One of the most mysterious plants - Siberian hogweed, grows in the middle lane. Its name suggests that the leaves of this plant served as a seasoning for soups and main dishes. Despite this use, official medicine considers the hogweed to be poisonous. Why is he so dangerous?
Recent studies have proven that hogweed contains substances that cause skin lesions in people who have the imprudence to touch it. But there is a positive side. First things first.
Siberian hogweed: harm
The harm caused to humans by this plant lies in the peculiarities of the growth of hogweed. It has a powerful stem, wide leaves, umbrella inflorescences. In addition, it grows very quickly. According to eyewitnesses, where one hogweed has grown, dozens will appear in a year, and hundreds next year. These giants crowd out all the native flora. In this regard, the composition of the soil changes, and it becomes impossible to overcome the weed. In this case, resort to chemical treatment of the site. That is why the Siberian hogweed, the photo of which is presented above, is dangerous for agricultural enterprises and ordinary summer residents.
Another feature that people suffer from is the content of essential oils in the leaves of hogweed. A substance called furanocoumarin causes photochemical skin burns. Poisonous juice, getting on the skin, causes a small lesion, and exposure to sunlight enhances the process, and a person gets an extensive burn. But not all species are so dangerous. The worst is Sosnowski hogweed, it contains a huge amount of furanokumarin, and its sharp intoxicating aroma can cause allergies. The most common species is Siberian, less dangerous. It is harvested for livestock feed and used for medicinal purposes. However, coumarins are also contained in it, although in smaller quantities, therefore, it presents much less danger to humans.
Siberian hogweed: benefits
As you know, in all natural diversity there are also positive aspects. Hogweed is a wonderful honey plant. Its inflorescences attract bees, and the honey collected tastes good and smells.
Growing in the wild, and not in summer cottages, this plant is able to benefit many birds. Its umbrellas contain thousands of seeds, and for birds this is food in the winter. Tits, finches, woodpeckers find wintering bugs living in the stalks of hogweed.
As mentioned above, the Siberian subspecies is suitable for human consumption. Its leaves and roots are pickled or dried, then used as seasoning.
Use in traditional medicine
The Siberian hogweed is invaluable in medical fees. Plant tissues are rich in vitamins C, P, essential oils, folic acid, amino acids and proteins. Use all parts: roots, leaves, seeds and stem.
Dig the root after flowering. Its broth helps to overcome bronchial asthma, to heal the liver. Tincture of leaves eliminates multiple sclerosis. Brewed seeds and roots are used for stomach cramps, gall bladder diseases and as a sedative.
