Content
Moldavian snakehead or Turkish lemon balm (Dracocephalum moldavica) is an annual herbaceous plant that is a member of the Lamiaceae family. East Asia is considered its homeland. The crop has now begun to be grown everywhere in household plots, as it has a pleasant spicy aroma and medicinal properties. Moldavian coil can also be used in landscape design.
Other names of the culture are blueweed, dragonhead, queen plant, Moldavian balsam
Description and photo
The height of this herbaceous plant varies from 15 to 50 cm, depending on growing conditions. All vegetative parts of the Moldavian species of snakehead are pubescent. The root is tap-type, it penetrates deep into the soil up to 30 cm.
The stem of the plant grows upright and is hollow inside. It is round at the bottom and tetrahedral at the top. The shoot branches at the base, this leads to the formation of several lateral branches.
The leaves on the stem are located opposite, they are dark green in color.In the lower part of the shoot of the Moldavian species of culture, the plates have an oblong-ovate shape, the apical ones are lanceolate, and the bracts are elongated wedge-shaped. The leaves are attached to the stems using short petioles, their edges are jagged. The central vein is clearly expressed.
The snakehead blooms in July. The buds are collected in six-flowered false whorls that appear at the top of the stems. The flowers are two-lipped, the size of the corolla is 20-25 mm. The calyx is short-haired and pubescent. The flowers of the Moldavian dragonhead species are pale purple and white, they are bisexual and pollinated by insects. The lower buds on the main stem open first. The flowering period lasts 45-50 days, depending on the climatic conditions of the region.
As soon as the top bud in the whorl opens, the bottom one withers
The fruits of the Moldavian snakehead have the shape of a triangular oblong nut, 2.8-3.1 mm long and about 1.5-1.8 mm in diameter. When ripe they become dark brown in color. Inside the fruits there are small seeds of an almost black hue, 1000 of which weigh 2 g. The crop bears fruit in August-September.
Moldavian snakehead is an excellent honey plant
The best varieties
Now there are only seven types of culture. They have common characteristic features, as well as some differences.
Varieties of the Moldavian snakehead:
- Albion. Cultivated since 2008. The duration of the growing season is 100-105 days. Plant height is 45-50 cm. The leaves are elliptical, 4.5-5 cm long and 1.5 cm wide. The flowers are large, snow-white. The weight of the plant is 240-280 g.
Productivity of the Moldavian snakehead variety Albion per 1 sq. m – 2.4-2.8 kg
- Gorgon. An early variety that was registered in 2002. The plant grows from four to eight shoots, the height of which reaches 70 cm. The leaves are of a standard shape and medium in size. The plates and shoots of the variety have an anthocyanin tint. Two-lipped flowers of a violet-blue hue. The weight of one plant of this variety is 24-260 g, and the yield of greenery per 1 sq. m reaches 800 g.
The Moldavian snakehead Gorgon easily adapts to any climatic conditions
- Sultan. The Moldovan species underwent varietal testing in 2011 and was recommended for cultivation in all regions of the country. Forms branched bushes, 70 cm high. Leaves are rich green, large, slightly compressed. Their length reaches 7-8 cm, and the width is 1.5 cm. The flowers are blue-violet, collected in whorls up to 25 cm in size. The weight of one plant is 230-250 g. The yield of a mid-season variety of snakehead from 1 sq. m reaches 1.8-2 kg.
The Moldavian snakehead Sultan blooms two months after the sprouts appear
- Tenderness. This variety is suitable for industrial cultivation because it produces a large number of seeds. The height of the plant is 60-70 cm, the flowering period begins 51-58 days after the sprouts appear. Shoots and leaves of a mid-season variety may have an anthocyanin tint. The color of the flowers is violet-blue. The seeds fully ripen in 110-115 days.
The snakehead variety Tenderness has been cultivated since 2018
- Arhat. Easily adapts to any climate. Appeared on the market in 1995. It is distinguished by compact bushes, the height of which varies between 40-60 cm. The shoots are strong, dark green, the leaves are light green in color.The length of the plates of the Arhat snakehead is 4-7 cm, and the width is 2-3.5 cm. The flowers are white and look impressive against the background of bright foliage. The mass of the plant during the collection of raw materials is 240-280 g, and from 1 sq. m you can collect up to 1.8-2.1 kg of greens.
The mid-season variety of snakehead Arhat is valued for its persistent spicy aroma
- Egoist. This variety of Moldovan crop was bred in 2005. The height of the plant is 50-55 cm. The leaves are narrow and resemble a scalpel in appearance. The flowers are large, rich blue-violet color. The weight of the plant is 260 g. And the yield of the variety per 1 sq. m area reaches 2-2.1 kg.
The snakehead Egoist develops fully even on depleted soil
- Gorynych. It successfully passed variety testing in 2002 and is recommended for cultivation in all climatic zones of the country. This Moldovan type of crop is suitable for amateur cultivation. The height of the annual plant reaches 65-70 cm and blooms two months after the sprouts appear. Shoots and leaves are dark green. The two-lipped flowers of the snakehead variety Gorynych are light purple. The weight of the plant during the period of recommended collection of raw materials reaches 220-240 g, and from 1 sq. m area you can harvest 1.6-1.8 kg of crop.
The Gorynych variety has a tart-pepper aroma
Useful properties of snakehead
The above-ground part of the Moldovan type of crop contains large quantities of beneficial substances for human health. The value is the essential oil of the plant, the volume of which in fresh raw materials is 0.25-0.58%. It contains monoterpenes such as citral, geraniol, linalool, linalyl acetate.
In addition, the chemical composition of the Moldovan snakehead includes:
- coumarin;
- tannins;
- flavonoids;
- glutamine and aspartic amino acids;
- alkaloids;
- oleic, linolenic, palmitic acids;
- phenolic compounds;
- iridoids;
- polysaccharides;
- micro- and macroelements;
- complex of vitamins.
The plant has a sedative, astringent, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, anticonvulsant effect. Also, the Moldavian snakehead strengthens the immune system, increases the body's defenses, normalizes the functioning of the digestive system, and improves kidney function.
The use of culture for treatment is justified:
- stomatitis;
- festering wounds;
- some gynecological pathologies;
- rhinitis;
- tonsillitis;
- sinusitis;
- migraine;
- increased flatulence;
- heartburn;
- sclerosis;
- otitis;
- diabetes mellitus;
- toothache;
- tachycardia;
- neuralgia.
Contraindications
Snakehead, like all medicinal crops, has certain contraindications. Therefore, before using the Moldavian species, they must be taken into account.
Contraindications:
- age up to 14 years;
- individual intolerance;
- pregnancy;
- acute form of inflammation of the intestines and stomach.
In case of an overdose of products and essential oils based on the plant, drowsiness, lethargy occurs, and there is also a slowing of the pulse and a decrease in blood pressure.
Use of snakehead
Thanks to its beneficial and aromatic properties, snakehead has found wide application in various fields. The Moldavian variety of different varieties helps improve the taste of dishes, solve many health problems, and can also become an excellent element of landscape design.
In cooking
This plant is often used as a replacement for lemon balm.Moldavian snakehead is used in cooking, and is also added in the preparation of vermouth and various soft drinks.
Both fresh and dried leaves and young shoots of the plant are used in cooking. The seasoning is added to salads, fish broth, pickle soup, tea, kvass, compotes, meat and seafood. When preparing hot dishes, add it three minutes before the end of cooking.
It is recommended to use snakehead flowers and leaves for salting and pickling cucumbers and tomatoes. In this case, you should add 0.2-0.4 g of seasoning per serving.
The aroma of the Moldavian snakehead goes well with savory, lovage, thyme
In folk medicine
Turkish lemon balm is widely used in folk medicine in different countries. The culture has a wide spectrum of action, therefore it is used for the prevention and treatment of diseases.
Effective recipes:
- Infusion. To prepare the product you need 1 tbsp. l. vegetable raw materials, pour 250 ml of boiling water and leave for half an hour, and then strain. Take the medicine 100 ml three times a day 30 minutes after meals. The infusion is recommended for premenstrual syndrome, menopause, increased excitability, insomnia, and metabolic disorders.
- Decoction. To prepare the drink, you need 1 tbsp. l. Moldavian snakehead collection, pour 250 ml of water and cook over low heat for 10 minutes. After this, cool the broth and strain. Take the medicine three times a day, 100 ml 20 minutes before meals. It is effective for pyelonephritis, migraine, neuralgia.
- Infusion for sitz baths. In this case, it is necessary to use a more concentrated product.To prepare it, you will need to pour 200 g of the collection into a bucket of boiling water, cover with a lid and leave for 20 minutes. After the infusion has cooled to a temperature of 38-39 ° C, it must be strained and poured into a basin. Take a sitz bath for 15 minutes or use a douche product. The infusion helps with urinary tract infections.
It is recommended to take folk remedies warm
In cosmetology
Due to its beneficial properties, snakehead has found application in cosmetology. The Moldavian species is used for skin and hair care, since products based on it increase skin turgor, slow down the aging process, normalize the water balance in the epidermis, nourish it, strengthen the roots, and smooth out facial wrinkles.
Application options:
- Massage Oil. You need to take 200 ml of any vegetable oil and add to it 200 g of crushed leaves, shoots and flowers of the plant. Close the container with a lid and place in a dark place. The mixture must be stirred periodically. After two weeks, strain the oil and use it for massage. It nourishes the epidermal cells well and increases turgor.
- To cleanse the skin and smooth out wrinkles. Mix leaves, shoots and flowers of Moldavian dragonhead, red clover, chamomile and lemon balm in equal quantities. Pour 1 tbsp. l. mix 200 ml of boiling water, stir, cover and cook for half an hour. After cooling to room temperature, strain and add 1 tbsp. l. glycerin. Use to wipe the face and décolleté area. Store the product in the refrigerator.
In landscape design
Turkish lemon balm can be used not only as a medicinal plant, but also as an element of landscape design due to its long flowering. Moldavian snakehead is suitable for decorating ridges, mixborders and flower beds.
The crop looks great in combination with low-growing annuals, which are best planted in the foreground
The best partners for the Moldavian snakehead species:
- calendula;
- petunia;
- nasturtium;
- marigold;
- zinnia.
Moldavian snakehead is best used in group plantings
Growing Moldovan snakehead
Turkish lemon balm is an unpretentious plant, so its cultivation does not cause any special problems. It is recommended to sow the seeds in the spring, when the ground has warmed to a depth of 10 cm. The culture prefers loose, nutritious soil rich in organic matter.
It is better to plant in rows to a depth of 1-1.5 cm. After this, the bed should be watered abundantly and covered with agrofibre. If all recommendations are followed, seedlings appear within seven days.
Caring for the Moldavian snakehead consists of periodically loosening the rows, weeding, and watering during prolonged drought.
Preparation and storage of plants
The leaves, shoots and flowers of the plant are used for medicinal purposes. The procurement of raw materials must be carried out at the stage of formation of buds and opening of the first of them. During this period, the vegetative parts of the Moldovan dragonhead contain the maximum amount of useful substances. It is recommended to cut the plant at a height of 10-15 cm.
After collecting, the grass should be chopped and dried in a dark, well-ventilated place. Healing raw materials must be stored in paper bags in a dry place at room temperature. Its shelf life is 24 months.
Conclusion
Moldavian snakehead is a plant that combines many beneficial properties. It can be used to prevent and treat diseases. However, when using Turkish lemon balm, it is important to follow the dosage, otherwise its use may have the opposite effect.
