What is sainfoin? This is a genus of plants that belong to the legume family. Experts count up to 80 species of the named plant. They are represented by grass, shrubs and shrubs.
Botanical Description
The sainfoin grass grows to a height of 40-80 cm in height. It has a long pivotal root (sometimes up to 3 meters) and a straight, coarse stem. The leaves have a complex shape - each of them is formed of 15-25 smaller leaves. Sainfoin flowers are collected in brushes or ears, there are purple or white, yellow and pink shades. Brushes (spikelets) can reach a length of 20 cm.
Fruits sainfoin with beans, saturated with protein. Sainfoin seeds look like beans. They are smooth to the touch, have a yellow-green hue.
The flowering period begins from the second year after planting and lasts from the end of spring to the first of July. Each inflorescence can last no more than a day, and usually only up to 12 hours.
Where grows
The wild plant lives mainly in meadows, pastures, on the edges of forests and near water bodies. Sainfoin grass is found in southern Europe, northern Africa, the west and central Asia.
It is not demanding on the soil, can successfully grow in arid areas. This is facilitated by a powerful root system that draws moisture from deep areas of the earth. In one place sainfoin is able to grow up to 7 years.
Types of sainfoin
Sainfoin is an herb represented by many species, but the most common are the following:
- Transcaucasian
- sandy;
- sowing season;
- unarmed;
- Vasilchenko (listed in the Red Book).
All of them are in demand on the farm. And about what is so important sainfoin grass, we will tell further.
Valuable honey plant
The plant is rich in honey - in just one day from a hectare of flowering sainfoin, bees are able to collect from 4 to 6 kg of honey. Best of all, nectar begins to stand out from the flowers when the air temperature reaches 22-25 degrees.
As numerous reviews confirm, sainfoin honey is distinguished by its rich aroma, taste and transparency. For a long time, it remains fresh and does not sugar. As part of honey there is ascorbic acid, many vitamins and minerals necessary for a person. After a certain time, it acquires a soft milky tint.
Grass - Fertilizer
Perennial sainfoin grass also serves as a natural fertilizer for the soil on which it grows. In particular, the plant enriches it with phosphorus, nitrogen and organic substances. This green manure is widely used in crop rotation as a soil protection product. This, according to agronomists, is one of the best predecessors, and it is embedded in the ground to restore fertility.
Feed plant
The described plant is also a valuable green animal feed - it produces excellent hay, as it is not afraid of frost and is well preserved under different weather conditions. Farmers claim that sainfoin animals are not prone to disease.
In addition, sainfoin is a high-yielding herb that produces several cuts per season. This allows you to make good stocks of hay for the winter.
Useful properties of sainfoin
The part of the plant that grows on the surface includes many useful substances. These are fatty oils, sucrose, proteins, ascorbic acid, enzymes, carbohydrates, carotene and fiber. Sainfoin grass is also saturated with flavones, substances with anti-inflammatory properties. They strengthen the walls of blood vessels, so this herb is often used during the treatment of cardiovascular and oncological diseases.
The nitrogen-free compounds included in its composition are also able to normalize the activity of the gastrointestinal tract, lower blood sugar and cholesterol levels, and improve the absorption function of nutrients from consumed products.
Ascorbic acid helps to increase the resistance of the human body to various infections, strengthens the central nervous system, normalizes metabolism, and helps to recover after intensive training.
Sainfoin is a herb that contains vitamin rutin in its composition, which the human body is not able to produce on its own. It helps to reduce blood coagulation, increases the level of elasticity of red blood cells and reduces fragility of capillaries.
Sainfoin - a medicinal plant
With sainfoin, men produce testosterone and androgens, which has a good effect on male sexual function. According to the reviews of patients who used the medicinal plant, their sexual intercourse, erection normalized, the level of libido increased and the production of ejaculate increased. Women also praise the properties of sainfoin as an excellent aphrodisiac - it is able to increase the sensitivity of intimate zones and inflame desire.
Sainfoin is a multifunctional restorative agent. It is used to protect against infectious diseases in the treatment of diabetes. It is also used to treat uterine bleeding, ovarian problems, normalize the menstrual cycle, hormonal levels, during menopause and in the period before menopause. It is also used for pain during menstruation.
Sainfoin helps in restoring and improving bowel and stomach functions.
Also, herbal decoction from it is often used for cosmetic procedures. And honey of this herb is used for peeling, face masks and hair strengthening.
Contraindications for use
The plant does not have strict prohibitions on its use, but there are people who have individual intolerance and may be allergic to sainfoin. Sometimes in women after its use there is an increased level of testosterone.
There are few side effects in the grass, but for greater certainty, it is better to consult your doctor before use.
