Mint Mexican lofant amethyst medicinal properties. Disorders of the organs of detoxification

Among the many "tamed" by man, none is surrounded by so many rumors, rumors, myths about their own healing properties, as lofant.

Description and beneficial features lofanta

Being overly carried away by stories about miraculous features, many forget that it is also very beautiful flower what everyone is talking about lofant photo.

Description

Since it is known mainly to specialists, curious cases often occur - having acquired the seeds of a plant, summer residents are waiting for something resembling a plantain to grow out of them, and they are planted in the most inconspicuous empty place.

And, of course, the next season they are transplanted to the most prominent and honorable, since not something ordinary-looking has grown from the seeds, but real, incomparable beauty.

lofant plant- this is a tall perennial herbaceous, which, under good conditions for itself, can grow from a meter to two in height, while not forgetting to please everyone around with slender "candles" of flowering spikelet inflorescences. Because of such original form structure of flowers, it was assigned to the Agastachys family, that is, multi-grate.

The leaves surrounding the tetrahedral stem look no less decorative than the flowering spikelets. They have an elongated oval shape and a large number of curly notches along the edges. The bush itself usually consists of four solid stems and at least ten peduncles.

Flowering begins in early May and ends in mid-September. Seeds ripen by the end of October. Although, for many who are not familiar with him, lofant- medicinal grass, it also has a very pleasant, delicate summer aroma, cut for a long time in vases, and, in addition to decorative properties and a pleasant smell, it is one of the best honey plants on our planet.

Benefits and contraindications of lofant

O beneficial properties of the lofant there are a lot of rumors, someone considers it a panacea for literally everything, someone, on the contrary, is convinced of its almost harmfulness. The plant is indeed one of the most powerful natural biostimulants. According to the effect of exposure, it is quite comparable with ginseng.

Lofant, brewed like regular tea, is capable of:

strengthen the body's immune system;

get rid of nervous exhaustion and psychosomatic manifestations;

cope with a breakdown and manifestations of chronic fatigue;

tone both the intestines and other internal organs.

It is also used in official medicine. The plant is the basis of many medicinal and homeopathic preparations, including formulations for inhalation, intended for the treatment of:

bronchial asthma;

tonsillitis;

bronchitis of all varieties;

pneumonia;

angina of any type;

disorders genitourinary system;

kidney disease;

pathologies thyroid gland;

hypotension and hypertension;

intestinal diseases, for example, atony;

congestion in the bile ducts and in the inflection of the gallbladder itself;

fungal infections;

dermatitis, including those that appear "on nervous ground»;

headaches.

It is also actively used in cosmetology, it is part of many shampoos, emulsions, creams and serums. Of course I found lofant application and in folk medicine, and in home cosmetology.

In order to use the plant, it is not at all necessary to have your own garden, because its healing fees are sold in every pharmacy, both in pure form and in combination. mint—lofant”- a very good soothing, lulling evening drink comes out of this collection.

As for contraindications, this is prohibited for those who suffer from cancer, as its components can stimulate the growth of cancer cells. Other contraindications lofant does not have.

Planting and propagation of the lofant

Typically for the first landing lofant purchased in the form of finished seedlings, or pre-sprout its seeds. The soil is prepared in the fall, carefully digging, choosing all the roots and rubbish, and introducing humus.

In the spring, when the earth completely thaws, as a rule, at the end of April, they dig it up again, and just before planting the bushes, both mineral and organic fertilizers. Ready complex for any honey plants is quite suitable.

The distance when planting between bushes or to others should be at least 30-35 cm. As for reproduction, this plant loves to reproduce in all possible ways:

The division of the bush.

You can divide the parent bush either in early autumn or in spring, before bud formation. as a rule, very large plant and "split" into 3-5 parts. Which immediately sit down in new places.

cuttings.

The cuttings take root in the same way as in berry bushes, that is, immediately in the soil, without prior germination in water. Cuttings can be carried out until mid-summer, otherwise they will not have time to settle down and start up a sufficient number of roots for wintering.

seedlings.

Collected in October lofant seeds sown in containers or peat pots at the end of March. Unlike many other inhabitants of the garden, a plant grown from seeds blooms in the first season of its life.

Seeds.

Seeds can also be sown directly into the ground. They do this in the middle or at the end of May, when the earth has warmed up enough. The depth should not exceed 1.5 cm. For faster germination, you can cover the landing site with a film.

Such bushes will bloom in the same season, if they have time, as a rule, flowering occurs, it just starts late and lasts, respectively, not very long. But the seeds will begin to ripen only in the second season.

Lofant Care

At growing lofant presents no difficulty.

Watering.

Does not tolerate both drought and stagnant water. Accordingly, it should be watered as needed.

Fertilizers.

Usually, only those bushes that are not planned to be used as medicinal raw materials are fertilized. If decorative and honey-bearing are in the first place, then top dressing should be applied three times per season - mineral complexes for flowering garden plants quite suitable, and in the fall, before wintering and after the seeds ripen, organic matter is introduced. You can use both ready-made complex fertilizers, or just add either compost or humus.

Weeding.

The plant itself does not inhibit growth weeds, so you will have to weed as the weeds grow. As for the choice of location, the plant feels good in any light and ventilation, and also does not need shelter on winter time. Many experienced flower growers cut off the shoots of the bush in the fall, leaving about half the growth, but this is not necessary at all.

Types and varieties of lofant

In total, there are 11 species of this in the world, but not all are popular in gardens. Florists prefer to grow:

Lofant Tibetan

Another name known, for example, Far East- Korean mint, although the plant has nothing to do with mint.

This is a low grass bush, 1-1.2 meters high and 0.7 to 0.9 meters wide, that is, almost square. The length of the leaves reaches 10 cm, and the length of the flowering spikelets is 20-25 cm. The colors of the drop-down are white, purple, violet and pink.

The plant is incredibly beautiful and also very useful, while it is not demanding at all. However, when growing in a garden, you need to consider that there are contraindications - lofant tibetan very intensely attracts not only bees and all other insects, but also animals, both wild and quite domestic.

Even if there is no forest with animals nearby, it is not worth planting a plant in the center of the flower garden, because at any moment in this flower garden you can find a neighbor's dog lying on his back, or frolicking field mice.

Lofant Anise

It grows up to one and a half meters, blooms all season. bright lilac, pink, bluish-lilac. He loves mineral fertilizers very much, has a bright persistent aroma of anise, which fills the air in the whole garden in calm weather.

The richest variety of all in terms of the content of essential oils - in the ground part of the bush, its share is up to 16%. The oil contains from 75 to 80 percent of methylchavicol, which is still only in anise, however, in a smaller amount.

Lofant Mexican

Favorite of all gardeners. Miniature, grows only up to 70-80 cm. It blooms with bright red or pale pink ears, reaching half the total length of the shoot.

Unlike its larger counterparts, this variety tolerates drought well, is completely indifferent to fertilizers, grows well and blooms for years even on the most meager soils.

Susceptible to formation, it is quite possible to get a round flowering ball from it, although this will take some effort. As a honey plant, it is significantly inferior to other species, unattractive for insects.

This allows it to be used in house gardening, porch gardening and grown on a balcony, where it also feels great. It has all the useful features that characterize the data.

Diseases and pests of the lofant

To lofant properties includes his own "iron" health. The plant is not damaged by pests and does not get sick.The only exception may be stagnant water or a long drought, however, the bush patiently resists and waits. bad conditions, therefore, there is no talk of death from drying out or decay of the roots.Moreover, planted in different places of the garden, repels pests and infectious diseases and from their neighbors, healing the entire site.

In general, the flower is universal. It is beautiful, like an element of a flowering landscape, useful for a person and a garden, as for the cost, then lofant buy in season, in the form of seedlings, it is possible for 30-40 rubles, and the seeds will cost much less, their cost does not exceed 15 rubles.

You will not find this plant in the wild. Encyclopedias and reference books do not mention him. The fact is that the anise lofant was bred by breeders. This healing perennial from the Lamiaceae family is very useful, has wonderful aromatic, melliferous and medicinal properties.

Anise lofant is a relative of lemon balm and catnip, but it acts on viruses, microbes and fungi more strongly than they do.

When the lofant blooms, a strong anise aroma spreads around, because its aerial part contains about 1.5% essential oil, which consists of 70% methyl chavicol.

What kind of plant is this, anise lofant? This is a perennial herbaceous shrub with tetrahedral stems 1-1.5 m in height. The leaves are heart- and lanceolate with serrated edges. The bush consists of 4-5 stems, on which 8-10 peduncles grow in the form of ears of sapphire color, each 14-16 cm long.

Over time, the number of stems doubles and the bush grows up to 1.8 m. The flowers on the ears are small, blue-violet. Lofant blooms from June to August, but the beginning of budding can be observed already at the end of May. But if you systematically cut flowering branches, then their number will only increase over time, as additional branches grow. In this case, the bees will be able to enjoy the lofant for 3-4 months. In one place, anise lofant grows for 5-6 years without loss of flowering quality.

Growing anise lofant is not at all difficult. It is unpretentious, but does not grow on any soil, it is drought-resistant, tolerates slight frosts. Anise lofant propagates by seeds, seedlings and dividing the bush. The fastest and most common method of propagation is by seeds, directly into the ground.

The soil for growing anise lofant should be light fertile. Does not grow on swampy, sandy and excessively calcareous soils.

When propagating a lofant by dividing a bush, it is dug up and divided into parts so that each has a piece of root and 4-5 renewal buds.

At seed propagation lofant, you need to know that the germination of its seeds lasts 2-3 years. In autumn, when digging the soil to a depth of 25-30 cm, it is advisable to apply fertilizers (potassium salt 15-20 g per 1 sq.m., superphosphate - 2-3 g per 1 sq.m., manure - 1-2 kg per 1 sq.m.). m). In the spring, the prepared area is harrowed and leveled. Sow seeds in March in loose, moist soil. To a depth of no more than 2-2.5 cm, with a row spacing of 70 cm. Seedlings appear in 12-14 days. The first 3 weeks they grow slowly, so during this time they need to be given Special attention- weed, water. In phase 5 of true leaves, the lofant is gaining strength, has a good root system and begins to grow very quickly. If necessary, the seedlings are thinned out.

Already in the first year, the seedling grows to 120-150 cm in height and blooms by autumn. In the second year of the lofant's life during the summer, pour 2 times with a solution of superphosphate (20 g per 10 liters of water per 2-3 sq.m.).

You can sow lofant seeds in the fall, before winter, then the plants bloom earlier and give a lot of seeds.

And in the second year, as soon as the snow melts, the lofant quickly begins to grow. At one place at necessary care it can grow up to 10 years. And you can grow it in the room and on the balcony.

In March-April, lofant seedlings are grown. For 30 minutes, soak the seeds of the lofant in a pink solution of potassium permanganate, dry it and put it in the refrigerator for a day to the very top. Sow seeds in steamed soil to a depth of 0.5 cm, having previously made a groove. Water, sprinkle with earth and cover with a transparent film or glass for 5-6 days, until the first shoots appear. Water the seedlings between the rows, add a drop to the water boric acid to protect plants from blackleg. in 25-30 days, when they will have 4-5 leaves.

At the end of May, when stable warm days begin, the grown seedlings can be transplanted into open ground, keeping distances between rows of 20-25 cm and between rows of 60-70 cm. After planting the lofant, regularly carry out weeding, loosening and hilling.

Useful and medicinal properties of anise lofant: application

Science proven healing properties anise lofant. It is used in folk medicine in many countries. There is almost no such disease in which the lofant would not help. In addition, there are no contraindications for its use, it does not give any complications when used internally.

Preparations made from the lofant are used for the immune defense of the body, for disorders of the nervous and cardiovascular systems, diseases of the liver, pancreas. Lofant relieves inflammation gastrointestinal tract, genitourinary system of both men and women. It is especially effective in the treatment of colds, bronchitis, pneumonia, bronchial asthma. It is useful to do with it inhalations, therapeutic baths for children and people with poor health. Clinics have achieved positive results in the treatment of a number of skin diseases.

Preparations from the lofant cleanse the body of metabolic products, toxic substances that enter it with air, water, food, and help remove heavy metals. They are recommended for improper metabolism, as well as for those who live in conditions of atmospheric and radiation pollution.

Cosmetic preparations, which include lofant, smooth out wrinkles, making the skin of the face elastic and young, and also strengthen the hair roots on the head.

For internal use, make such an infusion from the lofant: 2 tbsp. spoons of chopped lofant raw materials are poured with 2 cups of boiling water, insisted for 20 minutes, filtered. This infusion is recommended to drink 120-150 ml 3 times a day 20 minutes before meals. Reduce the dose for children. For external use, twice as much raw material is taken for the same amount of water.

For treatment, the aerial part is cut off during flowering at a height of 20 cm and dried in the shade. Stored in paper bags.

The young leaves of lofant are very useful. They are rich in vitamins, microelements, phytoncides, etc. They are used for making salads, soups, okroshka.

All parts of the lofant are also used as a flavoring agent. True, some housewives may not like the anise aroma, but it is he who has a positive effect on the respiratory system and it is because of him that the lofant is added to tea, jelly, compote, marinades, homemade tinctures, wines. However, you should remember the strong aroma of the plant, so as not to overdo it, as they say.

Lofant is an excellent honey plant. The flowers contain a lot of nectar, so they give a constant honey flow for 4 months. Bees take a bribe until the end of August - September, when there are already very few natural honey plants. Lofantovy honey is golden, fragrant, healing.

Here is such a valuable plant - anise lofant. We recommend everyone to settle it in their gardens.

It all started quite innocently
I wanted to deal with the purchased bags of lofant

For convenience, I numbered them and began to study the issue.

Offhand, it can be seen that on #1 and #2 - it is written that the mint is Mexican.
No. 2 and No. 5 - mixtures.
No. 4 and No. 7 - it is written that Korean mint.
#3 and #4 are suspiciously similar to each other.
No. 3 - some kind of mint Golden Jubilee
No. 6 - some kind of mint Burning sunset.

I’ll clarify right away that I needed a Lofant with medicinal properties(for tea), and that is why I went online for information in order to clarify which particular lofant I needed from the ones I bought.

The first source is Wikipedia.
Wikipedia offers such a list of the main types of Polygon / Agastakhe / Lofant.

From this entire list, there is a link with information on only one Lofant - the Wrinkled Polygon. I follow the link
and this is what it says:

Yes, that seems to be what I'm looking for. Brief summary:
Multi-column, aka Lofant, aka Agastakhe.
It is considered especially valuable medicinal variety,
Agastache rugosa/ Wrinkled polygon / Tibetan lofant / Korean mint /

This species is considered the only medicinal view Lofant, the rest are decorative e. There is also anise - but about it a little later .

Among my seeds, only two are named "Korean mint" - #4 and #7. But #4 is very similar to #3, so how do I tell Korean mint from other varieties of lofant? And what other types of lofant do I have, how can I use them? I went looking for information...

But again, someone combined Tibetan and anise lofants, and claims that they have exactly the same properties:

And the second time I stumble upon what they write that Tibetan lofant has white flowers, and anise - lilac ....
Where is the truth???

The most funny thing is that the anise lofant is generally outside the classifications !!!
And the firm "Aelita" manages to sell it under the guise of Hyssop (aniseed)! Although they are different plants.

Anise Lofant is also called:

Anise comb flower, Giant hyssop, Anise hyssop, Large blue hyssop

So what is he?
The only source explaining where this aniseed hyssop came from writes this(and that without proof!):

"You will not find this plant in the wild. Encyclopedias and reference books do not mention it. The fact is that anise lofant was bred by breeders. This medicinal perennial from the Lamiaceae family is very useful, has wonderful aromatic, melliferous and medicinal properties. Anise lofant is a relative lemon balm and catnip, but it acts on viruses, microbes and fungi more strongly than they do."

But still, I still did not understand what variety this anise lofant was derived from and whether it can be used in the same way as the Tibetan one.
And how to distinguish them all from each other.
And what kind of seeds do I have, after all.

It is more or less clear that No. 6 is 99% mountain Lofant. And that's not a fact, but let's assume.

The questions remain are:

1. Are lofants #1 and #2 Mexican? How to distinguish it from the rest?
2. No. 3, Golden Jubilee, is this fennel or anise lofant?

Photos of my "yellow lofant"

3. And what is anise lofant in general? What kind of lofant did it originate from and does it have the healing properties of the Tibetan lofant? How to distinguish it from the rest?
4. Are No. 4 and No. 7 really Korean mint (Tibetan lofant)?
5. What is mix #5?

The answers to these questions are extremely important to me, because. I have to know EXACTLY what kind of grass I will dry and brew into tea.

Help from the audience is VERY welcome!)))

UPD 2: I also found a wonderful thing about the "Golden Jubilee" (which was either fennel or anise, but similar to Tibetan, but definitely not))) Now it has become Mexican! (See pictures in a box in the paragraph "Soil")

March 2018 UPD:
Since many people ask about the results of the experiment, I will answer here.
I added a picture with seeds, because the old one crashed.


1. All lofants from the list could not be planted. Didn't plant the last batch.
2. In connection with the birth of a child, the garden was almost abandoned for two seasons, so the markers with the names drowned in the weeds and broke, so the purity of the experiment was slightly disturbed.
3. No. 1, No. 2 and Golden Jubilee have an identical smell of anise. They are not suitable for brewing in tea, a very specific smell. The Golden Jubilee for the third year did not survive. The one that grew up with me (pictured above) is exactly what he was.
4. I suspect that Korean Mint (second from the bottom) has also grown in me. The smell is also anise, although the leaves are slightly different.
5. Mint dusting sunset was outwardly not like all the others. 2 branches grew, and unfortunately they did not survive the winter, so I never tried it (((
So all the commentators who wrote that almost all of these lofants are the same and identified them as "agastahe rugosa (?), he is also a multi-growth - turned out to be right.
But I still hope to find the one that is useful and without anise smell.)))

Flower growers note the diversity and decorativeness of species and varieties lofanta , its ability to bloom from mid-summer to late autumn. Beekeepers pay attention to the fact that it is herbaceous plant magnificent honey plant: bees collect as much honey from one hectare as per hectare white locust or lindens , only trees need to be grown for several years, and this perennial blooms in the first year after planting.

Finally, some herbalists claim that in their medicinal properties it is comparable to the root ginseng , especially one of its types - lofant tibetan . Perhaps the last statement should be treated with sufficient caution, as, indeed, with all recommendations relating to health. In any case, until the lofant was included in the official collections medicinal herbs. But, of course, this is a very pleasant spicy-aromatic plant, the greens of which, both fresh and dried, can be used in salads, pickles, marinades, jams, and drinks.

The leaves and stem of the lofant look very similar to mint , which is natural since it also belongs to the family labial (laminatum). Some of its species (and there are about 25 in total) are called: Mexican mint, Korean mint, hummingbird mint. In general, there is some confusion with the names of this plant. There is an old Latin name Lophanthus and new Agastache- agastachis; both in the literature and in the sale of seeds, both the first and the second are found. And if you take into account the popular names, then it’s quite difficult to figure out what kind of what belongs to. Therefore, we will leave the debate about the correct name to botanists, and we ourselves will talk about how to grow this crop.

One of the most common types is lofant anise (Lophanthus anisatus) is native to North America. On its basis, varieties with white, blue, purple spike-shaped inflorescences were bred. The bush (about a meter high) grows quickly and looks very impressive. Therefore, the plant is appropriate in a mixborder, and in a spicy garden bed, and in an ornamental garden. It's good for cutting.

A place for a lofant is selected sunny, with light, fertile and drained soil, it does not tolerate stagnant water. The plant is unpretentious, care consists in weeding and loosening the earth, it can grow in one place for five to six years.

True, in frosty snowless winters in middle lane lofant freezes. Therefore, it is more reliable to plant it on a raised bed or flower bed, and cut and cover before wintering. But even if something unpleasant happens, it is easy to resume planting by sowing the crop again, as the lofant blooms in the first year after sowing. True, closer to autumn. To get more early flowering, you can grow a crop through seedlings, sowing its small seeds in March-April. Seeds germinate at 20°C. Seedlings are planted in late May - early June.

It is easy to propagate the lofant and vegetatively - by dividing the bush, cuttings, layering.

Does not tolerate stagnant water.

Unpretentious, care consists in loosening the soil and weeding.

In frosty snowless winters it freezes.

Lofant is called an anise, fennel, dill plant because of the strong spicy smell exuded by its long inflorescences. The plant does not belong to the list of pharmacopeias, but is popular among traditional healers due to its therapeutic qualities. The medicinal properties of lofant are based on the action of essential oil: anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, healing. Its components normalize the work of the immune, as well as the cardiovascular system.

The plant is distributed as a wild plant, and is also cultivated for the extraction of essential oil. It is possible to use a lofant in the form of a spice.

Growth area

The greatest distribution of the lofant is observed in the middle climatic zone. The plant has spread from North America. The wild lofant is found throughout the United States, as well as in adjacent regions of Canada. In Russia, the lofant can be found in the Caucasus and Siberia. Areas of plant cultivation - Astrakhan, Saratov, Moscow region. Lofant is found on the European continent in all countries with temperate climate: in Ukraine, Poland, Moldova. Distributed in the Crimea.

Dryish soils are ideal for lofant growth. steppe zone, as well as rocky soils foothill area. Lofant loves good lighting, under sunbeams grows rapidly, forming semi-shrub thickets.

Morphological features

The plant belongs to herbaceous perennials, although according to appearance may be confused with subshrub. The fact is that the aerial part of the grass actively branches, and each individual branch of the plant ends with its own inflorescence, forming a three-dimensional likeness of a shrub crown. The plant looks like this.

• Root. Rod root system lofanta has a well-developed, fleshy main root, from which numerous additional roots extend, significantly increasing the water absorption area and useful substances from the soil.
• Stem. The single stem of the lofant branches many times. The surface of the stem is light green in color, most often has four edges. Stems erect, leafy.
• Leaves. They have a decorative value because of their unusual appearance. Lofant leaves are different large sizes- reach a length of 10 cm. The entire leaf plate is green, and in older leaves it has a bright purple-brown tan. The shape of the leaf plate is broadly lanceolate, with a heart-shaped base. The leaves are attached with long petioles, the placement is opposite. The edge of the sheet plate is serrate.
• Flowers. Flowering is observed from July to October. Each two-lipped flower in the inflorescence fades within a week after flowering, but is replaced by a new bud, which is why the plant is in the flowering phase for so long. The long term for the development of inflorescences gives rise to the decorative value of the lofant. Spike inflorescences stretch upwards, having impressive volumes. The length of the inflorescence can reach 15 cm, and the diameter is 3 cm. The flowers are purple, pink, blue-pink in color.
• Fruit. They have an oblong oval shape. These are brown nuts. Many smooth seeds are concentrated inside them.

At favorable conditions several harvests of raw materials can be harvested from the same thickets in a season, since the cut plant grows very quickly. In folk medicine, the healing properties of the Tibetan lofant are also valued. It's worth saying that medicinal properties, as well as the chemical composition of both plants is similar. The main morphological difference between the species is the color of the flowers. In the Tibetan species, they are white.

Procurement of raw materials

For medicinal purposes, only the aerial part of the anise lofant is used - young shoots collected during the budding period or immediately after the start of flowering. The basics of the preparation are as follows.

• Collection of raw materials. Shoots are cut with garden shears, retreating 10 cm from the soil. It is desirable that the length of the collected branches does not exceed 20 cm. Re-harvesting the lofant for the winter involves cutting the grass, retreating 20 cm from the soil.
• Training. The collected branches with inflorescences are sorted for impurities, knitted into small panicles or laid out in one layer on a pallet lined with paper or cotton cloth.
• Drying. Occurs when hanging raw materials on a thick thread or placing a pallet with grass in a shaded place, with good, preferably cross-ventilation. When using the dryer, observe temperature regime up to 40 °С.

Dried grass is crushed to make it easier to pack and store. Well-dried raw materials are fragile, have a characteristic spicy smell, as well as a bitter taste.

It is necessary to store the herb in compliance with the rules for essential oil raw materials - a sealed or dense container made of cardboard or glass is used. A dark place with good ventilation is suitable for storage. The shelf life of dried herbs is 1 year.

What are the medicinal properties of lofant

main component chemical composition plants, accounting for 15% of the amount of all compounds, is an essential oil. The main substance - the basis of the specific anise aroma of the plant - methyl chavicol. In general, scientists have isolated about 20 aromatic compounds from the anise lofant essential oil, which have different pharmacological and physical properties and cause different shades of the plant's aroma.

Depending on the place where the plant grows and the predominance of a certain chemical compound in the essential oil, lofant may have predominant citrus or lemon shades of smell, gently enveloping the main anise aroma. Lofant essential oil is endowed with a variety of beneficial properties.

• Influence on the central nervous system. Improves the performance of the central nervous system activates thought processes. Shows mild sedative properties that do not cause drowsiness. In general, we can say that the lofant helps to concentrate, improve memory.
• Influence on immunity. Lofant improves the immune response of protective cells, prevents the development of viral and bacterial diseases, and also speeds up recovery from existing infectious diseases. Lofant essential oil is a source of antioxidants that neutralize radicals, which determines the ability of the plant to slow down the aging process of cells human body.
• Influence on the glands. Lofant regulates the work of the endocrine glands, leading to the normalization of the ratio of hormones.
• Effect on the skin. Lofant essential oil exhibits anti-inflammatory, regenerating, decongestant and anti-exudative effects.

Useful material

In addition to the essential oil, lofant is rich in other specific compounds that have pharmacological activity.

• Tannin. Interacting with the proteins of the skin and mucous membranes, it forms a protective film, preventing chemical, mechanical, and bacterial irritation of the damaged epithelium. Tannin, as a tannin in the composition of the lofant, has a bacteriostatic, astringent, anti-exudative and hemostatic effect, which is actively used in the treatment of burns, wounds, scratches, and skin diseases.
• Oleanic acid. It has antihypertensive properties, due to the ability to eliminate vascular spasms. Shows the ability to reduce the level of cholesterol in the blood, creating the prevention of atherosclerosis. Improves the condition of the vascular walls - normalizes their permeability, increases elasticity. In complex therapy with antibiotics, it enhances their effect.
• Ursolic acid. Eliminates inflammatory processes in the vascular walls, improves peripheral blood flow, stimulating skin regeneration and hair growth. Has antihypertensive properties. Stimulates the formation of urine, improves the excretion of salt deposits from the body. Stimulates the natural synthesis of collagen in the body.
• Diosmin. A compound from the group of flavonoids that exhibits anti-varicose activity. Diosmin normalizes the condition of the vascular walls, gently thins the blood, preventing thrombophlebitis. Normalizes arterial, venous, lymphatic outflow, showing the ability to eliminate edema.
• Glycosides. They have mild laxative, diuretic, irritant properties. Glycosides also have antimicrobial activity.
• Vitamin C. The most powerful antioxidant in the composition of the lofant, which is necessary for the body as a prevention of premature aging, as well as for other physiological processes: hematopoiesis, iron absorption, nervous and immune system, support the normal state of veins and capillaries. Known hepatoprotective properties of ascorbic acid.
• bitterness. They have an irritating effect on the cells of the digestive tract. Improve the secretion of digestive juices, normalize the intestinal microflora. Contribute to the rapid recovery of the body during physical exhaustion. Activate appetite.

All chemical compounds that are part of the lofant improve metabolic processes in the human body.

Use for various ailments

The scientific study of the composition and pharmacological value of lofant grass began only in the 21st century, which caused a clear lack of information regarding the healing properties of the plant.

Diseases of the skin and hair

It has been scientifically proven that the composition of lofant essential oil in combination with tannins can be used externally for the treatment of:

• dermatitis of fungal, bacterial, allergic origin;
• burns;
• frostbite;
• eczematous, psoriatic, seborrheic rashes;
• alopecia.

Bronchopulmonary diseases

Lofant is able to normalize the work of the ciliated epithelium of the bronchi, to ensure the purification of the lungs from sputum. The plant relieves paroxysmal cough. The beneficial effect of lofant oil on the condition respiratory tract, allows you to use the plant for the treatment of the following diseases:

• pneumonia;
• tuberculosis;
• asthma;
• tracheitis;
• laryngitis;
• hoarseness.

Vascular pathologies

The benefits of anise lofant for the human body also lie in its ability to normalize the state of blood vessels and improve blood flow, gently regulate pressure. The plant is used for therapy:

• migraines with VVD;
• headaches;
• edema of various localization;
• violation of the trophism of peripheral tissues;
• varicose veins;
• fragility of capillaries;
• hypertension;
• diabetes, to prevent complications.

Disorders of the organs of detoxification

In addition, the lofant helps to restore the functioning of the liver and pancreas even after severe intoxication. The plant is used to treat anorexia and other eating disorders, as well as in the absence of appetite that accompanies serious illness.

Among the indications for the use of the lofant there are also violations of the genitourinary system:

• cystitis;
• urethritis;
• prostatitis;
• pyelonephritis;
• potency disorders;
• male and female infertility of a hormonal nature.

The immunostimulating effect of the lofant is useful for eliminating colds, as well as for accelerating the recovery of the body after illness.

In folk medicine, the plant is used to treat inflammatory diseases of the oral mucosa, otitis, conjunctivitis. Lofant can be used for cosmetic purposes for the face, to improve the condition of the scalp. By activating the peripheral blood flow, the lofant improves and accelerates hair growth. The anti-cancer properties of the plant are relevant for the treatment of skin cancers.

Is this plant safe?

Side effects from the use of the lofant include vasodilatation with a subsequent decrease in pressure, a bronchodilatory effect, as well as a laxative and diuretic effect inherent in the essential oil.

Lofant contraindications include childhood, the period of pregnancy and lactation, as well as epilepsy - due to excess dosages, spasms of smooth and striated muscles may occur.

People who have any manifestations of an allergy to essential oils should be wary of the lofant. If it is necessary to use the herb, it is better to do an allergy test - apply the drug to a sensitive area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe skin, if there is no reaction, the agent can be used, strictly following the recommended dosages.

How to prepare medicines

For the treatment of a lofant at home, you can use the popular recipes below.

Decoction

Peculiarities. The tool is popular for the treatment of respiratory tract: bronchitis, pneumonia, pulmonary catarrhs, tuberculosis, asthma.

Preparation and application

1. It is better to brew lofant in enamelware, for which 100 g of chopped grass is poured with a liter of boiling water.
2. Put the mixture on a slow fire, boil for five minutes.
3. After removing from heat, add 150 g of sugar to the product, mix well.
4. After cooling, the broth is filtered, take half a glass once a day.

Wine tincture

Peculiarities. The remedy obtained as a result of infusion well stimulates appetite, digestion, treats inflammatory diseases of the gastric and intestinal mucosa. When used externally, the tincture accelerates wound healing.

Preparation and application

1. 100 g of crushed dried grass of the plant is poured with a liter of white wine. It is advisable to use a dry variety.
2. The mixture is placed in a dark, cool place for three weeks, the container with the tincture is shaken daily.
3. After the specified period, the agent is filtered, taken orally in a teaspoon, three times a day, or used for compresses.

Infusion

Peculiarities. It is used orally for diseases of the digestive tract, externally used for conjunctivitis, wounds, burns, herpes rashes.

Preparation and application

1. 20 g of dried chopped grass of the plant is placed in a thermos, poured with a liter of boiling water.
2. After insisting for 25 minutes, the product is filtered through gauze.
3. Take orally 100 ml up to three times a day or use to wash the skin.

Syrup

Peculiarities. It is used internally for the treatment of colds, coughs, to strengthen the body in the field of past diseases.

Preparation and application

1. One and a half kilograms of sugar are added to a liter of hot broth of lofant.
2. Put on a slow fire and evaporate the agent until a syrup of moderate viscous consistency is obtained.
3. Take a tablespoon, up to five times a day.

The use of lofant seeds in folk medicine is not practiced. Moreover, inflorescences that already have fruits are not suitable for harvesting.

Other Benefits of Northern Ginseng

The long flowering of the lofant, as well as its ability to release pollen at any weather conditions makes the plant a productive honey plant. Lofant honey has a light specific aroma and useful properties inherent in the plant itself.

To obtain honey, you can create large thickets of lofant - the plant adapts perfectly to different conditions, it suits any soil. On the estate, thickets will look exotic, thanks to bright bloom and interesting color of the leaves of the plant. The only harm of the lofant noted by gardeners is its ability to form a kind of lavender thickets that are difficult to remove.

Lofant essential oil is used to create perfumes and fragrances for hygiene and cosmetic products. Plant extracts are actively used to enrich hair cosmetics.

In cooking, lofant is added to:

• fish meals;
• vegetable casseroles;
• vegetable salads;
• baking;
• fruit salads;
• compotes;
• jams;
• puddings;

According to reviews, light citrus and mint notes of lofant aroma refresh the taste of dishes and have a positive effect on digestion.

The beneficial properties of the lofant are so multifaceted that this plant will definitely not be superfluous in any garden or summer cottage. Ease of cultivation, harvesting and harvesting, the possibility of application in cosmetic, medicinal and culinary purposes, as well as the aesthetic appearance of the plant will make the lofant a welcome guest in every garden.

I have already written about growing the Golden Jubilee fennel from the seeds of the multi-growth, but last spring I also sowed the Mexican multi-growth (Mexican mint, or the Amethyst lofant from the Aelita agricultural company).

Mexican mint, or Lofant, or Mexican polygon

This is a perennial spicy aromatic plant up to 1.5 meters high. It blooms in the first year, releasing purple inflorescences-candles. Leaves and flowers can be added to drinks, and used as a seasoning in cooking to add flavor to meat and fish dishes. In the cosmetic industry, the Mexican polygon is included in products that strengthen hair and rejuvenate the skin. Thus, this plant, along with thyme, rue, hyssop, lavender, santolina, rosemary, is perfect for creating an apothecary garden.

I grew Mexican mint from seedlings. Sowed at the end of March. The seeds are small, they were sprinkled with soil with a layer of about 0.5 cm. The first shoots appeared on the tenth day, there were about 20 of them. The pick was carried out in a month (at the end of April). Here the seedlings began to grow quite quickly, already in mid-May they planted them in open ground (at this time in our Krasnodar Territory no more frosts).

Mexican polygon

My Mexican mint bloomed in mid-June. Then she began to release side shoots, which also bloomed, and so on until the end of autumn. The height, however, was about 50 - 60 cm - no more. The smell of the Mexican polygon is pleasant, reminiscent of mint and anise.

The multi-grate does not like stagnant waterlogging and heavy soils, but it tolerates drought well. They write that it hibernates in the middle lane with shelter, while in the fall it needs to be cut in September so that buds are laid at the base of the stem for next year. In our south, I cut the lofant in early November. At the same time, the kidneys were already noticeable. As long as the plants are alive (there is no snow, so you can see it).

So, Mexican mint (lofant) is quite worthy to take a place in the collection of aromatic plants. Growing from seeds does not represent special difficulties, subsequently vegetative reproduction is possible.

WHO sowed WHAT     aromatic plants

Lofant (Lophanthus anisatus) is a herb very popular in oriental medicine.

She is credited with various magical properties and is considered by many to be a panacea for almost all diseases.

Depending on the area of ​​​​growth, it wears different names: aniseed hyssop, licorice mint and this is far from full list. These names are based on the characteristics of this plant. The leaves and flowers of the lofant have a mint-anise aroma.

Mint-anise aroma characterizes the plant Appearance

This is a perennial herbaceous plant that grows to a height of more than a meter. It is a representative of the Lamiaceae family (Lamiaceae), because its inflorescences are presented in the form of spikelets.

Peculiarities:

• The anise lofant has tetrahedral shoots and oval leaves, the length of the sheet is up to 10 cm, and the width is up to 4 cm, they are serrated at the edges.
• The plant has blue, orange or white flowers depending on the species.
• Its fruit is an oblong dark brown nut.

This is what a young lofant looks like

Lofant has more than 25 varieties, but the most popular and in demand for medical purposes and in everyday life are:

• anise lofant with bluish or lilac inflorescences;
• Tibetan lofant with white inflorescences;
• barbera lofant has bright orange inflorescences.

Where does it grow?

The Tibetan lofant grows in some areas of India, China, the Himalayas, Tibet, as well as in Siberia and eastern Russia. The homeland of this plant is Asia Minor, namely savannas and semi-deserts. Also in the wild, this plant can be found in the United States and Canada. There are small plantations in the Crimea and Moldova.

spice making method

1. Cut fresh herbs during the growing season;
2. Plants are tied in bunches and dried under a canopy;
3. Store the lofant in jars, paper bags or linen bags.

Anise lofant spice is very popular, because it gives dishes a special piquancy and opens up new taste sensations. It can be used for fish, meat or vegetable snacks, and it is also added to sweet pastries.

And lofant jam has a simply amazing taste.

Tea with lofant jam Characteristics

• the plant has a very strong aroma that resembles the smell of mint;
• photophilous and drought-resistant;
• grows on light soils;
• can grow in the same place up to 5 years;
• young shoots of the plant appear in March;
• buds begin to appear at the end of May;
• begins to bloom in early July.

Chemical composition

The table shows the main minerals dry herb of anise lofant:

Beneficial features

• protection and strengthening of the body's immunobiological system;
• improves metabolism;
• lowers and normalizes blood pressure.

Anise lofant is rich in vitamins P and C, tannins, essential oils, alkaloids and antibiotics.

Lofant is used for quick recovery after surgery, childbirth, to enhance immunity and to relieve chronic fatigue syndrome.

For residents major cities with poor ecology, lofant can be an excellent tool to protect the body from harmful effects environment, and will also contribute to the removal of toxic substances and heavy metals from the body.

Lofant is rich in vitamins, tannins and essential oils.

• allergic reactions;
• individual intolerance to the plant.

Contraindications

Although anise lofant has medicinal properties, not everyone can use it, you must first seek the advice of a doctor.

• patients with oncological diseases;
• people who are prone to hypotension or thrombophlebitis;
• during pregnancy;
• people suffering from epilepsy;
• with frequent muscle cramps.

The plant consists of 15% essential oil, which helps to remove toxic substances from the body, because it has 80% methylchavicol. Also, this oil is characterized by bactericidal properties.

Lofant oil is able to remove toxins and has bactericidal properties. Application In cooking

• fragrant jam is obtained from the plant;
• for sweet confectionery;
• cook compotes;
• for preservation and pickling of vegetables;
• used for liquors and home-made wines;
• in the form of seasoning;
• as side dishes for vegetable, meat or fish dishes.

Lofant is used as a seasoning for vegetable or fruit salads, as well as for a variety of meat dishes, because it has a universal character.

When cooking compotes, fruit drinks or jams, lofant is often added to reveal the taste of berries.

When adding lofant to a drink with berries, the taste becomes more saturated. In medicine

• produces a sedative effect;
• has a calming effect;
• relieves severe headaches;
• with atherosclerosis and hypertension;
• normalizes pressure;
• lowers the level of cholesterol in the blood;
• with vegetovascular dystonia;
• helps fight gastritis;
• with problems with the liver;
• with colds;
• slows down the aging of the body;
• when used externally, it has a beneficial effect on the skin, and also helps to speed up the healing of burns or wounds;
• enhances lactation in nursing mothers.

A decoction of dry leaves of lofant helps with atherosclerosis and hypertension. Infusions

Lofant herb infusions are widely used:

• with diseases of the pancreas;
• with problems with the gastrointestinal tract;
• with diseases of the kidneys and urinary tract;
• after a stroke or heart attack;
• with bronchial asthma and bronchitis.

The stem, inflorescences and foliage of the plant are used in the manufacture medicines. For increase male potency Leaves must be consumed fresh.

Lofant infusion will help cure many diseases

Tincture recipe:

• dry lofant color (50 grams) or fresh (200 grams);
• half a liter of forty-degree vodka.

It is necessary to fill the grass with vodka and let it brew in dark place for about three weeks, every day it is necessary to shake.

When the tincture is ready, you need to strain through a strainer and take orally twice a day, one teaspoon half an hour before meals. The course of treatment is one month, then you should wait a week and start the course of treatment again.

This tincture has a beneficial effect on the body:

• lowers blood pressure;
• strengthens the immune system;
• has a beneficial effect on the work of the heart;
• eliminates trembling of the limbs.

You can use lofant tea to strengthen the body, this drink will be especially useful for people after a heart attack. You should take one tablespoon of herbs in a cup of boiling water, let it brew for half an hour and you can drink it with honey. This tea should be consumed three times a day to get the desired result.

Lofant tincture can be purchased at pharmacies

• used for decorative purposes, because the plant has a beautiful appearance;
• the plant is an excellent honey plant, because it is very popular among bees;
• is indispensable in cosmetology, it is added to creams, face and hair masks.

Lofant anise is part of the medical cosmetics Variety

• Astrakhan 100;
• Summer resident;
• Premier;
• Snowball;
• Dandy.

Premier and Frant have lilac flowers, and the rest of the varieties have white inflorescences.

The varieties "Premier" and "Frant" have lilac inflorescences. Cultivation

The growth of the anise lofant begins in early March, the buds ripen in May, and flowering usually occurs in early July. Growing a plant is not difficult at all, you can even plant it on a balcony or in a room.

Lofant can propagate by seeds

Lofant can be grown from seeds or seedlings. In the spring, you need to plant in the ground to a depth of 3 mm. Between crops in a row should be left 10 cm, and between rows - up to 45 cm. When seedlings appear, only strong shoots should be left.

The plant grows well and does not need special care because it is drought tolerant. Weed the lofant several times and water occasionally. You don't have to deal with insects.

With the ability to paint gardens with cheerful curtains with brightly colored vertical inflorescences, only lupine can compete with a lofant. But if the latter is a landscape, watercolor plant, then the lofant is a real star of avant-garde design. In whatever capacity and in what quantity the lofant would be introduced into the compositions, it will change the appearance of the garden forever. After all, this plant has so many advantages. And not the last among them - unpretentiousness. Charming and colorful lofant is worth any difficulties that may arise in preparing the plant for winter. Yes, and you can always grow this culture as a letnik.

Agastakhe, or lofant in a flower garden. © Gavin Witmeyer

Fluffy vertical sultans of fragrant lofant

Today, everyone's attention is riveted to the lofants. But the reason for the unprecedented popularity of the plant, unfortunately, was not its decorative talents, but its healing properties. The mass glorification of the plant as a universal and unique medicinal ingredient led to the fact that the lofant was included in the lists of the most rated garden plants. And to considerable confusion with classification and types: simple names suddenly they began to replace them with more suitable miraculous "grass" - "Tibetan", creating a real mess.

Like any medicinal plant, lofant should be used wisely and under the guidance of a doctor. Unlike culinary talents, because for all its longevity, the lofant is a wonderful spicy-aromatic culture with a bright anise aroma. Yes, and its beauty is undeniable: it is one of the most versatile and promising plants from the class of herbaceous perennials. And even the relatively low frost resistance of the lofant is a myth. After all, the plant is not afraid of frost, it simply does not like getting wet in combination with the winter cold and needs a specific, proper preparation to winter in the conditions of the middle lane.

Lofants, whose botanical names multi-grate, or Agastakhe(Agastache) have not fully taken root with us - the plants are large and massive. Reaching a maximum height of 1.5 meters, they form curtains of stunning beauty and splendor. The stems are densely covered with fragrant and tasty leaves, which add a savory anise note in salads. Pointed at the tips, linear-lanceolate, often arrow-shaped, they form a stunningly beautiful green mass that seems almost opaque. Peduncles are crowned with a very bright inflorescence in the form of a dense brush of narrow tubular flowers. Lofant sultans reach 10 or more centimeters in length and seem fluffy. And even though they are not so large, they are perfectly straight: the bush seems to be crowned with lace “dashes”, bringing verticals much more expressive to the design than other plants with an elongated shape of inflorescences.

The use of a lofant in the design of a flower garden. © Matt Taylor

When grown as an annual plant, agastache blooms relentlessly from May until the arrival of frost. When grown as a perennial, lofants will delight only during the summer, because in order to prepare for winter, they will need to be cut early. But during this time you will have time to enjoy the beauty amazing plant. The color scheme of the lofant includes cream, white, lilac, pink, purple, orange colors.

The aroma of agastakhe deserves special mention. Pleasant, sweetish, it not only attracts bees and butterflies, making lofant one of the best honey plants. The smell of a plant with anise notes is actively used in cooking. And it is inherent not only in the most popular anise lofant, but also in other species in which pepper, candy and even mint are added to the anise aroma.

Types and varieties of lofant

The most popular among the not so numerous types of lofant rightfully deserved one type - agastache anise. True, its botanical name is completely different - multi-grate, or agastache wrinkled(agastache rugosa). But it is not as common among gardeners as the popular “nickname” under which this lofant is distributed by healers - lofant tibetan and folk "Mexican mint", "Korean mint". All these names are inherent in one plant - agastache rugose.

This is a full-fledged herbaceous perennial, which, with proper preparation for wintering, can successfully winter in the middle zone (despite the fact that most selectors recommend growing it as an annual in regions with severe winters). The leaves of this agastahe smell like anise, all other aerial parts smell like licorice. This is a beautiful, landscape plant, the showiness of which is inferior to other species, but its wrinkled leaves are painted in the brightest and very fresh green, and the short and seemingly fluffy purple inflorescences seem unusual and bring audacity to any flower garden. Much more decorative than the base plant, the varieties and forms of the lofant differ:

• variety "Honey Bee", which to the detriment abundant flowering partially lost its winter hardiness and is grown in the middle lane as an annual, but it blooms very luxuriantly from May until the arrival of frost;
• variety "Honey Bee Blue" with more compact bushes up to 70 cm in height and bluish tassels of inflorescences, in which the leaves smell of anise and mint;
• purple-blue variety "Blue Spike".

Wrinkled polygon, Tibetan Lofant, Korean mint (Agastache rugosa). © Carl E Lewis © Jenn Gray Mexican polygon, Mexican Lofant (Agastache mexicana). © Karelj

Much more popular deserves and Mexican polygon, or Lofant mexican(Agastache mexicana), which is easily propagated by seed and even self-seeding. The bushes of this lofant branch densely, grow over the summer and form lush clumps even in regions with harsh winters. The height of the shoots ranges from 70 cm to 1 m, densely bushy sods quickly develop large areas. The foliage is delicate, fresh, with a slight emerald color, heart-shaped and with a very beautiful jagged edge. Inflorescences in dense narrow racemes are painted in pink-purple tones, contrasting beautifully with the foliage and seem to be fluffy strokes against the background of lush greenery. Basic View rare, much more often on sale you can find the Carlile Carmine variety with an almost carmine color and long flowering.

Lofant pallida(agastache pallida), better known as lofant barbers(agastache barberi) and in landscape design represented only by the cultivar "Firebird", the origin of which is largely confused. This plant is distinguished by huge and lacy inflorescences of a bright orange color, which, for all their catchiness, seem surprisingly touching and modest. Grayish muted small foliage, lush clumps of shoots about 60 cm high and flowering from mid-summer to October seem to soften the audacity of inflorescences that are rarer than those of other lofants and give the whole plant a surprisingly harmonious look.

Polygon mountain, or Lofant mountain(agastache rupestris) is grown mainly as an annual, but it is able to overwinter in the middle lane, provided that drainage is laid during planting and dry shelter. It is more modest in height, from 45 to 90 cm, but also more dense. Linear leaves with a grayish color look very attractive, and their aroma can outshine even wrinkled lofant. It is best for planting in regions with harsh winters to choose varieties that bloom in the year of sowing:

• pink and tall "Desert Sunrise";
• motley orange-lilac variety of half a meter height "Sunset" with surprisingly beautiful color transitions in inflorescences;
• mint-scented Blazing Sunset with an enchanting mint aroma.

The use of a lofant in the design of a flower garden. © Kathy Diemer

Lofants are used in ornamental gardening:

• for decorating mixborders and in textile discounts;
• to create colorful and exotic landscape plantings, in large groups;
• in gardens in the prairie style, modern, avant-garde and other modern styles;
• as a modern boundary accent;
• to decorate small vacant areas;
• to add volume and texture to large flower beds;
• in the design of flower beds near recreation areas and terraces;
• in fragrant gardens and ornamental gardens;
• as a plant capable of revitalizing large lawns or boring corners of the garden;
• as a structuring landscape plant;
• as a large container plant, filling with aromas terraces and balconies, recreation areas and gazebos;
• as a honey plant;
• as a spicy-aromatic plant for flavoring dishes, drinks;
• as a cut plant;
• as a medicinal raw material.

The best partners for a lofant: lupins, astilbes, rudbeckias, veronicas, catnip, mint

Lofant cultivation

Conditions required for lofants

To become the star of your collection of herbaceous perennials, the lofant does not need much - good lighting and quality soil.

Lofants bloom beautifully and grow normally only in sunny areas. Any insufficient lighting affects the attractiveness of greenery and the size of inflorescences, as well as the concentration of essential oils in various parts plants. Therefore, for this perennial it is better to choose the most open and brightly lit areas. Lofant loves warm and hot locations.

The soil for the lofant does not have to be fertile, but one should not forget about good drainage. A lofant can grow only on water- and breathable, loose soil. The more fertile it is, the better, but it will bloom even on the most depleted soil, albeit less spectacularly.

Agastakhe, or lofant in a flower garden. © Paul

Lofant landing

Young seedlings of the lofant are planted at a distance of 20-25 cm from each other. During the procedure, it is desirable not to damage the earthen ball, to carry out the transplant as less traumatically as possible. The soil must be improved before planting by adding organic matter and deep digging.

Lofant Care

Lofant will need watering for the most spectacular flowering. This plant is hardy but not too drought tolerant. And during prolonged periods without precipitation, it will need to be watered. But the purpose of irrigation is to compensate for the weather, not to maintain high humidity soil. Even if you have time for this, you should not systematically, abundantly water the agastakhe: this perennial does not put up with moisture stagnation.

Lofants are fed only when they are grown as an ornamental plant. If plants plan to harvest, collect greens for food, as a seasoning, for medicinal raw materials, then agastahe cannot be fertilized. For decorative lofants, top dressing is applied 2-3 times, starting in June and no later than in August, with an interval of 3-4 weeks between top dressing. For this plant, it is better to use complete mineral fertilizers. As an additional fertilizer in the fall, it is better to mulch the bushes with organic matter - compost or humus. They are also brought in upon boarding.

Weeding must be included in the lofant care program. Unlike the same lupine, agastahe cannot cope with weeds on its own. And at least 2-3 feeding per season is better for him to plan. As well as loosening the soil: the procedure should be carried out immediately after heavy rain and each watering. From both not too pleasant duties, soil mulching will easily save you. Lofant prefers plant materials.

Lofant in the flower garden. © joepyeweed1

Lofant wintering

Preparing for winter is a critical component of success in growing a lofant in the middle lane. In order for the plant to successfully overwinter, its kidneys must wake up. And for this you need to cut off the aerial parts of the plant very early, as early as mid-September (and no later). Stumps only 10 cm high are left from the shoots. Before the first frost arrives, the plant must be covered with a dry method: mulch the soil, and then cover the plant with foliage and spruce branches, or at least one of the materials. The success of wintering directly depends on whether the lofant gets wet or not. And dryness is paramount. After all, the frosts themselves are not terrible for this plant.

Pest and disease control

Problems in growing a lofant arise only when improper care or waterlogging of the soil. This plant, if the recommended distance is violated when planting, in the wrong, damp soil, it can turn over powdery mildew. Otherwise, this perennial is very resistant.

Agastakhe, or lofant in a flower garden. © thetreefarm

Agastache breeding

Lofant is one of the most variable in terms of reproduction methods. garden perennials. A new generation of plants can be obtained:

1. I divided the bushes. You can do the procedure both in spring and early autumn. The main secret- divide powerful bushes into large parts, each of which will contain at least 5 renewal buds and a very large fragment of the rhizome. Rooting divisions in a new place will require systemic watering, without which the plant will not be able to adapt normally.
2. rooting stem cuttings(according to the principle of garden shrubs).
3. Growing seedlings. If you sow lofant seeds for seedlings in large containers with a high-quality substrate in the first decade of April and provide warm room conditions, then lofant seeds will give friendly shoots. And you will receive flowering plants already in the current year. After the second pair of true leaves appears, the plants should be picked into individual pots and grown until the threat of returning frosts is gone.
4. By sowing directly at the place of cultivation. Seeds can be sown in the soil in May, in grooves about 2 cm deep. Plantings after germination are thinned out, carefully grown. Usually such agastahe grow faster, but flowering in the first year can not wait, and it will be shorter.