Medicinal secrets of kalanchoe: Boost your home's health
Did you know that many decorative houseplants have health benefits? One such plant is the popular kalanchoe. Discover why it's worth having in your home and how to harness its medicinal properties.
Kalanchoe is increasingly popular among home gardeners. Its unique medicinal properties attract those looking for aesthetically pleasing decorations and individuals seeking natural health remedies. This plant, a member of the succulent family, originates from Madagascar and is characterised by juicy, fleshy leaves capable of storing water. This feature makes it highly resistant to adverse climatic conditions.
So, why should you have a kalanchoe at home? There are many reasons. Firstly, it's relatively easy to care for, making it an excellent choice even for novice plant enthusiasts. Secondly, thanks to its natural properties that support the immune system, kalanchoe can be an important addition to your home remedy collection. How do you care for a kalanchoe?
What benefits does growing kalanchoe bring?
Kalanchoe, in addition to its attractive appearance, offers numerous health benefits, earning it the nickname "home medicine cabinet." It is rich in vitamins and minerals, and its juice has anti-inflammatory and antiviral effects, which can help treat minor cuts, insect bites, or skin conditions such as acne. The juice can also soothe a sore throat or cough. Just a few drops of juice added to tea or water can help alleviate upper respiratory infections.
Let's not forget its benefits are not limited to external applications. Kalanchoe can speed up wound healing and bolster the body's defences against cold symptoms by strengthening the immune system. This is one of those plants that not only blooms beautifully but also contributes to our health.
How to grow kalanchoe?
One of the key aspects of growing kalanchoe is selecting the right location in your home. This plant prefers bright, well-lit spots, but the light should be diffused. Direct sunlight can cause leaf burns, negatively impacting its development. An ideal spot would be a windowsill facing east or west.
Another crucial factor is temperature. Kalanchoe thrives in typical room conditions, with temperatures ranging between 18 and 25 degrees Celsius. Consider the humidity of the air too—the plant doesn't require particular attention in this regard, but it can be lightly misted with water in very dry rooms.
Read also: These plants can help reduce humidity in the home
Watering should be moderate, as the plant doesn't like its roots to be overwatered. It's recommended to water it once a week, and even less frequently in winter. It's better to have the plant a bit dry than too wet.
Cactus soil is ideal. It's permeable, preventing water from stagnating. Regularly removing wilted leaves and flowers promotes healthy growth and extends blooming, ensuring the kalanchoe looks spectacular year-round. Light fertilising during the growth period will help it fully bloom.
How to prepare kalanchoe juice?
Before you start preparing the juice, ensure you have fresh kalanchoe leaves on hand. Ideally, they should come from your own cultivation, guaranteeing their best quality. Choose large, green, and healthy leaves, as they contain the most nutrients.
The first step in preparing the juice is to thoroughly wash the leaves under running water to remove any impurities. Then dry the leaves and wrap them in paper, and place them in the refrigerator for a few days. The cooling process enhances the plant's medicinal properties. After this, cut the leaves into cubes and, using a wooden spoon or pestle, gently crush them to form a pulp. Place the pulp along with the juice back in the refrigerator for a few more hours to enhance its potency. The final step is to strain the pulp through a sieve to obtain pure juice ready for consumption.
