Zhiryanka (plant)
Zhiryanka is a rare plant from the Pemphigus family (Lentibulariaceae). It belongs to the predatory flora, as it feeds on insects. Ziryanka got its name from the fact that it has juicy, thick leaves that glisten in the sun. The plant attracts midges, flies, mosquitoes and ants and then eats them.
Zhiryanka is found in Eurasia, Japan, Andes, Mexico, North and South America. Scientists have discovered more than 70 varieties of Pinguicula vulgaris, the most famous of which is Pinguicula vulgaris. In Russia there are 6-7 species of pork fat, and in Europe - 12 species. This plant is protected by law, as it belongs to endangered species.
Content:
- Description of the Zhiryanka plant
- Insect capture mechanism
- Useful properties of Zhiryanka
- Application of Zhiryanka
- Contraindications
Description of the Zhiryanka plant
Zhiryanka is a perennial plant that feeds on insects. Annual varieties of Zhiryanka are rare. It grows in high humidity conditions. The plant is found in peat bogs, near streams and rivers, in thickets of moss, near lakes.
Zhyryanka's leaves are oval in shape, their color is pale green. They are juicy and meaty. The leaves of the plant are covered with greasy sticky mucus, which is designed to attract insects. By winter, the plant develops a second rosette. Her leaves are small, in fact, they are buds.
The name "zhiryanka" comes from the Latin word "pinguis", which translates as "fat" or "fat". The people call the plant fat leaf, greasy grass, oily grass, etc.
The flowers of the plant are small, do not exceed 3 cm. They are located on long white, purple, blue or pink peduncles. Zhiryanka flowers have some similarities with violets.
Insect capture mechanism
The leaves are covered with glands on top. Some of them produce sticky mucus that attracts insects and acts as a trap. Other glands produce digestive enzymes.
Zhiryanka is a relict plant from the Ice Age. It grew back in the days when Europe was covered with a glacier. The fact that zhiryanka is a predatory plant was first reported to science by the famous Charles Darwin.
Grease for catching insects curls the leaf smoothly, and sometimes does not fold it at all. The plant can begin to digest the caught prey immediately after sticking. This happens if the insect is small. When a fly, bee, or spider has stuck to the leaf, the leaf curls up. This is necessary in order to keep the insect, which begins to actively move in order to free itself. From the caught prey, the plant receives all the nutrients it needs. It exists due to them.
The fatty tissue absorbs the elements it needs through the fine pores, of which it has a lot. The leaves do not stay in the folded state for a long time. They unfold after a maximum of 2 days.
Useful properties of Zhiryanka
The healing properties of Zhiryanka have not been proven by science. However, traditional medicine uses the herb plant for medicinal purposes. Since the plant belongs to rare, it is forbidden to carry out its mass collection and harvesting.
It is believed that zhiryanka contains minerals, essential oils and organic acids useful for humans. They have an antispasmodic effect, helping to break down proteins into enzymes and labenzym.
Application of Zhiryanka
In the pharmaceutical industry, zhiryanka is not used, but the plant is found in recipes for Asian medicine. A decoction is prepared from the grass, which is used as a lotion. They are applied to wounds, skin rashes, abscesses and burns. The broth has wound healing properties.
In Asian medicine, zhiryanka juice is taken orally. It helps to get rid of constipation, liver disease. It is used to treat dysentery and diseases of the respiratory system.
In some countries of Western Europe, the plant is used as an expectorant and antitussive agent.
Traditional medicine appreciates the extract of fat, as it helps to cope with cough with whooping cough.
The plant has bactericidal properties. In the 15th century, it was used to disinfect wounds in animals.
Recipes with Zhiryanka:
- For a violent cough. A teaspoon of herbs is poured into 200 ml of boiling water and infused for 20 minutes. Then honey is added to the drink. They drink this tea 2 times a day.
- From thrush. To prepare the tincture, 100 g of herbs are poured with vodka and kept in a dark place for 7 days. Take the medicine 5 times a day, 10 drops.
- For whooping cough. One part of dry grass is poured with 10 parts of vodka and infused for 2 weeks. After this time, filter the drink and take 15 drops 3 times a day.
- From dysentery, liver disease, constipation. The juice of the herb is taken in pure form, a tablespoon 3 times a day. It has tonic and analgesic properties.
The Scandinavians eat the plant, and flower growers appreciate the fatty plant for its beauty and use it as an ornamental plant.
Contraindications
Contraindications to the use of zhiryanka-based products:
- Tuberculosis.
- Epilepsy.
- Individual intolerance.
If, after taking any remedy based on fat, a person develops nausea or vomiting, an urgent need to consult a doctor.
The author of the article: Sokolova Nina Vladimirovna | Phytotherapist
Education: Diploma in "General Medicine" and "Therapy" received at the Pirogov University (2005 and 2006). Advanced training at the Department of Phytotherapy at the Peoples' Friendship University of Moscow (2008).
