Content
In ancient times, people valued what the land gave them. They prepared various decoctions from plants that had a healing effect on the body, or added them to food. One of the most frequently used species was the meadow salsify. The plant still grows in Europe, Africa and the USA, and some gardeners grow it in their summer cottages.
Description of the meadow salsify
If we talk about the appearance of the plant, it has branched stems of a pink or purple hue. Their height sometimes reaches 1.2 m, but most often does not exceed 50 cm.
If you look at the photo of meadow salsify, you can conclude that the flower resembles an ordinary dandelion
The roots of the plant are large and reach from 4 to 10 cm in length. It has large leaves that are distinguished by their linear-lanceolate shape and rich green color. It begins to bloom in mid-June. Peduncles mainly open in the morning and close in the afternoon.
The fruits of the meadow salsify are a smooth achene that resembles a fluffy tuft.The seeds germinate every year for 3 years.
Beneficial properties of meadow salsify
This plant is considered very useful, because it contains a large number of microelements necessary for the body:
- vitamin PP;
- ascorbic acid;
- B vitamins;
- iron;
- magnesium;
- sodium;
- selenium;
- zinc;
- phosphorus.
In addition, salsify is rich in protein, fiber, ash components and polyunsaturated fatty acids.
Some varieties of the plant are used as a low-calorie vegetable crop, because the root has a delicious oyster flavor
Meadow salsify is often included in folk remedies, as it has a diuretic, antiseptic, wound-healing, anti-inflammatory and choleretic effect.
Consumption of salsify roots helps increase insulin levels in the blood and reduce the amount of sugar, thereby combating diabetes. It can also be used for weight loss, as it burns fat quickly and effectively. The use of the plant normalizes biochemical processes in the body. Fat and carbohydrate metabolism improves. The brain is stimulated.
Application in folk medicine
Meadow salsify is often used to prepare folk remedies. This treatment helps to quickly remove toxins from the body, normalize appetite and improve peristalsis, increase blood flow, relieve chronic constipation, increase blood clotting and prevent the development of internal bleeding.
Most often, an aqueous infusion is prepared from the plant:
- Pour 1 tbsp into a thermos. l. dried salsify, pour a glass of boiled water.
- Let it brew for at least 5 hours. Then they filter.
- The prepared infusion should be taken 1 tbsp. l. 5-8 times a day.
The decoction is suitable as an expectorant in the treatment of colds, bronchitis or pneumonia. It is recommended to be taken for renal pathologies and swelling. Can be used to eliminate insomnia.
The plant is also used in other cases:
- For purulent wounds, ulcers, dermatosis and eczema, you need to squeeze the juice onto the affected areas. Compresses made from salsify pulp also help.
- Steamed or fresh leaves help with abscesses.
- Crushed leaves cure bedsores.
- In salsify decoction you can bathe babies who have various rashes on their skin.
- Use an alcohol tincture to rinse your mouth. The product helps with stomatitis and eliminates bad breath.
Meadow salsify - a universal remedy for many diseases
It can also be used for various joint pathologies. The alcohol tincture is rubbed into the area where pain is observed. And apply compresses at night. This improves joint mobility and eliminates unpleasant symptoms.
Restrictions and contraindications
Meadow salsify has only one contraindication - increased susceptibility to the components of the plant. Folk remedies from salsify are recommended to be used with caution by women during pregnancy and breastfeeding, as well as by young children under 6 years of age.
Collection and procurement of raw materials
It is better to dig up the roots of meadow salsify after the first frost. It is not recommended to take old root vegetables, as they contain an accumulation of harmful components. You need to remove the plant carefully, without touching the stems and roots. If the plant is damaged, it cannot be stored.
Whole roots and stems are placed in a cool place until next year. If meadow salsify grows in the garden, then you don’t have to dig up the bed, but cover it with woven material for the winter. In this way, the plant is stored until spring, and then the taste of fresh fruits is enjoyed.
Use in cooking
Meadow salsify is used not only to treat various diseases, but also in cooking. This plant is a valuable dietary product and is suitable for those people who want to lose weight.
Leaves, roots and stems are used in cooking
First, all parts of salsify are washed, beaten and placed in boiling water to eliminate the appearance of a bitter taste.
The roots are peeled and boiled in salted water for 5-7 minutes. The stems and leaves are used to make side dishes or soups.
There are several popular recipes:
- Cooking salsify with egg. The root is cut into small pieces and placed in a frying pan greased with sunflower oil. Pour in beaten egg and add green onions. Bake in the oven until done.
- Preparing a vitamin salad. For this you will need salsify leaves, green onions, and peas. All ingredients are mixed and seasoned with sour cream. To improve the taste, you can add boiled potatoes or fresh cucumber.
- Fried salsify roots. This dish turns out very tasty and satisfying. To begin, the roots are boiled in salted water and peeled. Then roll in breadcrumbs and transfer to a frying pan. Fry for 7-10 minutes.
Instead of tea, you can drink decoctions of salsify, chamomile and mint. But you should not abuse such dishes. It is enough to eat salsify 2-3 times a week.
Landing rules
If gardeners decide to plant a crop, then they need to know that the plant is self-sowing, and therefore can appear anywhere. This often causes dissatisfaction.
If this does not bother you, then it is better to use fertile soil for planting.
Acidic and clay soil is also not suitable. Growing in such soil will lead to external deformity of the plant.
It is recommended to plant seeds in late May-early June. Before this, the soil is prepared. To do this, it is fertilized and covered with polyethylene. The bed is made large, since the roots sometimes grow up to 30 cm in length.
Features of cultivation
In order for the crop to grow well, it needs to be periodically fed and watered. Don’t forget about weeding and loosening the soil.
The plant belongs to unpretentious crops
In the first year, the flower stalks are removed. If you do not adhere to this rule, the roots will be very tough. But you can’t eat such a product.
Diseases and pests
Meadow salsify prefers dry soil, so it should not be overwatered. If you do not follow this rule, the ground will quickly become covered with mold, which will lead to the death of the root system.
Conclusion
Meadow salsify is an easy-to-care plant that is very beneficial for the body. It can be used to treat various diseases or simply eaten as a vegetable side dish. If you don’t like the taste of salsify, you can also use it to decorate your garden.Many summer residents create beautiful garden paths and decorate hedges.
