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Lakonos American (phytolacca americana). Legends, myths, symbolism, description, cultivation, methods of application

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Content

1. Photos, basic scientific information, legends, myths, symbolism
2. Basic scientific information, legends, myths, symbolism
3. Botanical description, reference data, useful information, illustrations
4. Recipes for use in traditional medicine and cosmetology
5. Tips for growing, harvesting and storing

American Lakonos (Phytolacca americana), Phytolacca americana. Legends, myths, symbolism, Photos of the plant, basic scientific information, legends, myths, symbolism

Basic scientific information, legends, myths, symbolism

Sort by: Lakonos (Phytolacca)

Family: Laconose (Phytolaccaceae)

Origin: North America

Area: Laconos American grows in North America from Canada to South Carolina and westward to Texas and Arizona.

Chemical composition: The plant contains saponins, phytolacca glucoside, phenolic acids, tannins and other biologically active substances.

Economic value: Lakonos American is used in medicine as an anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and antitumor agent. It also produces dye for fabrics, and the roots are used as soap. However, the plant is poisonous and can cause poisoning if ingested.

Legends, myths, symbolism: One of the legends says that the American lakonos was created by the god of health and longevity, who inspired him with his strength and vitality. The god of health asked the lakonosa to help people in the fight against diseases and provide them with medicines. In some myths, the American lakonos is considered a symbol of health, longevity and vitality. Other myths say that this plant has magical properties that can attract good luck and protect against evil. Lakonos American has many symbolic meanings. In many cultures, this plant is considered a symbol of health, healing and renewal. It also symbolizes vitality, growth and prosperity. In some cultures, the American pokeweed is considered a sacred plant, which is a link between man and nature. It also plays an important role in many rituals and traditions related to health and healing.

American Lakonos (Phytolacca americana), Phytolacca americana. Description, illustrations of the plant

American Lakonos (American Phytolacca), Phytolacca americana L. Classification, synonyms, botanical description, nutritional value, cultivation

Synonym: P. decandra L.

Names: az. chichebahar: cargo, chiapera; German Kermesbeere; fr. phytolaque.

Perennial branchy plant, about 2 m high, with large oval-lanceolate leaves; the flowers are white with purple spots, arranged in racemes exceeding the length of the leaves. The fruits are fleshy red berries.

Comes from North America; found along the shores of the Mediterranean Sea, in Colchis. It's a weed. Berry juice is used for coloring.

Bleached young shoots in Western Transcaucasia are eaten boiled in salt water. Young leaves are put in soup and borscht. The leaves can also be used like spinach. According to D. Bua, this plant is common in the USA and is considered a very tasty vegetable.

Phytolacca acinosa Roxburgh (Ph. esculenta Van Houtte, Ph. pekinensis Hance, Ph. K, aempferi Asa Gray.) comes from China. In India, it is cultivated for its edible leaves. Perennial strongly branching plant about 1 m in height.

Fragrant, palatable leaves are used like spinach. The roots are used in medicine. In China, two varieties are distinguished: the first with white roots that are edible after cooking, the second with red or yellow roots (poisonous).

Ph. dodecandra Heit. (Ph. abyssinica Hoffm.) leaves and young shoots (after boiling) are eaten in the Congo.

In tropical Africa, the young shoots of this phytolacca are used in sauces and consomme, and the leaves are eaten like spinach.

Roots and unripe berries of Ph. icosandra L. are a laxative.

In Martinique, the leaves and young shoots of this plant are eaten like spinach.

Author: Ipatiev A.N.

American Lakonos (Phytolacca americana), Phytolacca americana. Botanical description of the plant, area, methods of application, cultivation

Lakonos got its name because of the juice of the fruits of dark red color - translated from Latin lacca means "red juice".

One of the folk names of lakonos - "kermes berries", comes from the name of a small insect kermes (Kermes vermilio from the order of the proboscis). Carmine is obtained from dried kermes females - a natural red dye, the same color as the juice of lakonos berries.

Lakonos American (oily grass) is a large, bare, perennial herbaceous plant up to 3 m high. The root is thick, fleshy, fusiform, with a multi-headed rhizome, which grows strongly and penetrates the soil to a depth of more than half a meter. Its weight in a five-year-old specimen reaches 10 kg.

There are usually several stems, they are powerful, thick, erect, branched in the upper part, succulent, green or reddish-green, 100-300 cm high.

The leaves are large green, simple, opposite, pointed ovate, wedge-shaped narrowed towards the base, entire, 5-40 cm long and 2-10 cm wide, with short angular petioles. Pedicels 0,4-1 cm long.

Flowers with 5 sepals are bisexual, small (about 0,5 cm in diameter) white, collected in elongated racemose, often drooping inflorescences (10-15, up to 30 cm long) at the ends of the shoots. Perianth simple, with rounded ovoid, obtuse, first whitish, and then reddening lobes. There are ten stamens, a pistil of 10 carpels remaining with fruits, with an upper multi-celled ovary.

The flowering of the American lakonosa begins in July and lasts until September. Inflorescences are long-lasting when cut and are very effective in arrangements. If there are no hard frosts, the plant remains ornamental until October.

The fruit is berry-like, juicy, 0,8 cm in diameter, shiny, when unripe it is dark red, flattened and ribbed, when fully ripe it is black or black-violet, rounded with unexpressed ribs. Seeds are black, shiny, slightly hook-shaped, laterally flattened, 3 mm long. The berries ripen in August-September. It should be borne in mind that the berries of the American lakonos cannot be eaten - just like all other parts of the plant, they have a laxative and emetic effect, and if consumed in excess, they are deadly poisonous.

The homeland of the American lakonos is North America, from where it was relatively recently brought into the Eastern Hemisphere. Grows in the Crimea, in the Caucasus (Northern Caucasus, Western Transcaucasia, Talysh).

Widely distributed in garden culture. It is bred in botanical gardens and flower beds, often runs wild.

It occurs in shaded areas, along roads, fences, gardens, among shrubs, near dwellings in weedy places.

Lakonos American contains many potent biologically active substances. The roots contain the alkaloid phytolaccine (0,16%), steroids, triterpene saponins, bitter substances, sucrose, starch, oxidase enzyme, acids (phytolaccic and formic); a little essential oil (up to 0,08%) with a pungent odor and pungent taste.

The leaves contain saponins, flavonoids, ascorbic acid (240-285 mg%). The fruits contain alkaloids, anthocyanins, triterpene saponins, carbohydrates, vitamins B1 and PP, potassium. Fruits and seeds are rich in B vitamins and PP. A flavone glycoside was isolated from the fruits - quercetin bioside, anthocyanin (9,26%), sugars, alkaloids (2,2%).

The leaves and young shoots are eaten like asparagus when boiled. But only young shoots, stems and leaves boiled in salt water! In the Abkhaz cuisine, the berry is used for pickling cucumbers, cabbage, hot peppers and garlic, as a kind of spice that gives astringency and spice, gives the products a pink-purple color.

Medicinal preparations from the American lakos have anti-rheumatic, anti-catarrhal, anti-parasitic, stimulant, strong laxative, emetic, anti-inflammatory, diuretic, mild analgesic, cleansing, antihelminthic, immunostimulating and metabolism-improving properties. The plant has antibacterial activity. Phytolaccine alkaloid irritates the mucous membrane of the respiratory tract, in small doses it has a calming effect on the body, in large doses it disrupts reflex activity, causes shortness of breath, convulsions, paralysis of the respiratory center.

The roots have a laxative, bacteriostatic, wound healing and anti-inflammatory effect. Alcohol tincture of the roots is recommended by folk medicine as an external pain reliever.

As a medicinal raw material, fresh cut root of the American lakonosa (lat. Radix Phytolaccae americanae recens) and dried leaves are used.

In American medicine, the roots are used as a laxative and remedy for skin diseases.

In England and Germany, a liquid extract and powder from the roots ("Phytolaccine") are used for constipation and to improve metabolism, externally - for rheumatism.

Phytolaccine alkaloid irritates the mucous membrane of the respiratory tract, in small doses it has a calming effect on the body, in large doses it disrupts reflex activity, causes shortness of breath, convulsions, paralysis of the respiratory center.

All parts of the plant, including unripe berries, are poisonous. American laconosus preparations should be used with great caution. Large doses of liquid extract and powder from the roots of lakonosa (several grams of fresh root or berries) cause a violation of reflex activity, shortness of breath and convulsions, paralysis of the main nerve centers, difficulty in breathing and changes in motor functions, which leads to cardiac arrest and cessation of breathing.

In case of poisoning, it is necessary to wash the stomach with an aqueous suspension of activated carbon (30 g per 0,5-1,0 l of water) or a 0,1% solution of potassium permanganate (potassium permanganate); saline laxative inside; forced diuresis; repeated siphon enemas. Further treatment is symptomatic.

When using preparations from the American lakonos, it must be borne in mind that dry berries are poisonous, in high doses, the dried root is an extremely strong emetic and laxative, the herb is contraindicated during pregnancy, as it can cause abnormalities in the fetus. Do not exceed prescribed doses. It is not recommended to grow this species in gardens if there are small children in the house - lethal cases are known.

Starting from the XVIII century. American laconosus was specially grown in the wine-growing regions of Europe and Asia and the intense dark red juice of its berries was used as a food coloring and for tinting light wines. In some old cookbooks, it was recommended to tint homemade confectionery with lakonos juice. But since it became known that this juice is unhealthy, it has not been used to color foods.

In the Caucasus, the leaves and shoots of lakonosa were indeed eaten, but only young ones that had not yet had time to turn green (like asparagus) and in very small quantities due to the emetic and laxative effects of the plant.

At present, American laconosus is grown as an ornamental, attractive plant both in summer during flowering and in autumn, when beautiful large clusters of dark red fruits are formed.

Lakonos juice can be used to dye silk and wool in a beautiful burgundy color.

American laconosus is propagated by dividing the rhizomes in early spring or by seeds. Dry seeds sown in the spring in the ground germinate in 3-4 weeks or later. Therefore, they are recommended to be soaked for a day before sowing, and then kept in a damp cloth for up to five days - in this case, seedlings appear faster. Seed stratification in the usual way (mixed with sand and kept for 2-3 months in the refrigerator or under snow at a temperature of 0-5 ° C) also contributes to faster germination.

In open ground, seeds are sown at the end of May. You can sow the seeds of laconosa in March in a greenhouse or in a room, and then transplant the seedlings into open ground at the end of May. If you sow the seeds in the ground in late autumn, then they will undergo natural stratification and sprout in the spring, when it becomes warm enough. Lakonos should be transplanted to a permanent place when the plants are very small, they still do not have a long tap root. The distance between individual plants should be at least 1 m.

Usually plants bloom in the 2nd or 3rd year of vegetation, but if shoots appeared very early, individual specimens may bloom in the first year of life.

Lakonos is undemanding to soils, grows well both on light and medium-heavy, not too acidic (pH 5,5-6,5) soils. It will grow well in regular garden soil that is rich in nutrients. The soil should be deeply dug and not too dry. Lakonos is quite moisture-loving, but, having a powerful root system, it provides itself with moisture well.

It usually hibernates without shelter, but sometimes in cold winters the plants freeze slightly or freeze completely. Therefore, it is better to plant it in a place protected from cold winds, and in the fall, after pruning the above-ground shoots, the roots can be covered with fallen leaves, peat, and humus with a layer of up to 10 cm.

American Lakonos (Phytolacca americana), Phytolacca americana. Recipes for use in traditional medicine and cosmetology

Ethnoscience:

• Anti-inflammatory agent: boil 2 tablespoons of the rhizomes of the plant in 1 liter of water for 30 minutes. Take 1 glass 3 times a day.
• Anti-cancer agent: chop the roots of lakonosa and mix with honey. Take 1 teaspoon 2 times a day.
• Antiparasitic agent: insist 1 tablespoon of rhizomes in 1 cup of boiling water for 30 minutes. Take 1 glass 2 times a day for a week.
• Remedy for joint pain: mix 1 tablespoon of rhizomes of lakonosa with 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil. Apply to sore joints and massage for 10-15 minutes.
• Eye Improver: grind the roots of the laconosa and insist 1 tablespoon of the powder in 1 cup of boiling water for 30 minutes. Take 1 glass 2 times a day.

Cosmetology:

• Face mask for wrinkles: Mix 2 tablespoons of lacon powder with 2 tablespoons of warm water to make a paste. Apply the mask on your face and leave for 10-15 minutes, then rinse with warm water.
• Hand cream for scuffs and cracks: mix 1 tbsp lakos powder, 1 tbsp honey and 1 tbsp olive oil. Apply the cream on your hands and massage until completely absorbed.
• Acne Facial Toner: Mix 2 tablespoons of laconos powder with 1 cup of boiling water. Let it steep for 30 minutes, then strain and add 2-3 drops of tea tree essential oil. Apply toner to face with a cotton pad after cleansing.

Attention! Before use, consult with a specialist!

American Lakonos (Phytolacca americana), Phytolacca americana. Tips for growing, harvesting and storing

American lakonos (Phytolacca americana) is a perennial herb used as a medicinal and ornamental plant.

Tips for Growing, Harvesting and Storing American Lakos:

Cultivation:

• Lakonos American can be grown in sunny or semi-shady places in fertile, well-drained soil.
• The plant can be grown both from seeds and cuttings.
• Seeds should be sown in spring or autumn, at a depth of about 1-2 cm.
• To grow from cuttings, cut a shoot about 10-15 cm long, remove the leaves from below and plant it in the ground to a depth of about 5 cm.
• The American Lakonos can grow up to 2-3 meters tall, so it needs support such as a support or a net.

Workpiece:

• For medicinal purposes, the roots, leaves, and berries of the American lakos are used.
• Roots should be collected in autumn after the leaves have withered. They must be thoroughly washed, cut into pieces and dried in the sun or in an oven at a temperature not exceeding 60 ° C.
• The leaves can be harvested any time the plant is in its active growth phase. They also need to be thoroughly washed and dried in the sun or in an oven at a temperature not exceeding 60 ° C.
• The berries ripen in late summer - early autumn and can be harvested when they are fully ripe. They can be dried in the sun or in the oven at a temperature not exceeding 60°C.

Storage:

• Dried roots, leaves, and berries of the American pokeweed should be stored in airtight containers in a cool, dry place for up to 2 years.
• You should consult your doctor before using American laconus for treatment, as improper use can lead to side effects.

When growing, it should be borne in mind that American pokeweed is a poisonous plant, so precautions should be taken when handling it.

It is also important to know that the American pokeweed can become an aggressive invasive plant, so it is not recommended to plant it in nearby natural ecosystems.

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