Content
Aniseed lofant is an unpretentious, but decorative honey plant and medicinal plant, rich in essential oils, becoming popular in the gardens of many summer residents. Growing is simple, fresh and dried raw materials are used to maintain health and for culinary purposes.
Description of the herb Lofant anise
The bush of lofanta, or fennel multigrass, rises from 45-60 cm to 1-1.5 m, consists of 4-10 tetrahedral green stems with serrated heart-shaped-lanceolate leaves of bright green color, located opposite. The stems branch. The leaf blade is on a long petiole, measuring 8-10 cm x 3-4 cm. Peduncles are formed on the tops of the stems, up to 7-12 pieces. The inflorescences are spike-shaped, 12-20 cm long, 3-4 cm in diameter, consisting of two-lipped flowers. The color of lofant corollas varies depending on the variety and type: from white to lilac and purple. The buds appear by the end of May, the bush can bloom continuously for 4 months if the stems are pruned. In this case, the plant forms new flower stalks in greater numbers.
Varieties of anise lofant
A spectacular ornamental bush, the generous honey plant Lofant anise is distributed throughout gardens in the form of several varieties from well-known domestic companies: “SeDeK”, “Gavrish”, “Gardens of Russia” and others. The differences between lofant specimens are in the shades of flowers and the range of aromas, most often anise. The differences in smells are not significant, but they have specific shades.
Lofant anise Snowball
Sun-loving perennial variety, stems with 4 sides, grow up to 60-70 cm. Spike-shaped inflorescences, 8-16 cm long, consisting of small flowers with white petals. A plant with a pleasant anise smell, the leaves give dishes an original taste with sweetish notes. In the middle zone it is grown as an annual.
Witch Doctor
The variety does not tolerate severe frosts, so the seeds are sown every spring. As a perennial plant, it is grown in the southern regions. The stems are 0.5-0.7 cm high, erect, and form a lush bush from one fibrous root. Spike-shaped inflorescences are blue-violet, formed from small flowers with long stamens.
Summer resident
This lofant has white inflorescences, 10-20 cm long. They are placed on strong stems that rise straight from the root, ranging from 50 to 80 cm in height. In the regions of the central climatic zone of Russia it is grown as an annual. In regions where winters are mild, it grows in one place for 5-6 years. Then, to renew, the bush is divided and replanted.
Premier
The blue-violet small flowers of the variety are collected in large spikelets 16-22 cm long. The stems are strong, 4-sided, forming an erect bush 80-150 cm.The odorous medicinal and culinary raw materials are cut off after 40-60 days of plant development. Young leaves with an anise aroma are used in salads, to flavor tea or compote.
Dandy
The strong stems of the variety grow straight upward from the fibrous root, reaching 90-110 cm. The plant branches towards the top. The stems bear many large inflorescences, 8-15 cm long, in the form of a spike with small lilac flowers. As a medicinal raw material, the stems are cut when the inflorescences bloom. Young leaves are used for cooking.
Planting and caring for anise lofant
The unpretentious plant is propagated by dividing the bush or by seeds. The second method is more acceptable for regions where in winter the temperature drops from -20 °C. Lofant seeds are sown in the ground at the end of April or in May. They grow seedlings from March. Standard care: moderate watering and a bright room.
Growing anise lofant will be successful on fertile soil with neutral acidity. The plant blooms poorly and the stems branch poorly on poor sandy soils, as well as in areas where groundwater is high, and on acidic soils. The culture is drought-resistant and loves sunny places. Seeds are sown to a depth of 3 cm. Shoots appear after 7-9 days. When thinning, sprouts are left every 25-30 cm, with an interval of 60-70 cm between rows. The soil is periodically loosened, especially after watering. Weeds are removed, and as they grow, the strong, densely leafy stems of the lofant suppress uninvited neighbors.
Lofant care is simple:
- watering medicinal plant plantings once a week;
- Having cut off the fragrant anise stems, the plant is fed with mullein infusion, diluted in a ratio of 1:5;
- winter-hardy perennial varieties are divided for propagation in spring or autumn;
- For winter, frost-resistant perennials are pruned, leaving stems 8-12 cm high above the ground;
- later covered with leaves.
Sufficient moisture promotes the vigorous development of the lofant bush, branching of stems and abundant formation of peduncles. Frequent cutting of fading spikelets provokes a new wave of flower stalk formation. The plants have fibrous, powerful roots with a central core; the divisions take root well. In one place, a culture can develop successfully for up to 6-7 years, then a transplant is necessary. Diseases and pests do not threaten the lofant.
Chemical composition of the plant
The herb of the crop consists of 15% essential oil, which explains the strong effect of the medicinal plant lofant anise. The oil contained 80% of the chemical substance methyl chavicol, which characterizes the plant tarragon or tarragon, known in cooking. The components of the oil change, and the volume of anise smell varies depending on them.
Acids:
- ascorbic acid;
- coffee shop;
- apple
- lemon
Tannins are present - 8.5%, vitamins C, B1 and B2.
Lots of minerals:
- more than 10,000 mcg/g calcium and potassium;
- above 2000 µg/g magnesium and sodium;
- iron 750 mcg/g;
- as well as boron, iodine, copper, manganese, selenium, chromium, zinc.
Useful properties of anise lofant
The components of the essential oil and other components of the raw material from Lofant anise have the following effects:
- bactericidal;
- tonic;
- diuretic;
- anthelmintic;
- antispasmodic.
The herb is known for producing antioxidant, immunostimulating, fungicidal effects.Supports blood vessels during atherosclerosis, hypertension, cleanses the body of toxins, and normalizes metabolism. There are references that the active substances of Lofant anise promote the growth of cancer cells. Traditional healers who have the plant in their medicinal arsenal are inclined to the opposite opinion.
Aniseed lofant is useful not only for humans. Housewives give the crushed grass to chickens, whose egg production increases with constant use. Goats also increase their milk yield if they are fed several stalks of anise grass per day.
Rules for procurement of raw materials
In cooking, tender young leaves of aniseed lofant, 30-40 days old, are used in various dishes - salads, fish, meat. Flowers, seeds, as well as leaves with a bright anise aroma are used in compotes, dough, and preservation.
The most complete accumulation of components with medicinal properties is observed during the creation of buds and flowering. Medicinal raw materials of aniseed lofant are harvested during this period:
- cut off the stems with leaves and peduncles;
- dry in the shade, placing a thin layer;
- drying is also carried out in ventilated areas;
- dried herbs are stored in fabric bags, thick paper envelopes, glass containers so that the anise aroma does not evaporate.
Indications for use
Anise lofant is not used as a medicinal plant in official medicine; it is not included in the State Register as a crop recommended for cultivation. But domestic scientists have conducted a number of studies that have shown the feasibility of using medicinal herbal raw materials for use in diseases:
- upper respiratory tract;
- genitourinary system;
- gastrointestinal tract.
And also for the treatment of fungal infections and providing a general strengthening effect on the body.
Traditional medicine advises using medicinal raw materials with a strong anise aroma for:
- treatment of bronchitis and bronchial asthma;
- maintaining normal pancreas;
- stimulating the cardiovascular system after a heart attack or stroke;
- normalization of the kidneys and urinary tract.
A decoction of medicinal raw materials from lofant relieves blood vessels from cholesterol plaques, helps normalize blood pressure in case of incipient hypertension, and has a calming effect in cases of minor tachycardia and angina. Tea gently relieves headaches, including those caused by migraines. A decoction of the herb has the same gentle analgesic effect in cases of gastritis, stomach ulcers, and enteritis. Some gardeners are especially attracted to growing lofant by the information that regularly adding a few fresh leaves to the diet increases male potency. Antioxidant and immune-stimulating substances of Lofant anise inhibit the aging process and promote tissue renewal at the cellular level. Compresses with a decoction of medicinal raw materials and baths relieve inflammation on the skin and alleviate the condition of purulent wounds.
If there are no contraindications, the medicinal herb Lofant anise for culinary or medicinal purposes is useful for residents of megacities and other cities with problematic ecology. Active substances easily remove unwanted compounds from the body and promote health.
Methods of application
More often, fresh and dried raw materials of aniseed lofant are used in the form of decoctions or tea, sometimes tinctures or ointments are made.
- tea is prepared by brewing 1 tbsp. l. raw materials 200 ml of boiling water - consumed three times a day;
- the infusion is brewed in a thermos: 2 tablespoons of herbs per 400 ml, which is consumed 100 ml three times before meals;
- The decoction is prepared in a water bath, pour 200 ml of boiling water 2 tbsp. l. stems, leaves, flowers of lofant, boil for 6-9 minutes, and consume 50 ml 3-4 times a day;
- alcohol tinctures are made from 50 g of dried raw materials or 200 g of fresh and 500 ml of vodka, kept for up to a month, then taken 21-26 drops three times a day with water for 21-28 days with the same break;
- a decoction for problem skin is made from 200 g of herb, which is boiled for 10 minutes in 2 liters of water and poured into the bath;
- a concentrated decoction for purulent wounds, boils, rinsing for stomatitis, sore throat, rinsing the head for dandruff is prepared from 3-4 tbsp. l. herbs per glass of water;
- extracts based on various vegetable oils, which are poured into crushed herbs with an anise smell, are used in cosmetology.
Contraindications
Before use, carefully study the medicinal properties and contraindications of anise lofant. Doctors prohibit cancer patients from using any form of the plant. You should be careful when starting to drink the decoction or make lotions for people who have already been diagnosed with an allergy. Lofant is also undesirable for:
- pregnant and nursing mothers;
- children under 12 years of age;
- hypotensives to reduce blood pressure;
- suffering from thrombophlebitis, seizures, epilepsy.
Before using anise lofant, it is better to consult a doctor.
Conclusion
Anise lofant will decorate the area, a pleasant find for bees, its leaves will add a unique sweetish aroma to the tea. Before using decoctions and other dosage forms from the plant, you need to carefully study its properties and contraindications.
