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Winter cherry

The cultivation and benefits of physalis


Botanical characteristics of physalis

Physalis is the largest genus of plants in the Nightshade family (Solanaceae), is often compared to tomato (Solanum lycopersicum). People call it emerald berry or earthy cranberry (although cranberry he has no relation). This plant has a thin and stiff root system. On a straight stem, which is branched upward, the leaves are arranged in pairs on stalks. The leaves were sharpened at the top. In early summer, the plant starts to bloom and the stems appear small drooping flowers. The fruits ripen until frost. Physalis fruit – orange berry, small in size, somewhat similar in appearance to a regular cherry. The fruit is in a Cup of orange-red color, which has on its surface the hairs.

Physalis grows throughout Russia, as well as in Iraq, the Baltics and the Caucasus. Most often this plant is found among the bushes, in the woods and in gardens.


Propagation of physalis

Cape gooseberries are propagated seedling method. In the spring sow the seeds of a plant in moist soil. Seeds covered with glass and kept in a warm place. When the seeds germinate, remove the glass, and the capacity with seedlings placed in a bright place. The plant needs to be regularly and moderately watered.

Seedlings need every 14 days feed the fertilizers. When the seedlings appear 3 true leaves, it is necessary to seat them in plastic cups. After some time the seedlings should be transplanted into pots of a larger size than the cups. And then the plants are planted in the ground.


The growing and care of physalis

Cape gooseberries can grow and develop well in the sun, in the shade and partial shade. The soil for its cultivation must be fertile, prepared and fertilizer. Physalis likes moist soil, however, the stagnation of water is detrimental to him. Physalis, like any other plant, needs weeding, watering, regular care and cultivation. Regular watering should stop since August, as it will slow down the ripening of fruits.

When growing physalis is necessary to consider the rotation: this means that this plant will grow well after cabbage, cucumbers and root crops, but the land on which were growing the Solanaceae culture, will not grow at all.


The beneficial properties of physalis

Physalis fruit is used as anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antiseptic. This plant has diuretic, choleretic and hemostatic properties. Physalis prepare a broth, which is used for bronchitis, edema, rheumatism, bruises andgout. Physalis fruit is used for medicinal purposes for the prevention of diseases of urinary tracts, urolithiasis and diseases of the bladder.

Dried Cape gooseberries recommended for flu, colds and airway inflammation. The Mature physalis used as a dietary product. A decoction of the roots of physalis is used for long periods.

The use of physalis

The national medicine widely applies the fruits of physalis hypertension, constipation and anemia. Decoction of the fruit of the plant is recommended for jaundice, hemorrhages, hemorrhoids, and cramps in the stomach. Topically applied ointment from the fruit of plants in the presence of wounds, inflammation and as analgesic. Fresh physalis, it is advisable to use regularly for people who have symptoms of dysentery, gonorrhoea and dermatosis. In addition, physalis is a multivitamin product. Fresh juice of physalis has a positive effect in the treatment of lichen.

A decoction of winter cherry. Take 20 grams of dry fruit of physalis and pour two cups of boiling water. Put on the fire a quarter of an hour. After removing from heat, leave for 1 hour to infuse. Strain the finished broth, it takes 50 ml of no more than 5 times. Use this remedy for kidney diseases, rheumatism and as a pain reliever.

Ointment equipment for rheumatism. Take the fruits of physalis and ground them. After 10 grams of the resulting material is poured 40 grams of olive oil, mix and leave for 3 weeks to infuse. Apply the tool as needed for grinding.

Compresses for inflammation, dermatitis. Prepare broth (described above) and make of it compresses. The same decoction is suitable for eliminating a toothache.


Contraindications to the use of physalis

Given the fact that the physalis contains toxins, it should be used only under the supervision of your doctor.