Content
Swamp saxifrage is a rare plant listed in the Red Book. It has a bright appearance and has medicinal properties, which are successfully used in folk medicine. Finding itself on the verge of extinction, saxifrage came under the supervision of environmental authorities, who carefully monitor the spread and development of the plant.
Botanical description of the species
Swamp saxifraga (lat. Saxifraga Hirculus) is a perennial herbaceous plant belonging to the genus Saxifraga, the Saxifraga family. The stems are found both single and multiple; in appearance they are simple and erect. The height ranges from 10 to 40 cm. The surface of the stem is densely covered with reddish hairs.
Swamp saxifrage has entire, lanceolate, oblong leaves with pointed tips. They are light green in color, their length is from 1 to 3 cm, their width is from 3 to 5 mm. The leaves taper towards the bottom into a small stalk. The fruit is an oblong oval-shaped capsule. Its length reaches 1 cm. Flowering occurs in summer and autumn - from July to September.
Marsh saxifrage flowers are solitary, located at the top of the plant in 2-3 large inflorescences of 10 petals.They have a bright yellow color, sometimes with orange dots. The shape is elliptical, oval, length reaches 8-12 mm, width - 3-3.5 mm.
Marsh saxifrage blooms throughout the summer
Habitat
Under natural conditions, the plant is widespread in the cold hypoarctic, temperate zones and mountainous regions: in Russia, Belarus, Ukraine, the Caucasus and Central Asia. Found in Europe, Scandinavia and North America. It grows in river areas and wet meadows, around swamps and in moss-lichen tundra.
Number and causes of extinction
The plant's population is declining, but this does not lead to the complete extinction of the species - it is found less frequently in Eurasia, choosing the safest places to grow.
The main reasons for the population decline are considered to be:
- drainage of swampy areas;
- deforestation;
- aridity of the area in the summer seasons;
- haymaking.
Swamp saxifrage is in the Red Book of many regions of Russia and the world. The spread and increase in the number of plants is carefully monitored by specialists.
Security measures
To eliminate the threat of extinction of the marsh saxifrage, environmental authorities are taking a number of measures to increase the population and reduce the harmful effects. The plant is placed in national reserves and is carefully monitored. Inspections, registration and rescue operations are carried out in places of growth.
Security measures include searching for new distribution sites and limiting harmful human economic activities.To increase the population of marsh saxifrage, tests are carried out, artificial dispersal tests are carried out in suitable habitats, and plant growth and development are monitored.
The aerial part of the plant is often used as a raw material for preparing infusions and decoctions.
Medicinal properties
All parts of saxifraga (roots, seeds, flowers, leaves, stems) have healing properties. They contain tannins, which have an anti-inflammatory effect, have a positive effect on the gastrointestinal tract and cleanse the body of waste and toxins. It is recommended to use decoctions and tinctures from the plant:
- to stimulate menstruation;
- in the treatment of heart diseases;
- as a prevention and therapy for gastrointestinal disorders;
- as a diuretic, analgesic and anti-inflammatory agent.
A decoction of the seeds and rhizomes of Saxifraga helps with skin diseases. It is used to make compresses or mash, which are used to treat problem areas.
Use in folk medicine
Saxifraga is used for delayed menstruation. To prepare the medicine you need:
- Boil a tablespoon of chopped herbs in a glass of water for 3-4 minutes.
- Let it brew for 1 hour.
- Strain thoroughly.
You need to take two tablespoons three times a day.
Lotions for acne and dermatitis are treated with a decoction.
Cooking process:
- Take a tablespoon of crushed saxifrage roots and 1 tsp. seeds
- Mix the ingredients in a glass of water, boil the mixture over low heat for 4-5 minutes.
- Strain thoroughly.
You need to treat the problem area regularly, at least twice a day - morning and evening.
The roots are used in folk medicine for the preparation of diuretics and cleansing medicinal preparations.
Contraindications
Individual intolerance is the main contraindication to the use of marsh saxifrage as a medicine. Decoctions from this plant negatively affect the condition of the blood, thickening it and increasing the risk of thrombosis. Special instructions apply to pregnant and lactating women - excessive consumption negatively affects the well-being and health of the mother.
Is it possible to grow on the plot?
To breed marsh saxifrage, it is necessary to create suitable habitat conditions. This is a marsh plant that prefers moist soil and shaded places for its comfortable existence. It is difficult to comply with all the requirements for growing on the site - for agricultural purposes, “relatives” of the species, more light-loving, undemanding and winter-hardy varieties, are better suited.
Conclusion
Swamp saxifrage has many healing properties and is of invaluable benefit to the natural environment. The plant is not suitable for cultivation on the site, however, it is actively distributed by environmental authorities to maintain the population.
