Hand of Buddha - useful properties and contraindications of finger citron. The fingers (or hand) of the Buddha are an amazing plant that drives away evil spirits

Unique appearance, indisputable usefulness, interesting properties - one of the few advantages of a plant called citron palm. Its second name is the citrus Hand of Buddha. An exotic culture is easy to grow on a windowsill for the purpose of decorating a room. And its fruits can be used for treatment and cooking.

Description of citron palmate

Finger citron belongs to the Rute family. The plant itself is evergreen, it can take the form of a tree or shrub up to 4 m in height. The leaves of the plant are large, oily, pale green in color. It blooms in spring from April to May; single flowers range from white to deep purple.

Buddha's Hand bears fruit in autumn. The fruit can be up to 40 cm in length and resemble something between a banana and a lemon. They have a pleasant aroma, citrus-floral. It tastes a bit bitter. The average weight of the fruit is about 400 g, the thickness of the skin is up to 5 cm.

There may be confusion about the value of this plant - a significant part of the weight is taken by the peel, inside there are only seeds, and the pulp is almost absent. But the peel contains the most valuable and useful substances.

The second name of citron is explained by the shape of the plant - it resembles the fingers of a hand. The plant began its distribution from the East, the first mention of citron was recorded in India. These factors are the reason for the appearance of the name Buddha Hand.

Growing features

Finger citron is found in regions with tropical climates, but it can also be bred at home. The cultivation of the plant is not very different from the content of regular citrus fruits. Even soil or substrate intended for any citrus fruit will do.

The plant needs to provide quality drainage system... There are three ways to grow fruit:

• from seeds;
• cuttings;
• using seedlings.

The first fruits can be seen 3 years after planting. An exception is the method of growing from seeds - in this case, the fruits will appear only 7-8 years after sowing.

A place for the plant should be chosen darkened, excluding direct sunlight, but warm. In summer, it is better to take a pot with a plant out to the balcony or place it by an open window, not forgetting about the inadmissibility of sunlight on leaves and flowers.

Proper plant care

The process of caring for a citron at home does not take long. But there are several important principles and growing conditions:

1. Support temperature regime... Citron should not be located in a room where the temperature drops below + 15 ° C.
2. Compliance with the humidity level. To do this, you need to spray the leaves of the plant every day and monitor the soil moisture regime. The Buddha's hand demands abundant and frequent watering settled water without impurities.
3. Artificial establishment of a dormant period for a plant. At this time, you need to lower the temperature a little environment and moderate watering.
4. From the beginning of spring to the end of autumn, the fruit needs complex fertilization with phosphate and nitrogen-potassium solutions 3 times a month.

Citron application

Finger citron is widely used in cooking and medicine. In Russia, the plant is not very common, and it is used less often than lemon or other citrus fruits. But citron is able to give a dish a subtle, unusual aroma and help in the fight against some diseases. Another use is to scent a room with a fruit.

In medecine beneficial features citrus Hand of Buddha is used to treat gastrointestinal diseases, hypertension and viral infections. Citron has an analgesic effect, is useful for immunity, normalizes the menstrual cycle and removes the symptoms of inflammation. The use of pure fruits, citron-based ointments, various drinks and solutions is practiced.

Chefs use finger citron for the preparation of dried fruits, candied fruits, jams, add to dessert dishes. The fruits are found in salads, they are added to seafood and pastry dishes. The fruit is also used to add a sophisticated aroma to dishes. Tea with added zest is widely known for its delicate taste and beneficial effects. Citron pulp is rarely used; it is added to sauces and first courses.

Masks, creams and lotions with the addition of fruit peel have earned great reviews and are gaining popularity among lovers of home cosmetics.

Contraindications

Citron Buddha's hand suits almost everyone. The main reason for quitting consumption is individual intolerance to citrus fruits and hypersensitivity.

It should be taken with caution by those who suffer from hypotension and have recently suffered from dysentery. Before using the fruit as a remedy, it is important to consult with your doctor.

Sin .: Buddha's hand, Buddha's fingers, bushukon, fo shu, five-finger tangerine, som-mu.

Evergreen shrub or small tree 3-4 meters high with long, spreading branches, leathery dark green leaves, fragrant flowers and yellow fruits unusual shape, which resembles a human hand with curved in different sides or fingers gathered together. The plant has anti-inflammatory, expectorant, tonic properties, strengthens the immune system and is a valuable source of vitamin C.

Ask the experts

In medicine

Finger citron is not a pharmacopoeial plant and is not used by domestic official medicine. However, it is widely used in traditional medical practices in Asian countries: in Western India, China, Japan and Malaysia.

Traditional Chinese medicine uses the dried fruit of the plant known as “foshou,” which is used by Chinese healers as an expectorant and tonic. The dried flowers, known in Chinese medicine as foshouhua, are used to make an appetite-stimulating tincture and as an effective remedy for nausea.

Fruits of citron palm are a source of ascorbic acid and can be used in medical and dietary nutrition for the prevention and prevention of vitamin deficiency.

Contraindications and side effects

A contraindication to the use of citron palmate is individual intolerance, childhood, the presence of an allergic reaction. You should consult a professional before consuming the fruit of the Buddha's hand, especially if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

In cooking

The raw fruits of citron palm are not very suitable for human consumption, but in dried or candied form they can be used in cooking. The fragrant peel of the fruit, together with the zest, is great for making candied fruits, jams, refreshing lemonades and desserts. Sometimes the pulp is added to vegetable and fruit salads, or used as a seasoning for fish and seafood. In Japan, the citron palm fruit, known as bushukan, is used in cooking to decorate ceremonial dishes. Also, an alcoholic drink similar to the Italian Limoncello liqueur is made from the fruits of citron palm. The peel of the Buddha's hand can be used in the same way as the peel of lemon, orange, bergamot. It is used for aroma in baked goods, pastries and tea.

In cosmetology

The fruit acids contained in citron palm fruit are used for the peeling procedure: they give the face freshness and reduce freckles. Cosmetologists use citron essential oil in products designed to care for problem skin, as it exhibits active bactericidal and anti-inflammatory properties, makes the skin elastic.

The extract of citron palmate is included in various shampoos, balms, masks for weakened and dull hair. Decoctions and water infusions made from the fruits and flowers of the fruit of the Buddha's hand have a tonic effect on the scalp and hair follicles.

In other areas

In China and Japan, the plant is cultivated for the sake of obtaining fruit and as a garden or pot ornamental plantused for planting on terraces and in patios... In our country, the plant is quite popular with experienced florists, specializing in the cultivation of colorful exotic plants at home.

Experts say that caring for the Buddha's hand is no more difficult than for other indoor citrus fruits, for example, kumquats or lemons. Finger citron, however, is the most thermophilic of all citrus fruits. It can die even with a short exposure to subzero temperatures. But in the apartment on the windowsill in winter time feels pretty good, and with proper care it even bears fruit.

Finger citron can be grown from seedlings, cuttings, or seeds. Growers are advised to sow seeds in March in a special citrus substrate. They should rise in three weeks. For further growth and development, they need to be provided with a warm place without drafts and direct sunlight. The sun's rays oppress the plant and prevent it from developing normally.

On the farm

Very fragrant fruits are used for aromatization of premises, clothing, products from genuine leather... Dried and powdered citron palm peel is used as a natural moth repellent.

In other areas

In Asia (especially in India), the plant is planted near Buddhist temples, and its fruits are used as offerings to the deity and to decorate shrines. According to legend, Buddha prefers fruits, the "fingers" of which are not in the open, but in a closed position, like a hand during prayer.

Classification

Fingered citron (Citrus medica ‘Fingered’) is a hybrid plant species of the genus Citrus of the Rutaceae family.

Botanical description

Finger citron is an evergreen shrub or small tree, 3-4 meters tall, with long, spreading branches covered with sparse thorns. The leaves are alternate, on short petioles. 8-15 cm long, 3.5-6.5 cm wide.The leaf blades are large, leathery, pale green, with oily glands, oblong, elliptical, obovate-oblong or oval, with blunt tips, or even concave. The flowers of citron palmate are fragrant, single, petals in number 5 from white to purple or light purple. More than 30 stamens. The plant blooms from April to May, bears fruit from October to December. Fruits of citron palmate have a thick skin and little pulp, often pitted or with few underdeveloped pips. In culture, the plant reproduces vegetatively. Fruit pulp usually has a bitter sour taste and strong citrus aroma.

Spread

Finger citron grows in tropical and subtropical regions of East Asia: in northeastern India, in the southern provinces of China, on the Japanese islands. Herbal raw materials for medical purposes are mainly sourced from provinces in China such as Guangxi, Sichuan, Yunnan and Guangdong.

Procurement of raw materials

For medicinal and nutritional purposes, flowers and fruits of citron palmate are harvested, as well as their peel rich in essential oil. For medicinal purposes, the Buddha's hand is harvested in the fall, when the fruits begin to turn yellow. After harvest, ripe fruits are washed with cold running water and cut into slices with a sharp knife, which are dried naturally in the sun. The flowers of citron palm are collected by hand, laid out on sheets of paper or clean cloth and dried in the open air. After the drying process, the flowers and fruits of the Buddha's fingers are poured into glass dishes or thick paper bags and stored for 1 year.

Chemical composition

The edible part of the pulp of citron palm contains 11.3-18.2% dry matter, up to 2.5% sugars, up to 5% citric acid, 0.6-3.2% protein, 0.1% fat, 1.4% fiber, 0.4-1.5% ash. Mineral composition fruits are represented by calcium (34-42 mg / 100 g), phosphorus (20-77 mg / 100 g), iron (0.4-4.4 mg / 100 g). The vitamin complex consists of ascorbic acid - about 30 mg / 100 g, beta-carotene - from 10 to 11935 (peeled) mg / kg, vitamins B 1 - 0.04-0.06 mg / 100 g, B 2 - 0 , 04 and B 5 - 0.2 mg / 100 g. The plant fruit pulp contains phytoncides, glycosides; the peel is rich in essential oils and coumarins. The main chemical constituents of the zest of the fruit are bergapten, limonene, aurantiamarin, diosmin, limmettin and the glycoside hesperidin.

Pharmacological properties

Healing properties fruits and flowers of citron palm are due to the presence of medicinal substances in their chemical composition... Due to the high content of vitamin C, the plant has a general strengthening effect on the human body, helps to fight the manifestations of colds, flu, runny nose. Finger citron oil has an anti-inflammatory effect; in Chinese medicine it is used to treat skin diseases, reptile and insect bites, and burns. Thanks to the bitterness, infusions and tinctures from the fruits and flowers of the Buddha's hand have a beneficial effect on appetite, and also contribute to the production of gastric juice and the digestion of food. The plant has a positive effect on the secretion of sweat and sebaceous glands, and also exhibits active antifungal activity. The essential oils contained in the peel of citron palm fruits have a high antispasmodic potential, have a beneficial effect on nervous system, have a tonic effect and improve mood.

Application in traditional medicine

IN folk medicine China's citron palm is mainly used as a bactericidal, expectorant, antispasmodic and appetite-improving agent. Infusions of the fruits of the Buddha's hand are used for diseases of the liver, spleen, problems with the gastrointestinal tract, as well as for inflammatory processes in the nasopharynx and throat. Also, citron palm is used to treat skin infections and inflammations, as well as for hair problems.

Indian folk healers recommend water infusion of citron palm fruits to wash the eyes in case of their purulent-inflammatory diseases, as well as to make the sclera white.

Wine, brought to a boil along with the seeds of citron palm, is given as a drink to people who have suffered insect bites. And squeezed juice from the crust of the fruit of the plant and added to the drink helps against the bites of poisonous snakes. The peel of citron palm is also applied to the bite sites themselves in the form of a bandage.

With the help of the essential oil of citron palm fruit, Chinese healers treat depression, nervous disorders and headaches caused by overwork and stress.

Historical reference

There is an assumption that the citron plant with unusual fruits was introduced to China by Buddhist monks from India after the 9th century. AD, from where it penetrated the Japanese islands. For centuries, Hindus, Chinese, Japanese and Malays have valued the plant for its bizarre shape of its fruit, which looks like a mixture of lemon and squid, and their long-lasting fragrance.

Fruits of citron palmate in almost all states of East Asia symbolize longevity, happiness and wealth. The Buddha's hands are especially popular during the coming of the Eastern New Year: they decorate their homes, thereby attracting financial well-being, luck and health to all its inhabitants.

Literature

1. Sokolsky I., Zamiyatina N. Golden fruits // Science and life: journal. - 2009. - No. 2. - ISSN 0028-1263.

2. Edible Medicinal And Non-Medicinal Plants: Volume 4, Fruits p. 692-693

3. Responses of Citrus medica var. sarcodactylis during Xanthomonas citri subsp. citri Infection

4. Botanical journal. - L .: Nauka, 1953 .-- T. 38.

Finger citron, Corsican lemon, or popularly the hand of Buddha is one of the most incredibly beautiful and fragrant plants from the rue family. The leaves and the shrub itself look like a lemon, but the fruits are unique not only for their pleasant smell, but also for their shape, it looks like a hand with fingers, hence the name - Buddha's hand. The homeland of the plant is India (Mesopotamia), since Buddhism is practiced there, the fruits of this plant are brought to the altar, with "fingers" folded as in prayer. For food, the fruits of this citron are rarely consumed, since the pulp inside is practically absent. Basically, candied fruits are prepared from the peel or zest is added to baked goods. In Japan, they have adapted to add the inside of the fruit of the Buddha's hand with other seasonings to fish. The taste is incredible. In addition, the fruit itself lasts long enough on the branch, exuding an incredible and pleasant smell for a month. The peel of citron contains essential oils with bactericidal properties, so it is beneficial to keep it in rooms where children are. Citron Buddha's hand at proper care will delight with the beauty of the fruits and leaves and the fragrance.

Watering

When buying a citron, be sure to pay attention to the fact that its roots are all in the ground, if the upper part of the roots is visible, then the plant may die. This is due to the fact that the citron does not like the drying out of the earthy coma and, of course, the roots. It is necessary to water every day so that the soil is moist, but the water does not stand in the pot.

In addition to watering, citron must be sprayed 3-4 times a day with water at room temperature.

Top dressing must be added to watering only during the flowering period and fruit ovary. For citron the hand of Buddha, ideal fertilizers are those that are suitable for citrus plants... The plant should be "fed" once a week. If, after feeding, the leaves of the citron curl or it actively sheds them, then the fertilizer must be changed.

Abundant watering for finger citron is necessary not only in summer, but also during dormancy - in winter, but without adding fertilizer.

Transfer

After acquiring a plant, it is advisable not to transplant it, the pot for normal growth should remain the one in which it was brought. If, nevertheless, there is an urgent need to transplant the Buddha's hand, for an acceptable adaptation it is best to transplant by the transfer method. In this case, the root system will not suffer much, and the adaptation period will last much less.

The pot for the first transplant should be 10-15 centimeters in diameter. It is necessary to transplant citron once every 3-4 years, more often it is not recommended. Transplanting into a more spacious pot will lead to the fact that the plant may die, this is due to the fact that the plant will use all its strength to grow root system, while there will be no strength left for the crown and fruits. Therefore, the pot should not be large. With each transplant, you need to purchase a container 5-10 centimeters more.

Lighting

Like all citrus fruits, the Buddha's Hand is a light-loving plant, but care must be taken that it is not in direct sunlight.

In summer, the plant feels great on the balcony, but not in direct sunlight. IN winter period for citron, it is best to add additional lighting, since the plant is from Asia, it should receive enough light at any time of the year.

In the fall, after the citron is installed on the windowsill, it can begin to throw off the leaves, there is nothing wrong with it, it has an adaptation period. At this time, it is important to observe the humidity of the air, for this, in addition to spraying, it is advisable to add containers with water and place them around the plant, adding water every day.

Reproduction

Since the fruits of the plant generally do not have seeds or they are usually underdeveloped, it is widely cultivated vegetative propagation, that is, shoots or cuttings.

Citron (Citrus medica), zedrat, hand of Buddha, as it is also called, is an exotic citrus fruit. Not everyone has heard what it is. Also, not everyone has ever tried it. Moreover, an unusual-looking citron has an equally unusual story.

The citron plant belongs to the genus of citrus fruits of the Rutaceae family. It is known that approximately 4000 BC. e. it grew in Mesopotamia, southern China and India. Today, citron is cultivated practically throughout the tropical and subtropical zones.

Citron is mentioned in the Bible, the great ancient Greek philosopher Theophrastus and the great ancient Roman poet Virgil wrote about it. It is believed that not taste (at that time citron was not considered edible), but the medicinal and aromatic properties of the fruit were appreciated by Alexander the Great himself. In fact, the great conqueror contributed to the spread of the zedrat beyond the valleys of the Tigris and Euphrates.

The exotic fruit passed on its name to another plant. Very beautiful hybrid tea rose Citron has amazing flowersthat change from lemon to strawberry pink. Their aroma covers the entire local area.

Exists different varieties citron:

• C. limonimedica Bicolor - The fruits of this fruit are colored in two colors: green and dark purple. The bicolor variety is sometimes referred to as red citron.
• Citron piretto - the leaves of the plant exude a scent similar to lemon, the fruits are yellow, pear-shaped, reach 20 cm in length.
• Citrus ethrog - The citrus fruits of this variety have a very dense, bumpy skin.

Certainly special attention I would like to give the most unusual citron variety - Citrus medica var. sarcodactylis. Because of its fruit, which is shaped like a human hand, it is called the hand of Buddha throughout the world.

You should pay attention to its characteristics.

1. On plantations, the height of the citron plant can be about 3-4 meters. It takes the form of a bush or tree. Homemade zedrat grows up to one and a half meters.
2. Citron has shiny, deep green leaves. They are large, elliptical in shape. There is a very rare sub-variety of the Buddha's hand - variegated, the leaves of which acquire a variegated color due to the beige or pinkish border around the edges.
3. Citron blooms in large white or white with red flowers, single or collected in inflorescences. Buddha's hand flower is bisexual or functionally male.
4. The zedrate fruit is the largest of all citrus fruits. The Buddha's hand has a finger-like variety, it can be from 15 to 40 cm in length. Fingers are oblong, shaped like a banana, with a ribbed dense peel. It is noteworthy that citron fruits are valued not only for their exotic appearance, which can be estimated from the photo. Their aroma is very unusual, citrus-floral. They also have pronounced medicinal properties.

How to plant citron at home

Due to its thermophilicity, zedrat did not take root in Europe; on the street, it does not withstand a temperature drop below 10 ° C. But how tub indoor plant he feels quite comfortable.

The soil

Any citrus substrate is suitable for citron. Good drainage must be ensured.

Lighting

This plant is light-loving, but prolonged exposure to direct sunlight can harm it.

Temperature regime

Citron is good in a warm place, even in winter the room should be at least 15 ° C.

Watering

In summer, the Buddha's hand needs abundant watering, moisturizing the leaves, a shower, or wet wiping. In winter, the frequency of watering is reduced.

Top dressing

Complex fertilizer (nitrogen-potassium or phosphate) is applied three times a month from March to November. In winter, you do not need to feed the plant.

Useful properties and uses of citron

Like an orange or lemon, the Buddha's hand is used in the food, perfume, cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries.

The fruits of zedrate have pronounced antiseptic and antibacterial properties; their juice is used topically for disinfection and wound healing. In Asia, expectorant, digestion stimulating, immunity-strengthening preparations based on this plant are used.

Fresh Buddha's fingers are bitter, therefore, after preliminary soaking in salt water, they are more often used to make jam, marmalade, candied fruits. Seasonings and tea are also made from them.

Many perfume manufacturers use zedrate scent in the bouquet of their perfumes and eau de toilette. The essential oil of the fruit is burned in the room for disinfection and air freshening.

And it is also believed that the dried fingers of the Buddha, kept at home, protect housing from evil forces and bring good luck.

Citron Buddha's Hand (Citrus medica var. Sarcodactylis) in botanical references is also known as "Citron finger". But in the English-speaking environment, citrus growers have long called it as the name suggests. This bright, not quite usual folk nickname has spread all over the world, took root, and now even serious publications sometimes call the variety - Citrus medica "Buddha" s Hand.

There is no doubt that the most main feature our hero is his fruit, or rather, their form. She is unique in the citrus world! Even the name, which is also unusual, originated from these strange fruits. The fact is that their appearance clearly looks like a half-open human hand, or a squid with short, plump tentacles slightly apart.

The mystery of origin

No one knows exactly when, where and how this citron variety originated. Research indicates that his homeland should be considered Southeast Asia... Perhaps the southern regions of India, Malaysia or Indonesia. The plant is widespread in China, but, with a high degree of probability, it got there much later, along with the penetration of Buddhism.

There is no doubt that the amazing form of the fruit, which turned out to be a stable botanical trait, arose as a result of a gene mutation of "ordinary" citrons. Perhaps, the efforts of the ancient breeders of the East helped her to gain a foothold, with joy "supporting" the unusual appearance of the fruit. The image of a man who folded his palms in prayer ecstasy was associated with her. In India, the tree has long been considered sacred, it is widely used (still used) in religious ceremonies.

Botanical description

The Buddha's Hand has spread among lovers of homemade citrus fruits due to its unusual appearance. Culture has no serious industrial significance. At home, trees are also used mainly in decorative purposes, although they also have practical uses.

Crown characteristic

In conditions open ground citron Buddha's Hand looks like a small plant about 3.5 meters high (sometimes a little higher). In a pot culture, especially if the tree is indoors all year round, it rarely grows more than 1.5 meters. This compactness is a big advantage for indoor keeping.

Branches are long, tending to grow vertically, covered with sparse, small thorns. The leaves are beautiful, leathery, light green in color, growing on short, strong petioles. Their shape can be different, but always obviously oblong, with rounded ends. The average leaf length is approximately 9-14 cm, the width is half that.

Given that good care the tree develops quickly, reproduces well by rooting cuttings. Like all citrons, this one is also thermophilic, even in the winter months it is advisable not to drop the temperature below +5 ° C.

Interesting! Now breeders have bred the variegated form of this variety, on the leaf plate of which large creamy stains are visible.

Flowering features

The flowers are large, about 5 cm in diameter, located mainly singly. They have a strong pleasant scent. Now there are varieties in which buds and petals have a noticeable anthocyanin coloration, but the "original" Buddhas are distinguished by white flowers.

Flowering peaks in the second half of spring, although some flowers can appear in summer. Fruits ripen closer to winter.

Description of fruits

It has already been said about their unusual, even unique appearance. It should be added that the "fingers" on them do not always open. It has been noticed that this happens only in 10 - 20% of cases. The rest of the fruit resembles, rather, a slightly clenched fist.

If the famous "rasping" has occurred, usually from 5 to 9 processes are observed. They can vary greatly in shape and size, resembling, in addition to human fingers, small bananas or squid tentacles. It is difficult to say why some fruits unfold and others do not. Surely, both conditions of detention and genetic characteristics play a role in this.

Like all citrons, this one also has a very thick rind, the volume of which can reach half the size of the fruit itself. The surface of the peel is bumpy, the color is bright yellow. Its smell is remarkable: pleasant, extremely strong (it fills the whole room). Average weight is about 400 grams.

Separately, it should be said about the pulp and its taste:

- The volume of the pulp is small, it is dry and has a cottony consistency.

- Taste bitter or neutral, raw these fruits are not suitable for food.

- There are many essential oils and rare glycosides.

- The seeds are large, resembling pumpkin seeds, sometimes there can be quite a few of them. Their peculiarity is that they often begin to germinate already under the peel, if the fruit is overexposed on the tree.

Given this information, it becomes clear that these citrus fruits are not consumed directly in food. But they are used in cooking to get candied fruits, and also as a seasoning for various dishes. For this purpose, they are pre-dried or dried. Sometimes, however, the pulp is added to salads and raw. Also, the fruits are simply decorated with holiday dishes.

In addition, in the countries of the East, citron Buddha's Hand is known as a cosmetic and medical remedy, it is widely used by Buddhists for their religious ceremonies.

Interesting! In the latter case, it is the closed fruits, in the form of a fist, that are valued. After all, a person in prayer folds his fingers, and does not spread them out! At the same time, among European flower growers, the wide-open form is considered a special achievement; it attracts with its unusualness. These are the cultural differences in the human world that this tree opens!

Concluding the conversation about the "usefulness" of citron, we repeat that it is most often grown in the East as an ornamental plant that decorates the space around the house and inside it, filling the air with fragrance. As an industrial crop, it is of limited importance in Japan and China.