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In ancient times, people valued what the earth gives them. From plants they prepared various decoctions that had a healing effect on the body, or added them to food. One of the most frequently used was considered the meadow goatbeard. The plant still grows in Europe, Africa and the USA, and some gardeners grow it in their summer cottages.
Description of the meadow goat-beard
If we talk about the appearance of the plant, then it has branched stems of a pink or purple hue. Their height sometimes reaches 1,2 m, but most often does not exceed 50 cm.
If you look at the photo of the meadow goatbeard, we can conclude that the flower resembles an ordinary dandelion
The roots of the plant are large and reach from 4 to 10 cm in length. It has large leaves, which are distinguished by a linear-lanceolate shape and rich green color. Flowering begins in mid-June. Peduncles open mainly in the morning, and their closure occurs in the afternoon.
The fruits of the meadow goat’s beard are a smooth achene that resembles a fluffy tuft. Seeds germinate every year for 3 years.
Useful properties of the meadow goat-beard
This plant is considered very useful, because it contains a large number of trace elements necessary for the body:
- vitamin PP;
- ascorbic acid;
- vitamins of group B;
- iron;
- magnesium;
- sodium;
- selenium;
- zinc;
- phosphorus.
In addition, the meadow goat’s beard is rich in protein, fiber, ash components and polyunsaturated fatty acids.
Some varieties of the plant are used as a low-calorie vegetable crop, because the root has an exquisite oyster flavor.
Meadow goat’s beard is often included in folk remedies, as it has a diuretic, antiseptic, wound healing, anti-inflammatory and choleretic effect.
The use of goat’s beard roots helps to increase the level of insulin in the blood and reduce the amount of sugar, thereby overcoming diabetes. It can also be used for weight loss, as it quickly and effectively burns fat. The use of the plant normalizes the biochemical processes in the body. Improves fat and carbohydrate metabolism. There is a stimulation of the brain.
Application in folk medicine
Meadow goat’s beard is often used for the preparation of folk remedies. Such treatment helps to quickly remove toxins from the body, normalize appetite and improve peristalsis, increase blood flow, relieve chronic constipation, increase blood clotting and prevent the development of internal bleeding.
Most often, a water infusion is prepared from the plant:
- Pour 1 tbsp into a thermos. l. dried goat-beard, pour a glass of boiled water.
- Let it brew for at least 5 hours. Then they filter.
- Take the finished infusion should be 1 tbsp. l. 5-8 times a day.
The decoction is suitable as an expectorant in the treatment of colds, bronchitis or pneumonia. It is recommended to take it for kidney pathologies and swelling. Can be used to relieve insomnia.
The plant is also used in other cases:
- With purulent wounds, ulcers, dermatosis and eczema, you need to squeeze the juice onto the affected areas. Compresses made from goat-beard gruel also help.
- With abscesses, steamed or fresh leaves help.
- Crushed leaves heal bedsores.
- In the decoction of the goatbeard, you can bathe babies who have various rashes on their skin.
- With the help of alcohol tincture, mouth rinses are carried out. The tool helps with stomatitis, eliminates bad breath.
Meadow goatbeard – a universal remedy for many diseases
It can also be used for various articular pathologies. Alcohol tincture is rubbed into the area where pain is observed. And compresses are applied at night. Thus, joint mobility improves, unpleasant symptoms disappear.
Limitations and contraindications
Meadow goatbeard has only one contraindication – increased susceptibility to plant components. With caution, folk remedies from goat-beard are recommended for women during pregnancy and lactation, as well as for young children under 6 years of age.
Collection and procurement of raw materials
It is better to dig out the roots of the meadow goat’s beard after the first frost. Old root crops are not recommended to be taken, as they accumulate harmful components. You need to get the plant carefully, without touching the stems and roots. If the plant is damaged, then it cannot be stored.
Whole roots and stems are placed in a cool place until next year. If the meadow goatbeard grows in the garden, then you can not dig out a bed, but cover it with woven material for the winter. In this way, the plant is stored until spring, and then enjoy the taste of fresh fruits.
Cooking application
Meadow goatbeard is used not only for the treatment of various diseases, but also in cooking. This plant is a valuable dietary product and is suitable for those people who dream of losing weight.
Leaves, roots and stems are used in cooking
Previously, all parts of the meadow goat’s beard are washed, beaten off and placed in boiling water to eliminate the appearance of a bitter aftertaste.
The roots are peeled and boiled in salted water for 5-7 minutes. The stems and leaves are used to make garnishes or soups.
There are several popular recipes:
- Cooking goat’s beard with egg. The root is cut into small pieces, placed in a frying pan greased with sunflower oil. Pour over beaten egg, add green onions. Bake in the oven until done.
- Preparation of vitamin salad. To do this, you need goat’s beard leaves, green onions, peas. All ingredients are mixed and seasoned with sour cream. To improve the taste, you can add boiled potatoes or fresh cucumber.
- Roasted goat’s beard roots. This dish is very tasty and filling. To begin with, the roots are boiled in salted water, peeled. Then roll in breadcrumbs, move to a frying pan. Fry for 7-10 minutes.
Instead of tea, you can drink decoctions of goat beard, chamomile and mint. But you should not abuse such dishes. It is enough to eat goat’s beard 2-3 times a week.
Rules of landing
If gardeners decide to plant a crop, then you need to know that the plant is self-sowing, and therefore can appear anywhere. This often causes dissatisfaction.
If this does not scare, then it is better to use fertile soil for planting.
Acidic and clay soil is also not suitable. Growing in such a land will lead to external deformity of the plant.
It is recommended to plant seeds in late May-early June. Before that, the soil is prepared. To do this, it is fertilized and covered with polyethylene. The bed is made large, as the roots sometimes grow up to 30 cm in length.
Peculiarities of growing
In order for the culture to grow well, it must be periodically fed and watered. Do not forget about weeding and loosening the soil.
The plant belongs to unpretentious crops
In the first year, flower stalks are removed. If you do not adhere to this rule, then the roots will be very hard. And there is no such product.
Diseases and pests
The meadow goatbeard loves dry soil more, so you should not pour it. If you do not follow this rule, then the earth will quickly become moldy, which will lead to the death of the root system.
Conclusion
Meadow goatbeard is an unpretentious plant in care, while being very useful for the body. It can be used to treat various diseases or simply eaten as a vegetable side dish. If you do not like the taste of goatbeard, then it can also be used to decorate the garden. Many summer residents create beautiful garden paths and decorate hedges.