care for problematic and aging skin of the face and body. Osmanthus extract has a calming effect on the skin, effective in the fight against acne. The active substances of the plant actively moisturize the skin, while removing the feeling of tightness and discomfort. The regenerating properties of osmanthus contribute to the restoration of the collagen structure in skin cells, affecting the deep layers of the skin. The plant has a unique ability to smooth fine and deeper wrinkles. Active substances in the composition of osmanthus actively nourish the skin, activating its natural natural potential for self-healing.

A new alternative to Botox is a high-quality cosmetic product using osmanthus extract - an eye mask. Osmanthus for the eyes provides a pronounced lifting effect, intensively moisturizes the skin, eliminates dark circles under the eyes. The mask with osmanthus actively stimulates the regenerative process of the delicate skin cells around the eyes, the active components of the plant help to smooth out wrinkles, “crow's feet” in the corners of the eyes, and remove “bags” under the eyes. Osmanthus has strong antioxidant properties, helps cleanse the skin of toxic substances.

Osmanthus essential oil, which has gained wide popularity in cosmetology, is also valued for its unique properties. Essential oil of osmanthus, as the main component of cosmetic products, gives a pronounced and more lasting result than the plant extract. The oil of the plant is included in many cosmetic products for facial skin and hair care. Osmanthus essential oil eliminates inflammatory processes of the skin, prevents its irritation, effectively treats dermatosis, furunculosis, evens out the skin, smoothing out defects, scars, scars, improves complexion, and also restores skin firmness and elasticity. Masks using osmanthus essential oil are effective for treating damaged, brittle and dry hair. Recent studies have shown that osmanthus extract is safe and effective in lightening hair.

Classification

Osmanthus (lat. Osmaanthus) is a genus of evergreen flowering plants of the Olive family (lat. Oleaceae), the number of which is about 13-30 species. In cooking, medicine, cosmetology, perfumery, horticulture, the most famous species is fragrant Osmanthus (lat. Osmanthus fragrans) - an evergreen shrub or small tree.

Botanical description

Genus Osmanthus are small evergreen trees or shrubs, reaching a height of 2 to 12 m. The leaves of the plant are opposite, dark green, simple, glossy, with jagged edges. The bark of young shoots is greenish-beige. Osmanthus flowers are small, bisexual, collected in paniculate inflorescences. Corollas quadruple, tubular, calyx up to 1 mm long. Stamens fused to the middle of the corolla tube. Depending on the species, the color of the corollas varies from white, cream to golden yellow. Osmanthus flowers are very fragrant, exude a fruity-floral aroma, combined with notes of peach and apricot. The flowering of the plant begins in September-October and lasts almost the entire winter, then the formation of buds stops. Osmanthus blooms in waves: there can be from 2 to 4 such flowering waves per season. The fruit of the plant is a small, hard, elliptical, dark blue or purple drupe, within which one seed develops.

Propagated more often by cuttings. Osmanthus seeds must be stratified before sowing, since their germination period is from 6 to 18 months.

In the genus Osmanthus there are 13 (according to some sources up to 30) species, of which the most popular and used for food and medicinal purposes is Osmanthus fragrant (Osmanthus fragrans).

Spreading

Representatives of the genus Osmanthus are distributed mainly in Southeast and East Asia (from the Japanese Islands to the Himalayas), which is considered their homeland. Also, some species of osmanthus are found in the southeastern regions of North America. Some cultivated species of osmanthus are bred in Russia, namely in the south of the Black Sea coast of the Krasnodar Territory (Sochi region). In a greenhouse, their breeding is quite possible.

Distribution regions on the map of Russia.

Procurement of raw materials

Osmanthus flowers are harvested for medicinal purposes. They are dried under a canopy in the shade, then packed in paper bags. The shelf life of dried raw materials is 2 years. Osmanthus flowers are also processed to make essential oil, which is obtained by extraction.

Chemical composition

The main aroma-forming components of osmanthus are theaspiran and ionone derivatives obtained from the degradation of carotenoids: cis-jasmone, γ-decalactone, and various δ-lactones.

The chemical composition of osmanthus essential oil is quite complex. The main components of the oil are beta-ionone, dihydro-beta-ionone, gamma-de-calactone, mixtures of isomers of linalool oxide, cis-jasmone, terpinen-4-ol, phenethyl alcohol, linalool and geraniol.

Osmanthus flowers are rich in vitamin C, calcium, magnesium and other trace elements.

Pharmacological properties

Chinese researchers found that the osmanthus flower interferes with the action of the tyrosine enzyme involved in the synthesis of melanin. As a result, osmanthus can be used as a natural hair lightener. In addition, the active substances contained in the plant are excellent antioxidants, remove toxins, radionuclides from the human body.

Application in traditional medicine

Due to its wide range of medicinal and beneficial properties, osmanthus has long been used in Chinese traditional medicine. In addition to the delicious taste and aroma, osmanthus has a wide range of useful and medicinal properties. An effective expectorant is a decoction of the flowers of the plant. Osmanthus lowers cholesterol, cleanses the blood, softens coughs, and is effective for diarrhea, stomatitis, and inflammation of the gums.

A decoction of fragrant osmanthus flowers is an effective remedy for indigestion, colitis, flatulence, gastritis, inflammation of the duodenum. Tea from the petals of the plant cleanses the body of toxins. The active substances of osmanthus stimulate blood flow, metabolic processes in the body, burn fat, which contributes to weight loss, getting rid of excess weight. The use of osmanthus is advisable for some gynecological diseases, menstrual disorders. The plant helps with cystitis, relieves hangover well. Osmanthus - a natural anesthetic, is used for toothache, pain of various localization, relieves bad breath.

Boils and some eye diseases are treated with compresses from a decoction of the bark of a plant. Osmanthus has anti-aging properties, an infusion of petals is used for skin care, hair is rinsed with a decoction.

Black tea with osmanthus is not only a pleasant and fragrant drink, but also an effective remedy that activates cell metabolism, blood flow, freshens breath, removes toxins, heavy metals, and radioactive elements from the body. The benefits of green tea with osmanthus are significant. The drink tones, invigorates, plays the role of a natural antioxidant, stimulates the renewal of all cells, that is, promotes rejuvenation.

Historical reference

China is considered to be the birthplace of osmanthus. In imperial China, osmanthus was considered an exquisite incense. Its history goes back over 2000 years. Here, since the 14th century, it has been used to flavor tea along with jasmine.

In Taiwan, osmanthus is a traditional symbol of love, romance, fidelity, and birth. The role of osmanthus in the wedding ceremony is known: the bride must enter her house with a small osmanthus tree grown by her own hands. About 2000 years ago, Avicenna, in his popular book The Canon of Medicine, described the unique properties of osmanthus and the effects of the essential oil from the flowers of the plant.

Many legends tell about the amazing osmanthus plant, whose flowers are a symbol of the traditional Chinese Moon Festival. It is celebrated in September, during this period the fragrant flowering of osmanthus begins. According to ancient legend, fragrant osmanthus "guards the Lunar Palace."

In Europe, osmanthus appeared only in the middle of the 19th century, thanks to the French botanist Jean-Marie Delovay. Osmanthus was used for food purposes - they prepared an aromatic drink with the addition of dried flowers of the plant - tonic green or black tea with osmanthus "gui hua cha". Osmanthus is the national symbol of Hangzhou, China.

Osmanthus got its name from two Greek words "osme" - in translation - "fragrant, fragrant" and "anthos" - meaning "flower". One of the regions of China sounds "Gui Lin", which is translated from Chinese as "fragrant forest".

The expression "gui hua" is translated as "cinnamon flowers", "cinnamon tree flowers" or "cassia flowers". Therefore, there is a common misconception that Osmanthus is related to the Cinnamon tree. In fact, they are completely different plants.

Literature

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