Contents
Siberian hogweed belongs to 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 mishandled, it can seriously harm human health.
Description of Siberian hogweed
Like other umbrella plants, hogweed can grow for 2 or more years. The stem of the 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. Lateral 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 vine. 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 him is a forest meadow, thickets, areas near the road and reservoirs. The plant loves moisture, so it is rarely found in the fields. Basically, Siberian hogweed belongs to unpretentious plants. It thrives in both shady places and damp soil, where many of the more delicate plants die.
Both the leaves and the 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. For the use of hogweed in medicine, it is important to properly collect and store the plant. Leaves are harvested before flowering. They should be dried, turning 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. This raw material should be stored in glass containers. Rhizomes retain their beneficial properties for 3 years, and leaves only up to 2 years.
Infusions of cow parsnip are used as an anti-inflammatory agent. In addition, it has antispasmodic and antiseptic properties. They are used to treat diarrhea, convulsions, climatic syndrome, with impaired digestion. Siberian hogweed was also used to increase appetite. Adherents of traditional medicine claim that hogweed leaves do an excellent job with inflammation of the joints and rheumatism. For the treatment of eczema and neurodermatitis, hogweed is taken internally and externally. The roots of this plant save from gallstone disease and jaundice. They are also used to treat bronchial asthma.
Here is how an infusion of hogweed roots is prepared:
- 1 teaspoon of crushed root must be poured with 1 cup of boiling water.
- The mixture is allowed to stand for about 8 hours.
- Next, the infusion is filtered and poured into a prepared container.
This infusion should be taken 20 minutes before a meal. In the same way, you can prepare an infusion of hogweed leaves. Remember that in order to obtain a therapeutic effect, it is necessary to follow the dosage and prescription exactly. Otherwise, treatment either, in general, will not give any results, or even harm health.
A decoction of rhizomes can also be used to treat stomatitis and sore throats. 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, it should be remembered that with serious diseases, you must immediately consult a doctor. Folk methods are not suitable for everyone.
Cooking application
The very name of the plant suggests that it was previously used to make borscht. In Our Country, he was a frequent guest on the table. Young stalks 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 say that such leaves are very similar to 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. Thanks to the sweet taste, sugar was even prepared from the stems.
Leaves and rhizomes were used to make 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.
Burns from cow parsnip
Getting the juice from the cow parsnip on the skin can threaten the appearance of serious burns. For some, they can manifest as mild itching, while others even form large blisters. 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 most susceptible to hogweed juice, therefore they are at risk. Wet skin also contributes to skin irritation and the spread of juice from the plant.
Fight against Siberian hogweed
This plant is able to spread very quickly, capturing new territories. It grows rapidly, crowding out other plant species from the site. Such rapid growth is also explained by the fact that the hogweed is able to self-pollinate and quickly form seeds. For example, hogweed Sosnovsky in some areas has grown so much that it began to threaten the health of residents. Many gardeners and gardeners have been struggling with this plant for years.
The most important thing in this case is to have time to remove the young sprout before the seeds appear. Experience shows that for several years it will be necessary to constantly mow the plant at the initial stage of development. This is the only way to get rid of this “enemy”. Remember the security measures. Removal of sprouts is carried out only in seals and protective clothing. If, however, the juice managed to get on the skin, you must immediately wash it off with soapy water. The Siberian hogweed is not so dangerous, but the fight against it will be no less lengthy.
Interesting Facts
Many people confuse different types of cow parsnip. Outwardly, it can be really difficult to find the differences. The following hogweeds can grow on the territory of Our Country:
- 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 strongly 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 cause us such divided feelings. On the one hand, cow parsnip is an excellent medicine that fights many diseases, on the other hand, it is a dangerous enemy that grows at great speed over the site, 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.