Contents
The name of this valuable plant comes from two Greek words drakon and kephalos – snake and head. Dracocephalum (from the Latin Dracocéphalum), which in translation means the head of a snake, has become the name of a whole genus of plants, numbering more than forty species. Now you can hear its names such as: mother liquor, vegetable snakehead, honey cake, Turkish lemon balm, Moldovan balm, bruise and even dragonhead. All these names were given for a reason, but based on the various properties of the plant.
The fact is that snakehead is not just a herb, but also a valuable medicinal plant that has wonderful medicinal properties and is still successfully used in folk medicine.
Types of snakehead and its external characteristics
It is no coincidence that this flower was called the snakehead. Its appearance really resembles the head of a snake or dragon with an open mouth in outline and shape.
It is a perennial herbaceous plant, but there are also annual species, such as, for example, thyme-flowered or thyme-flowered snakehead.
They usually reach a height of fifty to seventy centimeters, the stem is tetrahedral, erect, up to fifteen millimeters in diameter at the bottom, tapers towards the top and ends in an inflorescence of pale blue or deep purple flowers. Sometimes there are white inflorescences, but this is quite rare.
The leaves of the plant are opposite, short-petiolate, oblong-oval in shape. They have a rich dark green color and jagged edges.
Dragonhead flowering time is July-August, it starts flowering from the lower inflorescences, usually releasing up to five hundred flowers.
Closer to September, the snakehead begins to bear fruit, revealing trihedral oblong seeds of chocolate-brown color.
This herbaceous plant is quite unpretentious, so its distribution area is quite large. It grows remarkably in both cold and subtropical climates. It suits both sandy and dry, clay soil. But preference is still given to wet land, in this regard, it is often found along the banks and in river valleys.
The snakehead grows in the European part of Russia, in Belarus and Ukraine. Distributed in Eastern and Western Siberia, as well as in the Far East. Often found in China and Mongolia, Europe and Central Asia. It grows in the Himalayas, where it can be located at an altitude of more than 2700 meters above sea level.
The snakehead genus has a little over forty species. But the following plants are most common:
- Moldavian snakehead. Very unpretentious plant, resistant to cold and drought. It differs from other species by a rather long flowering period. It begins to bloom in July and fades in late September.
- Thyme-flowered snakehead. Differs in early flowering. It blooms from about the beginning of spring to the second half of summer.
- Ruysch’s snakehead. This species of snakehead is very common in Siberia, Kazakhstan, Central Asia and the Far East. You can find such a plant in the eastern part of Europe. He prefers dry soil, steppes, mountainous and forested areas. In addition, the Ruysch snakehead is taller than its counterparts and sometimes reaches up to fifty centimeters in the ground part.
- The snakehead is drooping. Often it is called Siberian. So named because it is widely distributed in deciduous forests throughout Siberia. Can be found in foothill meadows and forest-steppe zone.
- Large-flowered snakehead. Perennial low plant. Prefers moist and well loosened soil. It grows equally well in sunny areas and in the shade. Immediately catches the eye, thanks to the bright blue color of the flowers.
- Foreign snakehead (foreign). Likes rocky soil, grows mainly in the northwestern regions of China and Mongolia, as well as in Siberia. Its root is very strong, powerful and thick, and in height the plant is both small and quite high.
Also interesting is the fact that the snakehead is a honey plant. The fragrance of its flowers lures bees. The plant has a strong and pungent smell of lemon, so it is often confused with lemon balm, which is why it got one of its names – Turkish melissa.
This aroma is very popular with bees, but it repels many other insects that harm vegetables and fruits. Many gardeners use it in areas for just such purposes – to scare away pests.
There are several varieties for growing such a crop:
- gorynych;
- gorgon;
- egoist;
- arhat;
- aroma 1 and aroma 2;
- albion.
The benefits and harms of the snakehead
Such a plant contains in its composition many vitamins and useful micro and macro elements. It contains essential oils, protein compounds, tannic acids, coumarins and flavonoids.
There are also essential palmic, oleic, linoleic and stearic acids in the snakehead. And in the mineral composition, iron, magnesium, potassium and zinc stand out.
Such a unique and valuable composition allows the plant to exhibit the following beneficial properties:
- increases immunity and strengthens the body’s natural defenses;
- anticonvulsant and astringent action;
- improves the functioning of the nervous system, soothes and relaxes;
- antiseptic and anti-inflammatory action;
- relieves conditions with migraines and toothache;
- favorably affects the kidneys;
- increases appetite and improves digestion.
- used for the treatment of gynecological pathologies.
Even in India and Tibet, the sedative and astringent properties of the snakehead were known. In addition, it has a beneficial effect on the digestive system, improves appetite.
It is used for various kinds of neuralgia, saves with toothache and headache. The plant is also used to heal wounds and burns. It is an excellent antiseptic, so it is often used in the treatment of stomatitis, rhinitis, tonsillitis and sinusitis.
Serpentine essential oil can be used as an antispasmodic and laxative.
But even such a useful plant has its contraindications. Its use is prohibited in case of individual intolerance to the components that make up the snakehead, and with a tendency to allergies. In other cases, it is not forbidden to use it, but you should not overdo it.
The use of snakehead in cooking and traditional medicine
This plant, due to its useful qualities, has established itself in folk medicine and in cooking. It is often used for cosmetic purposes. On its basis, exquisite and expensive perfumes are made.
Such spicy grass is put in soups and marinades, main dishes and various salads. It is even added to drinks and confectionery.
Exquisite aroma contain only snakehead leaves, so they are used in the culinary industry.
It is used as an independent spice, as well as in various mixes.
You should be aware that during heat treatment, all the useful qualities of the plant are lost, so it is usually put in a dish almost before serving.
In medicine, snakehead is used in the form of infusions, teas, decoctions and tinctures. Inside, such a tool is used for:
- increased heart rate and heart rhythm disturbances;
- colds and inflammatory diseases;
- neuralgic pains;
- disorders of the digestive system to improve appetite.
Outwardly, snakehead is used in the form of lotions and compresses for:
- bruises and abrasions;
- wounds and burns;
- toothache;
- rheumatism.
Infusion of snakehead
To prepare a healing infusion of this spice, you will need:
- dry snakehead grass – one tablespoon;
- pure water – one glass.
Grass pour boiling water and insist for fifteen minutes. It is recommended to drink it three times a day for half a glass.
This infusion effectively relieves overwork and increased tension, soothes frizzy nerves and relieves pain.
bruise tea
On the basis of the snakehead, you can prepare a delicious and fragrant warming tea. For this you will need:
- pure water – one liter;
- snakehead – two or three tablespoons;
- cranberry juice – 0,5 cups;
- honey – one tablespoon.
Infuse the plant in boiling water and add the remaining ingredients to the infusion. Mix thoroughly and strain. It is customary to use this infusion hot.
Instead of conclusions
The snakehead is a fairly common, valuable and useful medicinal plant. It has long been used in culinary arts, folk medicine and even in cosmetology. Its persistent and luxurious fragrance is often used in the production of expensive perfumes. Such an exquisite spice will make any culinary dish a masterpiece, and if used correctly, it will relieve many unpleasant ailments. The main thing is to make sure that there are no contraindications for its use, as well as a tendency to allergies.