Content
Anise lofant is an unpretentious, but decorative melliferous plant and a medicinal plant rich in essential oils, becoming popular in the gardens of many summer residents. Growing uncomplicated, fresh and dried raw materials are used to maintain health and for culinary purposes.
Description of herb lofant anise
The lofant bush, or fennel grate, rises from 45-60 cm to 1-1.5 m, consists of 4-10 tetrahedral green stems with serrated heart-lanceolate leaves of bright green color, located opposite. The stems branch. A leaf blade on a long petiole measuring 8-10 cmx3-4 cm. Peduncles are formed on the tops of the stems up to 7-12 pieces. Inflorescences are spicate, 12-20 cm long, 3-4 cm in diameter, consist of two-lipped flowers. The color of the lofant corolla differs depending on the variety and type: from white to lilac and purple. The buds appear by the end of May, the bush can bloom continuously for 4 months if the stems are cut off. In this case, the plant forms new peduncles in a larger number.
Aniseed lofant varieties
A spectacular ornamental bush, generous honey plant, aniseed lofant spreads through the gardens in the form of several varieties from well-known domestic firms: SeDeK, Gavrish, Sady Rossii and others. Differences between lofant specimens in shades of flowers and a range of aromas, more often aniseed. Odor differences are not significant, but they have specific shades.
Anise Lofant Snowball
Sun-loving perennial variety, stems in 4 sides, grow to 60-70 cm. Inflorescences are spicate, 8-16 cm long, consisting of small flowers with white petals. A plant with a pleasant aniseed scent, the leaves give the dishes an original taste with sweetish notes. In the middle lane, it is grown as an annual.
Witch doctor
The variety does not tolerate severe frosts, so the seeds are sown every spring. As a perennial plant, it is grown in the southern regions. Stems 0.5-0.7 cm high, erect, form a lush bush from one fibrous root. Spike-shaped inflorescences are blue-violet, formed from small flowers with long stamens.
Summer resident
This lofant has white inflorescences, 10-20 cm long. They are placed on strong stems that rise straight from the root, 50 to 80 cm high. In the regions of the middle climatic zone of Russia, it is grown as an annual. In regions where winters are mild, it grows in one place for 5-6 years. Then, for renewal, the bush is divided and transplanted.
Premier
The blue-violet small flowers of the variety are collected in large spikelets 16-22 cm long. The stems are strong, 4-sided, form an erect bush 80-150 cm. The fragrant medicinal and culinary raw materials are cut off after 40-60 days of plant development. Young leaves with aniseed aroma are used in salads, for flavoring tea or compote.
Dandy
Strong stems of the variety grow straight up from the fibrous root, reaching up to 90-110 cm. The plant branches to the top. The stems bear many large inflorescences, 8-15 cm long, in the form of an ear with small lilac flowers. As a medicinal raw material, the stems are cut when the inflorescences bloom.Young leaves are used for cooking.
Planting and caring for anise lofant
An unpretentious plant reproduces by dividing a bush or seeds. The second method is more acceptable for regions in which the temperature drops from -20 ° C in winter. Lofant seeds are sown in the ground at the end of April or in May. Seedlings are grown since March. Care is standard: moderate watering and a bright room.
Growing aniseed lofant will be successful on fertile land with neutral acidity. The plant blooms poorly, and the stems branch poorly on poor sandy soils, as well as in areas where groundwater is highly suitable, and on acidic soils. The culture is drought-resistant, loves sunny places. Seeds are sown to a depth of 3 cm. Seedlings appear after 7-9 days. Thinning, sprouts are left every 25-30 cm, between rows an interval of 60-70 cm. The earth is periodically loosened, especially after watering. Weeds are removed, and as they grow, the strong, densely leafy stems of the lofant oppress uninvited neighbors.
Lofant care is simple:
- watering the plantings of a medicinal plant once a week;
- cutting off the odorous aniseed stems, the plant is fed with mullein infusion, diluted in a ratio of 1: 5;
- winter-hardy perennial varieties are divided for reproduction in spring or autumn;
- for the winter, frost-resistant perennials are cut off, leaving stems 8-12 cm high above the ground;
- later covered with leaves.
Sufficient moisture contributes to the exuberant development of the lofant bush, branching of the stems and the abundant formation of peduncles. Frequent cutting of fading spikelets provokes a new wave of peduncle formation. The plants have fibrous, powerful roots with a central core, the cuttings take root well. In one place, the culture can successfully develop up to 6-7 years, then a transplant is necessary. Diseases and pests do not threaten the lofant.
The chemical composition of the plant
The herb of culture is 15% essential oil, which explains the strong effect of the medicinal plant lofant anise. The oil contains 80% of the chemical substance methylchavicol, which characterizes the tarragon or tarragon plant known in cooking. The components of the oil vary, and the amount of aniseed aroma varies depending on them.
Acids:
- ascorbic;
- coffee;
- apple
- lemon.
There are tannins - 8.5%, vitamins C, B1 and B2.
Lots of minerals:
- more than 10,000 μg / g of calcium and potassium;
- above 2000 μg / g of magnesium and sodium;
- iron 750 μg / g;
- as well as boron, iodine, copper, manganese, selenium, chromium, zinc.
Useful properties of aniseed lofant
The components of essential oil and other components of raw materials from aniseed lofant have the following effect:
- bactericidal;
- tonic;
- diuretic;
- antihelminthic;
- antispasmodic.
The herb is known for producing antioxidant, immunostimulating, fungicidal effects. Supports blood vessels in atherosclerosis, hypertension, cleanses the body of toxins, normalizes metabolism. There are mentions that the active substances of aniseed lofant promote the growth of cancer cells. Traditional healers who have a plant in their medicinal arsenal tend to the opposite opinion.
Anise lofant is useful not only for humans. Housewives give chopped grass to chickens, which, with its constant use, increases egg production. Goats also have an increased milk yield if they are treated with several stalks of aniseed herb per day.
Rules for the procurement of raw materials
In cooking, tender young leaves of aniseed lofant, aged 30-40 days, are consumed with various dishes - salads, fish, meat. Flowers, seeds, like leaves with a bright aroma of anise, are used in compotes, dough, and conservation.
The most complete accumulation of components with medicinal properties is observed during the creation of buds and flowering. Medicinal raw materials of aniseed lofant are harvested during this period:
- cut off the stems with leaves and peduncles;
- dried in the shade, with a thin layer;
- drying is also carried out in ventilated rooms;
- dried herb is stored in fabric bags, envelopes made of thick paper, glass containers so that the anise aroma does not disappear.
Indications for use
As a medicinal plant, anise lofant is not used in official medicine, it is not included in the list of the State Register as a crop recommended for cultivation. But domestic scientists have carried out a number of studies that have shown the feasibility of using medicinal herbs for use in diseases:
- upper respiratory tract;
- genitourinary system;
- gastrointestinal tract.
And also for the treatment of fungal infections and the provision of a general strengthening effect on the body.
Traditional medicine advises the use of medicinal raw materials with a strong aniseed aroma for:
- treatment of bronchitis and bronchial asthma;
- maintaining normal pancreas;
- stimulating the cardiovascular system after suffering a heart attack or stroke;
- normalization of the kidneys and urinary tract.
A decoction of medicinal raw materials from a lofant relieves blood vessels from cholesterol plaques, helps to normalize blood pressure when hypertension begins, and has a calming effect with minor tachycardia and angina pectoris. Tea mildly relieves headaches, including those due to migraines. The same sparing analgesic effect is exerted by a decoction of the herb in case of gastritis, stomach ulcers, enteritis. Particularly attracted by some gardeners to growing lofant is the information that the regular addition of several fresh leaves to the diet increases male potency. The antioxidant and immunity-stimulating substances of aniseed lofant inhibit the aging process and promote tissue renewal at the cellular level. Compresses with a decoction of medicinal raw materials and baths relieve inflammation on the skin, relieve the condition with purulent wounds.
If there are no contraindications, it is useful to use the medicinal herb of aniseed lofant for culinary or medicinal purposes for residents of megalopolises and other cities with problematic ecology. Active substances easily cope with the elimination of unwanted compounds from the body and contribute to healing.
Application methods
More often, fresh and dried raw materials of aniseed lofant are used in the form of decoctions or tea, sometimes tinctures or ointments are made.
- tea is prepared by brewing 1 tbsp. l. raw materials 200 ml of boiling water - consumed three times a day;
- the infusion is brewed in a thermos: 2 tablespoons of herbs per 400 ml, which is consumed 100 ml three times before meals;
- the broth is prepared in a water bath, pouring 200 ml of boiling water 2 tbsp. l. stems, leaves, lofant flowers, boil for 6-9 minutes, and use 50 ml 3-4 times a day;
- alcohol tinctures are made from 50 g of dried raw materials or 200 g of fresh and 500 ml of vodka, kept for up to a month, then 21-26 drops are taken three times a day with water for 21-28 days with the same break;
- a decoction for problem skin is made from 200 g of grass, which is boiled for 10 minutes in 2 liters of water and poured into a bath;
- a concentrated decoction for purulent wounds, boils, rinsing for stomatitis, sore throat, rinsing the head for dandruff is prepared from 3-4 tbsp. l. herbs in a glass of water;
- extracts based on various vegetable oils, which are poured into crushed grass with an aniseed scent, are used in cosmetology.
Contraindications
Before use, carefully study the medicinal properties and contraindications of aniseed lofant. Doctors forbid patients with oncology to use any form of the plant. You should carefully start drinking a decoction or making lotions for people who have already been diagnosed with allergies. Lofant is also undesirable for:
- pregnant women, nursing mothers;
- children under 12 years of age;
- hypotensives to lower blood pressure;
- suffering from thrombophlebitis, convulsions, epilepsy.
Before using aniseed lofant, it is better to consult a doctor.
Conclusion
Anise lofant will become a decoration of the site, a pleasant find for bees, its leaves will bring a unique sweetish aroma to tea. Before using decoctions and other dosage forms from a plant, you need to carefully study its properties and contraindications.
