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Hogweed Siberian belongs to the umbrella plants. In ancient times, it was often used for cooking, as well as in folk medicine. But not everything is so simple with this large plant. If handled incorrectly, it can seriously harm human health.
Description of Siberian hogweed
Like other umbrella plants, hogweed can grow for 2 or several years. The stem of hogweed can grow up to 1.5 m in height. It resembles a thick empty tube. The lower part of the stem is covered with hard and long hairs. Side branches may rise above the main stem. The leaves are also very hard, large and pinnately dissected. They are located near the roots of the plant (5 or 6 pieces). The length of each sheet can be up to 40 cm and the width is about 25 cm.
The inflorescences form a complex umbrella, the diameter of which is at least 7 cm. The small umbrellas included in it have a diameter of up to 2 cm. The size of the blooming flowers is about 40 mm in diameter. The fruit of the hogweed is a dry borer. You can see the inflorescences of this plant in the photo below.
Siberian hogweed grows in Europe. It can often be found in Western Siberia and the Caucasus. The best place for it is a forest meadow, thickets, areas near roads and ponds.The plant loves moisture, so it is rarely found in fields. Basically, Siberian hogweed is an unpretentious plant. It thrives both in a shady place and in damp soil, where many more tender plants die.
Both the leaves and stems of this plant contain:
- resins;
- essential oil;
- coumarins;
- phenol.
In addition, Siberian hogweed contains a large amount of minerals, such as boron, iron, titanium, nickel, etc. It also contains ascorbic acid and carotene in large quantities. The green mass of the plant contains about 17 different amino acids.
Application in medicine
Absolutely all parts of the plant have a certain healing effect. To use hogweed in medicine, it is important to properly collect and store the plant. Leaves are collected before flowering begins. They should be dried by turning them over from time to time. Rhizomes must be dug up in the fall. Then the prepared roots are dried and then dried at 40 °C. These raw materials should be stored in glass containers. The rhizomes retain their beneficial properties for 3 years, and the leaves only for up to 2 years.
Hogweed infusions are used as an anti-inflammatory agent. In addition, it has antispasmodic and antiseptic properties. They are used to treat diarrhea, cramps, climatic syndrome, and poor digestion. Siberian hogweed was also used to increase appetite. Adherents of traditional medicine claim that hogweed leaves do an excellent job of treating joint inflammation and rheumatism.To treat eczema and neurodermatitis, hogweed is taken internally and externally. The roots of this plant protect against cholelithiasis and jaundice. They are also used to treat bronchial asthma.
Here's how to prepare an infusion of hogweed roots:
- Pour 1 teaspoon of crushed root into 1 cup of boiling water.
- The mixture is allowed to stand for about 8 hours.
- Next, the infusion is filtered and poured into the prepared container.
This infusion should be taken 20 minutes before meals. In the same way, you can prepare an infusion of hogweed leaves. Remember that to obtain a therapeutic effect, you must strictly follow the dosage and prescription. Otherwise, the treatment will either not give any results at all, or even harm your health.
A decoction of rhizomes can also be used to treat stomatitis and sore throat. In this case, the resulting decoction is used to rinse the mouth. There are other recipes for preparing medicines based on different parts of this plant. But still, you should remember that with serious illnesses you should immediately consult a doctor. Traditional methods are not suitable for everyone.
Use in cooking
The very name of the plant suggests that it was previously used to prepare borscht. In Rus', he was a frequent guest on the table. Young stems of hogweed were used as a filling for pies, and the leaves were often added to various salads and side dishes. Those who have tasted them claim that these leaves are very reminiscent of ordinary carrots.
The stems can also be consumed raw. To do this, they should be peeled and scalded with hot water. You can also boil or roast the stems. But most often they were used to make jam and marmalade.The stems were even used to make sugar due to their sweet flavor.
Leaves and rhizomes were taken to prepare borscht. They are in no way inferior to vegetables in terms of nutritional value. The inflorescences of this plant have an extraordinary aroma that attracts bees. Because of this, Siberian hogweed can be called an excellent honey plant. True, such honey has an unusual taste and color.
Hogweed burns
If hogweed juice gets on your skin, it can cause serious burns. For some, they may manifest themselves in the form of mild itching, while for others, large blisters even form. Other unpleasant symptoms may appear, such as headache and fever. After the blisters resolve, bleeding wounds will remain on the body for a long time.
Most often, such manifestations are observed in young children with fair skin. They are the most susceptible to hogweed juice, so they are at risk. Wet skin also promotes skin irritation and the spread of plant sap.
Fighting Siberian hogweed
This plant can spread very quickly, capturing new territories. It grows quickly, displacing other plant species from the site. This rapid growth is also explained by the fact that hogweed is capable of self-pollinating and quickly producing seeds. For example, Sosnovsky hogweed has grown so large in some areas that it has begun to threaten the health of residents. Many gardeners and gardeners have been struggling with this plant for years.
The most important thing is to have time to remove the young sprout before the seeds appear. Experience shows that for several years you will have to constantly mow the plant at the initial stage of development. This is the only way to get rid of this “enemy”. Remember safety precautions. Removal of sprouts is carried out only in seals and protective clothing. If, however, the juice manages to get on the skin, you must immediately wash it off with soapy water. Siberian hogweed is not so dangerous, but the fight against it will be no less lengthy.
Interesting Facts
Many people confuse different types of hogweed. On the surface, it can be really difficult to spot the differences. The following hogweeds can grow in Russia:
- ordinary;
- Sosnovsky;
- bearded;
- woolly;
- dissected.
Not all of them are equally dangerous. For example, Siberian hogweed is practically harmless compared to Sosnovsky, which can lead to disastrous consequences for human life and health. The main difference can be seen on the leaves of these plants. Siberian hogweed has heavily dissected leaves of a muted green color. They are slightly velvety and rough. It rarely grows more than 1.5 m, while Sosnovsky often reaches up to 3 meters in height.
Conclusion
Probably few plants can evoke such divided feelings in us. On the one hand, hogweed is an excellent medicine that fights many diseases, on the other hand, it is a dangerous enemy that grows at great speed throughout the area, preventing other plants from developing. In addition, it can harm our skin. In any case, the Siberian hogweed is not as dangerous as its closest “relatives”.When used correctly, it will only bring benefits.
