Oleander is a landscaping shrub native to northern Africa and Southeast Asia and acts as a traditional medicine to treat hemorrhoids, ulcers, and leprosy.
Even Ayurveda, Naturopathy, and Chinese therapies use Oleander plant parts for treating various diseases.
Continue reading what more Oleander can offer you while smiling in your indoor or outdoor garden.
Table of Contents Show
Top 6 Oleander Plant Benefits
Despite the toxicity, leaves and seeds of Oleander are widely in use to make oil and powder extract to add as an ingredient in medicines.
1. A Natural Air Purifier
Oleander plants are among the most versatile houseplants, absorbing the Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) in the indoor environment.
Meanwhile, the sweet smell, similar to apricots, helps maintain a good mood.
Thus, most cities in China have implemented the tradition of growing Oleanders on the roadside to enchant the peddlers.
Accompanying Oleander, other air-purifying plants, such as Azaleas and Spider Plants, can also help cleanse the air thoroughly.
2. Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory Properties
Extract of Oleander has the highest ability to disintegrate the free radicals present in the body and protect cellular survival.
According to the National Library of Medicine, the Oleander leaf extracts secretes cytokines responsible for producing collagen and hyaluronan during wound healing.
Also, the antioxidants present in the Oleander can invade the cells and protect them from oxidative stress.
Thus, Oleander is widely used for the same property to treat leprosy, ulcers, diabetes, stroke, and asthma.
3. Helps Treat Cancer and HIV
Oleandrin is an anticancer and potent inhibitor of lethal skin pigmentation proliferation.
Research from Cancer Center claims that oleandrin can induce a suicidal effect in various Cancer cell lines and increases the sensitivity of cells to radioactivity.
Meanwhile, Oleander also induces selective cell killing and inhibiting glucose breakdown.
Also, the extract of Oleander can induce pancreatic tumor growth by restraining the enzymes present in the membrane.
4. Promotes Skin Health
Significantly, Oleander has received recognition for having triterpenoid compounds like oleanolic and ursolic acid, which are responsible for enhancing skin recovery.
Also, the components in Oleander support the rejuvenation of membranes in the skin, helping to reduce wrinkles.
Meanwhile, the topical use of Oleander is safe for skin and immune cells and acts as an anti-inflammatory and wound healer.
The Oleander flowers are used as a floral face pack to improve the texture and complexion of the skin.
Moreover, the grounded Oleander leaves mixed with honey to make a poultice hold importance in treating scabies and itchiness.
You can also mix the paste from grinding Oleander leaves or flowers with olive oil to apply topically on any affected parts.
5. Eco-Friendly Pesticide
Oleander comprises toxins like oleandrin and neandrin, making it poisonous to humans and pets.
However, it is an eco-friendly pesticide to kill flies and other pests getting near plants because the sap of the bark, flower, and leaves have the highest composition of toxins.
An experiment performed at the California State Science Fair concluded that each part of the Oleander could act as a pesticide.
As the pesticide from Oleander extract is an effective actor, you can use it as a slow-releasing herbal pesticide.
6. Elevates Aesthetic Appeal
Oleander is an evergreen, ornamental shrub with clusters of stunning and vibrant fragrant flowers.
The Oleander flower comes in beautiful shades of white, pink, copper and yellow lasting for months, making it a splendid addition to your collection.
And they grow vigorously during the spring and summer, giving the clustered bloom with vines extending up to 8 feet.
Meanwhile, you can elevate the appeal of Oleander by combining it with Croton, Firebush, or Plumbago, matching Oleander’s growing condition.
Health Considerations to Keep in Mind
Take precautions when working with the Oleander plant because touching it may result in skin irritation, especially from the sap.
Not only pets, but Oleander is also highly toxic to humans if not used with the standard precautions. There is a high chance of abortion in pregnant women and respiratory paralysis.
Besides, diabetic patients with heart problems need to avoid Oleander extracts.
Though many claim Oleander promotes heart health, you need not take extracts without consulting professionals.
Meanwhile, Oleander can also cause visible symptoms such as vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, breast pain, itching, and pain.
If the signs persist for longer, contact emergency help immediately.
- AAPCC at (800) 222-1222 for humans
- ASPCA at (888) 426-4435 for pets
Where to Buy Oleander?
Follow the link below to bring a new Oleander to your plant collection.
| Sites | Delivery Time |
|---|---|
| Plant vine | 5-7 business days |
| Plant addicts | 2-3 business days |
| Walmart | Within 10 business days |
| Etsy | 7-10 business days |
| Amazon | 6-10 business days |
Wrapping Up…
To leverage the above benefits, water your Oleander plants once every three days, prune annually and feed balanced granular fertilizer monthly.
Also, beware of the toxicity of Oleander before approaching its benefits.
Learn the benefits of other flowering plants, including Ice Plant, Ti Plant, Azalea, and Croton Plant.
