Golden mustache, or fragrant callisia (Callisia fragrans), is a popular indoor plant of the Commelinaceae family. It came to us from South America and became widely known for its medicinal properties. Callisia is actively used in folk medicine as a remedy for many diseases.
Callisia fragrant is a large herbaceous plant with two types of shoots. The main shoots are similar to corn: erect, fleshy, with a large rosette of leaves. The leaves grow alternately and reach 5-6 cm in width and 20-30 cm in length. In strong light conditions they may take on a burgundy hue. A mature plant develops horizontal vine-like shoots - “mustache”, consisting of “joints”. In its homeland, callisia grows up to 2 m in height.
Golden mustache blooms very rarely. But if you care for the plant correctly, small white flowers with a delicate aroma appear on the shoots. After flowering, boxes with seeds inside are formed.
What does a golden mustache look like?
Golden mustache, callisia or home ginseng is a large indoor plant that can reach a height of about 2 m. As you can see in the photo of the golden mustache flower, the shoots of the plant are covered with bright green long leaves and can be either erect or creeping. Horizontal shoots look like long tendrils - this is where the name of the plant comes from.
The indoor plant blooms with small white flowers collected in panicle inflorescences. The flowers smell pleasant, but amateurs rarely get the opportunity to enjoy the aroma and admire the blossoms.
Botanical description
Golden mustache (in Latin Callisia fragrans) belongs to liana-like perennial plants from the Commelinaceae family (see photo).
Its homeland is America; it was brought to the domestic territory only at the end of the 19th century. There are other names in the literature: fragrant callisia, homemade ginseng, golden grass. Among themselves, people often call it a cure for 100 diseases, Chrysostom.
In folk medicine, golden mustache is used to prepare creams, ointments, alcohol tinctures, and decoctions. Only take a ripe plant.
It is believed that it is filled with useful substances when a kind of panicle forms at the end of the mustache.
The optimal amount of healing components accumulates in the autumn. It is at this time that the prepared remedies have maximum strength.
In the wild, the plant reaches 2 meters, and when grown at home in pots - up to a meter. It has a powerful trunk, on which leaves are alternately placed, externally resembling corn leaves. Also, peculiar horizontal and erect shoots, consisting of knees, extend from it. The mustache begins to form in the spring.
Small flowers are located on hanging inflorescences. The leaves are a characteristic rich green color, with an admixture of purple on the underside. They reach a length of 20 cm and a width of 5 cm.
Flowers of the golden mustache. Photo:
Useful properties of golden mustache
Due to its unique composition, indoor flower has a beneficial effect on the body. The benefit of golden mustache for the human body is that products based on it help:
- normalize the functioning of the endocrine and respiratory systems, improve digestion;
- strengthen vascular walls - golden mustache reduces cholesterol;
- increase immunity and make the body more resistant to infections, viruses and bacteria;
- relieve pain - both inflammatory and traumatic.
Golden mustache is used for oncology - flavonoids and phytosterols in the flower promote healthy cell renewal.
Bloom
Very rarely does a gardener observe this phenomenon. The golden mustache plant is quite tolerant of its growing conditions. It will grow well in a lack of heat and light and will tolerate dry air. But it does not always bloom and not for everyone. For this process, he needs to create ideal care conditions. Many people think that flowering is not worth such efforts, because the flowers are small, lilac or pink. But it’s worth trying, because their aroma is so strong that it compensates for all your troubles.
What does a golden mustache help with?
Traditional medicine uses the beneficial properties of the plant in the treatment of many ailments. For example, home remedies use:
- for atherosclerosis and high blood pressure;
- for metabolic disorders and diseases of the intestines and stomach;
- for liver diseases;
- with endocrine disruptions;
- for eye diseases and skin irritations;
- for joint pain.
Golden mustache is beneficial for diabetes and obesity, and its valuable properties also contribute to the speedy cure of colds.
Contraindications for use
Use is not recommended in the following cases:
- in case of hypersensitivity to components contained in the plant;
- during pregnancy/lactation;
- with kidney dysfunction;
- in childhood;
- with prostate adenoma.
In case of any undesirable reactions (nausea/vomiting, skin rashes), treatment with the folk remedy should be suspended.
Traditional medicine recipes based on the golden mustache
To create medicines based on the plant, the properties of the green parts are mainly used. Many useful compounds can be prepared from the leaves and stems of the plant.
Infusion of golden mustache
To make a simple healing infusion, you need to take 1 large leaf of the plant and pour about 1 liter of boiling water. The product is infused for a day in a ceramic or glass container.
Drink the finished infusion 1 large spoon no more than three times a day, so as not to cause harm. The infusion helps with stomach diseases, chronic pancreatitis or liver diseases.
Golden mustache decoction
To create a medicinal decoction, you can use the properties of both leaves and stems. The raw materials are finely chopped, poured with water and set to boil for a few minutes, and then removed from the heat and left under the lid for 7 hours.
Golden mustache is taken orally in a large spoon for liver ailments, gastritis and ulcers three times a day. You can also treat skin inflammations with a decoction - the product relieves irritation.
Alcohol tincture of golden mustache with vodka
The alcoholic medicine is prepared mainly from the stems of the plant. A small amount of raw material is finely chopped, poured into a glass container and filled with vodka, and then plugged with a stopper and infused for about 2 weeks in a dark place.
The product should be shaken daily. The readiness of the tincture will be indicated by its dark purple color. The liquid should be filtered and drunk twice a day. The benefits of alcohol tincture of the golden mustache are clearly manifested in the treatment of hypertension, colds and inflammatory processes in the body.
Attention! A single dosage is no more than 30 drops; it is advisable to dilute the product in clean water, otherwise the properties of the golden mustache tincture will cause harm rather than benefit.
Golden mustache juice
Fresh juice contains a high concentration of beneficial substances and is an effective anti-inflammatory and healing agent. It is prepared very simply - you just need to cut the callisia leaves and squeeze out a sufficient amount of juice through gauze.
Most often, this useful remedy is used externally for burns, wounds, dermatitis, corns, and as compresses for joints. But you can also drink golden mustache in small doses - take only 30 drops of it, first diluting it in a large spoon of water so that there is no harm to the mucous membranes. When consumed internally, the properties of the juice significantly increase immunity.
Oil on golden mustache
Golden mustache is often used in the form of homemade oil for the feet, as well as for the treatment of skin irritations. Making butter is not difficult, although it will take a long time.
- Fresh stems and leaves of the plant are crushed and the juice is squeezed out of them.
- The remaining cake is dried, then placed in a small glass container and filled with olive oil.
- The product is infused for 3 weeks in a dark place.
- After the expiration date, the cake is filtered off and the oil is poured into another vessel.
Healing oil helps well with allergic rashes, abrasions and scratches, promotes the healing of burns and corns. The beneficial properties of the oil are manifested in the treatment of joints; it is often used for golden mustache compresses and rubbing.
Ointment on the golden mustache
Another home remedy for external use is an ointment made from the leaves of the plant. To prepare it, you need to properly grind the raw materials and mix with regular Vaseline until completely homogeneous.
A useful ointment is used for bruises and inflammation of the skin, and for frostbite. The product is useful in pain-relieving compresses for sore joints; for example, you can treat a heel spur with a golden mustache.
Golden mustache balm
One of the most interesting plant-based remedies is a healing balm. To prepare it:
- mix 30 ml of a strong tincture of the plant with 40 ml of sunflower oil;
- close the stopper in a small glass vessel and shake vigorously for several minutes.
There is no need to infuse the balm - it is used immediately. You need to drink the medicine in a large spoon, three times a day, shortly before eating.
The properties of the golden mustache demonstrate particular effectiveness in gynecology and hemorrhoids. The balm based on the plant is not only taken orally, but also microenemas are made, and for gynecological diseases, tampons soaked in the balm are inserted inside.
Important! Treatment of oncology and serious gynecological ailments cannot be carried out only with balm, as this can cause harm. It is necessary to combine the product with pharmacological drugs.
Golden mustache syrup
A sweet syrup based on the plant is beneficial for colds and thins mucus in dry coughs.
The medicine is prepared as follows:
- a large leaf of callisia is ground;
- pour a glass of water and boil for 7-10 minutes;
- cool and mix with 1 large spoon of vodka;
- filter and add a little prepared sugar syrup.
In terms of volume, the finished drink should take only half a glass. Drink a teaspoon of this remedy twice a day for severe dry coughs and colds.
Fresh leaves of golden mustache
To quickly heal abrasions, burns, abscesses and ulcers, use a paste made from fresh leaves of a houseplant. The cut leaf is washed, crushed, poured with a minimum amount of hot water, and then a compress is applied to the sore spot.
Interesting Facts
Photo: Yandex.Pictures
Golden mustache was imported into Russia more than a century ago and was initially cultivated only as an ornamental houseplant. Fragrant callisia is excellent for home cultivation. This is a completely unpretentious plant that does not require universal care.
In winter, the plant feels excellent even at a temperature of +10 °C. Golden mustache loves semi-shaded places and tolerates pruning well. It grows quickly and therefore overgrows, so callisia needs to be rejuvenated every year by cuttings.
The cuttings take root in water at a temperature of 20 °C, after which they can be planted several at a time in a pot. Golden mustache likes moderate watering and frequent spraying. With good care, the golden mustache will bloom even at home.
When I was preparing this article, I specifically went to flower shops and was interested in the golden mustache. The flower is well known, but it is not on sale and is extremely rare. I got the impression that this is a rather rare plant. Offers for the sale of zloty mustache extensions from private individuals are few in number, and those that I could find set a high price. One shoot on the private market costs more than 500 rubles.
Golden mustache, like ginseng, is not so easy to find. The explanation for this is simple: plants have valuable properties and are primarily used for medicinal purposes.
The plant that has at least nine brown-purple joints on its mustache has the most healing properties.
Golden mustache treatment
For certain diseases, compositions based on medicinal houseplants are most often used. In order not to cause harm to the body, you need to know exactly how to use the golden mustache for medicinal purposes.
Golden mustache for the treatment of joints
Pain due to arthritis or arthrosis is perfectly relieved by compresses made from the pulp of a houseplant. Fresh leaves are cut and ground until a mushy mass is obtained, then wrapped in gauze and applied to the sore spot. Since you need to keep the compress for 2 hours, it should be secured with a bandage, and the procedure itself is best done in the evening.
Golden mustache tincture is also useful for joints - you can rub the sore spots with the product.
Advice! To relieve the symptoms of arthritis, you can take 5 drops of fresh plant juice twice a day. But the medicine must first be diluted with water so as not to harm yourself with the concentrated product.
Golden mustache for atherosclerosis and arrhythmia
The best remedy for problems with blood vessels and heart rhythm problems is a healthy tincture of homemade ginseng. You need to dilute 30 drops of the medicinal product in a glass of clean water and drink it no more than twice a day, half an hour before meals, so that the alcoholic product does not cause harm.
It is recommended to carry out therapy for 10 days, after which you should take a break of the same duration, and then, if necessary, continue treatment.
Treatment of cough and bronchitis
The most useful anti-cold remedy is a syrup based on a houseplant. The drug is taken in the amount of 1 teaspoon twice a day on an empty stomach until the symptoms of the disease subside. The syrup has excellent expectorant properties and quickly reduces fever.
Treatment of eye diseases
The benefits of the golden mustache are demonstrated for astigmatism, conjunctivitis and myopia. Usually, an infusion of leaves is used for medicinal purposes; cotton pads are moistened in the fresh preparation and applied to the eyes three times a day for 5 minutes.
Getting rid of warts, boils, herpes and burns
A homemade medicinal plant helps fight skin damage, cosmetic defects and inflammatory rashes. For herpes, burns and boils, it is customary to use juice, strong decoctions and medicinal tincture of golden mustache - wipe the inflamed areas on the skin with a cotton swab dipped in liquid several times a day.
Elimination of problems with the gastrointestinal tract
Useful decoctions and infusions of water help fight a variety of ailments of the digestive tract.
- For stomach ulcers, it is recommended to consume 1 large spoon of plant decoction three times a day on an empty stomach before meals.
- For cholecystitis, it will be useful to drink 1/2 glass of infusion before meals on an empty stomach three times a day.
- 1 large spoon of medicinal decoction, drunk in the morning on an empty stomach, will help with constipation. For chronic problems with bowel movements, you can make enemas from a weak chamomile decoction, to which 1 large spoon of callisia infusion has been added.
- For hemorrhoids, it is recommended to treat painful nodes with plant oil - its properties will quickly relieve inflammation and relieve pain.
For stomach diseases, you can simply chew the golden mustache in the morning and before bed on an empty stomach, but in an amount of no more than 1 joint of the stem.
Liver treatment
The houseplant benefits the liver. To help the functioning of this organ and cleanse the body of harmful substances, you need to drink 1 large spoon of the decoction three times a day before meals. The course of therapy lasts a week, then a break is taken for the same period and, if necessary, treatment is continued.
Golden mustache for osteochondrosis
Cervical osteochondrosis is usually treated comprehensively.
- Callisia tincture is taken internally - you need to drink 1 large spoon one hour before meals, three times a day. Treatment lasts no longer than a week, then you need to take a break for 2 weeks so that the medicine does not cause harm.
- The tincture can also be used externally - the product can be rubbed on sore areas twice a day for 3 minutes. Pain and inflammation from the cervical spine are relieved by compresses with golden mustache pulp - they need to be done twice a day, and kept for about 2 hours.
Golden mustache for radiculitis
Ointment from the leaves of an indoor flower will help restore mobility to the back with radiculitis. To do this, you need to lubricate your lower back three times a day and maintain a motionless position for half an hour after the procedure.
Proper flower care
How to care for a golden mustache. Tips for beginner flora lovers:
- Regular watering from spring to autumn, especially in the morning. In the autumn-winter period, the flower is already watered two to three times a week. But if the home is too hot, watering is increased. The green friend should not be in waterlogged soil, although the soil should remain moist. The leaves should be regularly sprayed with settled water, especially in hot weather, and wiped once a week with a damp cloth or cotton wool soaked in milk;
- The optimal temperature for the life of “living hair” is 25-27 degrees, and humidity up to 60%;
- In winter, the temperature is reduced (it should be at least 12 degrees);
- This representative of the flora needs frequent ventilation, so the pot can be placed on the balcony or taken outside;
- Fragrant callisia is not very demanding of light; it is quite happy with shade or partial shade;
- To give the foliage a purple tint, you need to place your green pet in direct sunlight. Then it will grow straight along the ground, because it usually grows upward in the shade. For normal flower development in the future, secure its stems to a support;
- Caring for this tropical beauty at home includes constant feeding in the form of liquid fertilizers. They must contain potassium, phosphorus and nitrogen. But the plant is very unpretentious and can grow well in simple soil. They also use loam, to which eggshells and river sand are added, or a mixture is made consisting of turf and greenhouse humus with the addition of sand;
- In the first years, the rapidly developing golden mustache needs to be transplanted into a larger container every year, and then simply check the root system and feed the soil;
- To plant a flower, it is best to take a ceramic pot with large drainage holes so that excess water drains away well. The drainage is small pebbles measuring 5-10 mm (no more) or a mixture of egg shells and river sand;
- Tying. Fragrant callisia has a rather fragile stem, so it needs additional support in the form of a wooden peg, or tying it with a rope.
Diet for golden mustache treatment
The medicinal plant has a medicinal effect if you follow a healthy diet while taking it. In particular, you will need to exclude from your diet:
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- soda and bread kvass;
- confectionery products and products high in animal fats;
- milk and fermented milk products;
- peanut;
- potatoes and bread prepared with yeast;
- pickled vegetables and pickles.
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During a healthy diet, benefits will come from cheeses and vegetables, grain bread and boiled fish, nuts and vegetable oils.
Attention! During treatment with callisia-based products, smoking and drinking alcohol are prohibited.
reference Information
Photo: Yandex.Pictures
The unique concentration of biologically active substances contained in the golden mustache ranks the plant as medicinal. Found in the plant:
❀ Phytosterols are plant hormones, biological regulators of the body’s vital functions. Stimulate protein synthesis and participate in the renewal of muscle tissue cells. Strengthen the walls of blood vessels and lower cholesterol levels.
❀ Quercetin - slows down the aging process of the body, has anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic and anti-edematous effects. In addition, it stimulates cell membranes and reduces capillary permeability.
❀ Kaemferol – fights inflammation, has tonic and diuretic properties. Removes sodium salts from the body and strengthens capillaries. Kaemferol is part of many anti-inflammatory drugs and is used for diseases of the urinary system and allergic diseases.
❀ Chromium is a regulator of carbohydrate metabolism in the body and blood sugar levels. Has a positive effect on the central nervous system and thyroid function.
❀ Sulfur – protects the body from the harmful effects of the environment and radiation. In addition, sulfur slows down the aging process of the body.
❀ Copper is a natural regulator of oxygen and carbohydrate metabolism processes.
Golden mustache kvass recipe for weight loss
Homemade flowers not only help in treating ailments, but also help get rid of extra pounds. You can make healthy and tasty kvass from the leaves and stems of plants. Make the drink as follows:
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- several leaves and stems of the plant are crushed, wrapped in clean gauze and placed in a three-liter jar;
- add a glass of sugar and 1 teaspoon of sour cream to the raw materials;
- The kvass components are poured with clean water to the top of the jar and the container is removed for 2 weeks in a warm and dark place.
After this period, the fermented kvass will be ready for use. You need to drink the drink in a certain dosage - no more than half a glass before meals to avoid harm. Healthy kvass will speed up digestive processes, help remove excess substances from the body and help quickly regain harmony.
Reproduction
There are usually no problems with reproduction. This unique plant does not cause concern to gardeners. If you don’t yet know how to propagate a golden mustache, then this article is especially for you. There are several popular methods:
- The plant reproduces by layering. This means that it will be quite easy to obtain material for planting. It is enough to ask someone to bury a twig of an adult plant.
- Sockets. In this case, it will be enough to root the plant in a glass of water and plant it in the ground.
- After flowering has finished, the tiny seeds can be collected. But this method is not common among breeders. It is much easier to use cuttings and other ready-made material.
If the plant lives in a spacious pot, then propagation is easy and simple. To do this, just dig your mustache to the ground. Very soon white roots will appear on them. Now you need to separate the seedling and move it to a permanent place of residence.
The use of golden mustache in home cosmetology
The valuable properties of callisia are used to care for facial skin; products based on the plant cleanse the skin, make it softer, and eliminate irritation.
Nourishing face mask
For dry and normal skin, the properties of such a mask will be of great benefit:
- a small cucumber is peeled, chopped and mixed with egg yolk;
- add 3 large tablespoons of olive oil;
- pour 2 large spoons of mustache infusion into the mixture, previously mixed with baby cream.
All ingredients are thoroughly mixed and then applied to the skin for half an hour.
Facial toner
A useful remedy made from golden mustache and sage is used as a refreshing and rejuvenating tonic.
- 100 g of dry sage is poured with boiling water and left for 8 hours;
- The cooled infusion is filtered and 7 teaspoons of mustache juice are added.
The toner will be beneficial if you wipe your skin with it in the mornings and evenings; it will remove fine wrinkles and deeply cleanse the face.
Rooting the shoots
Since growing a golden mustache does not pose any problem, even a beginner can handle it. The cutting can be easily obtained from a shoot, which is cut so that each contains 3-4 internodes.
It is important to water the cuttings every day as the soil dries out. It is important to ventilate the greenhouse and remove accumulated condensation. Healthy rosettes can simply be left in a glass of water. It needs to be updated periodically to avoid stem rotting. It should be noted that there are usually no big problems with rooting. The plant is very loyal to the skills of the grower and willingly produces roots. The main thing is that the soil is nutritious and moistened on time.
Collection and preparation of golden mustache
Usually, fresh leaves and shoots are used for medicinal and cosmetic purposes; they should be cut from the plant immediately before use. The most beneficial are the brownish-purple stems with a large number of “nodules” and the leaves located on them; you can see how they look in the video with a golden mustache.
If desired, the leaves and stems of the plant can be dried. Drying is carried out in a standard way - the raw materials are laid out in an even layer in a shaded place with good air access. Dry preparations are stored in paper bags or linen bags for 1-2 years.
Side effects
Like any medicine, golden mustache can cause side effects:
- Itching, swelling or swelling may occur, rarely - Quincke's edema, urticaria.
- Damage to the vocal cords may occur. This happens if the recommended doses are not followed.
- Cases of headaches have also been recorded.
In case of such reactions, you should stop taking it, and to relieve negative symptoms you need to drink enterosorbents (white coal, smecta, enterosgel, and others).
