Osmanthus flowers. Properties and benefits of osmanthus. Osmanthus plant: photo, types, cultivation, planting and care in the open field Osmanthus useful properties in cosmetology

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.

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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 Puer 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 jam from osmanthus flowers.

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

1. Bayzhanova A. Big book of tea. – M.: Eksmo. - 2015. - 125 p.

2. Zamyatin B. N. 1960. Sem. Olive - Oleaceae // Trees and shrubs of the USSR, volume V. Moscow, Leningrad. "The science". – 584 p.

3. Shlykov G. N. 1936. Introduction of plants. Moscow, Leningrad: Selkhozgiz. - 1986. - 342 p.

4. Petrov V. V. Miracles of our subtropics.: Nauka, 1976. - 152 p.

5. Top 100 fragrances, how to choose and wear perfume /L. Turin, T. Sanchez. – M.: Mann, 2014. – 192 p.

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.

Osmanthus is good, right, healthy and tasty. And above all, osmanthus is incredibly fragrant! In Chinese, osmanthus is written like this - 桂花. And it is pronounced like this - Guihua. It is also often referred to as cinnamon blossom or fragrant olive. And so, and so, and so - right.

In China, osmanthus is grown in the province of Guangxi, in the suburbs of Guilin County (广西桂林). These places are famous all over the world for two things - their incredible rocks and osmanthus. It's really very beautiful here. Locals have been growing osmanthus here for nearly a century.

Osmanthus, like other "flower teas", can be brewed as an independent drink or as an additive.

If you are brewing osmanthus yourself, then for one tea leaves you will need 2-3 grams of flowers. The water temperature should be 90-95 degrees. Brewing time - from 1 to 3 minutes. With the brewing time, you can independently adjust the "volume" of the infusion.

Osmanthus infusion has the brightest aroma, it is strong, vigorous and resilient. And amazing taste with a light, barely perceptible, sourness. There is no understatement and half-hints in this infusion, which are so characteristic of Chinese teas. But, on the contrary, it is very understandable and impetuous.

The Chinese endow osmanthus with a whole list of medicinal properties. So, it is believed that it cleanses the body, promotes the removal of toxins, is a rejuvenating agent, stimulates blood circulation and cell metabolism. In addition, osmanthus is used as a mild pain reliever. If you drink an infusion of osmanthus daily, then in a year you will look five years younger. And for two - for ten. But be careful not to turn back into a child. Do you know why the Chinese often behave like children? Because they are addicted to osmanthus. I'm serious!

Osmanus is good on its own, but no less interesting as an additive. And there are no restrictions here. He plays well in Pu-erh, and in red teas, and in oolongs. You can add a little osmanthus to your favorite teas and you will be surprised how much they change their taste and aroma. Any, even the most brutal tea, he will make soft and docile. Osmanthus smooths out sharp corners in taste and adds charm to any tea dish.

If you want to use osmanthus as a tea additive, simply put 1 gram along with the tea leaf in a gaiwan or teapot. You can put a little more or a little less - this is already to taste and on the eye. Be prepared to be surprised at how different the scent you are used to will be.

I wouldn't recommend brewing osmanthus with elite 25-year-old Puerh or the most expensive Oolongs. Obviously, such teas should be drunk clean. But if there are simpler samples in your collection, then, I assure you, osmanthus will open them from a new side. Try it. It's damn exciting!

How much do osmanthus flowers cost (average price for 1 pack)?

Moscow and Moscow region

The beneficial properties of osmanthus or the evergreen Osmanthus from the Olive family were the first to be used in traditional folk medicine by the people of China. Over time, osmanthus flowers and the essential oil of the plant have earned the reputation of effective medicines. In addition, decoctions prepared from the rhizome, as well as the stems of the plant, are used for medical purposes.

Currently, there are about 30 different types of osmanthus that grow throughout the tropical climate of Asia. In addition, osmanthus grows in the Americas and the Caucasus. Osmanthus is considered to be native to China, as well as Japan and the Himalaya region. Osmanthus is a shrub that rarely exceeds 10 meters in height.

Osmanthus flowers are actively used in the food industry as a flavoring and aromatic additive. Most often, osmanthus flowers, due to their distinctive aromatic abilities, are used as natural flavors in drinks, mainly teas. It is believed that osmanthus flowers are ideal as a flavoring agent for red, dark, and also black oolong teas.

Benefits of Osmanthus

Due to the properties of osmanthus, the flowers of the plant stand out with an unforgettable aroma of ripe peaches or apricots. In order to preserve the unique natural properties of the plant, osmanthus flowers are dried. As mentioned earlier, there is a unique benefit of osmanthus for the human body, which is expressed in the general strengthening properties of the plant.

In addition, the benefits of osmanthus lie in the chemical composition of the plant. Osmanthus contains a large amount of valuable essential oil, the composition of which is complex and contains a significant amount of compounds that are unconditionally beneficial to the human body. The aroma of osmanthus can cheer up and cheer up in a matter of seconds.

Often, osmanthus is called a plant that charges the human body with energy. Osmanthus essential oil is actively used in aromatherapy and folk medicine in Asian countries. Osmanthus brings invaluable benefits as a cosmetic product. The essential oil of osmanthus, as well as decoctions from the rhizome, flowers and stems of the plant, are used in the treatment of certain diseases of the skin of the human body.

Osmanthus has a beneficial effect on human skin, moisturizes and nourishes its deep layers, thereby preventing premature aging. With regular use, osmanthus essential oil helps to restore the healthy look and beauty of the skin.

In addition, osmanthus has sedative properties, as well as the ability to stabilize blood pressure. Due to its distinctive biological parameters, such a plant as osmanthus has found application in the food, cosmetic and pharmacological industries.

Caloric content of osmanthus flowers 0.1 kcal

Energy value of osmanthus flowers (Proportion of proteins, fats, carbohydrates - bzhu):

: 0 g. (~0 kcal)
: 0 g. (~0 kcal)
: 0 g. (~0 kcal)

Energy ratio (b|g|y): 0%|0%|0%