Content
There are a large number of plants listed in the Red Book, the Chilim water chestnut is the most unusual of them. Ripe fruits have an attractive and at the same time strange appearance - there are processes that resemble horns. Due to the unique beneficial properties, the fruits began to be actively used in all spheres of life, which led to the disappearance of the plant.
Why was the water chestnut called that?
The word "Chilim" comes from the Turkic language. If we take into account the data of the dictionary published by M. Vasmer, then translated into Russian it means “smoking pipe”. In botany, this plant belongs to the genus Rogulnikov, which has a different name, and to be more precise, water chestnut. Today, Chilim water chestnut has several names:
- floating bagel;
- devil's nut (this is associated with processes that resemble horns in appearance);
- water chestnut (as it grows in the water column);
- floating water chestnut.
This species is so ancient that it is no longer possible to say where exactly Chilim came from and in what territory it was first discovered.
What does a water chestnut look like?
If we take into account the photo and description of the Chilim water chestnut, it is worth noting that the process of fruit formation begins in the fall. The fruits grow small, reaching up to 2.5 cm in diameter and a maximum of 4 cm in length. Since the fruits are quite heavy, Chilim has to additionally increase the air cavities, thanks to which the nuts do not sink in water and are on the surface.
Each Chilim can produce up to 15 fruits. The presence of a dense shell and terrifying growths in the form of horns protect the fruits from being eaten by birds, fish and other wild animals. Ripe fruits can be preserved even in late autumn, when most of the plants have already rotted by this time.
In spring, the fruit germinates, which leads to the formation of a new nut. If the conditions for germination are unsuitable, then Chilim can lie on the bottom of the reservoir for several decades, while its ability to germinate will not be lost. When the shell is opened, you can see a large white seed occupying all the available space.
Where does the Chilim water chestnut grow in Russia?
Chilim appeared more than 25 million years ago. Primitive people consumed this product raw. There is evidence that in China this type of plant was specially grown and then used for medicinal and culinary purposes.
Even in Rus', Chilim was eaten raw, fried and baked. The dried fruits were ground into flour. Until the end of the 19th and beginning of the 20th century, this plant could be found in Russia and Ukraine. As a result of the fact that climatic conditions began to undergo changes, this resulted in the disappearance of the Chilim nut.
On the territory of Russia Chilim you can find:
- in Georgia;
- on the territory of Kazakhstan;
- in the Far East;
- in the southern part of Western Siberia;
- in the Dnieper basins.
As a rule, Chilim grows in stagnant waters of lakes and swamps, in the floodplains of fresh rivers with a slow flow and muddy bottom. This plant grows actively in clean water bodies, but in the presence of pollution it begins to die.
Description of water chestnut
Chilim belongs to the genus of Rogulniks of the loosestrife family. The plant is an annual, it cannot be grown in the climatic conditions of Northern Europe, since flowering is possible only in hot weather.
The stems are quite large and flexible, reaching up to 5 m in length. The leaves have an oval or diamond shape, along the edges there is a border of denticles, which in appearance resembles a birch. During development, the water chestnut can take root in the soil or grow in the water column.
Thanks to the air-bearing tissue located on the rosette of leaves, the nut does not sink in the water and is located on the very surface of the reservoir. In summer, the flowering process begins, resulting in small white flowers with black petals. The buds are constantly under water, and you can only see them early in the morning or late in the evening.
Pollination can occur even when the buds are closed under water. The plant is self-pollinating.
Benefits of water chestnut fruit
In Russia, water chestnut is not used for medicinal purposes as often as in Asia, where local healers simply cannot do without this product. There is a large list of medical indications according to which it is necessary to use Chilim:
- diseases of the kidneys and genitourinary system;
- since nuts have an antiviral effect, they are used in the fight against herpes, boils, and purulent sore throat;
- for diarrhea, it is recommended to consume fresh fruits or juice;
- allows you to overcome tumors;
- normalizes the functioning of the gallbladder;
- promotes rapid healing of open wounds on the body;
- has an analgesic effect;
- increases performance several times;
- allows you to overcome stress;
- medicines based on water chestnut Chilim are taken after serious illnesses to restore the body.
In folk medicine, not only the kernels are used, but also the stems, leaves and flowers.
Using a floating flyer
Chilim water chestnut is very popular among healers, as a result of which it is used in folk medicine. In addition, it can be used in cooking and cosmetology. Based on this product, you can prepare healing decoctions, tinctures and juices. You can take the prepared products orally, use them as lotions and rinse the mouth. For cosmetic purposes, Chilim helps fight acne.
In the Altai Territory, Chilim is dried and used to make amulets. In addition, they make pendants and souvenirs.In livestock farming, water chestnut is used as animal feed, but since this product is rarely found today, this practice is almost forgotten.
In folk medicine
In folk medicine, all parts of the water chestnut are used to prepare medicines. This product helps fight the following diseases:
- diseases associated with blood vessels;
- genitourinary tract infection;
- food poisoning;
- to boost the immune system;
- eye diseases;
- nervous exhaustion;
- used for insect and poisonous snake bites.
The juice of the leaves is used for diseases of the eyes and throat, and for inflammation of the skin. For sore throat, it is enough to dilute 15 ml of juice in 150 ml of water and gargle 3 times a day.
An infusion based on dried leaves and flowers of Chilima is taken as a general tonic. This remedy is excellent for a weakened immune system, diarrhea, and inflammation of the intestinal mucosa. Before you start using this product for medicinal purposes, it is recommended to first consult with your doctor, which will avoid harm to health instead of the expected benefit.
In cooking
Chilim can be eaten fresh or added to salads and first courses. The fruit is quite juicy and has a pleasant, pronounced taste. The fruits of the Chilim nut can be boiled in lightly salted water or baked in the oven. The taste of the baked nut can be compared to a chestnut.
If possible, you can dry the fruits and then grind them into flour.This flour can be used for baking, which is great for making pancakes, bread, and pancakes.
If necessary, you can stew nuts and apples:
- Take 100 g of nuts.
- Clear the shell.
- Stew in a container of boiling water.
- Peel the same amount of apples, cut into small pieces and add to the nuts.
- Simmer until fully cooked.
To taste, you can add granulated sugar and a small piece of butter.
In other areas
Few people know that Chilim water chestnut has tonic properties, as a result of which this product is often used as an additive for cosmetic products. If rashes appear on the skin of the face, they can be spot-treated with bagel juice; in addition, the juice is ideal for caring for oily and combination skin types.
Due to its unusual and attractive appearance, water chestnut is used to make souvenirs, pendants, and amulets for the home.
Growing water chestnut as a pond plant
This type of plant, if necessary, can be grown at home, using for this purpose a large aquarium or a reservoir, the bottom of which is covered with a dense layer of soil. For germination, the creation of suitable conditions is required; the temperature should be in the range from +23°C to +25°C.
Seeds are planted in the spring. Before planting the planting material, you must first place the seeds in camphor alcohol and carefully remove the shell from the germination site. For planting, use a small container filled with silt.
If everything went well, then after the first sprout appears, the development of the nut will begin. As soon as the first leaves appear, it is worth transplanting Chilim into an aquarium or any other body of water.It is important to consider that the plant cannot grow in dirty water, so it must be changed in a reservoir as often as possible. If no flowering is observed after 30 days, the nut will die.
Conclusion
Chilim water chestnut is listed in the Red Book of Russia, but despite this, it can be found on sale. If necessary, Chilim water chestnut can be grown at home, following all growing recommendations.
